Outfit Formula: Relaxed Neutral Pencil Skirt

Today’s looks are about a relaxed pencil skirt, which might be your jam when you don’t feel like wearing casual Summer pants, shorts, skorts, athleisure bottoms, or dresses. These outfits are for Team Neutral, but feel free to sport your own colour palette. Some of the looks are more relaxed than others, and the vibes are different. 

1. Simple Comfort

If you like to keep your look very simple and comfortable, combine a casual pencil skirt in sustainable hemp and recycled polyester fabric with an easy-breezy tank top or sleeved tee. Here the tank is tucked, but you can semi-tuck or untuck the top. Add simple footwear like slides or sandals that work with the look. The black slides work well with the black top, thereby pulling the outfit together. Keep the outfit unadorned like this, or personalize the look with accessories.

Prana Bristol Skirt

2. Sporty Bombshell

If you enjoy showcasing your curves, try combining a body-con knitted tube skirt with a tucked white slogan tee and white sneakers to match. Top things off with a moto or denim jacket for cool nights, mornings, or air conditioning. Feel free to keep the tee UNTUCKED and wear it over the slim tube skirt. Or knot one side of the tee to shorten the length and add some structure.

PrettyLittleThing Grey Marl Ultimate Jersey Longline Midi Skirt

3. Two-Piece T-Shirt Dress

This combination is as comfortable as wearing a very long T-shirt. The pencil skirt is a little roomier than most because of a less tapered hem and multiple side slits. The tee in the same fabric and colour creates vertical integrity and a streamlined effect. Wear it as a casual outfit, or to lounge in at home. Throw on some accessories up top and you’re Zoom-ready for work. I like the additions of the slip-on sneakers, hat, and bag in the exact same light neutral because it adds a unique touch.

Peruvian Connection Tangier Pima Cotton Skirt

4. Relaxed Dressy

The last option is less casual than the rest because the fabrics of the top and skirt are shinier and silkier than matte knitted jersey or slubby cotton/linen fabrics. Yet the vibe is quite relaxed because of the fluid fits of both items, clog-style sandals, and the wonderfully relaxed and at-ease attitude of the wearer. The silhouette of the top is a roomy tee, despite the silky fabric, and the silky skirt is bias cut which gives it room for striding and moving. Remember that the devil is in the details, and some people’s versions of relaxed and casual outfits are dressier than those of others. Add jewellery, eyewear, and watch as desired.

Pari Passu Chase Raffia Trim Bias Skirt

Link Love: Voices of Disability in Fashion

I recently came across the Voices of Disability series on Refinery29, and encourage you to have a read:

The fashion industry ignores disabled models, modelling agency Zebedee is doing something about it.

People with Disabilities Deserve Great Style & I’ve Made It My Life’s Work.”

How Francesco Clark, the founder of Clark’s Botanicals, used self-care and skincare to build a new life after becoming paralyzed.

Fab Links from Our Members

Nuancedream loves reading about fashion history, but never knew the iconic Playboy bunny costume was designed by pioneering African American designer Zelda Wynn Valdes.  

Runcarla loved this video about vintage style, but not vintage values. She thought the contributors were very thoughtful and articulate.

She also enjoyed this article about the future of street style and folks who document it.

Angie was pleased to see that Boden — who gets a chunk of her fashion budget these days — is second on this list of ethical and sustainable brands betting against fast fashion

Shevia directs us to this NYTimes article about Everlane and the ongoing saga of what makes a brand ethical.

Walmart has announced they’re closing for Thanksgiving this year. Laura (rhubarbgirl) adds: “It will be interesting to see if other retailers follow suit, and whether Black Friday will be a thing this year at all.”

Joyce B wanted to share this article on changes in fashion during the pandemic. She says: “I hope they got it wrong about the jeans, there is nothing better than a pair of nice, comfortable and roomy jeans.”

kkards found this article on Diane von Furstenberg interesting for many reasons. This quote really stuck with her: “Corona hits someone a lot worse if they have a precondition.” She adds: “Apparently the brand has been in trouble for at least 5 years, and the current situation just made it impossible to keep pretending it was going to get better.”

