Here it is…anything and everything you’ve ever wanted to know about skirt extenders. I’ve had so many questions in regard to skirt extenders that I thought I would do a post exclusively about them…
THE STORY & THE OUTFIT
…Today it makes sense to combine both headings since the outfit is the story. So, what is a skirt extender exactly? It’s like a slip, but not. The difference is the hem. A slip may or may not have an inch or two of decorative lace at the bottom whereas a skirt extender has six to ten inches of lace (or chiffon or tulle) at the bottom. A slip is designed to give extra coverage under material that is sheer or semi-sheer and to help a skirt or dress to hang smoothly. A skirt extender can serve that purpose, but it’s true purpose is to add a little pop of pretty to the hemline of a skirt or dress. It also gives extra length to things that might otherwise result in an epic wardrobe malfunction. And nobody wants that. You don’t necessarily want your slip to be seen. I remember when I was little my grandmother would have a cow if her slip was showing. Oh…the scandal of it all. A skirt extender on the other hand is meant to be seen. Lace, chiffon and tulle just make everything a little bit prettier. And can’t we all use a little extra pretty in our lives?
I’ve styled each of my skirt extenders under tunic tops that would have to be worn with shorts, skinny jeans or leggings without the extender underneath. While each of the looks has a decidedly boho flavor to it, I promise you, they work just as well under a variety of other dresses and skirts. For example, last fall I wore a skirt extender under my brown shirt dress to give it a little extra somethin’. Perhaps that’s a post for another day…skirt extenders: the non-boho edition. Truth be told, I planned on including more looks, but let me tell ya, when I shot these photos yesterday it wasn’t even noon yet and it was 85 degrees and 91% humidity…91%!! I swear it was like breathing water. By the time I got to the photos with the black extender, my hair had morphed into something resembling an electrified dust bunny and there were raging rapids of sweat running down my back. Hence the use of shots of Tuesday’s outfit for the half slip style extender. I just couldn’t do it my friends…I love ya, but damn, it was hot.
THE TIP
Get a skirt extender. Or three. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
The cool thing about this mauve/blush extender is that it can stand alone as a dress. The cute pin tuck details and lace inset at the neckline make it special. In the winter I layered it under a long tunic sweater with otk boots. I was unable to find this color, but I found it in a plethora of other colors here, here, here and here.
The tulle is what makes the difference here. It’s a nice change from the lace and it not only adds length, but gives you a little extra fluff at the hem of your skirt. Obviously this would be better suited paired with an a-line or tunic. I picked this one up from Sun, Sand And Stars. Unfortunately, it’s currently sold out, but I included the link to their lingerie page because they have others to choose from and this one may be restocked.
This high/low chiffon extender from Grace and Lace is my hands-down favorite. It’s a light floaty confection and I feel like such a girly-girl whenever I wear it… And I wear this one often. The ivory color (which this is) is currently in stock in most sizes with a few shipping later in July. I am planning on picking it up in Stone, Black, and the Floral Print as well because seriously, this one is awesome.
I don’t wear the black lace extender as often as the others, but I found I did need black from time to time so I picked this one up. There is currently a black half-slip version heading my way as we speak.
Yes, this tunic/dress is trimmed in lace, but it’s a hair too short in the front for my liking so I layered the lace flounce half-slip extender from Grace and Lace underneath it. It’s hard to tell which lace is which, but the addition of the extra layer of lace made the hemline of the dress even more beautiful than it already was.
