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 love wearing skirts (medium length or maxi) during the hot summers here in Utah! Love the white skirt you are wearing in the post. That would go with so many different tops. Do you remember where you found it? It seems most of the skirts I see in the stores are shorter & for younger ladies. It is hard to find skirts that hit at your knee or a little lower…
It is time to look for clothes for spring & summer!
Marcella
Sorry to hear about your wrist/thumb problem. You can learn to use the left hand for reaching for things and holding your cup/glass. It feels odd at first but it gives the right rest. I have arthritis and right- handed.
Your Mexico trip requires no additions to your extensive wardrobe. Your skirts and summer tops, beachwear, hats, and lightweight pants (don’t forget the sunny yellow ones). The only people that wear the gauzy prints and all things Mexican are the tourists. I have been to Mexico a few times and noticed the locals dress the same as in the USA.
I would be interested to see what the main city malls look like(not tourist areas) and what they have to offer.
I’m not going to a place that has malls. It’s a very tiny enclave in Loreto Bay.
I love to make skirts and dresses, but find that they don’t get worn. Last summer, I really tried to wear skirts and dresses more, but found myself wearing leggings under them to feel more comfortable. I don’t like skirts without pantyhose under them and it is difficult to find them anymore. Plus, I have the type of thighs that rub together no matter how much I weigh, so I have to wear petit-pants or another undergarment that prevents my thighs from rubbing together (TMI, sorry). It is just easier and more comfortable to wear pants or crops. I hope you have fun in Mexico. Be careful!
Jennifer, Where can I purchase a white jean skirt like yours??
This was from Chicos last summer so sadly sold out. This one is almost identical https://rstyle.me/cz-n/gau8si39zw
I have gotten away from skirts as I don’t feel they look as good as they used to on me. Part of that may simply be habit? I may feel more self conscious in a skirt now; it’s part of a younger me? Part of that is my life is more casual than it once was. So mostly habit. I do love the look however. A little more dressed up is how I associate a skirt. May have had one denim version but not truly comfortable with it.
Thank you for the book recommendation, and I wish you well with your hand recovery. Appreciate the support to simply live and enjoy life!
I LOVE LOVE SKIRTS! Denim is great for casual wear and summer coolness. Soft fabric with “flippy” hems are cooler than shorts or capris. And I feel very flippy and soft in a skirt that swishes around my knees and ankles. Thanks for bringing our love of skirts to the front of fashion.
I’m a skirt wearer too. Now that I am 65, every summer when I have to give up my tights, I wonder if I should stick to pants or long skirts, but I usually end up wearing my favorite knee length skirts to work anyway, and just ignore how my legs look. Maybe I should try the leg makeup. I don’t have good luck with the self tanners.
You don’t have to tuck in your top. My best look is a boxy or slightly a line shaped top, not too long but just long enough to hang over the waist of the skirt by about 3 inches. It’s comfortable and better looking for me, than tucking.
My best look was always a knee length straight skirt with a structured jacket, not too long. My figure looks best with the jacket length about 1/2 way between my elbow and wrist, when I have my arms at my sides. A lot of jackets are cut too long for me, even in petite sizing . And right now, I am not finding jackets to buy. They seem to be all black. It was nice in the past when jackets were available in different fabrics, with texture or prints, and with the 3/4 sleeve they were cute.
I do love cardigans — shorter with skirts, longer with pants. The v-neck or straight front edge is easier to style than a crew neck cardigan.
Lately I am getting a few jackets from thredUp. I can look for my size and the brands that fit me, and it’s fun to make a “find.”
I wear my denim skirts often & style them just as if they were jeans. I use a self-tanner on my legs so I don’t blind anybody but I also wear tights & boots in the cold weather. I have one dark denim skirt & 1 white denim. I especially love that they both have deep Jean pockets.
I love your denim skirt outfit. I am definitely a skirt wearer, but I do have to get to work on those veins.
I never wear skirts. My waist is so high (short waisted?) that skirts look horrible in me. Wish I could.
I like denim skirts, not a fan of midi or long. Chicos have some denim skirts they are great.
I loved wearing skirts for summer travels. I don’t see many skirt options that are flattering. I like a skirt that hits right at knee length.
