My Brooklyn Summer Bust

From the moment Brooklyn began posting about her last year's summer formula of skirt with (special) tee or other top, I decided this was going to be my summer formula, moving forward, as well. If she could manage it with her active dog-walking lifestyle, so could I. Casual, breezy, comfortable, yet dressier and more grown-up than shorts. It really is the perfect solution! If you get the right style of skirt, it will even work on a bike. 

Well, guess what. My Brooklyn-inspired summer is a total bust. 

1. There is no summer. 
2. I cannot find the right skirts. 

Whereas last year we were roasting under a heat dome, this has been the coldest, cloudiest, and wettest spring on record in my part of the world. We haven't even finished setting up our deck furniture and I haven't got all my planters filled. I had to wear a puffer jacket to go on a walk the other night. 

As for the skirts, I am out of luck. 

Exhibit A is a skirt I tried from Zara. A terrific cotton/ linen blend -- it looks fine (at least I think so) but it was a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen -- there was absolutely not enough fabric to prevent it from blowing open at the first breeze. 

As for Exhibit B, the Madewell skirt, it was cut more generously but the fabric felt flimsy and cheap and I did not like it against the skin. 

I really prefer a natural fabric, especially a linen cotton blend of some kind, because most polyesters feel sticky and uncomfortable to me in the heat. I'm also trying to avoid ditsy florals (although I would go ditsy-adjacent) and too much black. So that ruled out a lot of potential options. I really, really, really love Brooklyn's asymmetrical skirts the best—they create such a gorgeous line—so that is what I would prefer. But a simple A-line or a gored skirt would be fine if I could get one that works well. 

At this point, I have pretty much given up the search. I own a couple of older skirts that will fill the need this summer, given how few days of warm sunshine we are likely to get, so I think I will stick with those, plus shorts. 

1
2
3
4
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

44 Comments

  • Angie replied 2 years ago

    (I can't get over our TERRIBLE PNW weather :( )

    The Zara skirt looks SOOOOO GOOD, Suz! And I love the way you styled it! But yes - wraps can blow open and malfunction big time :(

    I hear you on not finding exactly the right skirt you're after. I was in a similar boat! I found the right silhouettes - but not in my colours, patterns, or price points. I did find a fab skirt at TRR! Second hand. 

    I can see you in these, but the patterns and colours aren't 100% for you.

    Here are some from Talbots - and I think they do petites:

    https://www.talbots.com/jersey.....s&

    https://www.talbots.com/bias-c.....wvar_P2110

  • Lana replied 2 years ago

    Oh that’s too bad!  I love the first skirt especially, the shape is so nice on you, could you add a hook and eye to keep it from opening?  I really want to make skirts work for me too because I much prefer them over shorts with my body type. I think we are similar? Short waist, long rise. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts. 

    Angie that Fuzzi one is FIRE, if only it were in some lighter colors. 

  • Angie replied 2 years ago

    Lana, I KNOW! I LOVE Fuzzi skirts! But the colours haven't been right for me either - yet! I keep on hoping and looking ;)

    I like this Fuzzi pattern - but I want the other silhouette! 

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Angie, I'd collected a few of those already. I really love the Ralph Laurens. But I can't source them in Canada (at least so far). The Bay used to carry a lot of Ralph Lauren but they don't have these skirts. Ditto the Vince Camuto -- our Nordies does not have it. 

    I love the Fuzzi mesh skirts (polyester or no!) 

    Lana, I thought about a fastener, but there really wasn't enough fabric even to sit down in the thing -- it would make walking difficult to fasten it. It's just a question of them having been cheap on the fabric. The skirt fit in the waist so sizing up would not have done the job either. :(

  • Sal replied 2 years ago

    That is frustrating both on the weather front and on the skirt front. 

    The Zara ones looks beautiful but function is important.  

    I added one skirt in April (Autumn here) that sort of fits the bill.  It's a mesh but the colours have been really easy to integrate and somehow work across all seasons.

    I don't have many recommendations but suspect you will come across the right skirt at some point....hopefully not too late for summer:)  As I think about it my skirts have mostly been found on sale or out of season....whereas my dresses are more likely to be added in season.

  • kellygirl replied 2 years ago

    More love for the Zara one although I don't like wrap skirts in general because of the wind issue (so I can relate.) Disappointing about the Madewell - fabrications lately have been disappointing. I feel like pre-pandemic clothing in general was made of better fabric and is why I haven't added much to my wardrobe except for work out attire. Love your stylings!!

  • Kyle replied 2 years ago

    Boo! I just adore that Zara skirt on you, Suz, but do understand that if an item is not just right it has to go back.

  • Angie replied 2 years ago

    Suz, BLAST.  :( And RL doesn't ship to Canada? 

