It’s been awhile since I last reviewed skirts. It took me awhile to dig out of all that tulle! Let’s take a look at what Anthropologie’s got on the floor for our twirling pleasure.
I have nearly all good things to say about the Astral Swing Skirt ($128), so let’s get the one con out of the way first: it’s short! Hits me mid-thigh. Skater skirts are meant to be short but until the weather makes tights and boots a reality this is too short for me to wear to work.
Other than that this skirt is darling! It’s not real leather but it could be. From far away this medallion eyelet version looks like the real thing and up close it has no plastic sheen to give away the fact that it’s, ahem, vegan leather. AKA pleather. There is an underlining that’s totally opaque and soft. The outer shell is pretty soft too. It’s got a side zip and is about 17.5″ long. I hardly ever wear skirts shorter than 20″ and really 22 or 23″ is more preference at 5’8″ in total height.
Fitwise, I found both a size 8 and a size 10 to fit comfortably. I’m usually an 8 these days so I’d say the skirt is true to size. It is smaller at the waist and then flares out, so if you’re more of a straight shape you may need to size up. There’s no stretch. The pleats might need some finesse when you first put the skirt on. One nice thing is that though the material is substantial the skirt is not heavy in any way. I was delighted by how pretty it looks as you walk.
If short’s not a problem for you or if you yourself are shorter in stature this skirt is fab! For me, until it’s colder out this one’s a pass.
I do not get along with stretchy skirts. Case in point, the Piana Pencil Skirt ($88). This cotton and polyester pencil skirt has lovely front panel that’s filigree brocade (and very hard to see, sorry). The rest of the skirt stretches over the body and for me this only highlights spots I’m still working on.
Some things I like: the skirt hit me across the bottom of my knees, it has a concealed side zip and the waist is designed to hit lower on the body. All great things! The material is somewhat soft. No scratchiness or itchiness to speak of.
But because my thighs curve outwards this skirt ends up looking a bit silly. The knee section tapers in quite a bit. I found an 8 to be too small so it was up to a 10 I went. I’m in the 8 for the photos above. And even that was close-fitting as pencils are designed to be.
A pretty skirt but not flattering on me. Back to the rack it went!
Here’s a full-length shot for reference:
I like the length but I’m not crazy about the fit of this skirt. The brocade is lovely.
Another front-panel skirt option is the Rione Skirt ($118). This one seems to be selling quickly in the NYC area; I could only find a 6 to try on among the local Anthropologies. The skirt is a slight A-line with a black lace overlay. It’s about 19″ long — I think Anthro’s site is incorrect — and hit me about an inch above the knees. There are side pockets which don’t help the fit at all. The skirt is cotton with very little stretch. There’s a back zipper to get in and out.
The 6 I tried on is clearly small on me. I’d go with my usual size 8. I wonder however if the pockets would be pulling on the size 8 too; they seem like the type of pocket that will pop out from any semblance of hips. The skirt felt comfortable on. I wish it were an inch or two longer to make it work-ready, but I suppose I’d only wear this in the colder months anyway.
Here’s a full-length shot.
Cute design and pretty good execution. The olive base color may not appeal to everyone. I think this will be a great winter skirt! And if you live in a cooler climate it could be good year-round. For now, wishlisted!
Looking for a skirt with a little sparkle and shine? Give Ganni’s Cressida Skirt ($118) a try! This pretty little skater skirt has a gorgeous metallic sheen to it. I know the skirt looks poufy on me but I believe it’s due to this being from back stock. After a steam the skirt is much more like the shape you see on Anthropologie’s website. It’s got well-placed pleats around the waistline and an exposed back zipper. This skirt is dry clean only which is a bummer but not unexpected.
Like most of the skirts in this set the Cressida is short! Anthropologie’s site claims it’s nearly 18″ long but there is no way that’s accurate based on what I tried. Seventeen inches seems more like it. It hit more than 3″ above my knees. The looser shape does help the overall proportions but this is not a work-ready skirt for me by any means, at least not without tights and boots.
In terms of fit I was very happy in a medium. The waist is stretchy which causes some puckering for me but it wasn’t too much of an issue.
Here’s how the skirt looks in a full-body shot:
I can see this number being a lot of fun through the fall, winter and maybe all 4 seasons! Sitting in my cart as we speak.
The Embroidered Fiore Pencil Skirt ($158) is a new color variation on a skirt that came out last summer. I liked the old version but I am in looooove with this new version! Beautiful vivid threads give off a metallic sheen from a dark green background that looks kinda grey to me. The pattern doesn’t match at the sides (boo) but the pattern is small enough that you can’t really tell unless you have a beheaded bird. That’s not a euphemism. The waistband and skirt have just a touch of stretch to them and there is a side zip. There’s an annoying gap between the top of the zipper and the hook-and-eye clasp. It’s too much! The skirt hit me across the top of my knees.
Fitwise an 8 fit wonderfully, my usual size. This skirt makes my butt look really long! But it also hugs everything nicely without overemphasizing anything. Down at the bottom there’s no back vent to help while walking but it is loose enough that it hardly matters. I didn’t notice any issue with this skirt sliding up on me.
Here is a full-body shot.
Yes I know community you are dying for sweater reviews. They will come soon! I’m wearing Dolce Vita’s Gem Drop Peplum Top ($148) which runs large. Full review next week.
This skirt is top on my must-have list right now. Coming home with me soon at full price!
Somehow the Split Stripes Maxi Skirt ($88) is not by Bailey 44, although it has the same feel. Mostly horizontal stripes are interrupted by one rebellious diagonal stripe. Sadly the stripes are a complete mismatch at the sides. So weird! There are two slits on this skirt, both are frontward-facing but towards the side of the skirt. It is made from rayon and spandex.
I tried on a medium which fit well, though there are my thighs poking out as they are wont to do. My main dislike about this skirt is that it’s short for 5’8″ me. It hit me well above the ankles! I much prefer my maxis to be down closer to the floor. Otherwise the skirt fits well and has stretch, though rayon isn’t exactly a longevity-inspiring material.
This is a cute skirt but I’m bothered by both the short length and the mismatched seams. A pass for me.
The Neda Maxi Skirt ($88) is totally adorable! It may look like polka dots placed awfully close to each other but when you inspect closely you’ll see this black skirt is actually splattered with little teal hearts! Aww!! I’m feeling a little warm and squishy just thinking about it. The skirt looked like it would be a stretchy pull-on but it’s actually double-layered rayon with a side zipper. Not much stretch and the waist is smaller than the hip area below, so watch your sizing.
For me, my usual size M worked great. The skirt is still shorter than I’d like, hitting me across the ankles. But at least I can work with it. This skirt will fall straight from whatever your widest part is — hips for me! That conceals my thighs nicely and the drape is tight enough that I don’t look like a tent.
Here’s the triptych:
This skirt would be great for work, play, really anything! At under $100 it seems like a steal compared to Anthropologie’s normal price points. I think this one is well worth full price. For me, wishlisted!
Have you tried on any of Anthropologie’s skirts recently? Which ones, and did you like them? Do you own any of the skirts reviewed here? If so, how are you wearing it?
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