Adding a skirt and shoes to my s/s dressy capsule ETA BR skirt FTW

Christina F.

Hi all! I'm still here. I'm looking to make sure I have enough dressy options for spring/summer before I try a shopping freeze in May. I continue to have museum events to go to (moderately dressy).

I have enough dresses but am considering adding a skirt, as I did for the winter capsule. I love this Boden one, though I'm afraid of it being an orphan. What would you all pair with it on top? I can see people doing a crisp white shirt, but I don't own one and don't see myself wanting to wear it if I had one. Maybe a shell, in ivory or even bright pink? Beyond that, I'm stumped, but I know you all will have ideas. (The other colorway is shown with a dressier shell, and it looks smashing.)

I also need moderately dressy summer shoes that are comfortable, and am considering these Clarks espadrilles. This is a more pressing need than the skirt, and I'll likely buy them though I'd like to find something similar with a slightly shorter wedge, ideally. I have foot AND back issues these days. The skirt is more of a wild card... I could get by without it, but I'd sure like having that option.

Boden

Broderie Skirt

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Zappos

Clarks Petrina Gail

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6 years ago

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from Christina F.

delurked

Veteran

Those pieces are both very nice. Kind of similar in vibe to this BR skirt (the webite shows it in black too, but they show her dressed down in a tee and tennis shoes). A summer sweater coupd prob work since they are usually shorter than other tops. I can also see if with a dressier sleeveless shell.

I find Clarks sandals very comfy, so I hope those work for you.

Banana Republic

Lace Midi Pencil Skirt

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6 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

That is a very pretty skirt.I can see why you are tempted.It s quite a dressy skirt so I think that you will need a smart top to go with it.Boden, as you know ,do a few dressier tops like the ones shown with the skirt.Do you like any of them?You could go for a contrasting colour or Navy as shown to create a column of colour.A cropped cardi could work well too.

6 years ago

Anonymous

Super cute skirt!
I think Clarks are great value, and would look good with the skirt.
Have you also looked at Anthro for espadrilles?

6 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the skirt, Christina. Untucked shell sounds good. Or a semi-tucked soft blouse. Or a Michael Stars tee, peplum top or wrap top.

Nice Clarks too.

Boden

Long Sleeve Wrap Top

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Anthropologie

Michael Stars | Anthropologie Michael Stars Shine Long-Sleeve Tee

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Anthropologie

Michael Stars | Anthropologie Michael Stars Shine V-Neck Long-SleeveTee

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Loft

Brushed Dot Cutout Mixed Media Shell

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Anthropologie

Wilt | Anthropologie WHIT Gingham Wrapped Blouse

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J.Crew

Mixed lace top

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Karen Millen

Floral Peplum Top

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Nordstrom

J.Crew J.Crew Crinkle Gingham Boy Shirt

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6 years ago

Anonymous

It looks like it might be more of a washed navy than a true crisp shade so it might be easier to dress up or down and more likely to get more use.

For dressier, olive, pearl grey or cream, blouses or knits and for less dressy, chambray.

6 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

Thanks for the advice so far!

Delurked, I have those sandals in bronze! They are my one other dressy option that’s currently comfortable enough. I don’t think the shape goes with quite everything, hence my looking around a little. I do have some flats that will look nice with the skirt. That skirt is very nice as well. I had actually thought about the striped T-shirt and sneakers look!

Cardiff girl, Boden definitely has nice shells. I may order one with the skirt.

Smittie, Anthro is a good idea. Thanks!

Angie, thanks for these ideas, especially as regards to shapes. My new floral peplum top might work as well.

Isabel, I agree about the shade of navy. The other color way (red and white) is gorgeous but I think it would end up reading as always dressy.

ETA - I ordered the skirt since there’s a sale. I have tons of shells (too many tops, as always) so I will see what works, if the skirt works on me. I added a green top to my order too. I’m holding off on the shoes till I can go to my local Clark’s store and try on those or similar ones.

Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Tiered Ruffled Hem Floral Blouse

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6 years ago

Mainelady

Veteran

I think that is a great skirt. I hope it works for you and I look forward to seeing how you style it!

6 years ago

Toban

Veteran

I like both the skirt and the shoes. I really appreciate Angie’s suggestions for tops for the skirt. I think it can be quite versatile.

6 years ago

Aurore

Veteran

I love the skirt - glad you ordered it! Angie's suggestion of a peplum should look gorgeous on you, and IMO so should a simpler shell like the one displayed on the Boden site for the other version of the skirt.

6 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES, try the new peplum. It's going to look very flouncy - which is the point.

6 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

Cool! There is going to be a members event for the opening of the new Costume Institute exhibit in mid-May. That seems a good time for something a little fashion forward.

5 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

That is a beautiful skirt, I hope it works with your peplum top. I love the tops that Angie has picked for you!

5 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

(Apologies as always for my mirror situation. Even if I had hung it up already, the lighting in the bathroom is terrible, so it wouldn’t help much.)

I think the skirt is a miss on me. It’s much too big in the waist, but I can’t size down because it would be too tight in my belly. It pulls across my belly, and I tried to mimic the effect of taking it in at the waist, and that pulling effect doesn’t really go away. Probably possible to help the effect with Shape ware, but I don’t wear that very much if I can help it. Very uncomfortable with my belly problems. If they had a petite size large enough to fit me that might help, but they don’t. I’m simply short wasted and very curvy right starting right under that short waist, and sometimes that’s hard to dress.

The skirt is beautiful, and I recommend it for a straighter body type!

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5 years ago

Anonymous

I see what you mean. There will be other skirts that fit you well. Onwards!

5 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

Ah well, smittie. But back before I was posting here, I might have dithered over kneeing it. Now I knew right away.

5 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

I'm going to try for some other options (including the skirt delurked posted above, in black). I can probably make it out to BR today. I like the red Anthro skirt, but I have begun to be wary how tricky that shape of skirt is to style, especially on short-waisted me, though I do love it so.