tallguyinheels

might be interested in the long skirt you found. though lately i've been interested in raising my hemline... sounds like a good outing.

Nope not me - but i looked good in that skirt, too!

thx JeffB. As you already know, there is a bit more freedom in a shorter skirt. Though tights are pretty much a necessity. I think I'll be out again tomorrow in this skirt, though it's suppose to cool off 30 degrees tomorrow - trading an 85 for a 55 here in ATL. I may need to find a jacket or sweater that works well. with the skirt - and likely boots.

finally able to upload the pictures.... What do you think of the look? Also included a picture of the "Lace Scuba" Skirt mentioned above... I looked much better and less "Girly" on me in the store. But perhaps a good thing I passed on it.

HinH, Thanks for the kind words. Alas, I already have ventured to "the Rack" but my large feet have made attemts at women's clothes there futile - though good deals on fine Italian loafers abound.

So, another shopping adventure. This time last Wednesday at the Loft. In mid afternoon, I stepped into a busy strip mall store (at least a half dozen customers) and walked up to the sales counter. This is a lot different than walking into Nordstrom at the same time of day, which required passing a the half dozen or so customers transiting the parking lot or passing them in the aisles heading to a nearly empty (and large) women’s clothing section. These women and I would share shopping space for a while, and I left no doubt what I was shopping for, as I was in my 27” pencil skirt, a button down Polo short sleeve shirt, a small handbag on my shoulder, and my 5 inch oxford heels at the end of my legs sheathed in argyle pattern tights. I can’t believe the freedom you feel once you commit to the task of wearing in a public situation. Relaxed at the sales counter, I explained my interest in a trying a skirt or two I noticed on their website. A tall mid 30’s, black (though not relevant to my “color blind” ethics) sales assistant – Lea directed toward one of the skirt styles, and asked my size. I said, “I’ve not yet purchased anything from the Loft, but my experience says anything from size 12 to 16 – Let’s start with a 14 – but I want to make sure it is OK to use the changing rooms – I don’t want to put the store in an awkward position with its other customers.” She said she appreciated my concern would ask the manager, whom acknowledged me and said essentially, “no problem at all.” Lea took me back, and led me to one of many changing rooms, and said she would be back to check on me. This skirt was about 22 inch long – just above the knees and the size 14 fit pretty good – it was made of what they called “scuba” material – and it has a bit of the feel of neoprene – even though it was a woven material. Very stretchy. Lea comes back and asks what I think, and I immediately open the door and asked her what she thought. She takes me all in, and her affirming smile – with a bit of surprise – expression certainly built up my confidence. We discussed the fit a bit and how the material looked good as it draped nice and straight, but maybe a little loose on the waist. She offered, “Why don’t you check what it looks like in the 3-way mirror at the far end of the changing room?” So I just strutted out of my booth and past several others (probably three other women in the changing room area along with a couple additional sales staff.) Now, I am the center of attention, relaxed and trying on clothes and checking to see what looks good on ME. One of the other sales assistants asks about my heels, “Are they from Nordstroms?” (“No, I have to buy my size from the internet.” “Size 15?”, she responds to my answer to her next obvious question, “ They don’t look nearly that big.” I affirmed, “Well that is one of the beautiful things about high stiletto heels.” Lea, suggests she has some others skirts I could try. She brings a grey size 12 in the same skirt and another “scuba” material skirt (grey and a dark maroon that has an interesting lace like overlay – it looked good – actually – it was also in a 12 – and was maybe an inch shorter. Each time I walked out the mirror, checked myself out – while enjoying all the attention. Lea went out for a moment and came back with a “Faux Fur Collar Sweater Coat” and said this might work. I had to catch her, and say, “You know I don’t ever dress as a female – only as a professional looking guy in a skirt – now and then.” I added that I wear the heels much more often – with slacks and jeans.” With that settled, we went back to skirts. While she was pressing the Lace “scuba skirt” (lace is too strong a word – it wasn’t “frilly” just a contrasting texture - I asked if there were other skirts there and she brought back this nice – little bit shorter – dark navy pin stripe maybe 21 inches long. Belt loops, zipper, tab closure (I’m still not efficient at hook and eye clasps). Tried it with the belt I came in with…. This turned out to be my favorite. All together I was in the Loft for about an hour, tried on 5 skirts types - some in multiple sizes. A couple skirts I repeatedly tried - switched back and forth - and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Note: Wore this ensemble on the way to work this morning, and I stop at my usual convenience store, where they see me once a week or so in a skirt, usually on Tuesdays. Often, I wait a moment or two to gather myself before going in. Today, I just went for it. The slightly chilly morning, felt good on my tighted legs as I hopped out of my truck. There is no doubt this is by far the shortest skirt I’ve ever worn in public. The length, from the hem the top of my hips, where slacks or jeans might rest, is just 15 inches… The visit was uneventful – For some reason the place was not that busy – I often have to wait 4 or 5 deep in a cue to pay. There was a scowl from a construction worker type capping his coffee, while I approached to fill my cup. I was greeted by the counter staff with no comment, and I got the prerequisite double take from a women dressed nicely – long skirt, white blouse, short jacket, wearing loafers - as I held the door open for her on my exit. Maybe a lunch-time adventure will yield more interest of comments. Note 2, unable to upload pictures... Anybody else having that problem?