I love the white skirt on you. I can’t remember the last time I wore a skirt as I am more likely to wear capris in warmer weather, though I would like to try a skirt like the one you are showing. I found the denim skirts with the button up can be restrictive when you are in and out of the car a lot.
I tend not to wear skirts much. I have a few for both winter and summer and find I rarely reach for them.
My mother, when in her 60’s, wore them everyday in the summer, with sneakers. Hers were a light weight, light colored, denim A-line skirt. They looked great on her!
I like them and they are more flattering for us 60 somethings than shorts are in my opinion.
In hot weather I prefer crop pants or a dress.
In colder weather, I love the look of opaque tights and high boots with a skirt, but again, it’s very rare that I wear them.
Team skirts! Put on some tanning lotion, cute little sandals…Summer time 😎
Hi Jennifer, I am sorry to hear that you are still struggling with DeQuervain’s. I had it 5 years ago as a result of lifting my then 1 1/2 year old grandson multiple times each day. Like most of us, I lifted the child with my thumbs in front of his armpits and the other fingers on his back. That strained the tendon in my left thumb. I bought an over-the-counter thumb brace that looked like yours. It didn’t work, so I saw a specialist. I had a cortisone injection and a ridiculously expensive ($400) custom brace was made. The brace was made early in the morning on a very cold January day. It ended up being way too tight. I soon chucked it and went back to the over the counter brace and my knowledge of how to manage tendinitis.
Thanks to a genetic problem that was just diagnosed 3 years ago, I have had tendinitis multiple times in 13 different joints since turning 40. (I am now 67.) Doctors were never very helpful, so I usually choose to manage the condition on my own. For whatever reason, I gave in and saw a specialist for the DeQuervain’s. When their brace ended up being so small it was hurting my thumb, I resorted to my own methods. For me, step 1 in managing tendinitis is to rest the affected joint. It has to be allowed to heal. I cannot ignore even the slightest pain. Pain is the body’s signal that one is doing something to cause injury. We ignore that signal at our own peril. I stopped lifting anything with my left hand except for my toddler grandson. Of course, he was the main source of the problem since I babysat 5 days a week, I couldn’t just not lift him. But, I changed the way I did it. I never put my thumbs on his chest anymore. All ten fingers stayed together like paddles and I lifted him with one had on his back and the other on his bottom.
I had to stop playing my violin since a little pressure is placed on the left thumb when playing. Since I am a violin and piano teacher this was a bit of a problem. I had to demonstrate passages for my students on the piano instead of the violin for a few weeks. (The reason I went to the specialist in the first place was because I had so much swelling in my left wrist that I could not straighten it with any amount of effort. That caused me to be unable to get my fingers over the lowest two violin strings. That’s a problem for a violinist!)
I knew from past experience that I would need to baby my thumb for 6 weeks. At the end of that time my wrist had straightened out and I had no pain. I learned my lesson about how not to pick up a baby and continued my new way of picking up a child. Of course, I also avoided lifting anything else heavy for quite some time. I have not had a recurrence of DeQuervain’s. Occasionally, I notice a little pain in my left thumb if I have used it repeatedly holding down the touch pad on my computer. That is my signal to cut back! As I said above, I have learned that I must not ignore small amounts of pain. If I do, I am probably going to end up with another bout of tendinitis.
May I suggest not holding your phone with your thumbs in front of the device? That’s how most people hold their phones so they can text. Texting with one’s thumbs puts a lot of strain on the tendons. Lifting anything with thumbs extended away from the other 4 fingers is dangerous. Cortisone shots give temporary relief, but can mask our bodies’ pain signals and allow us to do things that cause strain on the tendons. Doctors will tell you that 3 cortisone shots are the maximum you can have safely. More than that and you risk a rupture of the affected tendon. I have only had cortisone twice. The first time, more than 25 years ago, Iwas ignorant of the risks. The second time, which was when I had DeQuervain’s, I was hoping to get the swelling down in my wrist so I could play my violin. (It didn’t work.) For my future, I would only consider cortisone if I were in a lot of pain.