Weekly Roundup: Summer Sale Items

End-of-season Summer sales are here, although many items have been discounted for months. If you feel like adding something to your hot-weather wardrobe — especially when your Summers are long — have a peek at the assortment. Some items are winners from our forum members and my clients, and others simply caught my eye. Browse the colour options and read the reviews.

  • Old Navy Garment-Dyed French Terry Henley Hoodie for Women: A retro terry sweatshirt that comes in solids and is great on petites.
  • Gap V-Neck Midi Dress: An easy sleeveless T-shirt dress for very relaxed hot and sticky days, or simply to lounge in, or work in from home. Forgiving, and just structured enough. Neat fit on the neckline and armhole. Very soft and comfy fabric. Comes in petite, tall, and goes up to XXL. Available in solid mustard and navy.
  • Gap Venture Pant: Athleisure pants that work well on a straighter and curvier figure. Curvy figures might need to size up. 100% Polyester, yet breathable. Robust, sporty, and easy to launder. Comes in a unique light blue.
  • Gap Bucket Hat: Bucket Hat Fabness that comes in two sizes and colours.
  • Boden Juliet Tote: A simple and elegant tote in a rich shade of brown with fuchsia lining. Has a crossbody strap. Comes in grey with teal lining.
  • Tommy Bahama Tan Lines Stripes Cover-Up Shirtdress: A great dress and swimwear cover-up for Team Tall. Might run a size big. The side slits make the dress.
  • Band Of Gypsies Indio Wide Leg Pants: Soft and comfy wide leg pants with side vents to wear instead of shorts on hot Summer days. The vents provide breezy coverage.
  • Tommy Bahama Woodblock Cover-Up Dress: Very lightweight Summer dress to wear as is or as a swimwear cover-up. The empire-cut line creates flattering structure, but make sure it's below the bust, and not on the bust.
  • Karen Kane Jersey Knit Maxi Dress: This dress works well on those who like to sport a Grecian vibe. Super soft and drapey fabric that feels luxurious against the skin.
  • Parker Drew Wrap Skirt: Very lightweight, pretty, gorgeous in motion, 100% cotton, and denim-friendly. You have to be okay with how the front opens up a little as you stride. Good on petites.
  • Nic + Zoe Morning Burst Shirt Jacket: A polished and tailored shacket to wear over lounge pants and most casual pants for Zoom meetings at home. Comes in regular sizes.
  • Club Monaco Bias Cut Satin Midi Skirt: A mustard midi beauty that would be mine if I didn't already have a velvet version. Fits a range of body types. Works well on curvier figures. Luxe, flattering, versatile, and comfortable.
  • Karen Kane Cheetah Print Blouse: A different kind of animal print for cat lovers. Silhouette is forgiving on the midsection, and might run a size big.
  • BedHead Pajamas Shorty Stretch Organic Cotton Pajamas: Doggie Shorty Pyjama Fabness.
  • Karen Kane Stripe Bell Sleeve Top: A mustard striped tee is unique, and so are these flounced bell sleeves. Might run a little big, and lots of length for tall gals. Comes in olive.
  • St. John Collection Asymmetrical Silk Crêpe de Chine Top: A pretty and well-made silk tunic with an architectural and arty sensibility. Looks as good over a pencil skirt, and try it over wide crops too.
  • BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN Adessa Floral Midi Shift Dress: A good dress for a straighter hourglass, slight apple shape or rectangle body type. Good on Team Tall.
  • Karen Kane Tie Dye Handkerchief Hem Dress: An easy breezy and super comfy Summer dress that drapes like a dream and is fab in motion. Forgiving on the midsection. The asymmetrical hemline is flattering and interesting.
  • Daniel Rainn Satin Burnout Tank Top: An earth-toned tank that looks great as is and layered under a jacket or cardigan. Good on apple-shaped body types. Nice neat neckline and armhole coverage.
  • COLDESINA Jenny Convertible Top: This top can be worn as an asymmetrical off-the-shoulder top, and this way - hence its convertible description. It works best on those who can fill it out, and is good on apple-shaped body types. Comes in black.
  • Lauren Ralph Lauren Knit Crop Pajamas: Classic pyjamas that look neat, tidy, and run big. 100% cotton, comfortable and quite flattering.
  • Standards & Practices Meryl Grommet Detail Wide Leg Jeans: Fun grommet jeans with a great midsection and crotch point fit. Hard to alter the length so bear that in mind.
  • City Chic Cute Girl Dress: A trendless Modern Retro frock for parties at home. Why not dress up for a change! Comes in black and navy, with a really good fit.
  • Gap Flow With It Pant: Try these harem-lite pants for an at-home look, or on relaxed Summer days. They work on a range of body types because they mould to the contour of the body, and are as comfy as can be.
  • Standards & Practices Standard & Practices Meme Tencel Midi Dress: A flattering A-line dress with edge, allure, coverage, allows freedom of movement, and is made of lovely fabric.
  • Madewell Whisper Cotton Ribbed Crewneck T-Shirt: A simple tee available in colours and up to a 3XL. A good fit as far as basic tees go.
  • Mephisto Ketty Sneaker: Very comfy streamlined sneaker that runs a little wide. The contrast toe box makes a bold statement on the feet so consider yourself warned.
  • Gap Double Time Denim Jacket: A denim jacket with a water-repellent coating for light rain is a good idea if you live in the Pacific North West. Might run a little big.
  • Gap Trekkie Bermuda 2.0: These are currently out of stock but are popular with my clients because of the good fit, extra length, and go up to US16. I'm sure they will be restocked.
  • Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker: These are not on sale, but currently one of the trendier sneaker styles to wear with just about anything. Come in black and read the rave reviews.