JeffB: Good luck and good fortune to you. The other aspect of engaging others - sales associates, my hair dresser, dry cleaners and such - is that it a bit more "active" to the cause than the passive activity of wearing heels and skirts. Maybe, (At least I imagine) there's a conversation later between associates, girlfriends or a husband: "This guy came in to work today wearing a skirt and stiletto boots!" "Some kind or weirdo or something?" "No, he was 50's, polite and looked pretty nice" "What was he there for?" "He tried on some skirts - a long one where he looked alright, even with the heels!" "Some freak I would guess, You say he looked OK?" "Yes, in a nice men's T-shirt, Polo I think, Tan, somewhat fit. I really did a double take when I first saw him. He must have been 6'9" inches in those heels, He walked steady and it wasn't until I looked down did I see he was wearing an at the knee black pencil skirt, with knee boots!" .... Of course this is my optimistic view - don't think I could do this if I thought something else.

I'm a bit embarrassed as I think you have been as strong a motivation for me to wear stylish skirt and heels in public as anyone here. As for shopping, it is a motivation to me to wear the skirt into a women's clothing area, and say to a sales professional (Honestly) "I'm a guy that occasionally, as you can see, likes to wear skirts in public, I always like to look professional, and I never dress or wear makeup to look feminine." That leads to a usually a positive experience. Friday, I weny to a mall in a more conservative area of ATL. There are some outlet stores for Neiman Marcus and Saks5th. Walked in with the outfit show last to NM first. (note on malls - I'm always more relaxed entering a store directly than a general entrance ). I'm kind of looking for a shorter skirt that would make TBG or JeffB proud! nothing there, but as I worked my way toward the mall entrance at least one small group (younger Asian) in the mall had looked through the store's mall entrance and noticed me shopping, gawking and even pointing. (OK, I'm sure I present an interesting image) I waited a bit before exiting into the mall, it is not my desire to perform! In the mall, I passed many individuals and groups and a few passed me. Looking into shop windows is what most people do, and I am like most people, I guess. Not one negative gaze or comment best I could tell. Saks5th was even worse than NM for skirts. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. Headed toward a store called "Perfect Bodies", because mine is not! They specialize in compression garments for women and men. I admit to wear two "Flexees" waist cinchers (size small) when I wear skirts, a skirt just looks better worn when you have a waist! I was hoping they had a single thinner garment to duplicate the dual cinchers. The two sales ladies greeted me and I explain my situation (exactly as above - so much power in honesty), and they are eager to help me, but first both the ladies mention my boots and the tall heels and how I manage in them. "practice, I wear heels like this almost daily - and I can walk all day in them" Unfortunately, after a good 1/2 hour of trying different garments, men's and some frilly women's styles, nothing seemed to be better or more comfortable than my current solution. But keep in mind, I am 6'5 inches (195cm) tall and have a torso more like someone 6'8" (203cm) tall. On leaving, I was complemented on my appearance and again on how I handle the heels. I walked out feeling even taller, visited a couple of smaller shops, still unsuccessful in shopping - but a very successful outing in skirt and heels!

