Here are some midi and midaxi flowing skirt looks that will take some of us through transitional weather, and others right through Spring and into a cool Summer. With an emphasis on FLOW, these outfits are casual and smart casual, pulled together, and easy to move around in. If you leave the toppers off, you’ll have a breezy Summer outfit.

Feel free to use any colour palette and sub with more solids, if that’s your preference. The most important component of the outfit is the long flowing soft skirt.

1. Alluring Layers

The point here is to cover up and show some skin. Combine a flowing skirt with a strappy camisole or tank top that matches the skirt. Tuck, semi-tuck, or leave the top untucked. Layer a lightweight and swooshy maxi cardigan over the top. Gauzy cardigans are lovely for this type of effect. Scrunch the sleeves for some structure. Finish off the look with casual slides, mules, sandals, or espadrilles that match the outfit. Dressy ballet flats are lovely too.

2. Neutral Drape

Here, all three clothing items are drapey and fluid, with structure in the right places. The result is a practical, comfortable and relaxed elegance that is quite delicious. There is high contrast between the top and bottom, but you could create a lower contrast. And if solid neutrals from head-to-toe aren’t for you, throw in more colour and pattern. Combine a draped top with a banded bottom or welt with a drapey and flowing skirt. The band or welt gives the outfit some structure and there is no need to tuck the top. Add a drapey topper over the lot and a pair of dressy mules or ballet flats that work with the palette of the outfit. You’ll find that a shorter drapey topper with a bit of waist definition will add some structure to the outfit. I like the twinset effect of top and topper here, but it’s not essential.

3. Tee and Denim Jacket

This is a classic combination that works well over and over again. Combine a graphic tee with a flowing long skirt. Tuck, semi-tuck, or leave the top untucked. If the top looks and feels too boxy with the volume of the skirt when it’s untucked, do the knotted top trick to visually shorten the top and hint at a waistline. Add a short and tailored denim jacket to create traditionally flattering proportions, or throw on an oversized denim jacket, moto or bomber for a more avant-garde look. Heeled sandals, espadrilles, ballet flats, loafers, or fashion sneakers on your feet, and Bob’s your uncle.

4. Crisp Structure

And last, some Modern Classic with a sprinkling of Sporty Luxe. Combine a flared skirt with a top that matches the pattern. Tuck it in if you need to create some structure. Throw over a trench coat that’s a similar length to the skirt. Finish off the look with white sneakers. Here the white sneakers pick up the white in the pattern, which looks smashing. A white top would do the same thing. Add jewellery, bag, eyewear and watch as desired.

I’m enjoying the elevated creativity of designers this year. After a good global pandemic kick in the pants, designers and retailers are trying harder than ever to satisfy our needs to look chic yet practical, and with busloads of comfort and interest. I appreciate how they’ve been bringing the glitz to our lockdown lives, amping up the glam in a manageable, safe, and more relatable way. I haven’t seen all these items in person, but I’m sure they will be winners on many of my clients. Browse the colour and size options, and read the rave reviews.

