Help styling my Sophia Loren Tuscan skirt? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Help styling my Sophia Loren Tuscan skirt?

Ket

Veteran

Last week I asked for your opinions and ideas on styling a handmade prairie style skirt. You all came through with some lovely ideas!

So trying them with what I have. Feel free to be honest. You won’t hurt my feelings

Outfit one: poet blouse. Sort of peasant blouse. long sleeves are too warm for summer tbh. I like this with the skirt a lot. I’m not 100% sold on it though.

Outfit two: body suit tank top. It’s not bad either. I need to find a strapless or bandeau bra to wear with it. All my current fitting bras are comfort sports-bra bralettes. The straps are just too wide and frumpy with a tank top. I also don’t like the square neckline of it on me. I do better with a v neck tbh.

Shoes: copper metallic Birkenstocks (knockoffs) and strappy cage wedges. i adore the wedges but they’re just not really practical for much more than solo grocery shopping trips. The birks are more MOTG friendly. They don’t feel sensual or glamorous per se. But I love the metallic finish.

I also have these Soffft Bali walking sandals coming. They are a major splurge for me. Not sure if they’ll fit or if I’ll keep them. Or if they’ll look good on me. (Worried they’ll look to chunky or read grandma-does-Florida-retirement on me. :/ ) The Birk knockoffs lack a heel strap. Fine for easy or quick trips but not for much more. Also, the birks are wearing out. I might get this summer out of them. But not a lot left to them. (The trade-off for knockoffs.)

I also tried a different direction/vibe of adding accessories to make it more nomadic desert queen feel with either a very elaborate necklace or feather earrings. Still doesn’t seem right with the tank top.

Ideas for other tops. I’ve considered knitting one of these tanks. The striped version almost feels too natural in lines/shape? But the waist tie is very nice and gives it some voom-voom. The lace version feels much sexier and a better body fit for me. I’m not sure if I feel like knitting lace. Or knitting at all lately. But I’m not adamantly opposed either of one would be a good fit with my skirt. I’ve actually wishlisted both of these for 3-4 years and like them a lot!

My other idea is to scratch wearing the skirt this summer. Instead, revisit in the fall and wear it with my 70s knee-high butterscotch boots and a denim shirt or cropped turtleneck sweater.

This post has 14 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

31 replies

Latest reply was from Zaeobi

cat2

Veteran

Love the current tank, and the possible striped knit. The peasant blouse is a bit too much with the peasant skirt.

Ket

Veteran

cat2 that is very helpful to hear. The poet blouse kind of felt like I was debuting in Fiddler On The Roof on Broadway ha! I might just try the striped knit tank. Possible even tonal stripes as stripes are not usually my thing .

SarahD8

Veteran

I also really like it with the black tank, and think either of the knitting projects would work great with the skirt!

I'm less fond of the poet blouse - not necessarily because of the style but because I prefer a lower contrast top with the skirt to help tie the outfit together.

I have high hopes for those new sandals! In my experience that brand is worth the splurge so I hope they fit!

Irina

Veteran

Have you tried it with a plaine t-shirt? I like the idea of something close fitting and streamlined, like a top or tank top but with wider straps.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Interesting!

I'm in the minority, Keturah! I like the skirt with the poet's blouse. Very Sophia Loren, and dramatic! My first impression was WOW. Suits you

Tank is fab for a hot day! An easy pairing.

No need for the skirt to be an either or. Wear the skirt in the Fall the way you envisage it too! Combination sounds super cute.

New sandals have great potential! So does the striped knitted tie top.

Love seeing you have fun with fashion!

Ket

Veteran

SarahD8 I see what you’re saying about the contrast level for sure. I typically go more tonal. I think originally it felt like a lot of fabric. But then part of me like: who the heck cares? I’ve never been necessarily sleek or minimal in my dressing lol! Usually when I go extra is when I get the most compliments. Super nice to hear about the sandals! I will report back on them.

Irina I don’t own any plain tees or any kind. I will explore more with tank tops though!

