WIW: Grounding a statement skirt with classic/prep

Reading about re-mixing and getting more use out of favorite items prompted me to find another way to wear this skirt, which I love but is limited to non-work occasions. Winter is tough because I need something warmer than nude hosiery, plus it's feeling just a little short for that look. With the dark red background fabric in the lace pattern, I went matchy-matchy with dark red sweater, tights and Cordovan loafers. The look is intentionally casualized and not using other more trendy items (hmm, are the loafers trendy or anti-trendy?) because I hoped to create an un-fancy, more down-to-earth look for my occasion. I have several other dark red/ burgundy sweater or blouse options I'd love to try, but may run out of occasions!

I had some loafer madness this year since they have a roomier toebox. These are, gasp, Weejuns. I never wore them growing up because my feet were too narrow for slip-on shoes and many of the popular shoes worn by my age group--so, does that give me license to wear them this time around ?

I really like cordovan for its shading and "blackened" properties. I've gotten a lot of wear from these with jeans, as I have found I really like having a few go-to slip-on shoes as being fast and easy to change into for going to the store, errands etc. However this winter I've also braved wearing them with some other pencil skirts, as I might oxfords or other flats--for work I have several that "go" with this color, with tights in dark red, gray or black.

This may not be everyone's cup of tea, since it's not the classic leg-lengthening look and is very classic or preppy, or maybe even frumpy. Certainly the happy skirt is "grounded"!

Comments and suggestions welcome.

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11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Love the skirt, so fab! I think it works with the loafer and top. Yes, a bit classic, but the loafers add a modern twist.

unfrumped

Thanks, Thistle! Experimenting is fun, and I am thinking that if I want to keep the loafer look, I could wear something less classic on top (not crazy, but high-low blouse or something), with the idea that the skirt is bright but still a classic style, so I might be over-classic'd even for what I intended. Need to come up with some more occasions for experimenting!

Sharon

I really like this. Casual, but smart casual. The proportions with the top and skirt look perfect. I could also imagine this length skirt with a looser, more voluminous knit.

Sharon, I think that is right! This sweater is upsized way more than how it's featured by the maker, to the point I thought it might be too baggy, but still overall looks tailored. I have both a silk blouse (worn untucked) and some roomier sweaters that might give a more fluid-over-fitted look.
One reason I like the skirt is that despite the fiery orange, the background colors are navy and dark red--colors that are easy to find in differnt styles of tops from year to year and that go with other things.

Jjsloane

Not biased or anything, but I love this. The balance is good and I have a soft spot for the loafers. I wore my bass cordovan penny loafers with scrunched socks and khaki bermudas so what do I know?

Helena

That's a great skirt ... the styling is simple and classic, two things I love The pendant is a really nice finishing piece!

Suz

(website)

I like it! I think you've done a terrific job of finding another way to wear the skirt. And, what Sharon said -- it would also look great with a more voluminous knit top.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I like this outfit, unfrumped. Simple and sleek. The lace print of the skirt gives the outfit its interest, makes it feel current (lace is still very much on trend, it seems to me), and creates an unusual juxtaposition with the loafers.

Dimity

Active Member

I like it too, especially with the loafers.

Quietgirl

It works!

lyn67

It works so well, and I like it sooo much!:-)

kkards

weejuns....oh, love. i'm having a high school flashback!
honestly, the outfit has a classic, but not quite, preppy vibe, because the skirt is a little unexpected. i could also see it with a tall riding boot, and that would add some warmth for winter.

kkards, I have no riding boots, as they are still on my "do I have the energy to look for these" and, are they in my imaginary lifestyle. But, I could see a brown or cognac boot and a slouchier sweater as working well and giving the more down-to-earth vibe than say, dressy black boots, and also being more in same color tone family as skirt.

gardenchick

Great outfit...love that red lace skirt!

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