Help me style this skirt

ClaraB

I really need some help styling this skirt. I love it, it's flattering, but I'm just not sure what to match back with it. I've tried it with the blouse I've pictured with it and Sam Edelman Lola pumps, which is a fab combo, but it isn't very warm. The skirt is a wool twill, so has a bit of weight. I have a pair of lace up ankle boots that I think are going to work too.

We're heading into winter in Australia, so I'm sure it will be perfect once I nail it. I had in mind business casual and dressy casual, maybe even day to evening. But that means that I need to be able to be warm in air-conditioned offices--I don't run warm and need layering options.

Any suggestions are very much welcome! Thanks so much for your help.

View Info

View Info

7 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from ClaraB

ClaraB

Active Member

Update: shoe pics added

View Info

View Info

7 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

Love the skirt and both pairs of shoes. Great style!

If it is cold, I suggest wearing the skirt with a pullover, either a turtleneck OR a round-neck or V-neck plus a scarf. And tuck it in. And how about a cardigan (try different lengths and textures) or a waistcoat?

7 years ago

kkards

Veteran

i'd go sort of 70s...try a ribbed sweater tucked in.
i'd also think about going with an unseen layer, ie long underwear, that adds warmth without bulk and without impacting the overall look.

UNIQLO

Women Heattech Scoop Neck Long Sleeve T-shirt

View Info

Top Pick

7 years ago

ClaraB

Active Member

Thanks Cat and kkards, I hadn't thought of wearing it with a knit! Yes, a fine or ribbed sweater could work. I'll experiment with what I have but I suspect it may mean looking for new knits... And I love the idea of the scarf. It is 70s, isn't it. A bit Ali McGraw Love Story.

7 years ago

L'Abeille

Veteran

What a gorgeous skirt! It reminds me of sailor pants, so I would try it with a nautical theme. So either a Breton stripe top, or a fisherman sweater (cable knit, white or off white). Or a white shirt with a scarf or bandana tied at the neck.

Footwear depends on what your winter is like. I would consider booties, or block-heeled loafers.

7 years ago

K.M.

Veteran

Wow, that's an amazing skirt. My first thought was also a fitted turtleneck or crewneck sweater, tucked in, in a variety of colors. I also run cold--but then get hot easily--so for me, layers are essential. So perhaps a thin, cotton turtleneck as the base layer, and a cardigan on top. Or perhaps a cropped, thicker, untucked turtleneck?

Where does the skirt hit you on the waist?

Also, where does the hemline hit? I'm wondering if it would look good with a taller shaft than your ankle boots.

7 years ago

Joy

Veteran

The skirt looks like fun for winter. I was also thinking of a sweater, maybe one that is striped like a Breton top. I have come to love the look of a bright navy ( looks blue, not as dark as to look black) with black, if you want to keep a look low contrast but not all black. A moto jacket or pea coat look would be fun. You may want to keep tops short enough to show off the buttons on the skirt.

7 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Hi Clara --

In addition to the great ideas above, can you layer under the black blouse?

I often multi-season my blouses by doing a sleeveless or sleeved merino/cashmere shell. Silk knit (like for longjohns) work too.

7 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I was thinking exactly what L'Abeille wrote!-)

7 years ago

ClaraB

Active Member

Thanks ladies for these thoughts, they are just what I was looking for!

L'Abeille and Inge, it does have a nautical reference, doesn't it. And I love Breton stripes and cable knits. That feels like the kind of weekend look I thought I could get from it.

K.M. good to know someone else who runs both cold AND hot. I know just what you mean. And since I work out of others' offices consulting I never really know what the temperature will be. Your layering thoughts are wise. The waist sits on my waist (which I think is neither short nor long) and the length is mid calf--a but Victorian governess.

Joy, I think you are right about length. And while I wear a lot of black I do like the odd colour to break it up so your blue is a good suggestion. I may try burgundy too.

Vix, thanks for the layering tips. I hadn't thought about layering under the blouse. I always think in terms of jackets and clearly they're not going to work here (although I'm definitely trying my peacoat!)

Ok, I'm putting together a shopping list for the weekend to see what I can find. Thanks!

7 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

Hi ClaraB

I don't think we have met before, but I am also in Australia AND I have the same skirt

I had mine shortened to knee length (because that's my preferred length for A-line skirts) but in terms of tops, that should not make any difference to styling.

I have worn mine with:
1. fitted tee tucked in
2. boxy shorter knit top
3. short sleeve striped knit (nodding with L'Abielle, Joy and Inge)
4. short sleeve turtleneck knit
5. shorter style jackets (eg moto)

When the weather get cooler I plan to wear it with long sleeved knits. I think shorter is better, because that shows the buttons.

In terms of footwear, I favour knee high boots for a 70s vibe or high shaft ankle boots.

I wore it in this post:

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-melbourne

7 years ago

ClaraB

Active Member

Brooklyn, skirt twins! Well, not quite because the shortening does change the profile and maybe the vibe a bit. I love it shortened on you--it actually reminds me of an Anna Thomas skirt that I have (and which funnily enough I didn't realise was so similar until just then) which was really similar to a Sonia Rykiel one from last year. Seeing yours in action has given me more ideas. And it's also making me think that I can pull out my other skirt and give it some fresh styling too!

7 years ago

Category