Competition dress/skirt length… how long is too long?

[skategeek]

So I'm thinking about the ISI Adult Nationals (I'd be competing in Alpha), which means I'm thinking about clothes. I'm not ready to invest in a custom dress or anything (and probably wouldn't have time to get one, since it's about 2 months away).  I want to keep it simple- probably a black long sleeve leotard and skirt (maybe black, maybe a color?) with tights.  I ordered stuff to try out, and the leotard is fine, but the skirt... I know they're traditionally pretty short but geez.  Waaaay too short for me.  My usual style is t-shirt and jeans... dressy means the black Reeboks.     Can't remember the last time I wore a dress of any kind... maybe a wedding?  So this is kind of a big step for me.

So the question is: how long can a skirt be and still be within the bounds of the traditional skating style (for a very low level competition)?  I know ice dance skirts are longer and a couple of those look promising.  But I've stumbled on sites with skirts meant for ballroom and swing dance, and I'm wondering whether any of those might be suitable.  Any suggestions/opinions?

Here are a couple of things I was looking at... opinions welcome!
http://www.onstagedancewear.com/PD-3409.aspx
http://www.dancedressshop.com/en/dance_skirts.htm

[Live2Sk8]

I think the skirt in the first link would be very suitable - and cute!  The majority of the skirts on the page that shows up on the second link look too long to me.  I think they would get in the way of your skating.

Since you're wearing a leotard, you could also try a simple dance wrap skirt, the kind that just ties on (doesn't have attached bottom).  I think you can buy those in an above-the-knee length and in various prints or colors.  Try a ballet shop if you have any nearby.

Good luck!  I started out with black skirt and leggings, then black skirt and black tights, before I finally felt comfortable enough to wear a modest skirt with nude tights.  It took even longer to feel comfortable with a dress, and I won't wear the 'traditional' skating dresses that are cut higher on the sides/thighs.  Thank goodness those don't seem to be the norm anymore. 

[Lola]

In general terms, if you're comfortable in it and it "goes" with your routine, the outfit you select will be fine. 

Just watch the length -- those dance skirts are gorgeous and flow nicely with dance routines. I've seen people wear them for FS or moves and the long skirt can look like a sail.

[rd350]

I was thinking the wrap dance skirt too.  No too, too long but still modest.

Something like this.  I've seen them in various lengths.

http://figureskatingdeals.com/shop/skate-wear/georgette-dancewrap-skirt-black/

[Meli]

I did a basic skills competition, and the skirt on my dress was about the length of the first skirt, hitting a few inches above the knee.  It didn't get in the way, and I didn't feel naked.  The wrap skirt is a pretty option as well, and should flow nicely.

[skategeek]

Thanks, everyone!  Good to know I'm not totally off base here.  I'll look at the wrap skirts, too.  (Though it occurred to me that if I get the swing skirt with attached shorts I could do a top other than a leotard... I'll think about that.  But I don't want to have to worry about a shirt coming untucked or anything, either...)

[rd350]

@skategeek just wondering, what is an alpha competition look like?  I have never competed so curious!  What are you planning on doing?  How long a program, etc.?

[skategeek]

Apparently it's a one minute program w/music, and has to include the elements from Alpha (forward stroking, right and left forward crossovers, snowplow stop), plus one element from Freestyle 1 (I'm planning on a forward pivot; it's the only one I can really do).  If I commit to it, I'm hoping to work with one of the LTS coaches to put together a program.  (So yes, clothes shopping is putting the cart before the horse...)

[skatezilla]

Just a suggestion - wait until you decide on your music before making a final decision on your outfit. You may decide on something completely different after your program is set. And be sure your music says something to you - it'll make it much easier for your first competition.

One of my skating friends, who is also a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, did her first competitions wearing nice black stretchy pants (looser than leggings) and a royal blue sparkly top. She looked great and was totally comfortable and, as far as Ikmow, was not penalized for not wearing a dress (ISI comp). We did finally get her into a dress for a later competition.

[rd350]

That's great @skategeek!

[skategeek]

Just a suggestion - wait until you decide on your music before making a final decision on your outfit. You may decide on something completely different after your program is set. And be sure your music says something to you - it'll make it much easier for your first competition.

One of my skating friends, who is also a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, did her first competitions wearing nice black stretchy pants (looser than leggings) and a royal blue sparkly top. She looked great and was totally comfortable and, as far as Ikmow, was not penalized for not wearing a dress (ISI comp). We did finally get her into a dress for a later competition.

Good point!  I've talked to one of the coaches about it and we're going to set up a time to get together...

[PhysicsOnIce]

You might also want to look at Discount Dance ( http://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/tutus-and-skirts/page1).

They have a long list of different types of skirts ranging from really short to really long and a multitude of styles. I use one of their chiffon wrap skirts (http://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/style_123G.html?TopCat=&cat=&Shop=) for testing moves.

