Part K/R, part fixing the MOTG tube pencil skirt look

I tried the recent MOTG pencil skirt/loose top combo, and needless to say, this is NOT a look for me (see Exhibits 1-3). That "fluid on top" look just does me no favours. But I like the tube pencil skirt, where I didn't think I would! Has anyone come up with ideas to style this that don't involve trapeze tops? Or have I just not found the right one? If I keep this skirt, without a plan, it'll become an orphan.

So, for fun, I put on a different top with the same skirt, and it looked better (they don't go together at all, Exhibit 4).

Exhibit 5 is another new purchase (okay, both are)--a black pencil skirt (part of a suit) and a peplum blouse, and a belt! This isn't a K/R, more like a "Look at this killer blouse!"

Perhaps I need just scratch to the first bit and embrace belts and retro silhouettes.

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10 years ago

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

The striped pencil skirt is great! I love how it has low contrast with the green stripes. Have you tried a more fitted knit top with it? The comfort factor would be better for casual wear than needing to wear a belt.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

FWIW, the fluid top concept may need another chance

Troubleshooting:

It's the high contrast of the white with the dark colour of the skirt that could be throwing you off, as well as the grinning of the garment in front as a result of a too short white cami. Try a darker fluid top and cami.
Try a banded top with fluidity on the torso, as opposed to fluidity under the arms, hips, AND torso.

Hope that makes sense

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Love the blue blouse, it's great on you. I am the same as you in that loose and flowy on the top is not the most easy thing to make work on my body. It's fun to play with occasionally, though. I almost think that that top is not loose enough - it looks like it's hanging up a bit at the hip. And I agree with Angie that the high color contrast also doesn't help. Something that is even more drapey in fabrication - poly or silk woven or a rayon knit - and that is fitted in the arms/shoulders but then falls away might be easier to style.

Diana

I'd try a slightly oversized silk blouse, soft but the lapels and shoulder shape give it some structure.

Nicole D

I don't hate the first look, at least the idea of it. Keep trying. I do like both of those skirts and the blue blouse is very nice. Like the turquoise belt with it.

RoseandJoan

I choose to wear sleeveless tops with volume with my tube skirt, the exposed arms add the extra structure, however, I will have to rethink this strategy once the weather cools.

froggiebecky

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! I'll hang onto the skirt and start looking for a more fluid top, with perhaps some banding or other structure. Stay tuned!

rachylou

You are a looker!

Ok, I actually like 1-3. Not traditionally flattering maybe, but very stylish and the top suits the skirt. I've some tube skirts on the way, I hope I look as good.

The blouse and belt are beautiful on you.

Beth Ann

I'd keep trying the fluid top, but you don't need it to make the pencil look good. I wear mine with a standard v-neck tee. When it's warm, I wear it alone, but in cooler weather I'll wear a heavier sweater, or add a jacket.

Love the skirt on you! And yes, the blouse is amazing!

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Beth, that zig zag striped skirt is rocking on you! Thanks for the ideas. I'm trying to find a way to drag this skirt earlier into spring.

Thank you, rachylou! I wasn't feeling like much of one yesterday.
I like the white paired with it, and I only put on the camisole to cover up the dark foundations I was wearing. Looking at the photos, though, I think this top may need it anyway. I'm not loving the top pooling over the back end, though. I think something with a more silky texture may work better. I'll keep playing with it.

Also, thanks to everyone for your patience with my camera!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Love your killer blouse--gorgeous color and style on you. I think 4 and 5 show that you can wear a pencil skirt, with the more traditional silhouette, so the striped one need not become an orphan.
I like pics 1-3; my only thought was to wear a darker cami or a longer one to avoid the grinning line that Angie pointed out. I think you'd rock the looks Angie suggests with the skirt.

Adelfa

Love the cut AND color of your blouse!

I wear mine with V-neck tees like Beth Ann, only tucked in. Then I put an elastic belt around my waist (from Target--returned the one I ordered from Nordy). I don't usually wear all black like this, but I was going to a funeral!

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Deborah

I think it's been said but I thi k the white top isn't the right fluid top. I would suggest a fabric that floats and drapes, a tee is likely to cling and not create the look you are after. The peplum looks gorgeous wit the pencil skirt, but don't give up on the other silhouette just yet:)

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