Oh, I nearly forgot, the one thing that really helps with swelling is ice massage. You can hold an ice cube or two in a washcloth and rub it over the top of your affected thumb. I would do it for 5 minutes at a time several times a day. Ice is more effective and far safer than any drug.
I hope this helps (and was not too lengthy)! I truly wish you the best in your battle with DeQuervain’s. I hope you will keep us updated.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. You have walked this walk and I’m very grateful.
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.
I don’t like skirts for three reasons. Number one, they chop you up. A dress gives you a nice long line. Number two, the waistband hits right at my fullest body part. A fitted band is going to be too tight and an elastic waist? No! Just no! Three, finding the right shoes. Flats throw the proportions “off”. Athletic styles look clunky to my eye.
I love skirts, to look at on others, and I always look at them in stores. How every, skirts cut my petite height body in half, and have always been supremely uncomfortable. In elementary private school, we were forced to wear a uniform that included a heavy, wool, pleated, plaid skirt. I think most of my aversion stems from that time. In our cold winter climate, the wind blew the cold right up that skirt and the only leg attire to the uniform was knee socks. I also attribute today’s knee pain to those uncovered knees in winter.
Love wearing a skirt, have always loved a skirt for work or casual wear. Usually dressier and more feminine than pants, a little kinder to many female figures, surprisingly cooler than shorts in hot weather and so many styles and fabrications to choose from. I feel they can hide a multitude of figure concerns if chosen well and can be dressed up or down with tee shirts, blouses, shirts worn open as a jacket, sweaters, cardigans, blazers, jackets, shells, twin sets….etc. Belt with a scarf, a chain, a leather or fabric belt or if you don’t want to emphasize the tummy area float a top over the waistline, or make a tiny tuck on one side and let the rest drape. Shoe choices are unlimited, clunkier styles and trainers seem to be featured lately which isn’t a bad thing for people with “finicky” feet as they can often be the more comfortable of shoe styles. I look forward to wearing my summer pencil, maxi and A-line skirts in everything from denim, cottons, ponte and rayon chalis.
Sorry about your thumb pain Jennifer. Hopefully the PT will gradually make a difference. Not easy getting older. Ha, but better than the alternative!
As to skirts, I hardly ever choose them and they often become orphans in my closet. I think it has to do with the fact that I don’t tuck in much as I feel my belly doesn’t look great. Although I do wear skorts in the summer…maybe it’s the cutting in waist bands I don’t like? If it’s a fancier look I’m going for I find dresses much more comfortable and flattering than skirts.
Thanks for the book recommendation.
I used to wear skirts when I worked. I’m not a big fan of denim skirts b/c they are generally too heavy for summer. I don’t wear white skirts as they dirty too fast. I bought two Talbot’s skirts last year, different lengths between knee and ankle. Love them! They are light and flowy, perfect for NE summers w/sneakers or heeled sandals. (I can’t wear flats b/c not enough arch support.) Now that I don’t work, I have no use for winter skirts despite loving the high boot / longer skirt look.
Good luck with the thumb issue!
Thanks Maeve
I’m glad denim skirts are back. I keep forgetting about mine. I do have leg imperfections and that’s usually why I stick with pants. I sure do understand about your thumb issues. I have arthritis extremely bad in my hands and now it’s attacking my right thumb. Golf does not help but I have great gloves and besides my meds I put on diclofenac topical gel. Trying to use my left hand for things is very difficult, especially opening things. Hope you are doing better.
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Yes to wearing more skirts and ideas of how to do so!
P.S. I stress finding a good self-tanner instead of nylons! I’ve also used leg make-up! I know it sounds weird but IT WORKS when applied well…
I think it’s hard to find skirts that look good and can be well styled. I am a bit overweight, short waisted and at 5’4″ the skirt would need to be pretty short so I could wear a top that won’t be tucked in. At my age (over 70) a skirt that is short enough to qualify would likely no longer look good on my legs!
I’ve had De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis in the past and had several steroid shots. I wore a splint also. I can relate to how painful it is. I finally had surgery for it and have never been bothered again. It’s a pretty simple procedure that I’m so glad I did. Best of luck in dealing with this.
