In my 2022 wrap up I talked a bit about clothes that I had purchased that seemed like me but that I hadn’t actually worn, and wondered if there was a bit of a disconnect between what I think I want to wear and what I actually want to wear. That idea has continued to percolate through my mind and I think a recent skirt purchase is an interesting illustration of the concept.

I’ve been talking for a while about wanting to experiment with fall/winter skirts. What I think I want to wear: a full, midi/midaxi skirt with an interesting cut, a “moor-tromping skirt.” Well nothing that really spoke to that desire has popped up yet (this could be a signal that my vision for this item is too specific, or that it is too vague!). But, I was drawn to this narrow, stretchy burgundy velvet skirt — not at all the cut or fabric that I thought I was after, but I think it’s a successful purchase for me.

One thing that interested me was the idea of trying to dress the velvet down or wear it for everyday. After all I wear velvet jeans casually, so…why not a skirt? For its first outing I wore it with a blue, white, and black Nordic pullover (Photo 1). I have tights on here as well as the Nordic print socks — note to self, a pair of socks over tights adds some welcome warmth to the feet when at home. Footwear was my burgundy patent stompy boots. I liked the look and it was super comfortable — this was a 13-hour outfit for me (I wore it all day for WFH and out to a lecture in the evening) which is frankly more than I can say for any of my jeans at the moment.

I spent a bit more time this morning playing with other styling possibilities — some casual, some dressy. Some are more successful than others but even so I think I have a good handful of ways I can wear this.

Photo 2: With a burgundy turtleneck for a 2-piece dress look? I don’t think this works, the sweater is too long and the proportions aren’t right.

Photo 3: I’ve been interested in the possibility of wearing my rose silk top open as a vest, so tried that here. Still not quite right.

Photo 4: How about if I add a big cardi over the vest and go full Frazzled Englishwoman? This is the best look of the three, I think, although not sure if/when I would choose it over some of the other options here.

Photo 5: Different burgundy sweater (I have really been trying to beef up my burgundy complement!), I think the cut of this one works better.

Photo 6: with a striped hoodie sweater (also new to my closet). I love this!

Photo 7: with my light blue cardi. Alas I think it’s a bit *too* cropped, it looks ok in the pic but I am getting that draft-up-the-back feeling in real life. I continue to love this sweater but struggle to style it due to the tricky proportion/cut.

Photo 8: Teal fair isle cardi worn closed — I love this one too!

Photo 9: with a black portrait-collar sweater and pumps for a classic dressy look. My lifestyle does not often require this sort of look but it’s nice to know I could achieve it with pieces that I enjoy wearing in other ways.

Photo 10: with my sparkly green sweater for an offbeat Christmas palette. Really like this a lot too. I think I’d wear with olive tights for a full-on color block effect but I don’t seem to have a pair of olive tights at the moment.

Thanks for looking — grateful for any observations or suggestions!