WIMW - 3 Ways with Chambray and Pencil Skirt - YouLookFab Forum

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WIMW - 3 Ways with Chambray and Pencil Skirt

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

So I've never worn this pencil skirt out of the house and I'm not sure why. I guess it just feels "dressy" when everyone else is in old t-shirts and rugged cowboy boots. I KNOW, I know, it's not exactly city dressy, but it is what it is out here on the ranch. Anyway, I was experimenting with how I might wear this in a very casual way.

1.) BR Chambray shirt, Jcrew Factory Pencil Skirt, Clarks Shoes, Python Bag
2.) Same as above except with a new small neck scarf from Peruvian Connnection
3.) Same as #1 but with a belt

What do you think? Is there a clear winner or should I try a different top? Belting makes the top bunch a little and I'm not sure how to adjust it quite right as I never really wear a belt like this but wanted to try something new.

20 replies

Latest reply was from texstyle

K. Period.

Veteran

So maybe this sounds crazy, but I really like it belted and I would be absolutely in love with it belted with (ready?) tan or taupe cowboy boots. Seriously.

I like the chambray and the pencil skirt together a lot. The disjointed bit, to my eye, is the shoes.

kellygirl

Veteran

I think this looks great. It's casual but polished. I like it best with the necklace and in the last frame, belted. Nude booties would be fun too (like kcanshop said.)

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

You guys are so right -- I thought of booties or boots too but the only ones I own didn't feel right - maybe I should have photo'd them anyway (they are dark brown). I have been trying to find taupe cowboy boots for some time but the fit/comfort thing is a real issue! I will find the right pair eventually and then I will make sure to wear this with them.

Kristin L

Veteran

I think I like the last one best as well. Do you have any closed toe flats like ballet flats? I think that would be cute with your look. Also, have you tried tucking the shirt in?

rachylou

Veteran

I agree, this would be just as great with cowboy boots.

Nicole D

Veteran

That skirt is hot! Very current and fits well. I like it belted also, and I agree about the sandals - they are a casual bookend to the chambray shirt, but booties or flats (like a nude cap toe flat) would look great too.

IndyGal

Love #3 and agree with others to add cowboy boots! Looks great!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

To answer some of the comments, I don't really have any suitable closed toed flats to go with this. I have a pair of taupe (light taupe with darker taupe accents) that might work to test but they are a little worn. I'll see what I can do.

What kind of top would you say might look best with the pencil skirt if I wanted to wear the wedge sandals? Something dressier? A different style like a fitted knit top maybe?

Shoes have always been a challenge for me to get right.

K. Period.

Veteran

When you say wedge sandals, do you mean the ones that you are wearing in the picture?

Okay, so this is my opinion and only mine and you should absolutely feel free to disregard it. (That's my disclaimer and I'm sticking with it!) I think pairing the skirt and the shoe is challenging. You did a great job pairing the more formal skirt with the casual denim shirt, so the shirt goes with the skirt, and the shoes go with the shirt, but the shoes and skirt don't go together for me. The skirt is a more formal floral, very crisp in black and white, and the shoes are a very relaxed, slightly distressed feeling floral in brown. The sandal also reads as a little more athletic. To me, the skirt either calls for a high/low pairing of something a little cowgirl pretty or for something more conventionally pretty and casual. You could wear a plain flat with them and get the conventional pretty look. You could wear a simple bootie like the Sam Edelman Petty too. Or go preppy and pair it with a penny loafer.

As for flats, I think everyone needs a basic flat, be it round toed, ballet, or pointy (I'm a pointy girl!), and high vamp or low. The key to me is that the shape should feel like you, but it should be pretty much un-embellished if you want to get the most wear from it. I think of it as the basic piece that serves as the foundation to build on.

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Kiwichik

Veteran

I like it belted and unbelted - minus the scarf, love the bag. I also think it would look fab belted with cowboy boots.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Love this outfit. The casual shirt with the pencil skirt is a great mix. Have you tried scrunching the sleeves, with the cuffs turned back? I think Rae and/or Angie have posted this technique. I think it would look great on this shirt.

sarah

Veteran

I like it unbelted, without the scarf. Such a pretty combo!

