How to wear a party skirt with pizazz
Photo: Sarah Brick. Hair & makeup: Lindsey Poole
Snazzy skirts took over Thomas Street last week. When the Chanel Métiers d’Art catwalk show popped up (together with a rain-proof, custom-made shelter) in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. I love Manchester. I love it when cities outside London get the attention they deserve (as a recent report by the Resolution Foundation, confirmed, Levelling Up has to ‘shift from rhetoric to reality’). And, while the opening of a Chanel boutique may be good for certain aspects of the retail community, big designer brands jetting celebs and editors around the globe for 15-minutes of social media frenzy doesn’t feel like the right kind of progress to me.
Anyhow, let’s talk about party skirts…
This December, rather than opting for jeans and a nice top, I’ve been flipping the script. Giving a pair of fancy pants or the showbiz skirt a spin. Taking notes from the Miuccia Prada style book, and seeking out images of the late Carla Sozzani on Pinterest provides the perfect skirt-spiration. For a small soirée, I’ll often pull an old Lurex sweater from the shimmering selection, to go with. There’s more mileage in standout separates, they offer more versatility than a cocktail dress and it’s easy to reinvent these pieces by playing around with the accompaniments.
The gorgeous skirt in the top photo is from Justine Tabak, made using 100% sustainable, dead-stock fabric. Chic, or what? It has drama and plenty of oomph thanks to the full silhouette and silver brocade fabric. I’ve opted for a textural mismatch by teaming with an old Lurex jumper and dressy flats. If you’re prepared to splurge, check out Wiggy Kit, La Double J, Sister Jane and Wyse London for a shining selection of party skirts. If you like a prom-inspired design with pockets, Boden’s best-selling, cotton sateen, midi skirt is available in new colours every season – including a bold stripe and a bright pink, this season. And, Hush has a number of snazzy skirts including a metallic pleated maxi, and one with Carrie Bradshaw ruffles.
Nineties minimalism is back and I’m here for it. The pared-down silhouette is a fast track to easy elegance. No wonder the slinky, bias-cut slip has achieved ‘wardrobe essential’ status. This is the kind of skirt that can be worn all year round – just as long as you own a pair of big knickers, or three. The striking, graphic design (above) comes courtesy of the super-cool Jigsaw x ROKSANDA collaboration. And Ghost is still a good place to bag a bias-cut skirt.
I know what you’re thinking, bare, ‘corned beef’ legs in winter…To be honest, I’m kicking myself because I had a bagful of sparkly socks to style-up with the silver slingbacks, and reader, this slipped my tired brain. When it comes to the tights vs bare legs debate, I’d rather wear socks. I’m beyond faffing around with ill-fitting, falling-down hosiery. What a palaver. I’d rather do what women in New York (and Manchester) do: brave the cold, pull on a great coat and give it some skirt.
Behold, a plethora of party skirts:
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STYLE NOTES:
First photo: my own/ old Lurex top. Bobbie skirt from Justine Tabak. Power Pumps from Russell and Bromley. Bracelet, from Vanessa Baroni. All items loaned for the shoot and returned.
Second photo: another old Lurex top. Jigsaw x Roksanda satin colour block skirt. Silver metallic slingbacks from Me+Em. Both loaned for the shoot and returned. My earrings are from Mango a couple of years ago.
For more on CHANEL IN MANCHESTER, read Dave Haslam on Substack, HERE.
Discussion (28 Comments)
Helen Marlborough says:
And you have such fabulous legs to show and bare. Why do we see you so often in trousers?
Looking fab.
Tuuli says:
I love the outfit with Justine Tabak skirt. Also, I appreciate bringing up the sustainability aspect. It should be a given these days, but sadly it is not.
Sara says:
I agree, those colours just look so right on you, Alyson, very very stylish, with no fuss. Your mantra of faff free dressing absolutely put into action to great effect.
I also agree with the comments about the Chanel show in Manchester, my adopted nearest city. Apart from the Chanel show’s absolute disregard for all things environmental, Manchester has so much home grown talent that this show was somewhat of an own goal, but I guess the fashion world doesn’t listen without some kind of big PR splash. Wayne Hemingway had some pertinent things to say on our local TV news.
Thirdly, I too have moved in the past year from always being in trousers and jeans back into skirts, long ones, long swishy ones and especially the tulle skirts that are around. Had an ageist moment initially when I wondered if I really was too old and I really didn’t want to look like a third rate Carrie Bradshaw. Then I decided that I was going to wear what made me feel good. Eleven Loves and Bricks and Stitches, both online, do lovely ones. Easy to wear as the tulle doesn’t require ironing every five minutes. Also easy to shorten as the tulle doesn’t fray, so just trim with scissors if too long. Apart from me feeling good, I’ve had some lovely comments while wearing them. I know I dress for me, but a compliment is always a bonus.Thanks Sara. I’ll see if I can find the Wayne Hemingway clip online. I will also have a look at the brands you recommend, I like the idea of a tulle skirt and a denim jacket. You’re never too old!
Helen says:
The top outfit in particular is just fabulous on you, Alyson. I love your lurex tops: does anyone know who’s selling tops like that this year?Eneryone seems to have switched to sequins!
Pippa says:
Yes, I’m also looking for a nice evening top with no sequins – as long as it’s not scratchy!
Mrs Tonia says:
I saw some crew necked lurex or sparkly knits recently in both H & M and in Cos. Maybe in their other brand & Other Stories.
Thank you, Mrs Tonia. This would make a good feature! I’ve seen a few Lurex tops this year but most have puffed sleeves or flared cuffs (M&S, Boden and Me+Em) and I prefer a simple design.
