Looking toward spring/summer - skirts and a couple of sweaters?

pil

My apologies in advance for indulging in a whine-fest but shopping for the body I have now is not the least bit enjoyable. Having "grown out" of most of my already limited spring and summer clothing, I need to add some things and was thinking of a couple of elastic/stretch waist skirts. Sigh. It's partly my health but mostly me and I'm just so disgusted with myself and know I need to quit bellyaching or do something about it.

I have two ATL zippered skirts that I can barely squeeze into by wearing them higher on my waist - pic 1 from last summer and 2 taken today. You can see the difference in fit. I look like a stuffed to bursting sausage in today's picture.

3 and 4 are linen pull on skirts from Nordstrom that are quite a bit shorter. To be honest, I think I'm more comfortable in the longer lengths in 1 and 2 - I can climb in and out of my seat at a picnic table without embarrassing myself. What do you think of the lengths on me - is one better than the other?

The flowered sweater #4 came home as my version of the flowered jacket. It goes so nicely with my fuchsia Halogen pencil skirt - if I could fit into it now : ( The blue swirly pattern #3 came home because I love the colors, but with the navy skirt rather feel like I should be waiting for a school bus. It would look nice with white jeans though. As I don't reallty need both sweaters, do you think one looks better than the other?

How about this polka dot skirt from Lands End? Couldn't get the picture to load but here is a link.
http://www.landsend.com/pp/wom.....94_59.html
I thought the polka dots might save it from looking like grandma's skirt, but maybe that isn't the case.

I'm basically starting from scratch here, so I guess I'm looking for guidance/affirmation of skirt styles and colors. Or maybe dresses? Thanks a bunch.

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12 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Sarah A

Veteran

I think a slightly more drapey top and the skirt in #2 is a WINNER. That narrow place just below the knee is such a flattering place for a skirt to hit.

The sweater in #3 I think would be amazing paired with white as you mentioned! It would also work nicely with black or denim, or even with that other green dress you posted i think... hard to tell on the monitor). I favor the top in 3 over 4, bit I am not really a floral gal so take it with a grain of salt.

The lands end skirt is cute, although FWIW I find an A-line skirt harder to style flatterlingly than a pencil or a pleated full skirt.

12 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

Pil, now is the time to be EXTRA kind to yourself. (Believe me, I know.) Being kind to yourself will not only make you happier, but it will put you in a position to take care of yourself in the best way possible.

I agree #2 would be great with a top that covers the snug part around your waist and high hip.

I think the linen skirts are triumphs and if you had to you could get through the summer with hardly any other bottoms. I don't think the length is a problem. A pencil skirt that length can hike up and cause unexpected problems (because the length looks great in the mirror standing up). But a skirt with some flare in it somehow seems to cover appropriately when sitting and moving. I say keep.

I think the polka dotted skirt has a good chance of looking good on you. I would call this a flared skirt, and flared skirts are made for someone like you. They make your waist look super tiny. The pattern might be fun to play with (brights, stripes and other patterns on top).

Finally, I adore the flowered cardigan on you. The other one is pretty but to my eye it doesn't sing on you as much.

12 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

I'm sorry you aren't happy with your body just now, that's a tough mental place to be. On the bright side all of these outfits are great. None of them appear to be tight or il-fitting.

I'm torn between #1 and #3 I can't decide which one is my favorite. #1 has several elements that make it quite flattering on you: the v neck, the flutter sleeve, the splice design, and the print. I love that you went with a metallic shoe rather than black or white. This is a very strong outfit and it fits very well. (noting to worry about there!)

#3 has such lovely vivid colors! I'm partial to blues and the teal and green is so vibrant especially in the print. Such movement and interest. The full skirt really works for you and the unbuttoning the sweater at the top works really well and keeps the outfit from being static. This is also why #4 works too. The print and the shape of the skirt.

#2 I think would work better if you tucked in the top -- the skirt seems to fit fine and I don't think you need to lengthen your torso, especially when the hem of the top ends at the widest part of your hips. I like the idea of making your narrower waist the line of demarcation. Tucking also takes the focus off of your tummy because it won't have a bright pink beacon on top of it. I like the metallic shoe better better than the black.