[PrettySk8Dress]

So I'm thinking about the ISI Adult Nationals (I'd be competing in Alpha), which means I'm thinking about clothes. I'm not ready to invest in a custom dress or anything (and probably wouldn't have time to get one, since it's about 2 months away).  I want to keep it simple- probably a black long sleeve leotard and skirt (maybe black, maybe a color?) with tights. 

So the question is: how long can a skirt be and still be within the bounds of the traditional skating style (for a very low level competition)? 
  Any suggestions/opinions?

Because you are going to Adult Nationals, I would suggest something a little more dramatic than a plain black leotard and a chiffon skirt. Since ice dance dresses and synchro dresses have a longer hemline than other ice skating dresses, have you considered wearing a ice dance dress for your Alpha program ? Something like this, nicely done but not over done, suitable for a lower level competition dress, IMO. Many dresses like this one are stock dresses, not custom made, and can be ordered and shipped off of the Internet in a short period of time---

http://images.loveiceskating.co.uk/1/1388327222_85.jpg

[skategeek]

Because you are going to Adult Nationals, I would suggest something a little more dramatic than a plain black leotard and a chiffon skirt. Since ice dance dresses and synchro dresses have a longer hemline than other ice skating dresses, have you considered wearing a ice dance dress for your Alpha program ? Something like this, nicely done but not over done, suitable for a lower level competition dress, IMO. Many dresses like this one are stock dresses, not custom made, and can be ordered and shipped off of the Internet in a short period of time---

http://images.loveiceskating.co.uk/1/1388327222_85.jpg

Nice!  I'll think about it, definitely.  The coach I'm working with says there's someone local who makes dresses, too, so I'm going to look into that.  I feel like time is getting tight, though, if I need to special order something.

[skategeek]

OMG, I just ordered a dress.  Crossing fingers that it'll actually fit... I'm on the border between L and XL on the Jerry's size charts, and this dress only comes in L.  (I only found it at this site; looks like it may have been discontinued?)  I also ordered a dance skirt to go with the the leotard, just in case. 

http://www.skate-buys.com/je639aldr.html

[WaltzJump413]

Gorgeous dress, skategeek! I love it.

[Live2Sk8]

That's beautiful!  I hope it fits!  Another online vendor who carries a lot of Jerry's dresses is www.skate-mart.com.  You might need to search in the Clearance section (but they sort it by brand) if you think the dress was discontinued.  They also tend to have good sales around holidays and with Labor Day coming up, you might get lucky.  Make sure you use the 'check inventory' option on their site.  I ordered a dress once but found out more than a week later that they no longer had the dress.  The rep said to always check before buying.  Seems like you shouldn't be able to order something that is no longer carried but maybe I am too logical.  Of course I wasn't charged but meanwhile I thought I had a dress on order and I didn't.

[skategeek]

Yeah, I just got an e-mail saying it's backordered, so now I need to call and find out what that really means.

[skategeek]

Well, drat.  The dress is out of stock (as I suspected).  Back to square one, but I have some ideas.  Meanwhile, I ordered two different "just in case" skirts to go with the leotard...

[Live2Sk8]

That's too bad!  It was a pretty dress.  Hope you find another alternative that makes you happy!

[PhysicsOnIce]

Skate-Mart has a series of long skirted "dance" dresses which are on-sale. Depending on your size and music you might find something there. Personally, I love the CRESCENDO #j2k7583
http://www.skate-mart.com/catalog/dressesclearance5ad.shtml

[skategeek]

Skate-Mart has a series of long skirted "dance" dresses which are on-sale. Depending on your size and music you might find something there. Personally, I love the CRESCENDO #j2k7583
http://www.skate-mart.com/catalog/dressesclearance5ad.shtml

Thanks!  I'll look there.  I'm also planning to look here:  http://www.usicewear.com  They're local, and I can go over and try on what they've got in stock.

It may all be moot, though... still trying to get confirmation that either the skating director or my coach has registered my test results with ISI, and the deadline is today.  If there's no wiggle room there I may be out of luck.

[fsk8r]

I'm also planning to look here:  http://www.usicewear.com  They're local, and I can go over and try on what they've got in stock.

Do they have a store? While I'm not local, it's not that far from where I go visit for business and I really like their tights (but can't get them in the UK anymore) so if they've got a store I could call in and talk to them.

[skategeek]

Do they have a store? While I'm not local, it's not that far from where I go visit for business and I really like their tights (but can't get them in the UK anymore) so if they've got a store I could call in and talk to them.

I think it's pretty much a one-person operation, and she works out of her home.  She said I could set up an appointment with her to try on what she's got.  She's about 15 minutes from my house.  Hoping to get there sometime this week.  I'm sure you could call or e-mail her.

[skategeek]

I got a dress!  Went to USIcewear and tried on about 6 different ones. There were a couple that had promise if I could get one made with a longer skirt, and maybe a different color. But then the second to last one just clicked!  Pics when I get home to my computer.