Seasalt has one with a higher neckline: https://rstyle.me/+cpqnx0UNDmzjQBi2mkL6ZA
Hilary Durham says:
Hi. Just read your suggestion for the sparkly sea salt top. That style is currently in the sea salt sale so have ordered immediately! Hope your pared back style vibe. Am trying to be more Alyson with my wardrobe!
Kristin says:
The shoes you chose for your outfits were great! On the other hand, nearly all the (lovely) skirts you showed had shoes I… would not choose. Whether boring (and uncomfortable looking), unseasonable (and uncomfortable looking) , or rugged looks not in keeping with the specialness of the skirts (and uncomfortable looking), I now understand why I keep leaving shoe stores empty handed. Shoes have always been the one fashion item that was “easy” for me and now I well and truly need some new ones! I’d love a pretty, special occasion or interesting flat.
Great article Alison !
I love a skirt with socks and sling backs as shown on Tibi but can’t find a bright red pair anywhere!!!
I’m 68 and style has no age barrier . It’s so much fun to dress up and feel great !! Merry XmasJane Smith says:
Try Colourful Standard – I bought a pair a few months ago and have been great.
Online but I bought mine in SelfridgesDebs C says:
You could try Calzedonia’s site (they have a UK site) for socks. I’m a fan of them since buying some whilst on holiday. They do a bright red hold up pair that might be of interest.
K says:
The top outfit is so me. LOVE it. I have been wearing pretty skirts with warm sweaters, wooly tights and high boots since……the 90s? Although I do remember something in the 70s. It is Canada, here, after all, so enduring minus 30s and 40s pretty normal. So nice to be in good company!!!!!!!!
I second the enthusiasm expressed here for Alyson’s glamorous look in these outfits. All the looks shown appeal to me as we enter festive season.
I’ve got the lurex tops and some dressy skirts from way back I’ve not worn for a while. One a silk ikat pencil skirt I designed and had made from
A shawl. I used to wear this with a black cashmere jumper. Time to get it out again. I like the practicality of a warm somewhat slouchy not too tight top worn with a dressy skirt. I’d style with boots if going out or metallic sandals from the back of the wardrobe.
Thanks Alyson and fellow contributors for an inspiring past year of ideas and outfits to experiment with.
Season’s greetings to other followers of TNMA.I forgot to mention I’m
Strictly a tights wearer no bare legs or ankles at this time of year. Fishnets look good with evening sandals. Have some of these on standby when I get dressed up.Lesley E says:
I love a long skirt! They are so versatile, you can wear them anywhere, at any time of the day, with heels, flats, trainers or boots. A long skirt is both feminine and practical. I am wearing one today for a day pottering at home and shall be wearing one on Christmas day, whilst hosting friends and family, teamed with flats and a casual knit. Elegant, but easy to wear. Heaven!
Jill Hunter says:
I bought a full silver midi skirt back in June when I was searching for a summer frock. I did not need the skirt but I could not bear the thought of anyone else buying it. I have worn it several times this month with a grey loose sweater – same make – and I love it and so does everyone else. It is easy to wear with boots or heels. Lots more outings await it. I am now looking for a paper pattern to make one up myself but gone are the fabric departments with pattern books.
Kate H says:
Clothkits (the sewing classic!) are always worth a look – they have a number of patterns for full skirts. I particularly like the look of The Assembly Line and Merchant & Mills.
I’ve seen books of dressmaking patterns at John Lewis. Also available on website of Liberty of London. There are also dressmaking magazines containing paper patterns to adapt on sale in WH Smith. I’ve bought those. Patterns now come with flexible sizing.
Dressmakers can also copy garments. And even modify them.
Access to dressmaking at home is still out there.Nicola says:
Not a skirt comment, but a levelling up comment: to be honest, Manchester is not really the place that desperately needs levelling up. I’m happy there’s a Chanel boutique there, but in Hull we haven’t even got a Marks and Spencer less than an hour’s drive away. I love this blog for the clothes, but that comment does feel a bit out of touch to me.
Thank you for commenting, Nicola. In retrospect, perhaps my intro was trying too hard to conflate two big topics – the ridiculousness of these large catwalk shows (brands buying people/ places, regardless ) and the lack of seriousness of the ‘levelling up’ agenda – in a couple of lines. That’s why I linked to the Dave Haslam feature which goes into more depth about Manchester, at the end.
I grew up in the north west of England and my family still live there; I visited Manchester and Blackpool a couple of weeks ago, so I’m not completely out of touch. Like Hull, Blackpool is at the end of a train line and does feel very neglected. (I know Hull, and have visited quite a few times, I have friends there). As a start, I do hope they improve the transportation links between Manchester and Leeds which would benefit the wider area.
avicennia says:
The first outfit is the best I’ve seen on you. It made my hear skip a beat. Well done Allyson!
lizzie g says:
i love a nice jumper and a skirt that is making an effort.
knee high boots, or ankle boots, both with socks for me. neither involve the faff of tights. but bare skin this time of year is too cold below the shins. if i have to cover my legs for cold, i find cotton or bamboo leggings or footless tights much easier to spend a few hours in than footed tights, breatheable material, and not pulling in both directions (toes to waist).
A boxy, stepped or rounded hem helps a jumper sit well and separate above a statement skirt, better for me than a tuck or half tuck or waist band that i have to keep fiddling with.i switch on the fairy lights, turn up the music, and even if its the same people as usual, and in my kitchen, it’s a party.
Pru 
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You look fabulous in both outfits. I love what the color of the top in the first picture does to your face. Lovely, warm. Great shoes….