hi!im 21 yrs old and because of religious reasons all i wear is skirts...i often get teased and called grandma. Im 5'5" and 150 lbs. How can I continue to wear skirts but yet be stylish and not look so grandma like? I am also a mother of two children..i have a 2 year old and a 7 month old...so i don't have much time when i do go to get ready....please help me ...I want to feel my age and look stylish ,even though skirts is all that I wear....Any advice will help!

could you try a different length skirt? maybe something that goes to your knees? you could also try different prints, such as stripes. or go solid with details like pockets, zippers, snaps, frilly hemlines. another good way to update skirts is with new tops. try layering a cute camisole or t-shirt under a fitted jean, canvase, or corderoy jacket. trench coats are also really in right now, in a whole variety of colors.

What's the difference between a grandma skirt and a stylish skirt? I would have to vote the shoes...

Like Stacy qoutes - A great pair of high heels; a good shade of lipstick;

\\T

I love skirts! I don't HAVE to wear them a lot, but do. Most of the time, I think they're much more flattering and comfortable than pants.

If you feel like you're looking a little "dowdy", I'd stick with the more "servicable" materials (like denim) when you're just doing the "mom" thing around the house, but try to experiment a bit more when you go out. There are so many fun lengths and materials and styles and patterns out there right now!

Think of it more as being in a fashion "groove" than a fashion "rut". Pay attention to what you ARE able to change! Bring in fun young elements through your jewelry or other assessories like belts and purses. ABOVE all, if you're wanting to avoid the grandma look, do NOT wear socks and tennis shoes with skirts! There are so many fun shoe options out there, especially with all the inexpensive, flippy, sexy summer sandals to choose from.

Find (or make) some skirts in groovy colors and patterns. Again, the spring and summer styles are so fun!!! You can just pair them with solid Ts, but don't just wear ANY old pink tshirt....invest in Ts that are in the current styles and cuts. Conversely, when you're wearing solid colors and simple lines on your bottom half, you can really go more trendy and flamboyant in your blouse on top.

If you're not really sure what you like, or would look good in, thrift stores and resale shops might be a good place to start. Usually those are priced cheaply enough that you can experiment with maybe some colors or patterns you would never have thought of wearing before. Just be brave and give some different things a shot, and see what kind of feedback you get! Just think how smug you'll feel if you're able to get some grudging admiration from the goofballs calling you "grandma"!

I find it fascinating that Muslim divas, Orthodox Jewish dames, Pentecostal sisters and sassy Catholic nuns are all called to present themselves to others in a special way -- yet you can still spot the style-mavens in the group despite the roomful of habits, headcoverings and so-called grandma skirts.

By the way grrlfriend, don't ever respond to such foolishness as teasing. Consider that walking away from goofballs (J'aime le nom :P) is actually quite good for your backside. The "purposeful strut" will keep your bum in tip-top shape!

In addition to the great ideas from nmouse82, admint, and moon-maiden (A "shout-out" to all!):

To awaken your spiritual Barbie within, consider starting small with a pair of unique earrings, a colorful scarf, or a bright trendy handbag. Whatever it is, it has to be different from anything else in the attic or the closet.

Buy it. No second-guessing yourself. If it's cute, age-appropriate, was made in the last 6 months, and it looks good too -- BUY IT.

With your new "signature" piece to start you off, take it with you into the ladies apparel section of Target, Marshalls, TJ MAxx or your fav second-hand Sally. Hold your accessory up next to skirts, tops and dresses. Wear the accessory into the fitting room as you try on different outfits. It may or may not happen in the first few stores, but eventually, you will try on something -- be it a little black dress, or a pink silk blouse or a retro-inspired A-line skirt -- and you'll say to yourself, "I didn't think I could wear this color or this cut. Feels different, but I like it! It's cute, tasteful, and it plays up the positives while downplaying other bits. It fits. It looks really good!"

You may even suddenly wonder, "Style rut? What style rut? Hummm, this dress needs some kitten heels right about now!" (Whoosh)

And that my dear is what Oprah calls the Lightbulb Moment! You can't help but to shine as you go rushing off to buy some trendy mules, a cute jacket, and a big flower pin as part of your new ensemble.

Yes you are a woman of deep convictions and a mommy too, but that doesn't mean you must give up feeling good, looking good, standing a bit taller, and taking care of a Spirit (capital S) that craves what is beautiful.

Blessings to you grrlfriend!

PS: You might like the follow-up on Oretha's makeover on WNTW next month (april 04). Her "before" style was rather quite a sin. Her "after" look was nothing less than a style redemption miracle. It was one of the best transformations ever!
http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/whatnottowear/episodes2/oretha.html

As usual, the Muse is the wisest of them all!

You know, I was thinking about this post, considering how we all (it's just human nature) are sometimes more effected by what we CAN'T have than what we CAN. Maybe you watch TV and look around you, and just notice all the women in trendy jeans or sleek pantsuits. But start noticing all the fashion divas who ARE out there working skirts and dresses, and making them look mighty fine! Starting right with our own Stacy London, with her flair for a great mod print.

And I agree with the Muse's opening thoughts as well...a true diva can work around any dress code....witness all the variations of the Catholic school uniforms we've seen. And some of the best dressed girls and women I've ever known have been conservative Pentecostals who apparently consider their religious standards of dress a STARTING place for their style creativity, and not a STOPPING place.

Have fun jumping out there and developing your inner diva!

