Planning-Schplanning. Who needs it?

I have had every intentiion this week to PLAN out my outfits each day in advance - so I could participate with MaryK in her "week of oufits." Well, it hasn't turned out so well for me and the main reason (I think) is that my days are so wide open when it comes to what I'm going to be doing, that I really don't' know how I need to dress until that day actually comes around.

However, I DID plan my outfit yesterday - and it was a total bust. Pics below. One of my sisters had sent me this skirt because she's really short and it didn't look very good on her, so I thought I'd give it a go. What a difference it is between laying items out on a bed, and actually wearing them on your body! I HATED this outfit. I felt like a popsicle. It was just too, too sweet for me. In fact, I came home at noon and changed into some denim cut-offs and felt much better!

Do you think there is any hope for this skirt? How would you style it for a woman who works hard, is independent, but likes to have just a touch of "soft" in her outfits? (me!)

Sorry about the quality of the pics. My camera is not cooperating with me.

Pic 1 - me trying the half tuck look. HA! No way! I could tell just by looking in the mirror that this was soooooo wrong.
Pic 2 - showing you all the flowy aspect of the skirt - which I kind of like
Pic 3 - shirt tied at waist side view
Pic 4 - shirt tied at waist front view

Thanks for your input!

This post has 4 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.

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Marley, too funny! I find I learn as much from what I hate wearing as what I love sometimes. I think you could pair this skirt with a tougher top (say, a studded t-shirt) or a tuxedo jacket and butch it up a bit... It's a little twee for you if styled conventionally.

rae

(website)

I LOVE that skirt, Marley!

I think it needs some edge or modern lines... slouchy linen sweater? Black gladiators? Plain tank? I'm seeing Helmut Lang here.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

Mita

Active Member

The skirt is fun. Agree 100% with AG and R. The shirt with it is the problem

Freckles

Advice given above sounds perfect if you have those items in your closet.

Janet

I think a tank top and cropped denim jacket would make this skirt work for you -- I like it!

jayne

I am all with you Marley. I feel it is too feminine for my style and yours is even 'cooler' than mine. As in tough. So I think you can leave it behind. But for other outfits, a pretty scarf can add softness and they don't cost a fortune so you can play a bit. I love your style though!

Lyn D.

I think the skirt is quite soft and requires a fairly no-nonsense plain fitted top and non-girly shoes to work for you. Rae's pic is spot on.

Deborah

In agreement with AG and Rae:)

Marley

I'm looking at these pics again. Man, I hate this outfit. I can't believe that I actually walked out the door in it. I appreciate all of your suggestions about toughening it up a bit with a jacket, studded top, etc. The thing is - I think I'm over that look - it just seems like it is so common - everywhere I look there is a woman wearing a version of the cropped jacket with a dress, skirt, etc. - I'm kind of bored with it. I *do like that slouchy top with the black shoes in the pic that Rae posted so I'll look around in my closet and see if I can find something similar and then post pics again tomorrow. Thanks girlfriends for your help!

Marley, I'm suggesting a regular length tuxedo jacket or something to hold in the hips of the skirt. When I feel too girly in a skirt, it is usually because it feels too puffy/frilly, and I need something structured to counteract that flowy/puffiness. Does that make any sense?

Jyoti

I really like Rae's idea. I tend to wear a lot of colourful longer skirts in a more minimalist colour-blocked style like what Rae linked. Here's the kind of aesthetic I imagine working with the skirt in a similar manner.

http://www.fashionsalade.com/w.....Sander.jpg

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

Anonymous

Marley, you CRACK me up! And I can relate. I think it's the skirt's color that is hard to style too. Even if you wore it with all neutrals to tone it down, it's still a whole lotta skirt! I have a full hot pink skirt that is becoming an orphan in my closet. In the spring, I was excited about brights, color blocking and *fun* colors. I made outfits on the bed that looked fantastic with that skirt. I've seen other people wear hot pink skirts with black T's and I've tried those too. In the end, it's the color that makes me feel funny, and *not me*. Like a clown or something. So I totally get the popsicle feeling. I hope Una's and Jyoti's suggestions work for you, but if not, can it be dyed? I love the shape of it.

Suz

Marley, I was so relieved when I read your post. Not because you had this frustrating experience, but because now I know I'm not the only one who's "beautiful on the bed" outfits are a TOTAL bust when I actually put them on. Either the proportion's wrong, or they just don't feel "me" or who knows what.

I agree with Claire that the colour of this skirt makes it extra difficult to style for someone who doesn't want to come across as sweet or cute. So, dittoing what she says. I like Una's suggestion for some structure, but the risk, with this particular skirt, is that given it's length it would have to be a cropped jacket and you said you didn't want to go there. Maybe it just needs a new home.

Lisa

Maybe I just can't picture the reworked outfit but I say pass on the skirt. It doesn't seem to have that "edge" I associate with your usual style. Fun striped shirt here though, I can see that working really well with denim shorts.

Category