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

Gap
V-Neck Midi Dress
View Info
Top Pick
7
Athleta
Gap Venture Pant
View Info
Top Pick
12
Gap
Bucket Hat
View Info
Top Pick
3
Boden
Juliet Tote
View Info
Top Pick
3
Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

Read More

Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

Read More
Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Elegant Layering and Animal Print Fabness

Elaine Davis (56) is a New York City-based entrepreneur who documents her outfits on her blog, Square Pearls. Her style is fashion-forward, sophisticated, and elegant. Elaine is a big fan of shirtdresses. She’s also an expert at creative layering, and adores animal print and a good knee-high boot.

“Over the past five years my style has become way more personal. I don’t look so much at what’s currently trending, but I focus more on what I love, and what feels good when I put it on. I would say my style is very mood oriented.”

Elaine NYC - 1

Elaine has several clothing items in this rich shade of teal, and it looks exquisite on her. She found this fab shirtdress at Zara, and calls it one of those “luxe for less pieces.” The satin finish indeed gives it a sophisticated luxe vibe, while the impeccable fit also contributes to that. The dress has an elegant below-the-knee length, and the self-coloured belt adds structure and accentuates our blogger’s waist. Wearing her hair in a low ponytail let’s the V-neck shine. Elaine has paired the dress with leopard print slingbacks whose black stud detailing echoes the black of her small structured bag. Cat eye sunnies and small earrings complete the look.

Elaine NYC - 2

Our blogger successfully combines three statement pieces in this fashion-forward outfit. The asymmetrical hemline on the calf-length distressed denim skirt draws the eye up and down. Elaine has tucked in a texture-rich cream cable-knit sweater, which lengthens the leg line from the hip upward. She’s sporting pointy-toe knee-high boots in an eye-catching snakeprint that provide tons of sassy visual interest. The short puffer is the third statement piece. The crisp off-white colour works perfectly with the rest of the cool-toned colour palette. While its boxy fit and faux leather material add fashion-forward drama. A small white handbag and pearl earrings provide extra polish.

