Crafting and Ethical Wardrobe: the Knee-Length Skirt
The knee-length skirt is another of my professional staple pieces. I say "knee-length"
instead of a particular silhouette because I think any skirt that falls at or
slightly above the knee is a good bet for work. Of course this
depends on where you work, but I never feel comfortable in anything
shorter than that in a professional setting, even with tights. Call me a prude. Or 31.
I like to balance structure with flow, so I usually opt for a snug pencil skirt with a looser blouse or a fitted sweater with an a-line. As part of the Wardrobe Architect project, I put together some of my favorite silhouettes during week four; you can also use these handy templates (built painstakingly in Illustrator by yours truly) to find your favorite combination.
Where to buy it:
Trina Turk is a great choice for a variety of professional pieces, and much of her line is now made in California. I'm especially in love with a grey pencil skirt I recently found at Nordstrom Rack. The fit is perfect for my particular shape (narrower at the waist with plenty of room for the ol' hips), and the construction is amazing. I usually look for Trina Turk on sale; otherwise, her stuff can run a little steep.
If you're more interested in shopping fair trade, try People Tree, Annie Greenabelle, or One Mango Tree, all of whom usually carry a pencil skirt. I also love Mata Traders' Speakeasy skirt from their Fall collection.
How to make it:
I've had one of Colette's Zinnia skirts cut in a lightweight navy wool and ready to assemble in my sewing drawer for... oh, I don't know, eight months now? At any rate, I love it, and hope to finally finish mine before the end of the year (modest goals, folks). I also bought By Hand London's Charlotte skirt pattern in the hopes of making a floral version like Oona's below. Just lovely. A few more options include Sewaholic's Hollyburn skirt, Tilly's Miette, and Deer and Doe's Anemone. By Hand London also has a great tutorial on creating a simple gathered skirt — no pattern needed.
I like to balance structure with flow, so I usually opt for a snug pencil skirt with a looser blouse or a fitted sweater with an a-line. As part of the Wardrobe Architect project, I put together some of my favorite silhouettes during week four; you can also use these handy templates (built painstakingly in Illustrator by yours truly) to find your favorite combination.
Where to buy it:
Trina Turk is a great choice for a variety of professional pieces, and much of her line is now made in California. I'm especially in love with a grey pencil skirt I recently found at Nordstrom Rack. The fit is perfect for my particular shape (narrower at the waist with plenty of room for the ol' hips), and the construction is amazing. I usually look for Trina Turk on sale; otherwise, her stuff can run a little steep.
If you're more interested in shopping fair trade, try People Tree, Annie Greenabelle, or One Mango Tree, all of whom usually carry a pencil skirt. I also love Mata Traders' Speakeasy skirt from their Fall collection.
How to make it:
I've had one of Colette's Zinnia skirts cut in a lightweight navy wool and ready to assemble in my sewing drawer for... oh, I don't know, eight months now? At any rate, I love it, and hope to finally finish mine before the end of the year (modest goals, folks). I also bought By Hand London's Charlotte skirt pattern in the hopes of making a floral version like Oona's below. Just lovely. A few more options include Sewaholic's Hollyburn skirt, Tilly's Miette, and Deer and Doe's Anemone. By Hand London also has a great tutorial on creating a simple gathered skirt — no pattern needed.
Image credits: Oonabaloona from Kalkatroona and Colette Patterns.