Keep or return: Marimekko skirt UPDATED w/ styled pics

This arrived from Anthro today. Not styled really - I just put it on with the other thing in the box, which is a duplicate (in red) of my floral silk asymmetrical blouse. The fabric is really nice and substantial and I like the length. Please ignore the weird faces I am making and the odd nighttime lighting.

What do you all think?

ETA: added pics of the skirt styled w/ various tops and shoes... the colors of the skirt are truer in this set of photos.
#3: a stark white button-down. Stark white is nice w/ the skirt but I feel (and look) really stiff and uncomfortable in this, plus I think it accentuates the fact that I have a short neck. Perhaps I need to acquire a flowy white blouse?
#4: cream knit top - I like the color w/ the skirt but it's too long for this, I think
#5: grey ruffled top - I think this grey is too warm toned for the skirt.
#6: black sleeveless top - does it work w/ black? I have tons of black tops in all styles

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14 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I like the shape and the length but not the print. I don't find large scale prints all that flattering.

Kafe

Active Member

I agree with modgrl. I also think the orange "flower" is too eye catching where it's placed.

Nakidra

Agree with the other gals. It's not the best print ... maybe it would look different with a white buttoned-up blouse tucked in ... not sure, but maybe some different styling would help

Sveta

I do not love the print either - but I am not into big patterned skirts anyway.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like the print! It's screaming for a simple white top. Let's see it styled properly, Diana.

Diana

Angie, I like the print too. =) The scale of the print and the orange flower do not bother me one bit. To be honest, what trips me up a little bit is the white flowers. As you say, I think it may need a white top and since I am firmly on Team Black, I do not have very many of those. I do not love my white button down without a layer on top of it like a waistcoat. I will try to style it with a white top tomorrow though. I was also thinking that I might be able to get away with a grey top...

Now if this print came in a dress, I would be all set! No tops to worry about!

Jonesy

I also dig the print--it looks very summery and fab to me. But....if you are going to struggle with the top, then it could become an orphan, which is sad for everyone involved....Let's see it with your white top :)!

cobaltblue

I like that print a lot and will be waiting to see it with the white top.

OK guys, I couldn't wait so I tried it on w/ various tops (and shoes this time). I added the pics to the first post. Let me know what you think now!

Elly

I don't mind it with the grey. However, I would have liked to see the two white options tucked in to the skirt. This is a tucking skirt.

rae

I find both the shape and the print a bit overwhelming on you, I'm afraid... just my two cents.

Anonymous

LIke Elly, I think the two white tops need to be tucked in. The skirt has too much volume to wear untucked. You might try belting after tucking with a belt that is close to the color of your top to give your torso a longer look. (I've got the same problem of a short waist that makes tucking difficult proportionally). The grey and black tops tucked look ok to me but better if belted with a dark belt.

goldenpig

I agree with tucking and belts! It needs to be really fitted up top to balance the fullness on the bottom.

Scarlet

I think the white top needs to be tucked in. Otherwise the proportions are off. I actually think 6 (with black tucked in and your ankle-strap black shoes) is pretty cute though.

Thanks, everyone. I agree that the white tops would look better tucked in. However, the cream short-sleeved one is a little too bulky to tuck nicely since it is handknit. I felt even more stiff and uncomfortable in the white button-down when it was tucked - this is clear evidence that Team Polished is not for me!!!! I am seriously thinking about looking for a flowy white silk blouse though since I do think a white blouse is a useful and pretty basic to have - this particular shirt, though, is just so not me! (normally I only wear it under a waistcoat, vest, or jumper dress.)

Still waffling about the skirt, so keep the opinions coming. it seems like most of you think it looks good w/ the black and grey tops, so that makes it a lot more versatile for me. I'd probably put a more RATE jacket (like my leather moto) over the top to make it more RATE as well.

Erin

I like it best in pic #6 but not with black. Switch out the black for a white or even a matching cobalt blue maybe?

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to return the skirt. I do still love the pattern, BUT I think it's going to become a not-very-versatile closet orphan because:
1. It looks best w/ white but I don't like white or feel particularly comfortable wearing it.
2. I think it's very Team Polished, which is not me either.
3. (not shown) but I don't particularly like it w/ boots which really limits shoe options.
4. None of you are screaming "keep!"

Also, I just bought a (fab!) handbag so my wallet would much prefer that this get returned...

catgirl

I hesitated to chime in because I didn't have any helpful advice. However, I'm glad you're returning it for the reasons you stated. I often in the past have kept beautiful but unsuitable items just for their loveliness, and that results in closet chaos. Go with your instincts - if you can't style it in a way you love, it's not going to be used much.

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