Lurker looking for advice on long dresses

[Pilsy]

Hi!  I usually post over on MMM but am in need of help with new work clothes and figure this is a better place for that.  


I'm very self-conscious about my legs/ankles and, as a result, typically wear only pants to work.  I believe I look silly in skinny jeans but regular pants that aren't tapered keep things under wrap and allow me to look perfectly proportionate.  I spiced things up with one maxi dress and a few maxi skirts over the summer.  On weekends, I lived on the edge and wore capri pants because it was truly too hot to live in jeans, and I refuse to be seen in public in shorts.  

Anyway, as we head into fall, I really want to wear more than pants and I don't believe I can bring myself to wear regular knee-length skirts.  So is it okay to wear long dresses?  I'm almost 5'6" and am most comfortably in 3" in heels, if that matters. Wear can I find long dresses that are work appropriate* and won't make me look like a school marm?  When I Google, I hardly find a thing that's not evening wear.  

* My office is very casual, so anything goes.  I try to stay on the more buttoned-up end of the spectrum, but I feel fine wearing a dressy maxi dress with a cardigan.  


Thanks for any recs/styling tips/etc.  I may head to bed by 10, but I'll check back tomorrow!  

[Pilsy]

Is this reasonable for work, either with a cardigan or a jean jacket?


www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/up-and-welcoming-dress

[ilovedpp]

I think that's super cute and would look nice with a cardigan or blazer for the fall!

[Pilsy]

Aug 29, 2016 20:32:06 GMT -5 ilovedpp said:

I think that's super cute and would look nice with a cardigan or blazer for the fall!

Ok, thanks so much!  

Any thoughts on shoes?  

[mrspez07]

I think you could Also wear skirts (midi, maxi) with some knee high boots too.

[lostarz]

Aug 29, 2016 22:37:26 GMT -5 mrspez07 said:

I think you could Also wear skirts (midi, maxi) with some knee high boots too.

Yes, this would work.

Also, you can winterize the maxi skirt, www.gurl.com/2014/11/22/style-tips-how-to-wear-maxi-skirt-in-winter-outfit-ideas/.  You could get some cute chunky heeled booties to wear under the skirt.

[ilovedpp]

Aug 29, 2016 20:37:44 GMT -5 Pilsy said:

Aug 29, 2016 20:32:06 GMT -5 ilovedpp said:

I think that's super cute and would look nice with a cardigan or blazer for the fall!

Ok, thanks so much!  

Any thoughts on shoes?  

If it's warmer out is do a wedge sandal with a 3/4 sleeve cardigan maybe. If it's cooler, maybe a low bootie or flats. If you're trying to dress it up with a blazer, I think a basic rounded toe pump would work if the dress is long enough, or a nice flat boot if not.

[scout8]

Would you feel comfortable in a shorter skirt or dress if you pair it with tights and tall boots? That is pretty much my uniform in the winter and I am all covered up.

[Pilsy]

Aug 30, 2016 10:30:34 GMT -5 scout8 said:

Would you feel comfortable in a shorter skirt or dress if you pair it with tights and tall boots? That is pretty much my uniform in the winter and I am all covered up.

This is a great idea, too.  I need extended calf boots (obviously) but I suppose with an a-line skirt, I can pull it off.  


Thanks!

[treedimensional]

You and I may have something in common. Unless I'm in a swimsuit, I never wear anything that doesn't cover my knees. My legs are heavy and I keep them covered, so I wear mostly pants, and all my skirts and dresses are midi or maxi.
I never wear knee-high boots, because number one, most of them (even wide-calf sizes) don't fit around my calves, and even if they did, WHY would I want to add bulk to my calves??? No way! And forget skinny jeans- there is no such thing in my world. My legs will not fit into anything called skinny jeans. It's tricky to find ANY pants I can fit my legs into.

I think you'll be fine if you wear midi-length skirts and dresses for work, but I wouldn't wear a maxi into an office. They're too casual (unless it's a ballgown, which is too formal). And forget knee boots or anything with ankle straps.
Good luck!

[Pilsy]

Aug 30, 2016 19:49:39 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

 ankle straps.

A thing of nightmares.