Struggling with a pencil

jayne

I wanted to use this leopard pencil this morning and tried 3 variations...Do you any of them work best?

1. Inspired by Amy with red and leopard.
2. My attempt at leather and pencil inspired by Angie
3. A sequin tank under my tux jacket

I think black boots would have been better with all.

Thanks fir any help figuring out why or why not these work. I couldn't put my finger on why none of them triggered happiness.

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11 years ago

Urgent

20 replies

Latest reply was from jurocha

Neel

Veteran

The fit of the skirt seems to be a bit off. It needs to be a bit more tapered at the bottom in my opinion.

Outfit 1 - A more visible belt (dark brown/black) would do wonders. The brown boots are not bad with this outfit, but a black one might be better. You need to do a classic tuck with the top I guess (the sides seem to be a bit loose) and scrunching / rolling up the sleeves of the top would add some more structure.or add a topper in brown or black depending on the boots of your choice.

Outfits 2 and 3 - look great except for the brown boots which seem to be off. Replacing them with black will help a lot because they would bookend your jacket well. Also a black skinny belt with outfit 3 will add some more structure. The v neck of outfit 2 is very flattering.

Hope I make sense!

ETA - I love the way outfit 3 is pulled together! Unexpected and edgy!

11 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

I like #2 best. The shorter jacket in 2 looks best with this skirt. The skirt looks a little big though. Maybe it just needs to be tapered more, like Neel said, to fit like a pencil.

11 years ago

Sharon

Veteran

I think the skirt looks too big for you. Is it loose, or does it just read that way in the photos? I agree that black boots would have been better. I like #3 best, as the top and belt help define your figure, but I have a weakness for bombshell looks.

11 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Hi Jayne!
I think the skirt has a gorgeous pattern. Like Neel, I think it reads a little big, or maybe just a small tapering would make a difference. I like the pairing with coral a lot, and with a more structured belt I think it would totally work as is (maybe swap the boots for black ones, but I'm not sure). The other two versions are great beginnings, and I agree that black boots would be a better option here.

11 years ago

Mrs Moo

Active Member

Agree with everything Neel said; the skirt is lovely but it does seem either a bit too big for you, or too wide at the hem, needing to be more tapered.

I also agree that black boots and belt would tie everything together wonderfully. I do love your sequin top in #3!

11 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

Jayne, I like 1-and 2!

11 years ago

rute

Veteran

My favorite is 2 for the day. 3 Is fab for a night out!

11 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

Came back to solve your problem, Jayne.:-). Isn't your problem perhaps comming from the fact that skirt is a too thin fabric compared to all that leather(boots and jacket)? Tappering at sides will give it some more structure, but otherwise, I love nr 1the best(nr 2is a close follower )

11 years ago

Von

Veteran

I think Neel is spot on with your fit problem. I feel the same way. It's not *penciling* you in like I think it could. Your bottom is actually giving a slight flare. I also think it's maybe an inch longer than optimal for your leg. I think if you get the skirt tailored, everything else will fall in place the way you imagined it would, because you pairings are spot on - they *should* all work theoretically.

11 years ago

jayne

Veteran

Thanks for the great advice. this skirt is a bit big. it is not hanging at my natural waist which would pull it up some. not sure about more tailoring . it used to be a dress actually.

I went for my fallback outfit with a longer black top that seems to balance better with this length. I love getting such good advice!

11 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I don't think this skirt is enough of a pencil, Jayne. I like the idea of #1 if the skirt were a bit more tapered. I'd suggest checking MaryK's pencil posts as she really rocks a pencil skirt, as does Ingunn and many others here.

11 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

The skirt would look nice tapered to make it a true pencil skirt, or you could keep it as is and wear it as an A-line skirt. I would take in the waist if it is too big. Is the skirt a thin fabric? If so, I would probably wear it with pumps or ankle boots. I think it looks nice with the top in #1, or with the top in #1 and the jacket in #2.

11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

You have already gotten tons of great feedback. I don't have a lot more to offer other than I really like the way you styled it even if not a true pencil skirt.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Nodding along with the others re the skirt requiring more taper. If the fabric's too thin compared to the other items it will probably feel "off" to you no matter what, or at least that's what I find in my climate.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I think #1 is pretty smart. I think tho the problem may be it's not really a pencil...

11 years ago

pil

Veteran

My initial thought for 1 was a more prominent belt too. I like the shorter jacket in 2.

11 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

I agree with the others that the skirt could use a bit of taking in and tapering. What about the top in #1 with the jacket in #2?

11 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I love the skirt and think it needs tapering. #1 is a great combination. I really think shaping the skirt is going to make all the difference.

11 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Having the skirt altered to fit would help. I like the outfits you showed. Can you try it with black boots or booties?

11 years ago

jurocha

(website)

Veteran

I won't chip in regarding fit, but I would like to defend the brown tall boots. If there's a little leg showing btw the skirt and the boots, I guess the brown boots and hose (skin tone color, if needed due weather conditions) are a more casual, day look.

Black boots will surely look wonderful and be great for a night out.

I like outfit 1 for day (would ditch the belt, though) and outfit 3 for night.

Despite my love for leather jackets (and you rock leather!), I am not so convinced about the pairing in 2. Maybe here the fit will make the difference and pull the outfit together. (My biggest concern, though, is the double V-neck cut - the v-neck from the tee plus the v-shape hinted by the collar of the jacket. I would swap the tee for something with a regular, round neck/collar)

11 years ago

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