I love to wear skirts but for one reason or another I rarely do! LOL. My main motivation is warm weather as skirts are definitely cooler. If I do choose to wear them in cooler, or cold weather its always with tights and boots. Either knee highs or ankle boots; I don’t like the look on me if my boots are ‘mid-way’ between my knees & ankles; but that’s just me. I am uber conscious though of proportion when putting together outfits that include skirts as a skirt length and/or volume can ‘make or break’ an outfit real fast. I am aware of some lengths that get into a ‘dowty’ area that I don’t like on me. The BEST area for length seems to be just above the knee or just below the knee; where my legs are narrowest. If I choose a midi-style the skirt must hit way down just above my ankles, again where my legs are the thinnest; unless I’m wearing boots, then that’s a different ‘ball game’ for me. I gravitate to a more contoured shape although the floaty gauzy fabrics are always tempting, but when I succumb to them I rarely wear them (unless I’m in Hawaii).
As I live longer I’m looking at my legs more critically and find a self-tanner really helps to make me feel more confident when showing my lower legs; shorts? Pretty much the same fashion rules for me as skirts: lots of flats or sandals. NEVER high heels; no no no, looks too too in my opinion when one reaches a certain point in life!!!
Skirts seem to be not in fashion lately and when I don’t see them around, in stores, etc., I forget about them. They are harder to style than pants or denim because of tucking in tops and if you live in a colder climate, you’re stuck wearing tights much of the year. I like skirts in the warm months and your denim options are great.
I had a lot of spider varicose veins on my lower legs and didn’t like the way my legs looked when they were bare. I had sclerotherapy done by my dermatologist, and I was very pleased with the results. It was just an office procedure that took about an hour. Larger veins require treatment by a doctor with expertise in vascular medicine, but can also be scarred down either with chemicals or a laser. I would recommend doing it in the winter, since you have to wear compression stockings for a few weeks afterward. Also, the sclerotherapy injections were much more painful that I expected. I would definitely ask for a prescription for EMLA cream (a topical anesthetic) to use prior to the procedure.
As for skirts, I find that in the summer I prefer skorts. Athleta has some cute ones. They provide a little more coverage than shorts but are still sporty and easy to move in. They look good with sandals or sneakers. I wear a lot of dresses in the summer, but would happily wear more skirts if I could find the right shape. When I was in France a few years ago, we were struck by a heat wave and I didn’t have adequate clothing for hot weather. Women there typically don’t wear shorts, so I went out shopping with the intention of getting a skirt or a dress. I tried on a very cute, A-line midi length skirt in a rust and cream batik print. I ended up not purchasing it (not sure why) and have regretted it ever since. If I could find something like that again, I would wear it all summer!
I liked the post you did on skirts today. You look great in you everything you put together. I also liked the skirts you put on your links. I agree , skirts look so put together and are so much cooler in the warmer months. With that said, I can never feel comfortable in a skirt. My weight is in the middle area . I am never comfortable with my tops tucked in. I also feel dowdy (do not know why) as I like skirts on other women . I wish I could figure it out !!!1
Completely agree with this, Karen. I’ve never been able to wear skirts well. It seems to cut me in half and, my waist is my widest part, so, they’re just not attractive. Skorts I’ll wear all summer (as a short replacement) but no skirts are in my closet.
I had the same thumb condition. Had a simple surgical procedure to release the tendon and it worked. That was about 10 years ago. I recommend it.
Thank you for telling me. I think I will look into a new surgeon.
I agree that skirts – and dresses – are much more comfortable than pants but I find it hard to find ones that fit well. You look great in your denim skirt but I need skirts that hide my tummy. Also, what to do about varicose veins? I’d like to hear from others about experiences with vein treatments.
Sorry to hear about your DeQuervain’s. I had surgery for that at age 17. There have been no issues for me since (now 64!).
I love to wear skirts. They’re almost as easy as slipping on a dress. It’s good to know my trusty denim pencil skirt is back on trend!
I’m hoping to avoid the surgery since my trigger finger one didn’t go as smoothly as planned. I may not be able to so I am interviewing surgeons.