    Have you tried Marks & Spencer for skirts? 

    The perfect navy tulle skirt I got from Farfetch was P.A.R.O.S.H, so I'm thinking hard about getting this yellow one! 

  • Angie replied 2 years ago

    These are on sale at Farfetch too, and you might like them. And two from M&S:

  • JAileen replied 2 years ago

    The two outfits look great on you!  I really love the chestnut (?) skirt.  But if it isn’t right, you’ll never get the wear out of it that you should.


    We have had the windiest spring I’ve ever experienced.  My uke group played outdoors this past weekend and I had to keep my foot on one of the legs of the music stand to keep it from flying.  As it was, my uke bag did go flying during an especially strong gust.  

  • slim cat replied 2 years ago

    I'm in the same boat as you @Suz - love long skirts with natural fabrication ( occasionally settle for poly ) in interesting colors/prints but finding nothing suitable so far  ;-(  . Still looking at Ross and Marshall's, GAP, BR, EXPRESS ..
    I love the styling you have done - so sorry the skirts are not workable.
    Hope there is late summer/early autumn collection ( Nordstrom ? ) that will deliver something interesting.
    On a bright note - you hair looks fantastic!

  • Runcarla replied 2 years ago

    I like the mix of warm and cool, butterscotch and blue stripes in outfit #1.  That Club Monaco skirt posted by Angie looks promising, and didn’t BlueJay model it?  Don’t give up. 

    It’s been weird (but pleasant) weather in Ontario.  I’ve worn shorts 5 times, whereas in previous years they would have been the only things I would have worn from mid-May to September.  There’s been no need to run the A/C either.  On the other hand, the gardens look great (no heat stress) and the local strawberries are available now, almost two weeks earlier than last year. 


    I’m sure warmer temps are on the horizon, and when they arrive, we’ll be complaining about the heat. :-)

  • replied 2 years ago

    Speaking of heat domes, the real feel temp today with humidity and dew point (which was at tropical level) was 107 F and 41.6 C.

    Miserable. And I hate heat.

    On to the outfits, I love both on you.
    I’m sorry they’re not what you envisioned!

    Hope it warms up for you.

    - And Angie, I love that pattern too! Too bad you want the other silhouette!

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Thanks for the commiseration and suggestions. I do like that Club Monaco skirt, Carla, but believe it or not, I don't need another blue anything. :) I was aiming for a pattern (loving one of the Paul Smith's Angie shows) but don't know yet about fabric. Will check.

    slim cat -- thank you! That hair is the grown out mess -- it's been cut since, but alas, not a great cut. However, such is life. She will fix it next time, in a few weeks! Sometimes that happens with short hair. 

    JAileen, Kyle, Kelly -- I liked the lines and colour of that Zara skirt, too. Oh well. And we have had a lot fo wind as well! Crazy! 

    Angie, those are great skirts. Maybe I will try Farfetch. I have never done so. Alas, Ralph Lauren won't ship to Canada (to my knowledge). 

    Sally, I love your skirt! Love it! I can see why it would be extremely versatile. 

     

  • rachylou replied 2 years ago

    That’s such a shame - they do look good in pics, if not IRL.

    … and come to mention, it has really been hot down here. No ‘June Gloom’ which is the normal.

  • Inge replied 2 years ago

    What a shame about the Zara skirt. And I can't believe how many wrap skirts are around at the moment!

    I collected a few more in cotton (blends) and linen (blends). And some links for others:







  • Brooklyn replied 2 years ago

    That’s frustrating Suz. The Zara skirt looked like it had potential.

    Asymmetric skirts are pretty hard to find.

    Can you get Sass & Bide where you are? I know they used to be international but I have a suspicion that they are not now. I got this “by the water” skirt from them recently on sale (it’s for Spring/Summer, too lightweight for Winter). You might like it. I could see Janet in it too. (Pic 1)

    I’m also considering ordering one from Etsy (pic 2). It’s an asymmetrical linen wrap skirt. Available in a range of (solid) colours. Shop is called MyLinenStyle.

    https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/M.....=879810447

  • Lana replied 2 years ago

    I’ve been keeping my eye on these in case they go on sale but so far no luck. The blue one has two side slits. 

  • Classically Casual replied 2 years ago

    I’m in the same weather pattern as you, and no longer expect to buy (or wear) summer clothing this year. My little town is generally windy as well, which keeps things chillier.

    I’ve been stocking up on heavy cotton sweaters instead, to breakup the tedium of fleece and puffer jackets.

    Good luck with your search!

  • Inge replied 2 years ago

    Oh, the first one below has a slightly similar vibe as the Zara skirt?

  • Inge replied 2 years ago

    Lana, we posted at the same time. The Maje pink paisley skirt on Farfetch is a similar print, but $180 less...

