Emma Watson says, “At least I’m wearing underwear!”
Last week, I wrote about how to style a mini skirt– and, coincidentally, about strategies for keeping your underwear covered up on a windy day. In the comments for both posts, readers asked about what to wear under the skirt, just in case.
Honestly, that’s something I don’t worry about; I’m not a fan of adding an extra layer under a skirt, probably because I can still remember how uncomfortable it was to wear shorts under my uniform skirt in middle school. If it’s crazy windy and I’m going to be outside for any length of time, I’ll opt for shorts or capri pants, to keep from flashing the neighbors.
That doesn’t mean I don’t have strategies for the inevitable upskirt, though. Because it happens to the best of us. Sadly.
Wear decent underwear. And by “decent” I mean both “not ratty” and “not a thong.” Thongs have their place and time, but a day of running around with the kids is not it, nor is a very windy day. Choose underpants that won’t embarrass you if your skirt heads north. A neutral, patternless pair will be less noticeable than the ones with the bright pink polka dots — and they will work under more pieces in your closet.
Sit like a lady. Someone asked how I navigate things like the bleachers at karate in a short skirt; the answer is very carefully. No I’m not kidding — wearing a short skirt (or a skirt of any length) means thinking about how you walk and sit. The most comfortable way to sit on bleachers is, of course, with your feet up on the row in front of you; in a short skirt, that’s a no. Think twice about crossing your legs, too — even if you’ve got great underwear on, your goal is not to show it to anyone. Keep your knees together and your feet on the ground.
Have a sense of humor. A windy day plus a short skirt may very well mean you’ll wind up flashing the parking lot at Target. Don’t worry too much about it — worse things could happen. At the premier of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Emma Watson’s vintage dress went flying and fans saw her undies. Embarrassing, yes, but as she pointed out to David Letterman, “This was a small wardrobe malfunction that happens.” More importantly, though, she added, “At least I’m wearing underwear!”
Be pragmatic. A skirt isn’t always the best option, particularly if you’re going to be wrangling kids or climbing on the playground equipment. Give yourself options other than skirts and dresses — look for great shorts or cargo pants that will look chic and keep you covered. I own three pairs of chino shorts, which is plenty for the summer; two are khaki and one is a fun lime-green, for variety.
shorts: Old Navy
One last thing: Moms of toddlers, take heart! One day, your kids will be big enough that they won’t need to be followed all over the playground and you — and your skirt — will be able to sit on a bench and not flash anyone, even on the windiest of spring days. Until then, don’t give up on style, but don’t compromise modesty — and comfort — for it. If shorts are really the most practical option for windy days at the park, then wear them. Your kids won’t remember how your legs looked; they’ll just remember how much fun it was to have you go down the big slide with them. I promise.
It occurs to me that younger kids are going to find their moms glamourous no matter what they wear.
And, yes, going down the slide with them is a far better memory than seeing them all dolled up and perched on the park bench like a department store dummy. So, yeah, don’t worry so much about how you look and enjoy your kids.
Also, just to put your minds at ease, I don’t think any dads will complain about the occasional windy flash.
I have a Lole skort that I love! It is a gray skirt with a very cute inverted pleat; the shorts underneath are integrated in to a slim smooth waistband with side buttons. It does not at all feel like wearing shorts underneath a skirt. As a bonus it is a high SPF moisture wicking fabric so it dries fast when kiddos squirt you with the hose. Athleta has a longer more feminine skort that comes in 9 colors, which I think would be a fantastic addition my summer collection.
I have to mention my other “mom” favorite: a boat-neck tee, so when I bend over to push swings and tie shoes I’m not flashing the world.
I agree with the statement about mothers with toddlers who will someday not have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions while chasing kids around. However, the thing that came to mind is…”when you are sitting at a lacrosse or field hockey game, be mindful of the waist of your jeans or skirt and if the top of your underwear is showing.” I have spent many an hour having to look at someone’s thong peeking at me while I sit in bleachers!
All such good points. I live in the windiest town in the world (I’m pretty sure), so I tend to do the skirt thing even on breezy days, because otherwise I literally would never get to wear them. But even I will turn to capris or shorts on the wildest days of summer. Also, it doesn’t seem it at the time, but yes, there really will come a day when the playground becomes a place for your KIDS to play, not you. And you get to sit or stand with the other moms and chat while you keep an eye on all your kids running around having fun with each other, no longer in need of your spotting skills as they climb that (dear God) curly ladder.
I’m a little afraid to confess this on the internet, but in the summer, I sometimes wear boxers (not my husband’s, but ones sold in the ladies pajama section) under a skirt. I like that they are a little looser than regular underwear. It’s crazy humid here in the summer, and even the best fitting elastic underwear bands cause chaffing issues if I’m out chasing after my kids in the heat.
I totally agree on the Watch your Back suggestion – I’ve seen much more of people’s backsides that I have EVER wanted to while sitting on bleachers. Cute on a 2-year old, horrifying on a 40-year old.
Although, I have to admit, I flashed the entire baseball registration table with a purple bra when I was signing my son up in a low-ish, loose t-shirt. Whoops!
I make my girls wear bike shorts under their skirts and dresses. Mostly because we are still working on how to sit properly and monkey bars are not conducive to keeping the identity of one’s panties private. That said, in my mind bike shorts under skirts and dresses are for those 10 and under (maybe 13). I wear skirts and dresses often and (knock on wood) have never flashed anyone. If I did, they would say, “She’s wearing clean underwear and a slip. Nothing much to see…move along.” I’m also firmly against skorts unless you are running. But, that’s just me.