Why oh why, I ask, is it so difficult to find a good denim skirt these days? If they're not cut up to your crotch (I call those things belts, not skirts) they're frayed or some hideous light wash that saw its best days in 1983. A reader wrote me to say that she was looking for a denim skirt, possibly a couple of them in different lengths, and did I know where she could find one? She's a businesswoman, and tall, so the appropriate length would be either just above the knee or just below. I searched far and wide and I can tell you that there isn't much out there. If I found a skirt, it would be available in only one or two sizes. People just aren't feeling the denim skirt right now, so it's a tough one. But, behold, I did come through, and I found *the* skirt for her (see the True Religion Charletta skirt below). Here are a few other options as well:
French Connection has the standard pencil skirt, which is nice and classic in a lovely dark wash:
If you're not willing to spend over $100 for your denim, then SmartBargains comes through for you with this Antik Denim whisker-front skirt (I happen to love the embroidery on Antik Denim's back pockets):
This was the holy grail skirt; just long enough, and classy enough, to merit 4 stars from my reader: True Religion's Charletta Dress Skirt:
Now, here's something interesting. I like when designers think differently about denim, and try new shapes and styles. The high-waist phenomenon is not a totally bad thing, provided you have a long torso, but here's the issue I have with it, as the skirt below will demonstrate: it's just generally not flattering. This Earnest Sewn skirt looks hot from the front, and I really like it:
But behold! From the side? It makes the stick thin model look like she has a poochy tummy. It gives such a great curve in the back (and who can't use that?) but the drawback is the bagginess in the front. Are there any high-waisted skirts or pants that don't do this? I speak of denim, of course, because if there was no button, no pleating in the front, I'm sure it would lie smoothly (unless you have a tummy). But that's the downfall of the high waist jean or jean-style skirt for me.
This See by Chloe skirt buttons up the front, and is just a great, classic workhorse denim skirt. Definitely casual, but done the right way, contrast stitching and all.
For us shorties, Classiques Entier has this skirt (sorry, currently only available in 12 Petite) which, though not thrilling, is perfectly serviceable. I'm a dark wash snob, so this falls right in line with that:
This skirt by Rich & Skinny might work for you if you like rocking that 70's schoolteacher vibe, and you know some of you do:
And that's it for now. I hope to write an update sometime in the future when denim skirts are in the forefront and designers are experimenting with more styles. Until then, enjoy!