  • merwoman replied 2 years ago

    Such a shame about the Zara skirt! Fit and colour are superb.
    Fingers crossed that both weather and skirt options improve!

  • Indigoprint replied 2 years ago

    I too admire Brooklyn's skirts formula.
    If you like linen, Flax, Cutloose have good options. They are more solid color,loose and flowy but are a good basic and readily available both retail and resale.

  • Jaime replied 2 years ago

    Agree that the Zara skirt looks great, but that is small consolation for the lack of functionality (and the weather!). There is so much skirt candy on this thread that I don't even know where to begin. Good luck out there!

  • Sheryl replied 2 years ago

    Check the Alex Mill website, if you like the skirts Inge posted.  They just started to ship to Canada, finally, two weeks ago or so.  

  • Bijou replied 2 years ago

    Suz, it is so frustrating when what is available does not match your needs. I hope some of the skirts that forum members have found work as it is a great solution to hot summer weather. 

    @Brooklyn, I love the S&B skirt, it will be stunning on you.

  • Sheryl replied 2 years ago

    I forgot to add,  the Alex Mill website has more skirts than shown on Shopbop.  There is a nice white linen skirt, and a lovely eyelet skirt.

    https://www.alexmill.com/colle.....t-in-white
    https://www.alexmill.com/colle.....n-in-white

  • lyn67 replied 2 years ago

    Is linen blend, cotton or lyocell also good?  I found some on HM- not knowing the level of dressiness required (these are more casual):

    Draped skirt - White/Floral - Ladies | H&M GB (hm.com)

    Circular skirt - Apricot - Ladies | H&M GB (hm.com)

    -A-line skirt - Cream/Shells - Ladies | H&M GB (hm.com) love this print

    -Tie-belt skirt - Denim blue - Ladies | H&M GB (hm.com)  this one  has pockets!

    Am flirting with this one 

    Knitted pencil skirt - Light beige - Ladies | H&M GB (hm.com) 

    Not natural either but crochette and a bit fussy as needs an underskirt, of course.

    I do have some pleated midis in summer colors and prints from last seasons (not natural either) but but at least they don't feel flimsy and love them with a tee.

  • Zaeobi replied 2 years ago

    What a shame, especially considering how lovely you look in that first skirt :( It might be a matter of having to buy a size up then getting someone to take in the waist?

    I also struggle with this re: shopping for a 'summer skirt' outfit formula. I know people say skirts are easier to fit than trousers but actually I find that I really need to try skirts in shops, to be able to test for the right length/ fit/ opacity/ tshirt coverage in-person. Sit down tests are a must, for the reasons you mention!

    I've actually had the best luck either thrifting skirts or buying them from random market stalls than in modern day shops, but I know my skirt criteria is slightly different to yours (maxi length). Sorry I couldn't be more help :(

  • Janet replied 2 years ago

    Oh Suz, that wrap skirt looks great, but I hear you on inadequate fabric — my biggest gripe about wraps. Sometimes I can size up to get more fabric, especially since I like wearing them a little lower on the waist anyway, but that doesn’t always provide enough coverage.

    It’s been tough to find good skirts. I have been on a low-key search too, but I think lengths may be going back up again? And of course again we get the ruffles and tiers and such that are dominating the trends. I share your and Brooklyn’s love for a good asymmetric hem, or a good slit that provides breeziness.

    I found a pretty Tahari skirt at the Rack last week. It’s a beautiful floral print and reads a bit dressier — I wore it for our anniversary dinner the other night. But I may see if it dresses down a bit too.

    I did go for a simple skirt-and-tee outfit for a day in the city here in NY. It was wonderfully breezy and comfortable so I love this outfit formula, when I have the right components!

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Thank you all so much for the links and suggestions! I will follow up on those. Inge, you are a genius of shopping, and Brooklyn, that's a beautiful skirt you showed -- it will look wonderful on you. I'm also going to try your suggestion of Etsy. A friend bought some linen items from one site there years ago and they worked out really well for her. Janet, you look fantastic in the formula! It's just so easy to modify to suit the occasion, which I love. I will also check out Alex Mills and all other links! 

    Thanks for commiserating on our weather, too. It's another lovely day in the neighbourhood, as Mr. Rogers would say -- i.e. it is about 11 degrees and raining. :) So even if I had a dozen of them, I would not be choosing skirts and sandals! I've been seriously considering off-season puffer shopping -- I should be able to get some good deals right now, no? :)

  • Angie replied 2 years ago

    The weather is TERRIBLE IN SEATTLE :(

    I think you need more cotton sweaters and white boots!

    I’m going cotton sweater shopping too….

