Skirts, they are always the bridesmaid and never the bride. We swoon over dresses and we live in jeans and trousers, but we often underestimate the power of a good skirt. By good skirt, I mean a really decent midi. I’m not saying you shouldn’t wear a mini skirt, if that’s your thing, then go for it, but I find them hard to wear. The constant concern that they are going to ride up and show your unmentionables. In fact, only this week I saw a lady who had come a cropper with a mini skirt and I swear we actually caught sight of her fouff through her 20 deniers…

Knee Length skirts don’t swing it for me either. Yes, we might be middle-aged but we don’t have to dress like my late grandmother. She was a fan of a brown pleated knee-length skirt. She was also a vegetarian Quaker who took in German soldiers after the war, but that’s a whole other story. What I’m saying is that skirt length is important. My ideal is something that will hit mid calf thus exposing a flash of ankle and not dragging on the floor and getting all caught up on the escalator. 

A good skirt will serve you well. It will be suitably smart for work, It will allow you to team it with your favourite T‑shirts and jumpers. In winter you can layer up easier than a dress. If you don’t have much of a waist it can give you definition, just don’t go for anything too tight. I always say, if in doubt, size up. Especially on the British high street where sizing is a game of Russian Roulette at best…

LEATHER MIDI SKIRT

A leather skirt? What kind of madness are you on about woman? I hear you cry. but no! Leather is your friend, no matter what age you are. It’s warm, it’s waterproof, it’s hardwearing and MOST importantly it’s wipe clean! You just run a wet wipe over it and you’re good to go. I have a fantastic leather midi skirt that I bought from ASOS 6 years ago. I must wear it again soon. If, like me, you still can’t get over your rock chick roots then team your leather with a tiger print jumper (from M&S would you believe!) and a classic Anine Bing T‑shirt.

1. Marks and Spencer Animal Print Jumper 
2. H&M Wool Blend Jacket 
3. Arket A line Leather Midi Skirt 
4. Anine Bing Black Logo T Shirt 
5. & Other Stories Leather Chelsea Boots 

CHECKED MIDI SKIRT 

This is your classic Nana midi skirt, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Team your checks with some winter neutrals, they are all the rage this season don’t you know. I WANT this outfit. It feels grown-up without losing an edge of cool. I love all of this. Especially that 70s style Gucci bag. be still my beating heart. 

1. Mango Cream Turtle Neck Sweater 
2. Marks and Spencer Checked Midi Skirt 
3. Gucci Arli Leather Shoulder Bag 
4. Topshop Camel Slouch Coat 
5. Mango Leather Panel Trainers

ANIMAL PRINT MIDI SKIRT 

I’m betting you’ve already got an animal print skirt in your wardrobe. if not, why not? They are a classic these days. In winter, wear with an oversized chunky knit and boots like below. In the summer add white trainers and a denim jacket. Easy dressing for any occasion. I can’t recommend this black leather shoulder bag from Cos enough. I bough it 2 years ago and they still sell it. A good sign of a piece that will stand the test of time. 

1. M&S Cotton Rich Textured Jumper 
2. & Other Stories Zebra Print Midi Skirt 
3. Cos Large Grained Leather Bag
4. H&M Printed Metallica T Shirt 
5. River Island Black Square Toe Boots 

NICE CARDI & MIDI SKIRT

Oh I do love a good cardi. The perfect winter layering item for when you work in an office where they simply cannot get the heating right. Honestly in our office, we are all in our coats until lunchtime and practically down to our vests and pants come 4pm. Note, this isn’t just me potentially going through the change, it’s men and millennials too. Also, how good are these new Grenson Bridget boots? Repeat after me, Must. Not. Buy. Anymore. Hiking. Boots. 

1. M&S Cotton Rich Cardigan 
2. The Outnet Re/Done Cotton T Shirt 
3. Warehouse Snake Print Midi Skirt 
4. & Other Stories Leather Half Moon Bag 
5. Grenson Bridget Leather Boots 

CHUNKY KNIT & MIDI SKIRT 

A chunky knit is probably my favourite thing in winter. it covers all sins and works extra perfectly with a great midi skirt. You can look slouchy and pulled together all in one outfit. Add some stompy boots, a checked coat a cool bag and that’s all you need. I spied these Topshop boots on a girl of the tube this week. They come in a couple of colours and look great! 

1. Arket Crew Neck Fishermans Jumper 
2. H&M Bell Shaped Skirt With Belt
3. Hill and Friends Happy Mini Camera Bag 
4. Mango Check Unstructured Coat 
5. Top Shop Leather Ashton Boots

Next week I’m thinking of doing Jeans again as a few people have asked me for good High Street Jeans. Is that of interest?

K x