Every time I wear this skirt, I feel frumpy.
I had a belt on earlier, but it kept sliding upwards and was just not attractive. It's too bad this skirt doesn't have belt loops to keep one in place!
Oh well, tomorrow is another day for another (and better) outfit.
What do you think? Should I just stick with pencil skirts?
Aida replied 12 years ago
I like the skirt shape on you, maybe with a more whimsical or cheeky top? I'm guessing denim or chambray is too casual based on the comments you got earlier in the week? Hmmm what else.... a silky blouse with a structured blazer? striped tee/blouse? animal print cardigan buttoned up like a top and untucked?
(Hey, I wore the same houndstooth tights yesterday :D )
Isis replied 12 years ago
Love the tights! And I also like the skirt! Perhaps the shirt is too staid?
I like Aida's suggestions!
Sarah A replied 12 years ago
I like the silhouette, much more interesting than just pencil skirt everyday. I agree about a silky blouse... I have this fushcia one and I am just wishing I had this skirt to pair with it. The profile is a lot like one of Angies and also Suz's perhaps their outfits could provide inspiration? I wish I could paste in links but this tablet computer is a pain and I can't figure it out!
Deborah replied 12 years ago
Amy you can definitely wear this style of skirt. I agree with Aida that maybe this blouse is not idea for the skirt. Even a more crisp white shirt with collar popped and cuffs turned back and a slim animal print belt would take this outfit up a level.
lyn* replied 12 years ago
I love this style of skirt - as for the belt slipping; have you tried using sticky non-slip tape on the other side? It feels sort of like sand paper - I have been doing that to my skinny belts and they don't move a smidgen all day! My dad works at a hardware store and came up with that idea.
Usually for my skirts like this; I try to pair with a less conservative top - something fun; or I slap on one of my "conversation" cardigans. :)
Good luck!
Emily replied 12 years ago
I love the skirt, especially with the tights and booties. Like the rest, I think all it needs to be more modern is a different top.
Transcona Shannon replied 12 years ago
I love the idea of an animal print cardi done up and untucked. I think the skirt is great and you can definitely wear it.
lyn - your Dad's a genius!
Suz replied 12 years ago
That skirt is a fab shape on you!
I wonder what makes you feel frumpy in it. Perhaps it is something we can't see, something about the fabrication? Because if it's about the feel of it rather than the look, then that might be a different matter.
I like the styling suggestions already given, and lyn has such a clever Dad!!
sarah replied 12 years ago
Gosh, I really love that skirt on you, and I like the way you've styled it. What about some nearly invisible belt loops, like those crocheted thread types you see on dresses sometimes? I'm sure clever you could manufacture something like that...
Love the booties and tights with it.
It looks like a great skirt and fits you well. I wonder if it's a proportion thing? The high contrast of the white shirt really draws attention to the line between top and bottom, making your legs look unnaturally long (not sure that is ever a bad thing though), lol! A print blouse, zebra belt or a lower conrast, body con top might help solve the problem.
HelenInCanada replied 12 years ago
If you feel frumpy, definitely donate it! :D
Amy replied 12 years ago
Thanks, ladies. You've given me some good ideas for styling this. I think you're right that the top is what's making this not-so-fun.
Suz, the skirt itself is made out of a very nice fabric...so that's not it. The problem is my lack of imagination, lol.
Now, if someone could tell me where I could find an animal print cardi...they seem to be less ubiquitous now that I want one.
Beth Ann replied 12 years ago
Amy, you've already received some great suggestions! Lyn's Dad was a fashion genious! I've got a few items that have me stymied, too! Once a month or so, I try to take an hour in my closet playing with the orphans -- my little service project ;} Your seamstress eye is well honed and you're very creative. I'm guessing the biggest issue in your life right now is that, when you have an hour alone in the bedroom, you probably just want to collapse on the bed for a little nap! Oh yeah, I've been there!
Amy replied 12 years ago
Thanks, Beth Ann. I keep trying different combos with this skirt, but haven't hit on the right vibe yet. I'm thinking I need to invest in "cheeky" tops, but don't know where to start with that.
You've hit the nail on the head about my free time. I wish I could just sew up something pretty, but I'm relying on stores right now :)
I think it's cute on you, but if it feels frumpy, I'd toss.
Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago
I could totally see the skirt with a striped black and white boatneck and possibly flats. I think the skirt is very cute on you and can actually work with a lot of different types of shirts and cropped jackets.
rachylou replied 12 years ago
The skirt definitely asks for 50s styling -the turned up collar or collarless, fitted top, scarf inside the collar, delicate shoes, all-around femmy-ness... charm bracelet!