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Angie, you are right. I think maybe an extra pair of sneakers or maybe I can even find some loafers that work, or heck, a Mary Jane -- something closed! -- and cotton sweaters or silk sweaters are the way to go! They say this is going to last through July and into AUGUST!!!! 

  • Angie replied 2 years ago

    *SIGH*

    ......I guess it's better than the 42C HOT SUMMER and fires we had last year. 

    Sneakers are always a good idea in the PNW :)

  • kkards replied 2 years ago

    LOL, we had winter until Mother's Day, then spring and than this week we moved straight to the dog days of summer, its 94F/34C for the 2nd day in a row.
    anyway, agreeing that if you are interested in skirts definitely look at Alex Mills, i know in the US Nordies carries a large percentage of their line. skirt doesn't show here really well, but i'm really loving this one 

  • SarahD8 replied 2 years ago

    Oh, bummer about the skirts not working out! I am in the same but sort of opposite situation -- I have assembled a beautiful stable of skirts who are itching to get out for a trot/canter, but can't find the tops to go with them. (I know I've complained about this before -- still having trouble!)

    You are getting good suggestions/links here, and I say don't give up hope for summer just yet. I was just reading a source that suggested we are likely to get quite warm weather extending through August and September. I have also really been struggling with the cold/wet, but trying to reframe it in my mind. I suspect we are experiencing something more like a typical PNW spring but have just gotten used to warmer/drier conditions in recent years due to climate change. So trying to think of this as a reprieve -- more cool, wet weather may help make more baby salmon, and more baby salmon means more baby orcas, and for baby orcas I can surely put up with a little more gloom.

    Whew! Sorry to stray a bit far afield from fashion there! (Baby orcas justify everything.) 

  • Inge replied 2 years ago

    Ugh Suz, I really hope you'll get some nice weather before August!! But I agree that cotton and silk sweaters are great in the meantime.

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 2 years ago

    How can you say it’s a bust & then post such great skirts? Does not compute!

  • replied 2 years ago

    Love those- not a bust at all! Here's a potential solution. I just bought this for my wrap skirts!
    This was from Etsy, some are marketed as hijab pins too. It's a magnet not a pin so no holes. I haven't tried it yet.

  • Brooklyn replied 2 years ago

    Sounds like you are having a Summer like ours. We had continuous rain from January to May. Our entire years annual rainfall by April.

    I found combat boots, skirt, tee and cotton jumper a good formula for me in coolish, drizzly weather. (Not at 11 degrees of course, our temps were still in the mid 20s.) But I did wear jeans, boots, tee and cotton jumper if it was teaming.

    If you are looking for cotton jumpers, don’t forget the mens section of ASOS. I now have about 6 from there that I wear all the time.

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Brooklyn, thank you -- that is super helpful info. I will give ASOS another look. And yes, casual boots or sneakers instead of sandals can work with the right skirt, for sure. 

    It warmed up a bit here today in the afternoon and we had 10 minutes of sun!!

    SarahDB, you've got a good attitude. I think I'd be even more fed up if I already HAD the wardrobe items but not the weather. But you are right...this is probably good for the fish, the Orcas, and certainly it is good for the forest (to a point). So...

    Suntiger, that's intriguing -- I'll check it out! The Zara skirt was ridiculous, though -- no magnet or pin would have done the job. The look of it is deceiving. 

    StagFash, the skirts I showed were not keepers, alas. Both had significant problems. The others in Finds are older items but they will work for now. 

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 2 years ago

    The two you have on are going back, yes. My guess is the pareo is intended as a beach cover-up, so flying open is part of the vive. But the others in finds? Aren’t they all keepers? The last one looks especially suited to what you’re looking for. BTW, I hear you on Junuary. Spring here is chilly, and June often is too. This month has gone back and forth between highs in the mid teens and low 20s. Summer doesn’t really start here until July, but it lasts through Sept.

  • anchie replied 2 years ago

    I am sorry about the weather - we had spring like this last year. I found all my skirts when I was not really looking but I haven’t seen anything tempting recently. Hopefully something will show up for you.

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    StagFash, the pareo type skirt is meant as a beach cover up but in fact I wear it for daily wear and love it, and it does NOT blow open -- there is plenty of fabric coverage. It's a bit large on me, which helps, maybe. But the design is pretty nifty. I don't bike in it, but can walk in it all over. 

    The other skirts are keepers, yes -- but I was looking for more to add. These are older and I would prefer a slightly more sophisticated cut (i.e. asymmetrical lines or maybe handkerchief lines) to the more dirndl effect of the two other skirts I own. They are not bad -- don't get me wrong. I like them and wear them. But I have had them for a number of years now and worn them a lot and am getting tired of them as my only summer options. 

You need to be logged in to comment