More dress-up: skirts and tops

I'm trying to pack for a long weekend away (4 days including travel), and hoping to pack as light as possible. We are expecting the train to be super crowded so I want everything to fit into a small backpack. Our activities are mainly causal but they will include a theatre production of some sort, a family dinner, and probably lunch and/or dinner out.

My theme is aqua blue and black with red accents (yet again). Everything goes with jeans, but I am also trying to decide whether to take one of these skirts. One is a light white cotton pencil skirt with a black floral pattern, and the other is a denim pencil skirt. The trouble with the white one is that it may be too cold and I'm not sure how it would look with tights, especially black or patterned ones. But it does provide an opportunity to pattern mix, perhaps.

What do you think of these options?
1 - plain black woven blouse and croc patterned skinny belt
2 - green cardigan (might be necessary if it's cold)
3 - black and white striped tee
4 - black knot front long sleeve knit top
5 - with the black cotton biker jacket (but just a camisole here!)
6 - funky blue and white top with the jean skirt
7-9 very unflattering shots of the jean skirt - does it even fit me?
10 - stripey top with jean skirt

I also included some incredibly un-flattering shots of the denim skirt with just a camisole. I've never felt that this skirt looks all that great on me but I'm not sure why -- is it just my lumpy shape and the strange way that I seem to bulge forward?

Thanks for all your input!

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13 years ago

missvee

Veteran

I like both skirts on you but if you're concerned about cold weather, then the denim one is probably the better choice. It's a good length and fits you well - don't worry about the little bulges - they will be covered up by your top anyway. I think tops #6 and #10 are both good with it. Have you got a cosy black sweater or jacket that you can put over top?

Vicki

(website)

I really like the black and white floral skirt and what you've done with the pattern mixing, because I think the skirt looks "springy" and festive. But, you don't want to be cold. I've also got to tell you that I LOVE the top in #6 on you and can see that no only with your jeans, but also with black or white pants. Have fun, Mander!

teeandcee

Active Member

I love the b&w skirt, especially with the striped t-shirt, but the jean skirt (which looks fine IMO, I like it a lot) would keep you warm since there's a chance of cold.

I have the exact same problem with most of my skirts as I tend to bulge forward. I was told I have sway back (lordosis) by my chiropractor. Not that that helps you. Or me.

HelenInCanada

Both skirts look good, and I like tops #1 and 6 (although I wouldn't mix skirt #1 with top #6!). Not crazy about the striped top on you - perhaps as a layering piece only. It doesn't hit you at a flattering spot.

Enjoy your trip!

catgirl

4 and 5 are my favorite combinations here! I'm having a hard time judging all of these summer tops since it's still 30 here, sadly.

Anonymous

That black and white skirt is lovely, and has a *special* look that no faded denim skirt can achieve. That said, denim is so darn practical. I think they both fit pretty well, I've never had a denim skirt with a truly fabulous fit myself, and they are too thick to alter with my "Barbie's plastic sewing machine" (just kidding, it's real but it can't handle denim very well). With the printed skirt, I really like the tucked in cami and the open moto jacket. Showing a peek of the waist of the skirt seems to be especially flattering. Have you tried tucking the striped shirt (#10) into the denim skirt and wearing an open jacket/cardi on top of that? I love the blouse in #6 too. Sorry I'm not much help deciding!

Suz

Wow, that B&W skirt is a total stunner and it mixes SO well. I love every single option you've provided for it, and oddly, even though it is so distinctive, they all look quite different to my eye. But I do understand you don't want to be cold. Hmmm.

Do you have black capri leggings (or can you get)? Because maybe this skirt would work with the layered legging look. That would keep you warmer...you could even do with boots if need be to keep the legs utterly covered.

Hope you have a wonderful time and I do sympathize about the packing. It can be frustrating trying to anticipate all potentialities.

christieanne

I like the floral skirt overall and especially in 2,4,5. I can't see how the denim is looking on your leg from the pics but once the top is popped over it, it's not a bad fit.
The stripe t could be useful for some layering looks? Not loving on it's own but it is too cold for that anyway

Deborah

Mander the black and white skirt is beautiful. I like Suz's suggestion of crop leggings underneath for additional warmth if necessary.

Otherwise the denim skirt looks good and may prove to be versatile if travelling.

Top #6 is lovely and works so well with the denim. The only top I am not crazy about it the striped one but it would be good for layering.

I prefer the black and white, but when traveling practicality wins out for me, so I choose the denim. At home, with no constraints and a full closet to pick from, the black and white would be first choice hands down.

fashionista

I like your look in #4 and 5. The top in #6 is so cute and sweet, beautiful. I think the denim skirt would be better if you would want to wear with tights. Also take a black cardi if you feel cold.

Both skirts are nice, but since you are traveling, my practical nature has me placing a vote for the denim skirt.

I also have a swayed back...I think Angie mentioned somewhere that she does too.

ManidipaM

I'll vote for the floral over the denim not because of fit but colour! That cardigan looks so much better against the floral than it would on denim, and if you ARE cold you'll want that cardi on! I like Suz's suggestion of leggings, and think the skirt would actually be great with tights...

What shoes are you bringing? Would that help decide, in case they are much too casual for the floral or too dressy for denim?

Mander

Thanks for the input, all! I ended up taking the denim skirt and then not actually wearing it all weekend. It all came down to a shoe problem in the end. I wore my Doc Martens for stomping around London and the woods around my in-laws' house, but I still don't have a decent pair of flats that would have been easy to pack and I kind of felt that Doc Martens with a denim skirt was a little too juvenile for me.

The quest for good shoes goes on!

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