Amy replied 12 years ago
Ok...so, it's not the skirt that the problem. It's my BORING shirt, lol.
Thanks for setting me straight, ladies!
jayne replied 12 years ago
My first thought was that the waist was too high for your figure. That might the drama with the white tucked top, can you try with a kind of top you can layer over the waist? In winter I would suggest a turtleneck, fitted of course!
Jjsloane replied 12 years ago
Not all animal, but here are some fun printed cardis:
http://www.garnethill.com/sign.....istIndex=1
http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp......49-848-551
and this is called "Amy"
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=905153002
lyn* replied 12 years ago
:P For my funky top fix on the cheap, I hit up forever 21 or Zara
My dad is pleased as punch I told him you ladies thought he was quite clever. ;)
Mochi replied 12 years ago
Oh, I really like this skirt silhouette on you, Amy. You have the height and build to make it work. I don't have a solution, but agree that you should try out other tops. Don't give up on the skirt just yet! I hope Angie chimes in with some suggestions.
Meredith's idea of a striped boat neck T is genius! I've thrown out so many things in a fit of frustration. Maybe just tuck this away until the right top presents itself. Wishing you more R&R time. I've been there too!
AJ replied 12 years ago
Amy, can you add little thread loops to each side to keep your belts in place?
I also read somewhere on a blog that you could attac safety pins on the inside of your skirt to hold the belt in place. Like the thread loops, except you'll see a little silver bar loop. She claims it's discreet nobody seems to notice. I keep forgetting to try this because I'm always rushed when I get dressed.
I've added some of my black full skirt outfits pics...not sure if you were only looking for work appropriate stylings. At any rate, these could be a jumping off point. Hope they help.
Amy replied 12 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions!
AJ, your versions are genius. I'm going to try copying some of these. Thank you for the help!
Lyn, your dad is awesome!
Lyrebirdgully replied 12 years ago
Hi Amy, I agree that the skirt is workable, it's all about balancing the proportions. The skirt as is, is making you look shortwaisted, so I would go carefully with belting. Some ideas:
>>Make your waist look lower with a longer jacket over (a cardigan would be just as fine) and no waist-defining belt. Lighter hose (optional) to highlight your legs, e.g Princess Maxima
http://www.ppe-agency.com/500p.....042010.jpg
http://www.ppe-agency.com/500p.....042021.jpg
>> make your upper torso look longer with a high, horizontal neckline. A same colour top (black) would make the skirt look more like a frock and create a column effect.( a black cami would do under a jacket/cardy). Keira Knightley
http://www.venusbuzz.com/wp-co.....-skirt.jpg
>> add a wide shouldered top (worn untucked) to balance the width of the skirt
http://www.dressingvintage.com.....-skirt.jpg
>> another example of a " frock" effect
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/img/b/.....1535284000
>> Sal at AlreadyPretty has some great contrasting top examples
http://www.alreadypretty.com/w.....outfit.jpg
http://www.alreadypretty.com/w.....outfit.jpg
>>>and, seeing as you like a scarf...! http://ourvintagehouse.files.w.....#038;h=668
>> Sal again in leopardskin; which I think would really suit you (I would skip the belt)
http://www.alreadypretty.com/w.....outfit.jpg
Hope you can make a great outfit with this skirt!
Jenava replied 12 years ago
Ok, I am going to be the odd one out and say the skirt is the problem here (although the top isn't helping, as others have pointed out...LOL).
I think you need a higher hemline and lower waistline with a full skirt.
Deborah replied 12 years ago
Amy, just browsing a catalogue and saw some animal print cardigans from Guess. You could do an online search. If I can find a link I will post it :)
Amy replied 12 years ago
JJ--Those are fun cardigans! Thank you for showing them to me. I'm seriously considering the lemon print cardi :)
Lyrebird, wow, thank you for taking the time to post those inspiring examples!
Jenava, I think you might have hit on what bothers me about that skirt. Than you! I can do something about the hem length. I'll just have to cover up the waistband with an untucked top.
Deborah, thank you! That would be great.
Angie replied 12 years ago
Amy, in line with what Jenava said, the high contrast of the top and bottom is accentuating a short waist - which is part of the proportion problem. I think that you would like this skirt more if you wore it with a black top. The ultra short waist would disappear.
Amy replied 12 years ago
Thanks, Angie. That makes sense. I'll have to try that.
