WIW: Pencil skirt & blowsy top

Well Casual Shannon's week off is gone so it's back-to-work Shannon again.

Today I've paired a simple black knit pencil skirt with a thrifted 100% silk black/white geometric patterned blouse. The blouse has a wide banded hem which ties on one side - I love how that hides wobbly bits but still shows some shape and curve.

I've added my black Clarks sandals for footwear and LBB for my handbag, which adds quilted texture as per Angie's blog post today, as well as a bit of colour. Jewelry is my silver wedding band and a chrome/white bangle watch.

Getting dressed this morning, I had a bit of an "aha" moment - pencil skirts are my friend. They hug my hips and curves in a flattering way and make me feel taller, slimmer and a wee bit sexy. Full skirts do not make me feel the same way, and in fact make me feel larger and frumpy - so I'm not going to try and make them work any more.

So what do you think of today's outfit? Does it all work together? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Blouse: Agora (thrifted)
Skirt: Cleo Petite
Sandals: Clarks
Handbag: Danier Leather
Watch: thrifted

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12 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Ooh la la Shannon! Although I miss casual Shannon I must admit I did enjoy today's back to work Shannon! Especially because you have a side bow - in my post today I have a side bow with a fuller skirt and I am trying to figure out if it works so I am finding this very instructive. Great graphic look - and indeed pencil skirts are your friends!

Anonymous

Yes, life is too short to wrestle with clothes that don't make you happy!

Looks great Shannon!

Glory

Absolutely lovely. Very elegant, polished with a dash of fun!

Karie

Pencil skirts are your friend! You look wonderful.

Gorgeous! And your bag with quilting texture is very apt for todays blog from Angie. You do indeed look fab and happy in a pencil skirt!

Suz

You look lovely, Shannon. So fresh and pretty. Love the shot of cobalt with the black and white. And yes, pencils are your friend, so wear them with joy!

This outfit is sharp-- you're right about pencils being nice on you (although I thought the recently-tailored full skirt looked beautiful, too).

And, as an aside-- that bright lipstick is great on you, too-- very polished.

Lantana

Your thrifting skills are well honed, that is a great little top. The skirt you say is a simple knit but the fabric looks substantial; is it lined?
You look smart and lovely in this outfit Shannon.

Parsley

Pencil skirts are definitely your friend, Shannon!
I share your difficulty with full skirts- they make me look big as a house, but pencil skirts are much more flattering to me, too.

You look so good in black and white- that combo is perfect with your hair color. And I love the pop of blue from your bag.
Super outfit!

nancylee

You look perfect, Shannon. And I hear you on the pencil skirts. I'm another who just doesn't feel as attractive in full skirts....and that's ok! It actually simplifies our wardrobe to know what doesn't work as well, right?

Have a good first day back at work...hope the transition isn't too painful!

Cindy

Active Member

You look great in the pencil skirt. I love the bit of blue with the black and white.

Sara L.

You look great and I agree with you on fuller skirts. I'm just not as comfortable in them as I am in pencil and A-line shapes. I like the addition of your blue handbag with the silver and black outfit.

Sylvie

You look great!

You look polished, yet approachable. Pencil skirts love you.

Transcona Shannon

Shevia - interesting you mention trying your bow blouse with a full skirt. I first tried this blouse with my citron full skirt and did not care for the combination. Let me know if your combination works ok 'cause I would love some lessons!

Di - thanks for the lipstick compliment. This red is my all time favorite color.

Lantana - the skirt is substantial knit fabric but not lined. It also has diagonal seams along the front panel which help to give it weight and shape IMHO.

Nancylee - knowing what works for us indeed simplifies our wardrobes.

Thanks everyone for your feedback

Beth Ann

Love this combination -- the top is both reto and modern, and the overall silhouette is quite flattering and lovely. Good idea to wear a favorite formula when going back after a vacation. At first I was afraid you were going to wear all black as a form of mourning for your vacation!

Mia

Beautiful!

This is really sharp and oh so flattering. Cannot believe your luck/skill getting this blouse from a thrift store. Tell us how you do it??

I really like full skirts on you but yup, pencil skirts love you. My heart kind of skipped a beat looking at this...so pretty.

rae

Daaaaang, that outfit flatters you like nobody's business. You are right about pencils; I love hem for the sMe reasons.

Susie

Great look for you, Shannon! Black and white is definitely a favorite for me and I really like the silhouette of these two pieces. I think it's great that you've identified a particular style that's best for you so you can just breeze on past all those full skirt styles!

Thistle

Very pretty!

Oh my! This is perfection on a stick! I love you in pencil skirts, and I love them for exactly the same reasons. I feel like I would need a more defined waist to really rock a full skirt. With pencil skirts, the emphasis is more on the hips than the waist, so that works for both of us! I can't believe you thrifted that fabulous top; it adds further emphasis to those fine hips of yours and that bag is absolutely making me swoon. Shake it don't break it bay-bay!

goldenpig

This look is so you! Perfection! Love the quilted bag too!

Raisin

I think pencil skirts are like, your best friend! Lol, it all looks great!

rachylou

The shoes are amazing with this outfit. Amazing.

Sarah A

Thrifting QUEEN... well earned with this spectacular little find. I love you in this blousey top and a pencil skirt. Fantastic... and now that AHA! moment. Yes, why make things work where you dont feel fab? I must go purge some A line skirts that arent getting me....

Beth Ann - the top does have a bit of a retro feel, doesn't it? That's one of the things that attracted me to it.

Mia - how do I do it you ask? Pure luck!

Claire - don't you find it interesting that we have two completely different body types and yet pencil skirts work for both of us?

Sarah - yep, if those skirts don't get you, then move on!

Thank you all

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