Thanks to all who gave me special advice...you've lifted my spirit and given the confidence boost I think I needed to dare to try something new, afterall it can't hurt to at least try something new. Thanks for all the helpful hints, if you know any places where I may be able to find jean skirts or any other type skirt that would work for someone like me on the go...please let me know. remember I live in a small town, so I don't really have many options on styles.I'll be more than happy to order online or possibly travel a small way to attempt to find styles that may fit my new style.....What lenth would be best though for someone who is @5'5" and weighs @150 lbs. Im also red headed and blue eyed. So please help me choose a lenth and possibly colors that would look good on me...I tend to wear a lot of green, and brown and blue....is there any other color that would look good on me????????????Im asking for more advice cause I still need a little more help! Thanks though for everything you've done!!!!

I think a lot of other colors would look good on you. STAY AWAY from orange or even red, a little bit, because it will clash with your hair. Redheads are lucky to have red hair-remember that! But bink or purple would be great. Hope this helps!!

Well, what kind of skirts do you wear already, and where do you get them?

I think it's really easy to find long skirts in practical materials right now...places like Catos and WalMart usually denim options in the different blues, black, grey, even greens. The problem may be that super high slits are often the name of the game these days...you may have to be prepared to stitch them up a bit.

A khaki or olive is a nice neutral to work off of, and of course you HAVE to have something in a sleek and sophisticated black. Thrift stores or second hand stores may be a great place to start looking, but be prepared to try a lot of stuff on, and consider them with a VERY critical eye. If they don't fit you just right, or if they don't look as "fresh" stylistically as you think they should, don't buy them just because they're cheap.

Beyond just the basics, though, I'd keep an eye open for prints that appeal to you. Again, if you're avoiding the grandma look, you'll want to consider prints carefully. Even a relatively harmless floral can go either way on the "matronly" scale, and since you're looking to branch out, I'd look for stuff that was funky and fun.

As for cuts and lengths, a wrap around skirt (or dress!!! wrap around dresses are so flattering!) is another option you might consider. With your body type, sounds like a great A-line skirt, falling just below the knee, would look great on you! A beautiful soft skirt with a lettuce hem could either be dressed up or down.

Whatever you choose, I would **AVOID** anything with pleats (an instant dated look!!!) and if the waistband is elastic, make sure the skirt falls smoothly from there, and doesn't bunch up around your middle (into little pleats, which just adds visual weight).

Don't forget to also be conscious of how your BUTT looks! I think that would also help avoid the grandma effect! If you're spending your money on new stuff, be patient and shop and try on and shop and try on until you can invest in pieces that really truly FLATTER your body. You'll want the skirt to skim your rear smoothly, and ALMOST (but not actually) "cup" it. Anything looser will run the risk of looking dated and matronly.

Not sure what to recommend on lengths, but just be sure that the skirt doesn't end on the THICKEST portion of your leg. The way your legs and butt look in a skirt is really most important. If the waistline isn't quite right (but everything else looks great) I'd go ahead and get it...you can always just wear it with shirts that are made to wear untucked.

BUT, avoid big baggy shapeless T's or sweaters that just turn your torso into a blob. It sounds like you have a nice curvy figure...you don't have to wear that kind of thing, not even around the house. If you're struggling with feeling confident about revealing more of your figure, keep watching "What Not to Wear"...they do a GREAT job showing that ANYone (not just stick thin people) can wear clothes that conform to and flatter their figures. Like I say, just be prepared to try on EVERYTHING, and not get discouraged when 90% of what you try on looks like ****. That is normal...I repeat...completely normal!

OK, finally, COLORS: I think you're on the right track with greens and blues. I would DEFINITELY add purples, from lavender to a deep plum! I'm one who thinks redheads CAN wear reds and pinks, and look smashing in them...but of course, only you know exactly what shade your hair is, and will have to learn to look in the mirror and judge whether a clash is taking place or not. Seems like the colors for spring are all sorts of great, almost citrusy, pastels, and some Ts in those shades would be versatile and fun, and great with your hair.

Target is another great place to shop, as will as just basic places like the Gap and Old Navy. I'd stick with those sort of places, if available to you (and there's possibly online shopping available with them), until you really get a feel for what your new look will BE. Your concern at this point is looking YOUNGER, so avoid "grandma's dress shop" type places, and head to the spots the teenagers frequent, even if it makes you feel old just walking through the door! You can dig past all the fishnet and belly shirts, and find some great, youthful basics there!

FINALLY (I had more to say than I thought I did! ), if you find something you really really love, and the price is right, don't be afraid to buy multiples all different colors! NOW! I'll shut up!

Dear moon-maiden,

You have helped me so much and inspired me to go out on the limb to try something new, and not be afraid, since we talked last, my husband allowed me to go shopping a little, so I headed to the closest Cato's store. I often shop there when I get the chance, but I bought a couple of things that I probably wouldn't normally have bought.

Dear moon-maiden,

You have helped me so much and inspired me to go out on the limb to try something new, and not be afraid, since we talked last, my husband allowed me to go shopping a little, so I headed to the closest Cato's store. I often shop there when I get the chance, but I bought a couple of things that I probably wouldn't normally have bought.

Thanks for checking in and letting us know how you are doing cndlou!

It sounds like you've taken an amazing first step. That's so wonderful! You heard it here first -- You are a diva now!

Moon-maiden is one classy dame (that means she's moved beyond being a diva :-) and she DEFINITELY knows what's what. You came to the right place for the right answers...

Good to hear from you again and so glad you went shopping with a new sense of yourself and your style direction. Let us know the compliments you receive when people take notice of the change in your posture, your self-assuredness, and the classy stylish way you carry yourself henceforth.