Jeff, you are always a fine encouragement! I've got to find some shorter skirts! And some decent 3-4 inch pumps. The Friday I did - just in hast, venture into my usual convenience store wearing the tights and my new 27 inch pencil skirt wear my go to work italian (mens) loafers. While an easy venture, i did not feel as stylish as I do in my Pleaser 5" heels! go figure. I'm wondering, in my ventures out in a skirt, I feel much more relaxed and almost "powerful" once I get out in public and realize not many people notice and for those that do, me pushing their expectations a bit, is at least, I think - the motivation for these feelings of control if not power. Do you have similar observations?

OK, here is today's outfit. Deciding on the skirt - The new 27" pencil (this time with the boots) or the 33 inch button front A line skirt I mentioned a few post's back. I'm in a maroon T shirt this time - the skirt really dresses up the T in my opinion. I know it's more of a fall look - but fall is just a month away!

I'm tall, have big feet and have decided to present a "conservative" image. This obviously limits my choice of what to wear - and (just for budget reasons) I have pretty much decided to purchase items I would plan to wear in public. The big feet has one serious consequence: I am limited to stiletto heels or platforms. My height pretty much limits the platforms - especially when combined with "conservative". Is a 5" heeled boot conservative? Well perhaps, because proportionally it doesn't look that high on my body - when I get the rare opportunity to discuss my heels most guess an inch or more lower. Also when paired with a long skirt - button down shirt, it's difficult to accuse me of a "Pretty Woman" look. This doesn't mean I don't plan to expand my wardrobe for heels. Right now, I have 6 pairs of longer chino or wool pants I wear with heels almost daily and three or four long legged jeans (Buckle Stores have 37" inseams for girls jeans and 38" inseam on some guys jeans!- Though a somewhat easier to find 36" inseams add a couple inches to my standard 34" pant leg. Add to that, 6 skirts ( my my new 20 inch Pencil Skirt, and several 35-37 inch long skirts of linen, denim or wool. Black, Khaki, and Blue Denim. I just tried the shorter skirt with tights for the first time and I looked good and felt comfortable in it. It will be even better in cooler weather. Sandal and wedges - if I could find my size - are on a list for next spring perhaps, maybe even with mid thigh a denim skirt! I am also a bit curious to experiment with color - perhaps with pumps and the skirt. And I'm regularly here at hhplace looking for advice, opportunity and style.

danielp... The two pictures are of the same skirt. The skirt is a light weight denim and it hangs fairly straight with a 15 inch or so slit in the back - The front shot makes it look a bit like a hobble skirt - which it certainly is not - though a little tailoring could easily convert it to such. I liked the long length. FYI- Not your daughters jeans are available from many department stores, and directly on the manufacture's website. $110 ouch! TBG - that's OK, I only like "manly" pattern tights when I wear my skirts! Argyle, Herringbone, Ribbed - No hearts, flowers, and any other frilly design. (Sorry if the humor doesn't come through the posting - Just laughing at myself.) Actually, this was my first pair of tights, and I went out shopping for a ribbed design, but in visiting 6 different stores at lunch Tuesday - Kohl's, Target, Sears, Belk, JCP, & Macy's - the hot weather here in Atlanta has seemed to minimize the availability of tights, and I came up empty - on ribbed - there was a good choice of frilly and plain designs, though. These came from Target.