Elaine NYC - 3

Here’s an elegant black-and-white outfit with plenty of visual interest. Elaine is wearing herringbone bootcut pants with a pressed crease that accentuates the beautiful fit. Tucking in a black turtleneck showcases the on-trend high waist. Crisp white almond-toe slingback pumps peeking out from under the trousers lengthen the leg line. The thigh-length zebra print wool coat has a tailored fit that adds structure and elevates the outfit to the next level. Picking a topper in the same black and white, but in a statement print is a clever way to pattern mix. An oversized black leather envelope clutch fits right in with the colour palette. Wearing her hair down brings softness to the look. Rich plum lippy is the cherry on the cake.

Elaine NYC - 4

This is one of the best slip dress outfits I’ve ever seen. The fit and style of the midi dress have a lot to do with that. The fit is just fluid enough to feel easy breezy, the satin finish creates a sense of glam and texture, and the dipped in neckline is unusual and adds a bit of alluring structure. Elaine pairs the dress with a leopard print blazer in that on-trend longer, oversized silhouette that is just flattering enough. Opting for big sneakers in fun colours adds a Sporty Luxe touch. Our blogger’s side braid adds casual nonchalance. Her small brown bag and gold watch finish off the look.

Elaine NYC - 5

Elaine is an expert in creative layering. Here, she’s wearing a fluid fit midi dress over straight cropped jeans. The midi dress has a beautiful black, grey and red horizontal pattern that reminds me of mid-century crockery and wall paper. Her cropped jeans are a greyish blue that matches the grey in her fun dress. Her pointy-toe stiletto ankle boots have vertical studs running down the middle. A clever detail that lengthens the leg line and adds soft edge. A black peacoat forms the third layer and works well with the rest of the colours. The body and sleeves are very roomy, but the shoulders are fitted, which creates just enough structure. Once again, Elaine’s hair worn down adds a touch of softness.

Elaine NYC - 6

Our blogger’s grey kaftan-esque midi dress is the star of the show in this look. The fluid fit dress has a suede-like finish and vertical self-pattern that add both visual and textural interest. The V-neckline and short sleeves are perfect for layering, and Elaine picked an eye-catching snakeskin top with mock turtleneck and body-con fit to do the honours. The animal print adds both extra texture and drama. The black suede knee-high boots with block heel look elegant with the dress and make the entire outfit look soft to the touch. Elaine’s black fedora brings glam to the party, and her teal leather tote a nice bit of colour.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Elaine’s elegant and creative style. Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out the rest of her beautiful outfits on her blog.

Switching Back to CeraVe Facial Products

CeraVe beauty products were recommended by our dermatologist about ten years ago, and I used them for years because they worked well for my skin. I had a facial with Caudalie products about four years ago which felt really good. So I switched from CeraVe to Caudalie beauty products and used them until last month, when I switched back to CeraVe.

I have pale, normal to dry skin that is not acne prone, but is quite sensitive in other ways. I’ve already seen the dermatologist twice this year, which is uncommon. First because of perioral dermatitis around the corner of my mouth, and second because of a rash eruption on my forehead and the side of my cheeks. Thankfully all is sorted and my skin looks just fine again. I suspect that some of it had to do with stress.

I did, though, take my recent skin irritations as a sign to switch back to CeraVe facial beauty products, and that is all I’m using for now. They are fragrance free, paraben-free, really gentle, and made in the US. My dermatologist is a big fan of CeraVe products, and that’s all the reassurance I need.

You can buy CeraVe at the drugstore, and prices won’t break the bank. These are the exact items I’m currently using. I use all the products daily, except for the vitamin C serum, which I use a few times a week. Please read the labels carefully. Some of the products contain oxtinoxate and octocrylene, which do not irritate my skin, but might irritate yours.

I don’t change my beauty products or try new beauty products often. Some, like Nivea body lotion, I’ve been using all my life. I seem to change my facial beauty products every four to five years, for varying reasons. Sometimes it’s because of a skin irritation, and sometimes because I think something better has come along. How about you? How often do you change your facial beauty regimen?