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Why I’ve become a skirt convert

— by Alyson Walsh

Weekend MaxMara skirt. Photos: Claire Pepper

I’ve never thought of myself as much of a skirt-wearer – ever the tomboy, slouchy trousers, suiting and shirt dresses take preference over anything swirly or girly. But this summer there’s been something of a breakthrough; when an influx of super skirts meets a heatwave, it makes sense to reconsider. And, becoming a skirt convert was relatively straightforward. Continuing to experiment is the only way to discover another winning outfit combination  – and whenever there’s an element of uncertainty, I welcome the wardrobe newcomer with a selection of much-loved, old favourites. Introduce a great shirt and a pair of summer sandals you can walk everywhere in and all the skirt shyness ebbs away. By keeping things simple and faff-free, I’m well within my Gentlewomanly comfort zone. Now that a number of non-bifurcated garments have slipped easily into my wardrobe, I’m no longer skirting the issue.

Phoebe Grace skirt

The marvellous denim midi I’m wearing in the top picture is Weekend Max Mara from John Lewis & Partners (this is the second part of the Instagram project I’m currently working on with the brand). It’s swooshy, the perfect length and fits like a dream. The stretch cotton dress shirt is Finery and the leather sandals are Jigsaw (all from John Lewis).Boden also has a good selection of skirts – the Demelza skirt, now half price in the summer sale, appeared in a recent Telegraph column (keep an eye on the fabric content at Boden, I’ve noticed more and more polyester creeping in…) Skirt converts might like the pared-down styles at Toast and COS. Or prefer to make a statement with a patterned silk maxi, the one in the second photo is from small independent label Phoebe Grace – now out of stock, but the autumn/winter collection will be arriving soon. In the meantime, check out Pink City Prints and the Ridley London sale.

Chic sandals and skirts

There are loads of non-scary ways to style skirts: team with a Breton top and a blazer, try a plain t-shirt and denim jacket or add a colourful cashmere sweater. Finish off with flat shoes. Most skirts look splendid with trainers, chic sandals, ankle boots and brogues.

Even more superstar skirts here:

 

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