The Mad Skirt Edit

My one-stop partywear solution

There is something very reassuring about pulling a kooky purchase out again, even on a yearly basis. Vindicating even. I may have bought sequins but I bought them with longterm purpose godamnit.

I had this exact thought as I retrieved my JCrew silver miniskirt (yes, sequinned) from the back of my closet the other day. An invitation calling for “festive sparkle” most definitely called for it. Actually, I wore it to a disco party over the summer too, with a white t-shirt bare legs and high boots. And I’ll probably wear it again on New Year’s Eve (with tights).

Lewis Caroll, Alice in Wonderland

The thing about a wild skirt is once you have it, you don’t need an “outfit”. The skirt is the outfit. The rest (a black T shirt, black turtleneck, white button-down shirt, white-shirt, black long sleeve …) easily follows and can be incredibly basic. Just add sheer black tights and a good pair of pumps or boots. Or a hectic handbag, if you’re that way inclined.

My sister recently called asking me to recommend an investment piece for a big Christmas party she’s hosting. It’s very satisfying advising my sister on fashion buys because she’s me but taller and with fewer frantic calls from her bank manager.

Here’s what I came up with:

JCrew…

Here I am wearing it at Ballymaloe House in Ireland this time last year. Photo by Lucy Laught. Weird cartilage cyst, model’s own.

This, the aforementioned sparkly skirt, has sold way out at JCrew but here are some similar ones that fit the bill…

(Btw if you’re a graphic design student and want to benevolently save the aesthetics of this newsletter, hit me up. Until then, screengrabs it is!)

Soeur’s Robbie skirt:

Reformation’s Carla:

Frame’s sequinned mini (I like it in black):

SOEUR

Speaking of Soeur, they’ve rightly leaned right into the party wear this season. I love this longer embroidered number and am in fact planning on wearing it this evening.

Ed. The top layer is removable if you want to go *sheer*. Also, maybe take one size up —I got my true size but am now wondering how I’m going to fit tonight’s promised fondue under the quite strict double-layered waist situation. Flattering yes; accommodating no. I guess I’ll just wear a big cashmere sweater overtop in case I have to undo it. Also, this style works best with a bit of a heel for evening I reckon. Tres chic.

Cute for the office styled like this too.

Eric Bompart

Can you tell Marc couldn’t get off the tennis court to take this pic? (See net reflection.) Still, his collaboration is appreciated.

Literally a deliciously soft Scottish cashmere blanket wrapped around your hips and voila… it’s a skirt! Having spent some formative years in Scotland, I can’t deny I’ve a taste for a chap in tartan but I love a lady in it.

The length and drapiness makes this piece stand out from other long kilts. Elegant enough for evening, I reckon, just dress it up with heels, or heeled black boots and a slim top. Here I’m wearing it with a navy knit to a country luncheon last weekend, dahling. Very cosy.

GUCCI

Sorry but Gucci is so good at partywear. This one’s on loan from them from the SS24 collection but there’s also a mega skirt set from the AW available here. (Def would if I could!)

The jewels change colour depending on the light! Photos by Pablo Escudero.

Mango

Not mad at a midi sequin either.

Or an unnecessary silver belt. Ph: Pablo Escudero

La Veste

Ok now we’re into proper bonkers territory. La Veste own mad (you’ll remember my red jamboree trousers). They excel at it, somehow making it exceedingly covetable. Especially the skirts.

I wore a La Veste skirt to Christmas dinner in Canada last year and will almost definitely wear this one to Christmas dinner in France this year. I love the fit. The kids love the tassels.

You'll forgive me for the context-induced lack of good photo evidence

Party on!

The exact face I’m making while adding the button below…