To continue... I went out at noon back to Nordstrom’s in the pencil skirt/coral shirt outfit but switching in Black Seduce2000 5 inch heeled knee boots instead of the oxfords. About 6 inches between the tops of the boots and the bottom of the skirt – still using the “argyle” pattern tights. First to the dry cleaner for a pickup – another black skirt button up front mid-calf length – and they have seen me in skirts before – they are all business. Parking spot right in front for an easy in and out – I purposely did not use the drive through just to get the out of car jitters over. (There is a Subway “deli” right next door, however) Like I said – a minute or two, in and out two guys leaving Subway at the same time I leave but I don’t think they noticed. On to Nordstom’s. OK, admitting jitters getting out of the car but once out in the open, immediate relaxation. “Can’t do anything about what other people think.” The 200 ft walk to the store with other shopper coming and going was actually calming. Those that left the Nordstrom entrance either noticed and didn’t care, or didn’t notice at all. In the store I strode toward the center escalator, needing to go one floor up, and whether people noticed, or not, I didn’t care. It’s summer time here and while in my 5 minutes of anxiousness in the car, I was noticing the mostly women traffic in and out of the store’s doors were mostly casually dressed, and many down right frumpy. And I’m looking professional and polished, just a well dressed man in a skirt and heel. The match for any woman’s (or man’s) outfit that had already entered. On the second floor, I strolled back where the young sales assistant had helped me Monday. Not to be found, a 40ish, and can’t believe Nordstrom let’s her dress like that (slacks and a shirt, but both too tight – I first thought she was a customer) sales lady ask if I needed assistance. Tried on the same as before – but this lady was not accommodating – plus the place was a bit busier this afternoon – so there were other to assist. I passed on the khaki skirt, because it was not lined it did not hang as well as earlier b/c of the tights. Just too lightweight material. Message “Stay away from unlined stretchy material in a short skirt – when it’s likely you won’t go bare legged. I poked around Nordstrom’s a bit before leaving. “A shorter skirt perhaps?” and I think of TBG in his micro mini’s, almost laughing out loud in the process. And guess what? The down escalator was broken, you have to use the elevator or venture into the mall to decrement one level. I chose the latter. By now I’d tried on a couple of skirts and talked with the saleslady a couple of times . Btw, she also said she liked the long denim skirt best. Oh, and before leaving Nordstrom’s I got a full up and down disapproving look from a woman about my age, as I walked up and thanked the sales lady for her time. Not far up the mall I decided to enter the almost adjacent Bloomingdale's instead of taking the mall escalator down. More shopping! Asking for moderately priced skirts I was directed to an area where a younger Asian sales lady assisted me in finding a few skirts – a shorter than I was wearing black pencil skirt from JNY, and a similar one from Calvin Klein along with a denim Calvin Klein skirt about knee length. The CK Denim just didn’t hang right at all: Almost no waist and just didn’t fit well, The CK lined pencil was quite a bit shorter – almost mid calf – and the JNY was a bit in between with the JNY a bit tight, the dressing room was a bit warm – And I decided I had enough. But a good outing in my shortest new thrift store skirt

Wetwillie, Yes it is a little difficult if your spouse does not approve... I have the same consideration. Guys can compartmentalize - not a common trait for women. Enjoy the thread and have fun in heels and skirts. FYI, I'm in heels just about every day, I'm in skirts every now and then - my enjoyment vs. anxiousness level goes up and down. I don't want to wear a skirt and be anxious, I want to wear a skirt and enjoy how I look and feel. FYI feeling pretty good about the black pencil skirt look today.

thx for the positive comments TBG & HnH's I do like the look of the boots with the shorter skirt, but with legging or tights, I think you can pull of the "bootie" heeled oxfords. As you can see here. With the longer "Maxie" - just about ant shoe would work After leaving Nordstroms I noticed a Goodwill, just a short distance from the upscale mall - this is in a pretty nice area of ATL. I thought I check out the skirts... The Pencil skirt here was the first that was just the "right" look for the "professional" appearance I try to make in skirts. Also picked up a longer A line skirt "Talbots" branded - the longer one is 100% wool, 35" long and will be great this fall. For now the pencil skirt will be an adventure just 20 inches long but fits nice at the waist. Tried with a Belt - sorry just a bit long so it droops in front - and without. what do you think?

probably elsewhere here. but

http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2011/02/10/how-high-can-heels-go

Can't believe it's been almost a year since I've added to this thread... Perhaps because I have been heeling more in pants than skirts. I'm feeling a little more relaxed now, though, and I've done a little skirt shopping lately. Surfing www I came across this nice long skirt (my preference) "Ellen" from "not your Daughters jeans" and it's available from Nordstrom So yesterday I go down to the mall (in long pants and my avatar shoes) and wander for a brief while until a young sales women asks if I could use some help. I explain I occasionally wear skirts and was interested the the NYDJ skirt. She directs me to the rack and asks what size. I respond - probably 14 - but I'd like to try it on, and the dressing rooms are right near by, but I said I would like to be polite and if she would be uncomfortable with me in the "women's" dressing room I would go to the men's area to try on. She immediately said, "No, go ahead, here, these are anybody's dressing room, and she walks me in." "Nordstrom has great dressing rooms, BTW. I try on the 14 and the material is very lightweight and stretchy, and I can pull the waist 5 to six inched away from my belly. The sales lady comes back to check on me, "how does it look?" So I open the door, and give her a "Well what do you think?" I think at first she took in all in, the skirt and the heels (not sure if she had noticed before - eye contact and my being tall could have distracted.) Immediately, a little smile of surprise, perhaps, and she says that looks really nice. Genuinely, I think. As I thought similarly, though I was concerned with the size. So I asked, if she would get a size 12. The 12 was a bit tighter on the hips and showed my tucked in shirt lines. More of a problem because of the lightweight material - than the fit. My "assistant" agreed the 14 looked better, but I asked if there was another skirt made of more substantial material - I knew NYDJ also offered a shorter denim skirt. She came back with the second one - Khaki cargo skirt - It's hem falls a bit above my knee - I'm short legged, for a guy 6'5" that is - and looked really good, even in the size 16 - though my trouser socks should be replaced by tights for a proper look. And she asked if I had some knee boots adding that would be a good alternative. $88 dollars for a nice skirt seems a bit high - and I need to try it on tomorrow - in size 14. The best thing is that my "assistant" seemed to go from (perhaps) skeptic to advocate (almost). Being courteous and professional on my part - certainly helped in this way.

