I own two of the VC tube skirts. I haven't been able to wear them yet because I couldn't figure out how to get them to work with tights. But as the weather warms up, they are going to come into their own. I expect them to be workhorses for my wardrobe this spring and summer. One is cobalt and the other is navy.

I am wondering what kind of tops will look best with them, so I've tried a few things on so you can compare and help me out with ideas.

I do have some limitations when it comes to tops. In terms of figure flattery, I can't really do a wide V neck very successfully, or even a wide scoop (though I am showing one top like this which I quite like on me -- tell me if I am wrong). In terms of fabrication, most polyester tops are out in the summer. Natural fibres are pretty much required. I do not have air conditioning.

I would love your thoughts about which shapes work and any that do not. I'm playing with footwear options, as well, and have a few other options. But I feel easier in my mind about those.

I would especially love suggestions for ways to "finish" these outfits. To make them feel like outfits rather than just a skirt and top that I threw on without thinking about it, if you know what I mean! (Can you tell that I am lost without my jackets, scarves, or pullovers, and belts?)

Oh - I need a handbag, right? Okay...what colour (s)??

Apologies for the mussed hair, etc. And thank you for patience.

1. Cobalt skirt with Gap sweater -- this is a spring rather than high summer look in my climate.

2. Navy skirt with taupe linen sweater. This is also for warm spring, early summer, or early fall, because I need a camisole or tank underneath. In mid-summer, that's not happening.

3. Striped T -- just a normal cheap T from Urban Outfitters.

4. Blue T from BR a few years ago. Is this neckline okay on me? I tend to avoid wide open necklines like this one, but I love this T so much I wear it anyway. (Fabric is really great and cut is loose but shaped - so lovely for summer.) It is a bit dated, I think, and this is probably its last year.

5. Linen button down. Sorry for wrinkles -- it has just come out of its winter hiding place and I haven't pressed it yet. I have several button downs in different colours. This one is a sort of relaxed tailored fit. (Fits at shoulders and top but loose through trunk area.) Others are more tailored through the body. If it is passable, how do you make an outfit like this seem like an outfit?

6. The silk long-tailed Tee that Celia so sweetly sent me. This neckline okay? Am I overwhelmed or is it all right? (Not that I can get another of these anyway -- the retailer is no longer with us, alas - the late, lamented Cassis!)

7. J. Crew T and new baby wedge Cons, shamelessly copying Angie! Too ridiculous for a casual daytime look?

8/9. With denim jackets, since realistically, I will wear these shoes in spring and maybe summer evenings, not in the hottest days of our summer.

10. Orchid fitted cotton top from Mexx. Feels much more fitted than last year, which is partly a few lingering post-vacation pounds, but largely just a change in fit preferences. Realistically, I know I will not wear that belt in the summer. I didn't, last year. I have a couple of other fitted cotton tops from last summer. They were fine for wearing at home but did not feel particularly stylish and do not feel like "unstructured structure."

Thanks for looking and for your thoughts.