But above all, know that you look wonderful in these outfits there is no reason for you to feel poorly about your appearance.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Pil, big hugs. I have been in that place and it is no fun at all. Please try to be gentle with yourself.

Because you know what? You have every reason to. Not only are you kind, thoughtful, and smart, but you are also stylish. You are not giving yourself the credit you deserve. Yes, last year's outfit is really nice, but this year's versions are, too. Nothing looks ill-fitting or awful.

If the new linen skirts are comfortable, then I say keep. If you still wish for some that are longer, perhaps it is worth doing some more sleuthing for a better length. As Adelfa said, they could be workhorses for you, but only if you are not always wanting to tug them down.

The sweater in 2 would look amazing with white, as you say, and hey - does it work with that green dress you are trying in another thread? Maybe not - the greens may not be compatible. But maybe the flower one does? I think in any case it is a great idea to get a new fresh cardigan to give yourself a sense that you are entering the new season.

12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Pil - you look beautiful and are amazing. I have never known anyone to take care of something they don't like. Your body deserves your love for everything it does every day! Imagine how hard it wold be to get to work or even log onto YLF without it.

I like #2 a lot, it is quite pretty. I also like the Nordie's skirts, but if you aren't happy with the length, it will bug you and you should move on from them. The LE skirt has possibilities. You would have to try it on to know for sure.

Have you tried wrap dresses? They are very kind, especially pretty patterned ones.

There are a couple of Ralph Lauren polka dotted dresses at Nordies that I found flattering. They are not wraps.

I am on the hunt for some nice fit and flare skirts and dresses. I have a few dresses coming for Nordies that I will report in on. I have not been thrilled with Ann Taylor's or Banana Republic's offerings so far, but just the first round of spring is out. Waiting for 30% off at Talbots. I know they are going to run it, they always do. I have a few items I am considering there. I will report back on that as well.

*big hugs* you are beautiful and stylish. Never let yourself forget that!

12 years ago

pil

Veteran

Sarah A, thanks, I'll have to look for a different top to try with the black skirt.

Adelfa, thanks for the kind words. And the good advice about pencil skirts. I have a couple that I wear to events, but the flare would definitely be more sensible for every day wear.

Day Vies, thank you. The pic with the white skirt was taken last summer so unfortunately the fit is tighter now. There is no way I could tuck a top into the black skirt - no room - so I'll have to find another top. Probably ruched or a faux wrap, but I wonder what color?

Is a knit top rather than woven better with the fit and flare style skirt? I like this one - sorry it's only a link but I'm on my ipad and can't post pics.
http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom.....rchResults

I'm still torn about which sweater.

12 years ago

pil

Veteran

Suz and Thistle, thanks so much. Sorry to be such a "Debbie Downer". We cross posted.

Suz, the sweater and dress do go nicely but the necklines are different.

The past few summers I have usually worn crops but started wearing my skirts more as the crops got tighter. Thought I'd look for a couple of skirts because I find them to be more forgiving than pants.

I don't work so my looks can be pretty casual. I do have a couple of dresses that will work too. Maybe another dress is the way to go. The polka dot Lands End skirt is on order.

12 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Another vote for self-kindness! Weight fluctuations are a fact of life for most women, and seldom are the changes are noticeable to others as they are to ourselves. I think the skirts are working fine --- although they may not feel as comfy at the waist as they did! The first two tops are a tad snug, but they would layer under jackets or cardis just fine.

Knit skirts could be perfect for your casual lifestyle in the summer. If you like the polka dot LE, I think there are a few solid version, too.

What about the cardi in #4 with the skirt in #1?

P.S. I like the metallic shoes in #2.

12 years ago

pil

Veteran

Beth Ann, thanks for the opinion on the shoes in 2. I've been wondering if I should consign the black sandals for being too Herman Munster-ish. And the floral cardi with the white skirt is a good idea : )

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think LE could be a really good bet for you, Pil. They have more and more good-looking items. I like a lot of their styles.

Hmm. Even if those necklines are different (sweater and dress) I am wondering if you could play around with a scarf or something to disguise that, while the weather is still a bit cool yet you feel the need for springlike colours.

12 years ago

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