Monday Musings- Skirts and Overdoing
Happy Monday ladies. Our weekend seemed to zip past and it feels like I got very little accomplished. Of course, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
I’m listening to Do Nothing on Audible and it’s pretty eye-opening.
I’m pretty sure if you looked up overdoing in the dictionary, you would find my name. Part of it is my job, but part of it is being female. We’ve been told we can do it all for so long, we actually try. Multitasking is second nature for me and I have a hard time doing one thing at a time, which is not healthy.
Skirts
How many of you wear them? I seldom do and wonder why because they’re infinitely more comfortable than most jeans or pants. Don’t they feel as modern as pants?
I have 2 denim skirts that get a lot of wear in the blistering weather, and the maxi skirt that I wore in Hawaii. Maxi skirts are a bit more awkward when you’re moving around a lot, but they cover leg imperfections and look great with flat shoes. Shorter skirts put your legs on display, but so do shorts and crops. Chunky shoes work with long skirts but aren’t as flattering with shorter ones.
Denim skirts are on trend for spring in all shapes and lengths. They seem more casual than other skirts, which may be why I gravitate to them. I prefer my denim skirts styled like a skirt, not like they were made out of a pair of jeans with the diagonal front seam.
More denim skirts
What are your thoughts on wearing skirts? Are they in your wardrobe and do you reach for them?
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
On the subject of doing too much…I developed De Quervains tenosynovitis early last year. It’s a painful swelling of specific tendons of the thumb and wrist. My Dr called it texting thumb because it’s caused by chronic overuse of the wrist and thumb. I had a steroid shot last year which cleared it up miraculously for 10 months. I could have another steroid shot now, but I know that’s not a permanent solution so I’m back in PT and wearing a splint. Ugh…it’s likely because of how I type and use my phone.
It’s also how I drink my tea, hold my makeup brush and a pen, brush my hair and teeth, hold anything really. Opposable thumbs are pretty darn important! I did try acupuncture and he suggested I start doing much more with my left hand… which I’m amazingly clumsy with.
I’m really trying to work through my thoughts on skirts so would love your input.
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I like ‘skorts’ look like a skirt but has built in pants… perfect for when you’re sitting I have two they come to just above the knee … I use self tanners so my legs look better and I’m more than comfortable with this look. I’m 80 years old….. I also like the longer denim skirt you show on your blog it’s cute, the flare bottom makes it as far as I’m concerned
Doris
I like skirts, I’m a pear and find them easier than shorts. I prefer a line with a waist , in light weight linen or cotton, with minimal details. I use self tanner, and have had my spider veins treated every few years. It’s too hot for denim in the summer for me.
I love skirts in the spring and summer, but you are right about it being hard to find shoes that look good with them. I had a pair of fishermen sandals (which finally wore out, so I am on the hunt for a replacement) that seemed to strike the right note between casual and dressy with a skirt. And I definitely favor midi-length. They don’t get in the way like maxis and they are easy to move in without fear of showing more leg than I am comfortable doing!
The denim skirts look great on you – I wish I could wear them.
Over the years I’ve tried to love skirts…I buy them and then they hang in my closet. I’m just more comfortable in pants. In the hot summer I tend to wear loose flowing pants around the house or go for a maxi sundress. I don’t wear shorts either, being short, they always seem to hit at an awkward length…plus my legs are my least flattering feature.
Thanks for this post today on skirts. I am planning a trip to a warm climate in late April. I want to wear a skirt but find that in hot weather, with no tights on, the tops of my thighs rub together and become uncomfortable. Do you have any suggestions for a type of light weight undergarment that would be suitable to wear under a skirt or dress?
I enjoy reading your blog and just wish we had the selection of stores here in Vancouver Canada that you have in the U.S.A.
I found some long-line boy short type undies that will be great for that. You could also try bike shorts under your skirts.
I like skirts very much. Why I don’t wear them is a mystery except I am always troubled by what shoes to wear. And leg coverings are an issue too. If it is winter I would be inclined to wear tights. But that does not work for dressing up. And because no one wears sheer stockings anymore that is a problem to me. I do not want bare legs in the winter.
I guess I don’t feel confident about putting a look together. But I really do like skirts.
I think shoes are an issue for many of us with skirts. I know it is for me but I am determined to fix that with comfortable shoes that don’t look too clunky
I am apple shaped, so skirts are my friend. If they fit my midsection and smooth past my belly they are more flattering than pants and show off my great legs! 😉
In winter they are great styled with boots and tights. In summer they are cooler and more comfy, and dare I say more stylish imo than crops.
To avoid chafing in summer, a light pair of biker type shorts or undies works great, or use an anti chafing balm (stick deodorant works in a pinch).
I don’t usually wear denim skirts because I find the fabric is too stiff or heavy.