Angie wowzer, that is stellar feedback!! Thank you <3 I think I just need to get re-accustomed to drama in clothing; it has potential to be intriguing. Versus hiding or blending in with my clothes. Looking at the outfit again, there is something very Sophia and eye catching about the two together! I think it didn’t help that my energy was drained by the time I finished trying everything on. Kind of gave me a poison eye for everything :} I might try knitting those tanks. And will report back on the sandals!

Liz

Veteran

I like how the skirt itself (regardless of which top is used) looks in picture 2, where you're holding it up to show the shoes. Would you ever consider altering it so that the burgundy portion is about that width, and the skirt is shorter overall? Currently, the burgundy portion and the gold portion are the same width, cutting the skirt in half and making it blocky.

I also think a slightly shorter length would make the skirt more wearable, and lessen the costume effect.

Ket

Veteran

Liz that’s super observant of you!!! I never saw that. I’m open to having the skirt altered. I need to find someone to do it. I have a feeling with the huge, deeply gathered ruffle could be a bit of a bear? But I dearly love this idea!!! It’s probably why I feel better when I’ve worn it with a denim shirt, untucked. It gets rid of the equal 1:1 proportions of the skirt.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Gorgeous necklace, metallic sandals & skirt - agree with @Angie about the blouse too! I like the idea of shortening or changing the colour blocked proportions of the skirt slightly as well.

As for the tank top, does tucking your bra straps into the bra work to give you an idea of how it would look with a strapless bandeau top instead? It might not be a permanent fix (though I know women with smaller busts who can get away with it lol). Other options could be to wear a lightweight topper over it (maybe lace or crochet, since you linked those patterns) or to twist some thin long scarves around the bra & tank top straps (to turn them into a colourful feature rather than a bug)?

Sorry if that's not much help - I'm not much of a minimal dresser either, lol!

Ket

Veteran

Zaeobi thank you I am definitely going to see if I can alter the skirt. Or st the very least go with the poet blouse and wedge heels for now. I can definitely try tucking in the straps. They’re very wide—like a sports bra. So it will give me an idea. But not something I can probably wear all day long lol! I really love your idea for the scarves!!! I don’t have any matching or coordinating scarves. But that’s a terrific idea! I’m glad to have another not minimal dresser <3 I can do minimal-ish when I’m low energy or tired. (I love a slim pant and looser but shaped turtleneck!) But otherwise I tend to wear jewelry, makeup, full outfit, shoes, etc.

Anonymous

Actually you holding it up made me wonder if it could be altered on one side to be asymmetric! I like the burgundy top most with it, but blouse works too.

Sally

Veteran

I like both the blouse and tank. They have a different vibe. The poet blouse paired with the skirt is kind of the full on pairie/boho look and I can see it worn out somewhere like dinner or to a play etc. The tank is a more casual look for summer to wear to the park or around.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Gorgeous with the blouse and the tank. I do think a textured knitted tank like the examples you show, especially 10/11 because of the more open knit, would suit you perfectly, give you wider straps for the bra, and be cool in the summer.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I love the skirt with both the poet blouse and the tank top. If you wanted to tie the poet blouse more into the skirt, to reduce the contrast, you could easily add a necklace that picks up the colours of the skirt. The gold necklace you show could work nicely.

I personally prefer this type of skirt with flat shoes for a relaxed vibe but YMMV.

In terms of shortening the skirt, you might want to consider shortening it at the waist end, not the hem, to preserve the dramatic ruffle. You could have an elastic waist inserted. It’s an inexpensive alteration (I’ve done it). Personally, I’d only take off about 10 cm, to preserve the drama.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Everyone has given you good advice. Personally I like a tank top the best for warmer weather. Would love to see you knit one!

RobinF

Veteran

I like both of these. The blouse is more dramatic while the tank is a bit sleeker. I like it with the flats and the shortening could be a great way to make it more wearable. I think Brooklyn is right, it could be best the hem from the waist. I do like the proportions when you are holding it up.

