Replies

1. 
   sewingkmulkey | Apr 12, 2007 09:25pm | #1

   I think a skirt with a bit of an A-line shape or flare would be more flattering than a straight skirt.  A straight skirt will just accentuate your normal over-50 belly especially since you have slim legs.  This is just my opinion but I have a similar figure and am 58.

   Why don't you make a trial skirt using a cheap fabric or muslim?  Making muslims  has saved me from making mistakes on expensive fashion fabric.

   Karen

2. 
   Ralphetta | Apr 12, 2007 10:45pm | #2

   I think the key to this is what you plan to wear as a top with the skirt.  There is a big difference in skinny long pants with a loose top and a mid-length skirt with a loose top.  I doubt that the later would be as flattering. If you made a flared skirt you could have a top that fit at the waist.  I know that doesn't cover all the options, but my point is that you should keep the top in mind as you decide how to make the bottom.

   Also, if it has much Lycra in it, it's going to be hotter than a pure cotton, etc.  That might make a difference in what you do with it.

   Just some things to consider.

3. 
   woodruff | Apr 12, 2007 11:49pm | #3

   Tights and skinny pants look good on you because they break up the line and silhouette of your lower body. In a long, straight skirt, you will be exactly the same width all the way down as you are at your hips. If that is a good look for you, then go for it.I do think that a long, straight skirt would be both warm and confining during hot weather.Would you look OK in either a shorter straight skirt or one with a few gores or godets, offering a bit of swing at the hem? I'm thinking something with a slightly lowered, faced waistline, one which would not cinch in above your tummy, but which a top would glide smoothly over. Some fitting advice I was reading the other day suggested that those with tummies should look for pant or skirt waistlines that ride just a bit lower in general, because belting-in above the tummy is what accentuates the bulge there.

4. 
   Teaf5 | Apr 13, 2007 12:57am | #4

   Funny, your age and body type are the same as mine! I wouldn't make a longish straight skirt because I hate the rubber-banding effect on my stride, which is still athletic, although slowing down a bit.You could probably get a pretty good idea of this kind of skirt by wrapping the uncut fabric around you like a sarong, securing it with an elasticized or elastic band at the waist, and trying out different tops with it. Also try walking around, sitting, anad other actitivities you are likely to do, and check the back view again a few times.If you like the way it feels and looks in this temporary style, you'll probably love the finished product. If not, you might want to use it for something completely different, like a wrap or shrug!

5. 
   Fruzzle | Apr 13, 2007 07:31pm | #5

   I like the suggestion of wrapping the fabric around yourself and seeing if you like the way it looks.Also, if you are wearing it with an untucked shirt, the length of the shirt makes a difference. I think the most flattering length is when the shirt falls just lower than your high hip -- a few inches below the waistline, but not so high that you get a gap if you lift your arms above your head!

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 14, 2007 03:18am | #6

   Today on the Tyra Banks show I saw three designers trying out to be a successful designer's assistant.  The winner had made a long straight skirt with a deep pleat in the back, when the model walked, there was a really vibrant fabric inside the pleat.  It was my favorite. 

    The show was about different body types too such as triangle, rectangle, etc.  It was a great show.  I would probably have never bothered to watch it if it hadn't been for my grand daughter and daughter telling me about it.  Tyra was a famous model since her teens, now she really does alot to promote healthy bodies and accepting yourself for who you are. 

    

1. 
   dotty | Apr 14, 2007 05:56pm | #7

   Very good suggetions (as usual) from everyone. I had bought this fabric for a tank top, but because of some staining the salesperson gave me extra. The stain washed out and I'm finding myself in severe indecision because of the unexpected extra fabric. I've never sewn stretch wovens. I've only worn pants made out of them which I've never worn in hot weather. Do others besides Ralphetta find it hot? There's another thread going on about travel fabrics that is also giving me pause. I will definitly try the sarong idea. Do you think a slit somewhere would help with the ventilaion issue or only with walking comfort?

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 15, 2007 03:55am | #8

   I believe it would help with both.  I often put slits in the sides of my long skirts, in winter I wear tights and boots, in summer it is just cooler and more comfortable, especially getting in and out of cars!  I reinforce the top of the slit very well with a "V" shape. 

1. 
   dotty | Apr 15, 2007 05:29pm | #9

   Maryin- I'm not sure I understand your reiforcement idea.

2. 
   user-51823 | Apr 16, 2007 07:00am | #11

   i like long skirts, but prefer them in winter when i can wear with boots to give a better balanced look. slim long summer skirts, IMHO, only look good with perfect shoes that make your feet look like a dancer's, and a perfect body helps too. hence, i do not wear slim long summer skirts :-)
   i'd use the fabric to make a loose top that you know you'll like and wear, and make coordinating slim capris to go with.

2. 
   fabricholic | Apr 16, 2007 04:42am | #10

   I am impressed with Tyra. She is more down to earth than a lot of models I see. She is very talented. I love watching America's Next Top Model. You wouldn't think there would be much to modeling, but when you see her tell one of the contestants to do this, instead of that, it is amazing how she changes her look.Marcy