I am 5’2, weigh 113, and have short legs. Skirts were easy in the olden days when I could wear clunky heels–remember Bare Traps? I had back surgery, and now I have to wear flats; flats and a short skirt would be in proportion, but sitting is a problem. Skirts for day are too hard 🙁
Oh yes, as females we find ourselves over tasking so often. I always felt that most women over performed their male counterparts in the work force too. But also, sadly receiving a lesser pay grade too.
Now, my old school thoughts about wearing a skirt with bare legs comes to mind. In the past I always donned those awful panty hose and hated it but…why am I reluctant to wear a skirt today? So,it’s simply easier to avoid the whole issue. I love the longer, easy fit denim skirt and think it would look great with a striped tshirt. Maybe add a longer necklace and comfy sandals.
Sorry about the thumbs and wrist. If I overdo with the phone I have problems as well. I have thumb joint problems where the cartilage wore out . If I wear my splint at night , I seem to be able to go without it in the day. I cannot put too much stress on lifting heavy things ,overuse, etc. There is surgery to fix it, but I would like to avoid it .
I used to wear skirts, but with some veins, and short legs I just prefer not to. I had quite a collection of denim skirts. I wear capris and crops in our hot Texas summers. I do have a long maxi sleeveless dress that is very cool to wear.
I find denim too heavy and hot for the sweltering summers here in Central Texas. I have been purchasing recycled-sari wrap skirts from the Darn Good Yarn company. They use several different materials, mostly silk. The mini skirts are so much more comfortable than anything else I’ve worn in summers here. The only drawback is that, being wrap skirts, there are no pockets. I’ve also found that a few stores, like Eddie Bauer and Duluth Trading sometimes have skirts that are lightweight for hot weather.
I agree about denim being too hot for summer( I live in sweltering North Carolina), but I have purchased linen skirts (with pockets!). The linen is great for hot weather.
I’d like to try wearing skirts in the summer. The narrowness of the denim skirts always felt too constricted, even with stretch fabrics, so I tended not to wear the ones I had over the years. . A skirt with more flounce would be a fun change. Let us know if you see more. Thanks!
I love!! skirts but what do you do about extremely pale legs and veins that are showing more every year? I love a dress when it’s time to dress up, but I don’t think panty hose are coming back…….I can’t be the only one!!
I have your shape in reverse, and a pear is a challenge that perhaps you can address every now and then?
Thank you!
The only solution I have found for making my legs look better without resorting to panty hose is leg makeup or a spray tan. I have had good luck with leg makeup, although I was resistant to that at first. When it dries it stays put quite well, and isn’t much more difficult to apply than any body lotion. You just need to be a little more observant to apply it evenly and check to make sure it isn’t “ streaky.
I first tried leg makeup when I wore a dress to a wedding and wanted to avoid hose. It worked well.
If I wear a skirt these days if would be in the summer. I like beachy looking maxi length skirts in summer. When I was younger I wore denim skirts but I find them to be a bit stiff. I have that same condition of the thumb palm joint. Months of O.T and splint wearing. They said it was arthritis and common. Mine is triggered by texting and playing games on my tablet. I haven’t tried a shot. Good luck!
Once I found the right underwear to keep the chafing away, I started wearing skirts again especially in summer as they are much cooler. I learned this after living in Singapore. I just add one of the myriad Talbots’ tees, and I’m good to go. I really like the denim skirt you show here.
What underwear are you using to keep away the chafing?
I wear skirts going anywhere all summer long, especially denim skirts. Used to love sandals but now there are so many closed toe shoes to wear, and you don’t have to worry about doing your toenails.
During summer I prefer skirts to shorts, due to the comfort. I wear an above-knee blue denim and a white denim. Typically I wear them with a favorite solid color T-shirt or lightweight sweater and flip flops. To dress them up I wear colorful flats and an Oxford shirt tucked in with a belt. I also have some print skirts that I will pull out this summer due to weight loss and a long skirt for evenings around the pool. We agree about the shoe balance!
Jennifer, please take care of that hand, let it rest, and follow your PT’s instructions. Be Well!
Thanks Carol
I love skirts. I am tall and I prefer them to shorts so I wear them a lot. I live in south Florida where it is warm/hot all year so I wear them almost every day. Denim is great and I try to have denim skirts in several colors. Blue, black, and white mostly but if I can find other colors I buy them. I also have many different lengths from mid-thigh to midi. I don’t like the super short ones anymore (seems inappropriate at age 65), so I have to try them on to make sure they aren’t too short for me.