• River Island Floral Puff Sleeve Blouse: Sharp shoulders and puffy sleeves are trending and this is one way to go. Fashion-forward, super pretty, and works best with skirts because of the cropped length. Bonus: you can take off and fly in this darling for no extra charge.
• ellazhu Womens Harem Pants Streetwear Punk Casual Baggy Elastic Waist Joggers for Women 90s Girl Plaid Pants GY206 Black: This is for Team Harem Pants and works on all body types. Super comfy for working from home, and with deep pockets for masks, sanitizer, and the kitchen sink. I like the look best with a short boxy solid top, although the rainbow sweatshirt works well. Size down.
• YESNO P60 Women Jeans Cropped Pants Overalls Jumpsuits Hand Painted Poled Distressed Casual Loose Fit: The ‘90s are trending and these are a nice nostalgic nod to the era. Wearing them with a body-con top tempers the volume and adds an alluring touch. Runs big so size down. Feel free to do DIY home improvement projects in them. Paint, glue, dye, wood stain, varnish, and dirt splotches add to their creative flair.
• MIAIULIA Women Fashion Retro 1980s Style Neon Costume Earring: Create a uniquely 2021 ‘80s look with cassette tapes in your ears. Lightweight and a must for Jane Fonda’s workout.
• BALENCIAGA Oversize Cotton Twill Shirt: This one is for Team Dutch Orange. Extra long sleeves provide effective sun and sanitizing protection.
• ThePirateDressing Pirate Ruffled Seinfeld Puffy Shirt: The best puffy and ruffly pirate shirts are found in the men's section, so in the spirit of leaving no retail stone unturned, be sure to look far and wide. This looks best with big white sneakers, a mullet, and a New York accent.
• CELNEPHO Womens High Platform Mid Calf Wedges Chunky High Heel Round-Toe Side Zip Fanshion Combat Boots for Women: These boots work well on higher volume feet and narrower calves. Fits an orthotic. One of my clients completed a 45,000-step day in them when walking along the Great Wall of China, they are THAT comfortable.
• Sushi Slippers - Adult Slippers - Sake/Salmon & Maguro/Tuna: Want to walk on clouds? Try these. Japanese pillow perfection on your feet. Deliciously soft and good enough to eat.
• 80s Women Knit Leg Warmers Ribbed Leg Warmers for Party Accessories: Bookend shocking pink or lime green hair with these cosy leg cuddlers. If rainbow hair is not your thing, create an accessory complement with a matching mouthful of candy. Tonal candy that is not an exact colour match works well too.
• BALENCIAGA Bicolor Stripe Oversized Sweater w/ Logo Print: This is the most flattering sweater I’ve seen all year, and practical too. The extra long sleeves double up as oven mitts for when you’re cooking, and are an effective mosquito swatter.
• elope Cat Eye Goggles: This one is for Team Cat, and brilliant with your Batmobile.
• MM6 Maison Margiela x The North Face 700 Fill Power Down Circle Puffer Coat: Outdoorsy Hard-Edged Easter Egg Chic.
• Christian Louboutin A.B. Charm Crystal Logo Shoulder Bag: It’s on-trend to wear shoes as handbags instead of on your feet, and this is one way to sport the look. The trend keeps shoes looking pristine for longer because you aren’t wearing them. Use waterproofing spray if you live in Seattle.
• Windy City Novelties Original LED Light Up Christmas Bulb Necklace Party Favors Ugly Xmas Party (1 Pack): Forget the Christmas tree and wear these instead. Light up the room your way, and spread good cheer. Festive, fun, and the accessory of choice in a power outage.
• Givenchy 4G Logo Horn Slingback Sandal: Get these for Halloween or for the next socially distanced outdoor event. Extremely comfortable, and a great fit for very wide and very narrow feet. They look best paired with neon leg warmers and a black dress or top.
• VAQUERA Teddy Bear Necklace: This adorable necklace earned a spot in my accessory capsule because Yorkie Sam enjoys playing with it when he sits on my lap. I wear it on days when I feel like a textural change from my pearls. I'm sure to have toast with honey that day so that teddy can snack along with me.
• St Patricks Day Gold Fanny Pack w/ Rainbow Suspenders and Drink Holder: This is the new “it” accessory for people on the go. Load up the pockets with whatever and enjoy a hands-free look throughout the day. The suspenders provide ample outfit structure and keep the fanny pack in place. Wear them with every colour of the rainbow.
• AREA Pavé Chair Bag: The most stylish way to wear a handbag is to sport one that cannot be filled. This bag is extremely lightweight and comfortable. Visually, it creates more traditionally flattering proportions when you stuff pant, jeans and dress pockets with your daily stash. And the fuller the pockets, the better it looks because pocket bulging is the new volume. Interesting and avant-garde.
• ZMDREAM 10 Count Plastic Body Wraps with Sleeves PE Sauna Bath Suit for Weight Loss Far Infrared: Try this for your next date night. Covered, yet alluring, and very flattering.
• JUDITH LEIBER Calavera Sugar Skull Crystal Clutch: This crystal clutch has been a hit with my clients who enjoy hiking and camping. Awfully practical and pretty. It’s just the right size and shape for carrying make-up for mid-hike touch-ups while enjoying the rugged, lush beauty of the Pacific North West.
• Crocs Crocs: Wearing classic Crocs or these platformed versions effectively amp up a business formal look. Works well for wide feet that enjoy arch support. Lots of toe box room.
• Premium Mullet Wig (Multiple Styles): Mullets are trending but highly elusive when you’ve got short hair to grow out on the top and back. I’ll be sporting the trend with this wig so that I can change things up from my super short pixie. Hubs Greg is smitten, and will be getting a mullet to match.
• Women's Funny One Piece Swimsuit Sexy High Cut Low Back Bathing Suit Novelty Backless Monokini Swimwear: If you’re after a one-piece bathing costume that’s streamlined, supportive, and a guaranteed good fit - try this one. The pattern is interesting in a subtle way, and quite unique. I’m pretty sure you’ll be the only one on the beach wearing it, and others will want to copy your awfully chic style.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

