Spring 2011: Longer Skirts to Love

We've all heard the economic theory about skirt length: shorter skirts are fashionable when consumer confidence in the market is high, and longer skirts become the trend when there is a sense of doom and gloom about the economy. If this were really true, it would beg the question: What took the longer skirts so long to become fashionable? The market has been pretty grim for several years now.

Personally, I've never bought into this theory. I think the right long skirt is comfortable, feminine and fun to wear--not at all gloomy. This spring, the fashion magazines and Web are buzzing with longer skirts news. (Check out The Floor's the Limit in New York magazine.) While it's been too cold for this or any other spring trend to really take hold, I have seen signs that women are ready to embrace the longer lengths. Last week, I spotted the over 50 woman pictured below. I love her long black skirt with the short brown leather jacket and boots. She's also wearing a long silk leopard print scarf, which is good humored and fun. The outfit is simple, but flattering and sophisticated. Bravo!





I've read that young woman are leery of long skirts because they aren't sexy and they look "mumsy." But as I've mentioned before, just take a peek at 52-year-old Patricia Clarkson in a below-the-knee yellow dress or a long, blue gown in Cairo Times and tell me she doesn't look sexy. Whether or not you look "mumsy" or "hippie grandma" will depend on the skirt style, hem length and accessories. Going long doesn't have to mean wearing a maxi skirt. The trend includes all longer lengths, starting below the knee and ending at the floor. Take, for instance, the Jones New York Long Ruffle Skirt (Pattern) ($129). This is neither a "mumsy" or "hippie grandma" skirt. The fluid, uneven hem is very sexy, don't you think? Now until April 11th at 11:59 PM EST, Jones New York is offering 30% off at check out on its entire collection, including this lovely skirt. Below is a sample of what you'll find on the web as well as links to pages of more long skirts.



HEAD WEST, WOMEN OVER 50
Western styles, from denim jackets and skirts to natural linen skirts like the Linen Skirt ($108) below, are "hot" for 2011. This Hessnatur skirt will take you from now right into the fall.






WHITE MAGIC
As I reported in Fashion Over 50: Paint It White, white is the number #1 color for spring and summer 2011. If you like these white prairie skirts, try one with a white top and a Western style belt (like the one in the photo). Or if your complexion allows, a bright solid citrus--yellow, orange or lime--top is in vogue.





Bay Studio� Solid Crinkle Skirt ($42, now $25.20)









Jones New York Long Tiered Skirt (White) ($99, before an additional 30% off).




FLORAL POWER
Like the spring flowers, fluid floral prints in a variety of designs and fabrics are popping up on the Web. Here's a couple of floral skirts that are currently on sale at Beall's.





Notations� Tiered Aqua Floral Print Skirt ($40, now $24.99)







Bay Studio� Floral Print Crinkle Skirt ($42, now $25.20)




PAISLEY DAYS
Hands down, floral prints are the most popular spring print for 2011. However, I am seeing other fabric prints, including polka dots and paisley. For example, here's a tiered paisley print skirt from Beall's.





Notations� Tiered Black & White Swirl Print Skirt ($40, now $24.99)



JOIN THE TRIBE
Good news: The tribal-inspired tie dye, batik and geometric prints that were popular in 2010 are still popular this year.




Pure Silk Skirt ($148)






Pure Silk Wrap Skirt ($158)








Alfred Dunner� East Hampton Batik Print Skirt ($50, now $35)




GOING LONG: WHERE TO FIND MORE LONG SKIRTS
Want to see more? Check out these shopping pages with a wide variety of skirt lengths and styles.

Bloomingdale's has a variety of long skirts. Unfortunately, you've got to hunt for them. They are are mixed in with many pages of shorts and mini skirts.

J. Jill has long skirts in solid colors

Lord and Taylor

Macy's

Nordstroms has a great selection. Check out Of Two Minds 'Folklore' Chiffon Maxi Skirt for $367

Saxs Fifth Avenue is showing 53 midi and maxi skirts, starting at $88.