I love denim skirts in the warmer weather but really love skorts…I have several that can be dressed up or casual…so versatile…when I have my top and skort the same color looks like a dress…slimming and very comfortable!
You look great in the pictured skirt.
I love skirts but think I need to wear stockings because my varicose veins are much more evident as I age. My parents both had them as well.
There are so many other options for me with pants and jumpsuits.
I do wear mid calf jumpsuits which cover the worst of the veins. The longer line of the jumpsuit also make me look taller (5’2”).
I don’t know why I struggle with skirts so much now as I used to wear them a lot when still working. Perhaps I still think it’s a dressier look and my life is so casual now. I do like how you styled the white denim skirt, so maybe this is the summer to give it a try again.
Sorry that you are still having trouble with your thumb.
I am a skirt lover. In the winter with boots, in the summer with sandals or sneaks. I have been gravitating towards the midi skirt. They are cooler than crops and I can wear boy shorts with out then showing. I would love a nice denim skirt but they always have a tendency to bunch up around the knee. I think it is the heavier material. Any suggestions? I hope your thumb is on the mend!!!
Jennifer, sorry to hear about your thumb. I hope you feel better soon. Increasing arthritis and a lifetime of grading essays have significantly reduced cartilage in both my thumbs. Neither meloxicam nor cortisone work anymore, so I’m recuperating now from a right thumb fascie arthroplasty surgery. Post-op pain is tolerable with great chance of success. Bottom line: know that modern medicine is beating back once debilitating conditions. Good luck!
I definitely like the white skirt you’re wearing..looks like a lighter weight denim which is all I would wear in a skirt.
I wore skirts often when I worked but now that I’m retired not so much. Still like them for a night out to dinner.
I have a few long, light weight ones that I wear in the hot and humid weather… I find they are cooler.
I am so sorry about your thumb, Jennifer. As I type this response with my thumbs, it occurs to me how inconvenient it would be to have them inoperable.
I can’t tell you why, but I’ve never been a fan of denim skirts. Personally have found them to be uncomfortable. However, on the subject of skirts, I kept a black pencil skirt from my working days. Wonder how to style it for more casual purposes. Ideas?
Denim skirts ,to me ,always look better as classic,rather than gimmick!In design. That being said,Not well, I guess whatever a person feels comfortable in. I would love to be able to wear skirts again. But slacks and pants of all kinds seems to suit my lifestyle better because of various health,mobility issues at present. I am still purging the “Collection”! to add anything more right now. The book sounds interesting. I will try to get it on Kindle to read.
So enjoy and look forward to daily post. Have learned so much from you. Thanks so much and will watch daily.
Re. using your left hand: my husband has been practising various tasks with his left hand for some time now. He’s in his seventies and began doing it against the day when he might have a stroke! He’s now quite good at various day to day tasks.
Hope your problem finds relief soon. Perhaps now is the time to start training your left side.
Best wishes. Lorraine
Great idea of his. I’m trying to train myself. It’s surprisingly hard.
I struggle with skirts also -I’m a rectangle and they tend to make me look blockier. After trying on the entire skirt section in my closet (many still with tags), I decided to keep 3 but those may go as well. I find I only like a specific (straight) shape with no waistband & even in a knit, they are just not practical for most of my life. My compromise for warm weather is skorts. Nicer than shorts but more polished.
I discovered skorts last summer! They’re great but I wish they made them longer. Of course that would make them culottes.
I do love my denim skirt ( purchased 1-2? Years ago from Talbots) it’s about knee length with a slight slit but not provocative at all. Just helpful to move. But I like the swingy denim skirt you’re showing here- it’s longer but really cute!
I have trouble deciding what to do with tops I wear , since my waist is on the thicker side with very narrow hips. I’ve tried tying in front as you do or half tuck, but neither look really attractive on me.
Maybe I should just wear tees? Leave them untucked? Not sure.
Waist definition is always a concern of me too because I’m pretty straight and without it I look large all over because of my shoulders.