Nordstrom

River Island Floral Puff Sleeve Blouse

View Info

Top Pick

3

Amazon

ellazhu Womens Harem Pants Streetwear Punk Casual Baggy Elastic Waist Joggers for Women 90s Girl Plaid Pants GY206 Black

View Info

Top Pick

2

Amazon

YESNO P60 Women Jeans Cropped Pants Overalls Jumpsuits Hand Painted Poled Distressed Casual Loose Fit

View Info

Top Pick

2

Amazon

MIAIULIA Women Fashion Retro 1980s Style Neon Costume Earring

View Info

Top Pick

3

Nordstrom

BALENCIAGA Oversize Cotton Twill Shirt

View Info

Top Pick

2

Amazon

ThePirateDressing Pirate Ruffled Seinfeld Puffy Shirt

View Info

Top Pick

2

Amazon

CELNEPHO Womens High Platform Mid Calf Wedges Chunky High Heel Round-Toe Side Zip Fanshion Combat Boots for Women

View Info

Top Pick

1

Amazon

Sushi Slippers - Adult Slippers - Sake/Salmon & Maguro/Tuna

View Info

Top Pick

4

Amazon

80s Women Knit Leg Warmers Ribbed Leg Warmers for Party Accessories

View Info

Top Pick

1

Neiman Marcus

BALENCIAGA Bicolor Stripe Oversized Sweater w/ Logo Print

View Info

Top Pick

2

Amazon

elope Cat Eye Goggles

View Info

Top Pick

1

Nordstrom

MM6 Maison Margiela x The North Face 700 Fill Power Down Circle Puffer Coat

View Info

Top Pick

2

Nordstrom

Christian Louboutin A.B. Charm Crystal Logo Shoulder Bag

View Info

Top Pick

1

Amazon

Windy City Novelties Original LED Light Up Christmas Bulb Necklace Party Favors Ugly Xmas Party (1 Pack)

View Info

Top Pick

1

Nordstrom

Givenchy 4G Logo Horn Slingback Sandal

View Info

Top Pick

1

Nordstrom

VAQUERA Teddy Bear Necklace

View Info

Top Pick

1

Amazon

St Patricks Day Gold Fanny Pack w/ Rainbow Suspenders and Drink Holder

View Info

Top Pick

1

Nordstrom

AREA Pavé Chair Bag

View Info

Top Pick

1

Amazon

ZMDREAM 10 Count Plastic Body Wraps with Sleeves PE Sauna Bath Suit for Weight Loss Far Infrared

View Info

Top Pick

1

Nordstrom

JUDITH LEIBER Calavera Sugar Skull Crystal Clutch

View Info

Top Pick

1

Zappos

Crocs Crocs

View Info

Top Pick

3

Amazon

Premium Mullet Wig (Multiple Styles)

View Info

Top Pick

1

Amazon

Women's Funny One Piece Swimsuit Sexy High Cut Low Back Bathing Suit Novelty Backless Monokini Swimwear

View Info

Top Pick

2

Allure reports that, “inspired by the calming Japanese cultural practice of ‘forest bathing,’ a handful of new fragrances attempt to bring the outdoors in.”

The Guardian shares tips on how to pick the perfect scent from the comfort of your own home.

Finding your signature scent can require lots of sampling. Signing up to a perfume subscription box is one way to do that.

Finally, here are a few reasons why you can’t smell your perfume anymore.

Fab Links from Our Members

Nuancedream directs us to this interesting article about Ann Lowe, a pioneering African American designer who created Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown.

Brooklyn liked this post about learning to enjoy Summer fashion: “It’s comforting to know that even fashion bloggers can struggle with Summer.”

