In the last outfit I posted — Boho Lite in Arizona — all the items are new. This is rare, because I usually mix newer items with older ones (I love the way a few new items can refresh your whole wardrobe for the season). It’s even more unusual for me to find a completely new outfit combination made up of golden oldies that have been in my wardrobe for years. I’m constantly experimenting with my wardrobe, mixing and remixing, so it’s very unlikely that a good combination will go undiscovered for long. But that’s exactly what happened here. 

For two seasons I’ve been looking for a two-piece dress, but it only recently occurred to me that I could combine my Band of Outsiders multi-coloured twinset with my J.Crew skirt to create the same effect. It’s a fab coincidence that the shades of orangey tomato red are a perfect match. The two-piece dress effect would have been lost if the tomato reds were merely a tonal complement.

The colour blocking in the twinset uses intarsia knitting. It’s an expensive technique that’s typically only found in higher-end pieces. Early in my career as a fashion buyer I worked for a retailer that was on the budget end of the spectrum and I could never afford to use intarsia knitting in my range. This changed when I moved to a more upmarket department store and I remember being very excited about finally having the budget to do so.

The silhouette of the twinset is a good combination with most styles of skirt because it’s short and fitted. It can therefore be worn untucked without compromising the traditionally flattering proportions of the outfit. Although the cardigan is a fun visual match, I like the outfit best without it. Keeping it simple with a skirt, fitted shell top, heels and clutch looks best of all.

We live in Seattle, so at this time of year I need some sort of topper when it’s cooler in the morning and evening. The cardi is handy, but a denim jacket is even better. My old Paige Premium mixed media denim jacket is a wardrobe workhorse and my favourite casual jacket of all time. It does a good job of relaxing the fitted pencil skirt vibe, and the blue is complementary to the orange.

I chose my all time favourite pumps, the cow print Okala ankle straps, to finish off the outfit because the pattern mimics the colour blocking in the twinset. I threw in the tomato red clutch for an extra dose of matchy-matchy. My apple green specs are the final colourful cherry on top. The high contrasting and clashing colours here are hectic and not everyone’s cup of tea. And while I don’t wear this type of colour statement daily, it makes me very happy when I do.

The classic combination of a knee-length pencil skirt with a tucked or fitted top and heels has a certain timeless quality. It strips things down to the bare essentials, creating a traditionally flattering, polished, and ladylike appearance that is always in style. It feels good to detox from trendier pieces from time to time.

The Outfit Collection

In May we focused a lot on the lower half of an outfit, with several articles on bottoms, footwear and their combination. One must read from May is the results of our recent YLF survey. We got extremely useful feedback and some of it helped Greg to fine tune the design of our front page. Also: new ensembles, my outfits and Inge’s continuing coverage of outstanding outfit bloggers.

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A documentary about the cost of fast fashion, a new outlet store concept from Kohl’s, the winners of the LVMH Prize for young designers, and other fashion news that made the rounds this week.

• The new Evans collection out now features signature pieces from established and up-and-coming designers.
• Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida have won the second annual LVMH Prize for young designers.
• Kohl’s is testing a new outlet store concept that allows customers to buy returned items at deeply discounted prices.
• Vivienne Westwood partners with the Cambridge Satchel Company for three limited-edition bags inspired by her 1981 Pirate collection.
• Cher is the star of Marc Jacobs’ 2015 Fall/Winter campaign.
• Tory Burch, Sara Blakely and five other fashion entrepreneurs made Forbes’ first list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women.
• The True Cost, a documentary by Andrew Morgan that looks at the human and environmental cost of fast fashion, opens in theatres today.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that fuller style panties are popular with millennials and Generation Y consumers. According to research company NPD Group “Sales of thongs decreased 7 percent over the last year, while sales of fuller styles — briefs, boy shorts and high-waist briefs — have grown a collective 17 percent.” Erica Russo, the fashion director for accessories, cosmetics and intimate apparel at Bloomingdale’s, adds “that indeed there has been a ‘shift in the business’. The trend is in line with the higher-waist and roomier pants styles that have dominated fashion this season. Perhaps motivated by the same kind of contrarianism that helped elevate Birkenstocks and fanny packs, young women are embracing ‘granny panties’ — and not just for laundry day.”

This ensemble was inspired by the outfits I put together for a client using Banana Republic’s knit layered long skirt (which is on sale for $30). In the picture online it has been styled with dressy heels and a silk top, which looks a little off to me. This is NOT a dressy skirt. It’s made of knitted jersey, and looks best styled in a casual way. 

Straight maxi skirts with front side slits, tulip front wrap openings, or high-low hemlines are flattering because they prevent “uni-leg”. The slit, or shorter front hem, provides leg exposure which allows you to clearly see two legs under the expanse of fabric. Leg exposure further grounds the feet so that they don’t look spare. To my eye these are the best looking styles of casual maxi skirt, and they are extra comfortable as you stride.  

Choose any colour palette across solids and patterns. Here are the components of the ensemble: 

Casual Maxi Skirt: You’re after a style that’s straight or slightly A-line with an asymmetrical hemline. Side slit versions are best when they’re tapered towards the hem. High-low hemlines or wrap-front tulip styles tend to be slightly A-line. Knitted fabrics work exceptionally well, but casual and soft viscose or cotton blends can work too. 

Black, striped and grey casual maxi skirts tend to be the most versatile, but by all means choose alternative colours and patterns. 

Top: Fluid T-shirts in cotton and linen blends are a slam dunk. Choose them in a neckline and sleeve length that works best for you. Semi-tuck the front for a bit of structure, or leave the tee untucked if it is sufficiently short. Casual woven shell tops or tank tops are another way to go. Create a low or high contrast with the top. 

Optional Topper: A denim jacket or vest is an easy way to top off the look, but it’s optional. Leave it off if it’s too hot to wear layers. 

Footwear: Choose casual footwear like slides, wedge sandals, gladiators, espadrilles, sandal booties, cut-out booties and cork platforms. Or throw on a pair of Chucks or slip-on sneakers. Wedge sneakers are another option. Choose a colour that works with the outfit. 

Accessories: Finish off the outfit with a casual bag like a leather tote, slouchy hobo, bucket bag, upscale backpack or straw tote. Add a fedora, Panama hat, cowgirl hat or straw hat. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.

One of my clients is also using the knit layered long skirt as a swimsuit cover-up on her beach vacation. That’s how casual a skirt this is. A great look for Mums and gals on the go, or any casual setting.