Help me shop/style this skirt, please - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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Help me shop/style this skirt, please

Ann in New England

Occasion: awards dinner at a corporate conference. Dress at conference varies from casual to business casual, but this event usually features women in dresses that are more on the daytime side (rather than cocktail).

Location: over-air-conditioned hotel ballroom in Florida

Requirement: sleeves. I am always cold, and also have a skin condition that flares up from time to time that manifests first in my underarm area. So I keep that covered at work.

I feel like I've pored over every online shopping site and I just can't find anything that feels right. I vary between a size medium and large.

I also just ordered these shoes, so bonus points if I can wear them with the skirt.

Thanks.
Thanks.

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Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from old chic

Anonymous

Hi Ann! Pretty skirt, and shoes too. Why not go with something similar to what the model is wearing - an ivory or winter white fine gauge knit, silk shirt, or the same colour in an updated jacket (like a moto, or something on the cropped side to show off the skirt)? I'd keep the top fairly simple as the skirt and shoes carry enough detail for the whole outfit. Silver jewellery and you're done!

Ann in New England

I was thinking ivory silk, but I can't seem to find anything that is not either sleeveless or too business-suit like. I hadn't thought of a fine gauge knit. Hmmm

MTBGirl

Veteran

Beautiful skirt and the shoes! oh my! I agree with Lisap in keeping the top simple and letting those two lovelies shine.

Ann in New England

OK, found a few ivory tops that might work, but I think Imay need to venture out with the skirt and try some things on in the store. I do think Lisa's right in keeping it simple. Maybe I'll be brave and post some dressing room shots.

annabelle

Veteran

I wear a black chiffon knee length layered looking skirt with a sleeveless black silk top with ruffles. Thinking that black on black might be a bit overwhelming without the sleeveless structure component, I found this blouse that might look fantastic with the skirt and shoes, and with your hair and complexion. It might not be the exact right blouse, but a style for you to consider shopping around for a bit.

https://www.therealreal.com/pr.....sid=ncvyyf

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rachylou

Veteran

Oh, I really like that blouse for the skirt, Annabelle.

Ann in New England

Annabelle, I love that! It might be a bit too dramatic for this occasion, but I am tempted ... However, that would be shopping for a life I don't lead. Gives me some other ideas, though, as you said. Thank you!

annabelle

Veteran

Ann, I just went into your Finds to see what you might enjoy, and... what about that crocodile twist top? (or something less pricey, if you are only wearing it occasionally!) That is gorgeous. The fabric leans dramatic but the shape is very simple, and that combination could go great with your skirt and shoes.

Before I went to the Finds, I thought of an ivory wrap long sleeved blouse, to complement the softness of the skirt.

http://www.marissacollections......kR4-2anK7L

http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/.....wordsearch

Or, I don't know if your style would appeal to a more boxy top on top, to contrast with the skirt.

http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/item10904678.aspx

http://www.eileenfisher.com/Ei.....ve/PRD_R4O is more casual

this is fun

Zibbets

Veteran

Ann, ivory would be lovely. You could also try metallic silver to go with the shoes. Something like this, perhaps:
http://www.dkny.com/women/shop.....er/7867000

I would want it to be fairly fitted so as not to compete with your gorgeous skirt.

unfrumped

Veteran

Ann, I agree, wear the skirt or take in a bag while shopping and try thing on directly.
The less - dressy fine knit can work and you just add a necklace ( dressy but not too gym if event is such) and clutch.
The skirt snd shoes are lovely so I agree that your " mission" for the toppiece is finding something simple and elegant with the right proportions - attesting neckline, the sleeves you need; doesn't have to be sparkly or dramatic. Bonus if you find something
really fab, but nice & simple are fine.

unfrumped

Veteran

Sorry , phone put " gym" for intended glam.

Ann in New England

You all need to come shopping with me.
Annabelle, I didn't even remember putting that crocodile twist top in my finds, and I'm not sure why I did, but I do like it. Too pricey, but that's certainly another direction I can go.

Which is why I love this skirt. I don't go to many events that require full cocktail attire, so I love that this can be dressed up or down. (Plus it was a deal, but I would have bought it at full price).

Unfrumped hit the nail on the head -- this is all about proportion. Something I am terrible at judging on myself.

Annabelle, I was thinking the wrap top might be too much with the layers of the skirt. But perhaps I'm wrong. Will try one one, those are everywhere.

Thanks, all.

Ann in New England

Zibbets, metallic is a great thought, if it's subtle. I've been flipping back and forth to the link you posted. I think it's too slouchy, but I get where you're going. Thanks!

AM

Veteran

I might go for black (fitted dressy sweater or blouse) and do colorful purse and jewels; or heavy up on metallic purse/ and jewels But I yes, take it shopping with you.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

WOW to the skirt and shoes.

Would you consider something sleeveless with a jacket?

Ann in New England

Elizabeth, I think I would for a different occasion. I don't have a dressy jacket, and I don't want to spend that much for this. A dressy cardigan might work, though...

Ann in New England

AM, thanks for the ideas. I'm LOLing at the jewels...if you saw my jewelry box you'd ask where the jewelry was... But maybe a statement necklace of some sort wouldn't be a bad buy...

Anonymous

Your outfit is off to a really good start, I think the ivory would look nice on you and can add a glow to the face at night that black does not.
I would have another layer though, as a precaution, and if a jacket is not your choice for now a silk knit cardigan would work very well and maybe even better. If you don't love to wear jewelry, maybe a non bulky, silk scarf could add color too?

harmonica

Veteran

Gorgeous skirt and shoes!

I'd keep it simple. The shoes and skirt are so beautiful that I'd like them to not be overwhelmed by other pieces. As others said, an ivory top that is simple and refined. If you want to add colour, you could do a fashionable clutch or an elegant silk scarf.

Zibbets

Veteran

Ann, my new Garnet Hill catalog came today and I thought of you when I spotted this linen & modal tee. I think any of the colors might work with your beautiful skirt. They also offer a tank and a cardigan in the same material.
http://www.garnethill.com/elbo.....tee/378812

Ann in New England

Thanks, Zibbets! I so appreciate you thinking of me! That's exactly what I'm looking for, but in white. The shoes arrived and they are definitely a cool white. So I've got an ivory silk top that I can wear with black pumps, that would be somewhat dressy, and then a more casual white top with my striped shoes for a little more casual look.

Zibbets

Veteran

That sounds perfect, Ann. Have a great time!

old chic

Would you consider a crisp white cotton shirt? Maybe something like these from Anne Fontaine:
http://www.annefontaine.com/the-white-shirt.html
Big-ish stand collar or winged french cuffs or some nice pleating at the yoke?
Carolina Herrara always rocks this look with a ladylike skirt. And crisp cotton would be bright white, businesslike, Florida-appropriate and yet casual and dressy at same time...