Jules

Veteran

I felt the same as Angie, first reaction to the first photo without any analysis was that your style really suits *you*.

Then I got completely sidetracked by the close ups. Your makeup is stunning! I have similar colouring down to the freckles but have always struggled to find the right shades that don't look clown-like on me. Would you be able to share the products and shades you are using for your eyes, cheeks, lips? I have literally never asked anyone this before but I am *blown away* by your makeup game!

Ket

Veteran

suntiger it’s funny you mention that! I have an entire sewing pattern of deeply ruffled skirts that are asymmetrical or high-low hemline. I haven’t seen yet due to major house projects in a tiny space. But this is a great idea. And it also confirms my sewing instincts.

Sally thank you! That’s kind of what I wondered re vibe and occasion.

Jaime the lace version is actually my favorite of the two! It’s potentially more knitting work. But I love the shape of it. It feels very sexy in an unexpected way.

Brooklyn I love your ideas! I didn’t think to shorten from the top! That’s a much easier idea. The top has a simple casing for the drawstring. Should be pretty easy to do from there I would hope.

Ket

Veteran

aquamarine thank you! I will post photos if and when I knit one. I think the knitted tank likely would be a good investment!

RobinF thank you!! It sounds like adjusting the proportions/length could really help.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Angie and Brooklyn. I love it with the blouse and with the tank and I think the knitted tops could work, too. I also think this will be fab in the autumn because of the colours.

If you are planning to shorten the skirt a bit, which might be smart for practicality's sake, then yes, absolutely take it from the top, LOL! You can also try it simply by rolling it to where you'd like it (or think you'd like it) and wear it around the house a bit to see if it would work.

Ket

Veteran

Jules gosh thank you!! I am most happy to share!!! I messaged you. I’ve never been succinct and I love talking makeup. So I typed out a bunch of stuff.

Ket

Veteran

Suz I love your feedback! Thank you! I’m actually really wondering if the skirt is more an autumn skirt. I typically don’t wear such a dark/rich color palette in the summer. I tend to shift to some cooler greens and blues, corals, and olives for summer wear. But I’m also trying to wear this skirt more. Def will alter from the top ha! Don’t know why I didn’t think of that. You ladies saved me a lot of work! If I wear it in the colder months, I actually won’t want to shorten it. It will be too short with heeled boots. Hmmm…. Might need to sit with the skirt for a while and see what happens.

rachylou

Veteran

I love both ways. The poet blouse is romantic, the tank hip modern.

Ket

Veteran

That is lovely to hear Rachylou mwah

lyn67

Veteran

I love all versions but showing a bit of ankle always better with such a voluminuous outfit, so vote for a bit of bossing around that length (ideally taken shorter from the waist).

Bijou

Veteran

The white blouse and tank top look fab. It's a beautiful skirt - I would be reluctant to shorten it.

Ginger

Veteran

I agree with adjusting the proportions of the skirt. Asymmetrical or shortening the burgundy portion, maybe just tacking it up. It's dramatic but needs something to make the proportions really sing. Also concur that I like all of the tops! I'm traditional and love the poet blouse but the other tops work well, too. Personally I enjoy short-sleeved "peasant" blouses with full skirts; they're cool and breezy and in my eyes balance the drama of a big skirt.

Ket

Veteran

Ginger, Lyn67, shortening it a bit seems to be the prevailing modification! I like the idea of a shorter sleeved peasant blouse too. Might have to check into that too.

Bijou, I do share you reluctance only because once winter hits, a shorter length might not work with the heeled boots or clogs--depending on how much length I take off. So we will see. I'm not feeling super motivated these days. So nothing may happen at all ha!

Tanya

Veteran

I am with Angie and Brooklyn here, I think it works beautifully both ways. It all depends which vibe you are going for.

I don’t know if that look is your cup of tea, but my favorite way of styling a complicated to style skirt is with a graphic tee and denim jacket.

12