I solve that problem by wearing heels and skirt on the bottom, men's shirt on the top.

http://www.hhplace.org/guys/14555-skirting_envelope.html

I look a lot better now than in the early pics of that thread. Dropped some weight, wear my skirts at the waist and "straight" - not angled down in front... Encouraged by JeffB I have started with some shorter skirts, including my first pencil skirt I'll wear soon in public.

Oh, "self-indulgent" - that what spring first to my mind. none of those negative thesaurus synonyms.

Working my way down to 100kg... Been dropping about pound a week. no burgers or fries... lot's of water.

Just went to Zappos and there are shoes in MY size - 14, 15 that are not 4to 5inch stiletto heels!

http://www.zappos.com/women-heels/CK_XARC41wF6AtQEggECrRjAAQHiAgQBGAIP.zso

AChappel, Yes, you confirm my experiences. at 6'5" I'm just an inch short of you... I hold my head up, look people in the eye, am quick to say "Hello", hold doors open for women and don't let them slam on men. Bow your head politely when passing through those doors, head knocks are not desired. (though most commercial doors are seven feet!) Even skirted, where the boots and heels are obvious, the head up and engaging of other will minimize attention. I remember walking into a Chico's and with the sales lady behind a rack of close, she could not see my long skirt and heels as we began our conversation: "How can I help you?" "I'm interested in any long skirts you may have" "What size?" "Not too sure, I know sizes vary" About that lime I had rounded the clothes rack and we were face to face 4 feet apart or so, she was still gazing up at me in our conversation and we went a sentence or two further along (she was still under the assumption the skirt would be for someone else) before I had to comment, sweeping my hands downwards, "You see I occasionally like to wear skirts." I do find that it seems to be common for some to look down at my feet immediately after noticing my height. Are they thinking "how can't he be that tall?"

Heel tips all the time... The local cobbler expects me in one a month - and that's with rotation shoes - sometime my two pairs of oxfords get a lot of use. Can't wait for boots and fall/winter. I've had one pair of oxfords replaced - the leather just stretched out too much and it was a little sloppy and less secure walking in the 5".

I hope everyone is staying healthy out there as the heat wave passes. I am noticing mostly flats/sandals/wedges/ with little or no heel being worn out there during my errands and travels... Even here in Atlanta where heels are common - even in the 'burbs, been a couple days since I've seen a 4" pump or taller platform. Can't wait for fall!

TBG, Wow an A&F mini... now that's short. I also picked up a denim mini at the thrift store a bit ago - heck we have to see what works or not, right? It is a hip hugger (very low rise) fit version as well and only 12 inches long(?). As with you I feel leggings or "jeggings" would be a must. Though, for me, I enjoy the look of a women in a short skirt with bare legs and pumps. Whether I ever venture out in the mini is doubtful, though I have the Pleaser Domina thigh boots to complement the look makes just the prospect interesting. Intil I wore heels, the look of a low rise jean (or skirt) did not flatter my long torso, short legs (relative) proportions, but with a 5 inch or higher heel all the proportions have shifted. Now my trouser inseams are 36 or 37 inches, and long lower rise skirt look fine. Though in the long skirt I also like the high "Natural" waist look - really accentuates the long legged look! Keep up pressing the envelope!