My biggest problem is finding any skirts to wear. Sometimes stores have only one or 2 options. Luckily, I love shorts too.
Could you please send a link for the white skirt you’re wearing? It almost looks more light weight like twill. I love that it’s A-line rather than pencil.
I have the same age related issues as most do…veins, discolorations, scars, etc. I would wear skirts more often if I could find a good tanner that conceals some of those.
Hope your thumb gets better. Me too and it sucks!
I’m sorry it’s from last year and sold out. I’m sorry you’ve got this too. It’s really excrutiating
Hello Jennifer: First I love skirts and want to wear more of them casually. My legs are not bad for 65, but definitely some skirts need opaque tights or something to help with leg imperfections. Also as you mention styling the shoes for skirts is also different from jeans or slacks. Would love some posts on this.
I had a flare up of arthritis in my left thumb (non dominant). I use a much smaller brace that was recommended by the rheumatologist I consulted. I don’t know if it would work for you, but it is over the counter. It is called Push Meta Grip CMC Thumb Brace (on Amazon). You size it like a glove and buy for the hand with the issues. It helps a lot and you no longer look like a major league baseball player with a catcher’s mitt on. Might be helpful. Mary
I wore skirts when I was working but not since. I much prefer a dress. It’s one and done. I always had to get my skirts altered because my waist was so small. Dresses just fit my body better.
I had surgery on my right hand and had to use my left for everything. It was very awkward. The worse was my handwriting. I’d make a grocery list, then not be able to read my own writing. Over a few days, tasks got a little easier but I was still thrilled when the cast came off. I hope resting your thumb will elevate some of the pain, Jennifer.
I love traveling with a dark wash denim skirt and have been doing so for at least 10 years. Mine is a pencil skirt with a vent in back. This skirt has pockets too. I wear it for days with different tops. I like to pack light.
I love skirts (and dresses) in the hot NC summers. They’re versatile and so much cooler than anything else. Skorts tend to feel hot to me and never seem to hang right. RipSkirt brand has been great, I’ve bought several over the past few years.
Hi Jennifer – I love skirts and dresses in warmer weather. They make me feel confident and more feminine. I prefer skirts which end at mid-knee but I might look for a maxi skirt after reading your column. I have a cute denim skirt which I will wear as soon as it warms up. Take care of your thumb! I like learning from your blog.
I just got a short denim skirt to wear with navy blue tights, so your post is timely and appreciated, as always. Take care and hope your wrist feels better soon.
I’ve had a cute, flattering jean skirt in my closet for years that I’ve seldom worn because of insecurity about (what I consider) a rather prominent vein on one leg. I’m taking it on my upcoming vacation and plan to wear it often. My late mother used to say “on a galloping horse, who’s going to notice?” (intended to sooth any of her children concerned about crooked hems, pimples and other ills). If anyone stares at my leg (ha!) I can always break into a trot!
I love your mother’s quote! Have fun with it.
If I still had legs like yours Jennifer I would show them off often. You look great in that white denim skirt.
Having varicose veins stripped after my third pregnancy aged thirty, I often had sclerotherapy for spider veins which definitely helped. Now in my seventies I would just rather cover my legs! The only skirts I wear are maxi in the summer or on vacation when it’s hot.
Hope your painful thumb improves.
I do have one black prairie skirt. I do like it when I wear it. Not the item I grab for some reason.
I do like denim skirts but like you, don’t care for the style to look like a pair of jeans with no legs.
I agree skirts are comfortable and cooler in the summer. Also like the look of boots with mid-length skirts for the cooler months.
My go-to in the summer time are jean skorts, more dressy and flattering, for me, than shorts. I have one in dark wash and another in a more casual distressed look. I have a couple in prints but I always seem to pick one of the denims to wear with printed button shirts or a T.
I love white skirts, but a little longer for me. I have a lot of skirts that I am gradually thinning out, The summer ones are mainly midi to long and several would probably qualify as vintage. I wear them quite a bit because they are cool, and I like their look and not having to worry about leg makeup. The winter ones get worn less because I’m 82 and find pants are warmer. But fall is a good time for them, below the knee to midi. I have just gotten the thumb joint pain recently. I’ve never texted with my thumbs as they’re thick. The index finger works well, if a little slower. I’ve worn a hand brace while sleeping for some time for carpal tunnel control, but I guess it helps the thumb too. Growing older is a constant adjustment. But please don’t let your posture adjust if you can possibly prevent it. I see many women younger than I am who are leading with their chin, such an aging move.
Leading with the chin is a big problem!! I see it everywhere and it reminds me to stand up straight
I now tend to wear skirts more in the summer. They are definitely cooler than pants on hot days and I love them with sandals and sneakers. We have not resumed are pre covid level of going out, so getting all dressed up during the winter months has not happened.