JR

Veteran

Nice! I like it with the belt.

It can be a difficult thing, can't it, trying to up your game dressing casual and still remain casual. You pulled it off nicely here.

KathyL

Veteran

That is a gorgeous skirt! I love it belted. I would also try it with a nice knit top, you could pair it with just about any color since the black and white are neutrals. Agree with k can shop about getting basic flats in a neutral color. I just picked up a pewter ballet flat from target on a whim (they were on sale!) and they are soooo comfy. Plus, it's a nice neutral that will go with many outfits.

http://www.target.com/p/women-.....edium_1_21

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay, I am over the moon here.

#1 I love your skirt.

#2 I love that you are finding a way to wear it at the ranch (more or less). I don't live on a ranch, but I live in a very casual university city, so I really *get* how tough it can be to challenge our norms and just wear the clothes we love.

#3. I LOVE it with the shirt, especially belted.

#4 I LOVE seeing a glimpse of your face and colouring. Hey, now I think I know why we love the same colours! My hair is maybe more taupey and charcoal flecked than yours but I am seeing some pretty strong similarities here!

#5 I LOVE this conversation about footwear. K can shop is ..um..the QUEEN of shoes, so I think her advice is well worth paying attention to!

I also truly understand the shoe issue. It is very tough for me, too, and tough to spend money on footwear until and unless I know it is going to work for me. From posting WIWs over the last year I have really learned a lot about what actually works for my lifestyle and my body type. Now I see my beloved Doc Saras as something of a mistake given my proportions...but at the same time I am not sorry for the purchase. I have had some great wear from them already, and I've also learned that I adore spectator/two-tone type shoes and now it is time to find some that are better scaled to my own frame.

I LOVE the first booties that k can posted for you. I think living in Texas you risk pastiche if you wear and out-and-out cowboy boot (though I love the look!). Of course you can DO it, and probably do it brilliantly, but I could also easily understand the wish NOT to do it. The first booties give the nod to the inspiration but also have a bit of a citified air.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Another love: you are going to rival Debora as our bathroom mirror queen!

K. Period.

Veteran

Oh my gosh KathyL, pewter flats are amazing! I bought a pair a few years back and they are hands down one of the best workhorses in my closet. You can tell that they are because I am not a ballet flat girl and yet I love them with all my heart even though they are ballet flats!

Pewter flats would go great with this. A fabulous thing about pewter is that it is simultaneously a warm color and a cool color, so it goes with brown just as well as it goes with black.

And Suz, I'm blushing! Blushing!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Kristin - more shoe info. below but to answer the shirt question, it is a bit too bulky to tuck without obvious bumps. This is a simple (not too thick) cotton twill skirt in dark brown and an almost white. I can tuck knit tops into it and maybe a thinner silk shirt but silk takes it too dressy for my needs.

k can shop - Yes, I meant the wedges I was wearing in the pics. I really appreciate the detailed info. you provided! Very helpful and to have visuals even more so. I have been shopping for some new flats for this purpose (dressier casual) but just haven't found them yet. The cowboy boots are also something on my list but I wonder how "me" I'd feel wearing them with a skirt. Anyway, I'm thinking of a taupe flat to use as a general neutral and I also wanted a black flat. I usually buy Clarks, Merrel, Ecco, Born, Keen or Teva for fit reasons but I've been trying to look outside of that range. I've sent about 15 pairs of shoes back thus far so it has been challenging. It's good to know I'm at least on the hunt in the right direction.
Beth Ann - I will try scrunching

Suz- Thank you for your kind comments! We do have similar coloring I think. My grey is a bit hidden by summer highlights and poor lighting but irl it's def. there and a consideration in my color choices. Bathroom Mirror Queen II.

Everyone else - thank you and I'm going to try this again when I get those flats.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

The skirt and shirt are truly winners! You are giving me ideas...

My preference is belted but skip the necklace. The shirt detail/pockets plus belt provide enough interest IMO.

Have you tried tucking it with the scarf?

You could also tie it at the waist and button it to the top then scrunch the sleeves and wear arm candy. (No necklace.)

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

CocoLion, I'm going to try your suggestion of tying the shirt I think - I'd forgotten about that option - thanks!