WIW: need help with the sweatshirt/pencil skirt thing - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW: need help with the sweatshirt/pencil skirt thing

cciele

Veteran

Thought I'd go for a different look (for me). I tried pairing a black sweatshirt-like top from GAP with a stretchy jersey pencil skirt. The fabric has a cool pattern--black and yellow streaks on printed on top of flocked polka-dots.

I wore flat sandals because of my knees and I threw on the necklace at the last minute because I wanted to break up the black on top. But this outfit could use some improvements--help! Does the top even go with the skirt? Necklace should be different/longer?

Thanks everyone!

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15 replies

Latest reply was from cciele

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm so excited! I was experimenting with this exact silhouette today, too - I hope to post pics later on.

Gorgeous skirt, by the way...

I actually think this works on you, but it's a bit hard to tell absolutely. I am wondering if the visual weight of the sweater, because so much darker, is sort of throwing the whole thing off, and if it were more tonal if it would be more pleasing, somehow? Also, does the top skim the hips or is it a bit bloused? In my admittedly very new experience, you sort of want the sweater to skim down over the hips creating almost an IT silhouette (if you're not already an IT, I mean). And the sleeves of the sweater can be really important. They need to be narrowish on me.

Anyway..I really like this in #1. Less sure when I get to #2, but I suspect it's the angle. I think you are right that the pendant could be longer, however.

catgirl

Veteran

Here's a picture of my attempt, which may inspire you or may scare you off!

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....d-other-kr

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I love this look on you. I think it's wonderful!

Anonymous

I like this a lot! I'd like to see you try it with a tougher shoe. Not a boot, but do you have anything in between a boot and a sandal that would work? Even gladiators might work if it's still too hot for shoes.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I like the outfit as it is, and I have some ideas for changing it as well. The skirt is really cool--wish I could see the fabric better, but love it from your description and combined with the photo. The fit and length are great on you. I like the plain black top with it, and the simple black sandals. Everything works. I agree with others that a longer pendant, and perhaps one that is more casual looking, would go a little better, but the one you chose is fine and I do like how it breaks up the black of the top.
Now, what I might like better for a top: either a longer top that fits closely at the hip, for a little bit of a blouson effect, or a slightly boxier, looser cut at the bottom that shows off the slim fit of the skirt at your high hip. Not sure these would look better, but they would be the kind of silhouettes I'd try with the skirt.

Carole

Veteran

I'm no expert but I think you look great! What a great way to casual-ify the pencil skirt, which I love, btw.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, this formula is a new one for me. I think it's a great idea!

How about flats? Sandals say "it's hot!" while the sweatshirt says "it's cold", and that's a bit of a psych.

I also think a longer chain and a more visually delicate pendant might up the wow factors. But I think the medallion works.

shiny

Veteran

No idea but taking notes...

Jem

Veteran

I like it, but love Claire's idea about a tougher shoe. I'd try that, for sure.

Gaylene

Veteran

I'm with Suz in thinking that the black top looks a bit heavy for the skirt, but I like the concept with this skirt. I recently wore a light-green, linen sweatshirt-style top with a denim pencil skirt and ballet flats that got quite a few compliments. My only accessories were a cross body bag and a watch.

I'd play around with some different tops and footwear. Personally, I like this formula without a necklace--maybe earrings and a cuff instead?

kellygirl

Veteran

Looks great, Cathy. I do think an edgier shoe will take it up a notch but I like it this way too!

shiny

Veteran

Dang.. I now realize what it is that I'd like to see with this... a navy top, rather than black!! See the WiW I just posted. It would seem to me that black top would work fantastic because of your black hair... but I dunno... a penny dropped for me recently when it was suggested I swap black top for navy top with hot pink skirt... made ALL the difference. Black top is always my "go to" ... when I'm not sure.

And your skirt, if it were me, yeah, I'd default to black top. But wow... your skirt has blue in it!! Navy... would make all the difference! I think the fit is otherwise just right.

NAVY top!

bj1111

Veteran

love. i like this silhouette in general. nice execution. the gold necklace picks up the yellow flocks. how about a longer or chunkier necklace --depending on how you feel it would drape over the "girls". or booties instead of sandals. or flat knee high boots.

then we could start on different types of tops!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I like this a lot and that skirt is great. Just want booties instead of sandals.

cciele

Veteran

Thanks everyone for some excellent suggestions! Now I am excited to try different outfits with this skirt. I'll take a close-up photo of the pattern in the morning.

Suz - Oooh, hope to see your outfits! I wonder about the darkness of the top too. The top is a bit boxy and just kind of sits over the hips. I'll have to think more on the shape of the top.

Una - I remember this and I love it! I guess the look was originally suggested with a leather pencil skirt but I thought I'd try a non-leather one

Rita - Thank you!

Claire - Ah... here comes part of the problem. I don't have any flats that are non-boot or non-sandal. I am on the hunt for such a shoe! I do have a pewter pair of gladiators though... hm!

Firecracker -- Great suggestions about types of tops to try. I'll have to dig through my closet and see if I have anything suitable. Thank you!

Carole -- Thanks!

Rachylou -- see comment above about flats. But I see what you mean about the cognitive dissonance Will try different chains.

Jem -- will do!

Gaylene -- Your outfit sounds great! I like your jewelry suggestions, although I don't wear earrings typically. Cuffs though would be fun.

Kelly -- Maybe I will try my Miz Mooz stompy boots

shiny -- Navy, that's brilliant! The skirt does have some grayish blue tones in it. I'll have to look for a top that plays off those tones. I do have a navy top that veers deeply into sweatshirt territory (short sleeve, kangaroo pockets, hoodie). That might be a bit too casual though

bj -- I will try a longer necklace -- I have a multi-chain necklace that might work well. I don't have black booties but do have gray booties.

shevia -- I will try my gray booties!