High Low skirt - an undecided mind, or another option?

I recently purchased a High Low black jersey skirt as a casual option for my upcoming cruise, and just to have another piece for what I call my weekend wear. The High Low skirt or dress has in fact been in existence since the 1950's as a Balanciaga design. The High Low silhouette like any other design comes in many variations. I like it for summer because you have the lower hem of a maxi skirt, as well as a higher hem in the front to catch that summer breeze. I also like it because you get to show a little leg, which is always a good thing. For hem control be mindful of the designer or line you purchase from. Stores for younger women may have a much higher hemline than say those targeted to the more mature set.

The skirt I purchased:

Ann Taylor Jersey High Low Hem Skirt - $68

I love this skirt because it is different in terms of the asymmetrical cut being more shallow than many High Low designs you see. Also the material is sooooo comfortable. This skirt is flattering on all body types and comes in three colors. I styled a client with a fuller waist and pear shaped proportions in this skirt and she looked great. You may think this length is not a good one because it cuts you off at the knee. The reason this works is because of the High Low hem. True, the length in the back may be bad, but it's in the back so in fact it provides a little something extra as well as a bit of modesty for the shorter length in the front, which is in fact a very flattering length.

Here is another one that is a bit more dressy but beautiful and again, a very flattering design:

bebe High Low Skirt - $80

This is a much more extreme High Low hem than the first, but I think it's sexy, and fun and it works for a few reasons. The High hem in the front has a little sexy, but it's still low enough to leave something to the imagination. This is great for younger woman, or a mature woman with great legs. Also the back cascades evenly down around the legs with soft pleating, so there is no tail effect. You can still wear a variety of style of shoes with this skirt, but it is not as casual as my purchase so accessorize accordingly

Now this one I'm not a fan of:

Asos Collection Skirt with High Low Hem

 I really don't like how high the hem in the front is. The extreme low back actually make the front seem shorter than the micor-mini it is. In this case there is no modesty. I feel even with the low back you still couldn't sit in this skirt because you'd have to worry too much about the front being exposed. This I believe is what critics mean when they say the High Low hem is for people who couldn't decide if they wanted to wear short or long, or in this case, ankle length or micro-mini. I also think the the extremely narrow design of the back creates a tail like silhouette which.... is a little costumey for my taste and just not cute.

That's the skinny on the High Low. Don't forget to follow us on twitter @amandastylesyou and please leave comments or questions. If there is a style challenge in your life, or a recent design or trend you have questions about, we are here to help.

Sophisticated Sunday Style

This Easter Sunday I had the pleasure of attending service at the historic Mt. Joy A.M.E church in Monkton, MD with my family. Service was great. The dancers were incredible, the word of the day was on point, and I'd like to think the music (two songs performed by yours truly) went over well. The pastor Rev. Rae-Lynn Kingeter is a great leader for her church and I must say one stylish lady. After service I insisted on getting a photo of her. By the way she is to be honored as Maryland State Employee of the Year!!!!! Let's see, successful state employee, great pastor, wife and mother of two, and always stylish..... great personal style and success. I see a connection here!!!!! ;) Oh and she's a fashionista who finds time to work part time at Ann Taylor to feed her fashion obsession. She's also a fan of Kate Spade, Nordstrom, and Saks.

Pastor Rae-Lynn Kingeter in her church Mt. Joy AME in Monkton , MD looking  fabulous

I love this dress and topper together because of the mix of textures. The dress is lace, and the topper in navy and beige has a beautiful sheen to it. Unfortunately the Pastor's look is from a past Ann Taylor collection and no longer available, but bellow are some options for how you can achieve similar looks from current collections at Ann Taylor and beyond.

Graphic Floral Topper - $198 Ann Taylor

Pique Flounce Dress - $138 Ann Taylor

 I love these two together. I keeping with the classic look, the attention is on the topper but the dress is special on it's own. Here's another:

 Ponte Zipper Jacket - $29.99 Target

French Stripe Column Dress - $178 Anthropologie 

This take further from Rae-Lynn's look but it's still a classic, eye catching outfit. It can also easily go from "work to after" which is a phrase that I came up with when referencing versatile looks to my clients. Also this look contains a classic color combination of blue and yellow. You can NEVER go wrong with those two.