Runcarla has been making a concerted effort to not acquire things made in China: “I haven’t had a perfect record, but continue to try to source responsibly. I’ve been following the H&M story with interest.”

“Maybe everyone else had already figured this out,” says kkards… “but I’m blown away, and sort of mad at myself for not realizing that many influencers aren’t using a mirror to snap photos, they’re using a second camera.”

SarahD8 directs us to this fascinating, data-rich exploration of how the names and numbers associated with make-up shades reveal racial and ethnic bias in the beauty industry.

Helena loved this article about an amazing young Canadian using fashion to fight racism.

Jona Peturs (56) is an editor, blogger and writer who divides her time between Iceland and Florida. She documents her outfits on Instagram and her blog, The 50Plus Girl. She is a neutrals and trousers gal at heart whose style is a mix of Polished Modern Classic, Sporty Luxe and Hard Edge. Jona loves neutral tonal dressing, and is all about that coat and hat lifestyle — a must in Iceland.

“My style has not evolved or changed much over the last five years, I guess I wear the same kind of pieces now as I did in my twenties. I’ve always leaned to classic pieces, like blazers, shirts and blouses. I’m a total pants girl although I love to wear dresses and skirts every now and then — I have to admit that pencil skirts are and will probably always be a favorite. I have been wearing ankle boots for ages and it seems I can never have too many pairs. I guess the only thing I don’t wear as often as I used to are high-heeled pumps, that is maybe the only thing that has changed over the last years, due to an accident 2 years ago when I broke my leg. And now I wear sneakers more than I used to. I love hats of every kind and have been that way since I was a teenager. I think a good hat that suits you can elevate your outfit. Summed up I would describe my style as classic, I don’t follow and wear trends unless they suit my body and/or my style. And if I find something that I really like I often buy it in more than one color. I believe less is more and I don’t wear a lot of jewelry, just classic simple pieces. I absolutely love neutrals and have a soft spot for gold buttons :-)”

Jona enjoys adding cosy texture with teddy coats. Here she’s tucked a black key-hole blouse into relaxed-fit rust chinos, which is a fab colour combo! Rolling the trouser cuffs showcases the black pointy-toe booties that subtle texture, as does our blogger’s quilted crossbody bag. As a topper, Jona picked a relaxed-fit brown, black and cream leopard print coat that echoes the colours in the rest of the outfit. She’s accessorized this polished casual look with black leather gloves and black beanie with fluffy faux fur pom-pom.

Neutrals with a subtle pop of colour are another way to go for Jona. Here she is sporting a white V-neck blouse and stone-coloured culottes. Tucking the top lengthens the leg line from the hips upward, while the low-contrast slip-on sneakers further offset the stump factor of slightly longer culottes. As a third piece, our blogger chose a just-above-the-knee cardigan with soft-coloured stripes. The white background echoes the white of the top, while the peach, brown and blue stripes are perfect for a pop of Spring colour. The brown is repeated in Jona’s patterned bag. Finally, the panama hat in the same colour as the trousers adds a glamorous touch.

Cool-toned olive, white and browns come together beautifully in this casual look with Sporty Luxe touches. Our blogger has tucked a white top into cuffed olive chinos. The fun white lace-up booties with black sole match the top. They have a playful hiking boots vibe that brings the Sporty to the outfit. The camo jacket works fab with the rest of the soft colour palette and is an easy way to bring a pattern into the mix. Jona’s scarf and logo bag in different but complementary shades of brown are a fail-proof way to pattern mix. Round sunnies and soft brown lipstick finish off the look.

I am loving this Winter Column of Black because it combines a playful dress with leggings, which you don’t see all that often. Jona wears this tiered, above-the-knee dress year round and has winterized it by pairing it with thick black leggings. She’s tucked the leggings into her favourite black Hard-Edge stompy boots that create a delightful outfit juxtaposition with the flirty flounciness of the A-line dress. Jona’s leopard print teddy coat comes out to play again, and adds both lightness and pattern to the all-black look. A menswear-inspired panama hat bookends the black boots, while Jona’s blonde hair, as always, is a natural way to balance out the dark colours.

Let us know what you think of Jona’s amazing outfits in the comments, and be sure to check out her blog and Instagram for more outfit inspiration.