Here's another closet orphan, that I tried to style in a way that wouldn't seem too old or frumpy, by taking cues from the always stylish and resourceful Jentine of My Edit. OK, so I would have to say that I've not got the hang of it yet. I'm going to continue to wear this for my work from home day, but this seems to have crossed an invisible frump line that I'm not thrilled with.
I've had this skirt since 2002, before I graduate college and as an attempt to build up a "Teaching assistant" wardrobe. It's made of a thick double knit, almost sweatshirt like fabric. It has some pilling on it, but that wouldn't stop me from wearing it. I just don't know how to wear it without getting swallowed up by it. You can't quite see it here, but the side seams are geared from a woman of rounder hips. I usually deal with that by pulling a top over it. Perhaps I should add two seams to the sides and try this again, during the challenge.
Skirt: NY &Co
Denim shirt: Gap
Black shirt: Bobbi (via Cliche)
Boots: Born
I think going a slightly cowgirlish route was a good plan. Another thing that might work for this style of skirt is a looooong cardigan. Keep that long, vertical line thing going!
ReplyDeleteone idea: position the belt lower, at the top of your hip bones (kinda where your second finger is on the hand on your hip). unbutton the shirt down to the belt. flip up the collar, and put on a scarf - wind it around your neck, inside the collar, the feel you're going for is bulk and width - something along the lines of the first look in Audi's scarf typing tut:
ReplyDeletehttp://geekthreads.blogspot.com/2010/01/scarf-tying-tutorial.html
i find those type of long straight skirts hard to wear with a natural waist emphasis - i usually go at hi hip or towards empire. good luck - that's a great color/texture palette on you!! steph
@Sal: I will definitely look for a longer cardi for next time.
ReplyDelete@Steph: Thanks. I agree that this skirt needs something different. Some volume on top would help. I usually avoid hip belts because I have a long torso, but the long skirt may throw those proportions off anyway. Great idea.
I really like this outfit, Rad! You look great - the cowgirl look suits you.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, you should NOT wear anything voluminous on top or you'll just inadvertently increase the frump factor. Wear something tight or tighter, with a low neckline on top to offset the look of the long skirt. I recommend a tight long sleeved tee with a necklace to show off the collar bone and neck.
ReplyDeleteAnd no long cardigan if you are worried about a long torso. Think short tight layered tops.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, your shoes aren't helping the frumpiness either. A sleeker shoe would help tremendously. Especially, one where the boot is not, what is the word, creased or wrinkled?
ReplyDeleteI think this outfit looks great, especially for working from home - very comfy! And I like the boots under the long skirt. That's a look that I've always enjoyed (I think this goes back to the discussion on combat boots + skirts over at Fashionable Academics, and my nostalgia for some 90's fashions - long skirts and tall boots seemed to be kind of big then, if I recall).
ReplyDeleteI wrote in older posts about the disheveled hair and the lack of make up. The hair and no make up can work if you have that youthful glow of 20 year old, but if you're not and you use no make up, disheveled hair, frumpy clothing you look less hip and more grand ma ish. You need some color around or on the face. Make up, earrings, necklace, something.
ReplyDeleteI think you could do that whole disheveled hair, glasses look if you put on a little make up. Or no make up and a sleeker more styled hair. I also think you would look younger if you had a long bangs which could be side swept or styled however you want.
@Shelia: Thanks! I'm still working on getting comfortable with longer skirts.
ReplyDelete@Anon 4:04-4:08: Thanks for the ideas. I'll definitely consider them.
@Anne: Yes, comfort for working from home was what I was going for.
@Anon 6:10: These are interesting thoughts you share. As I've noted in the post, I'm working from home and experimenting with clothes for the "No Repeats" challenge. I have mentioned my need for a hair cut, but with various work deadlines, I haven't had the chance. I do like my looks and my style, however, and I realize it's not for everyone.
I think that the silhouette of the skirt is a bit too lumpy, esp. around the hips, to really work as a straight skirt. It threatens to swallow up your frame. Have you tried shrinking it in the dryer? Or maybe taking it up a few inches? I think the shirt and belt are perfect for a longer skirt - you wouldn't want to go any longer on top.
ReplyDeleteLike Sheila, I like the cowgirl vibe on you, and the shirt and belt really work together. Long skirts are hard for me, so I don't have many good suggestions on that, though I do agree with you that this skirt just doesn't quite fit your slender frame.
ReplyDeleteI don't see the frump factor of which you speak. I think this looks great on you. Like KB, I cannot do a long skirt so I always love to see someone else working it. And I love the look of a lace-up boot with a long skirt. Cuts the dominatrix factor, you know, if you want it to.
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm not suggesting you change your style, go for it. But, instead of the fashionable nerd chic, the drabness in your face and hair comes across as very severe, old, nun-ish. And you're not any of those things, I don't think.
ReplyDeleteEven if you don't go for any make up, just get a stylish haircut. A great disheveled, just got out of bed haircut that takes minimal work. Personally, I think a length just below the chin is good, but you need bangs. Not too high and not too long, just hitting the eyebrow or a little lower. And with layers on the side so that if you put your hair up, it falls and frames your face. Your hair stylist should have a good idea of the best lengths for bangs and the side layers.
I also recommend a nice natural lipstick in a color like raisin or cinnamon toast as an every day color for you and your skin tone. You can find it any drug store or higher end brand. 'Cos you don't look like a pink lipstick lady. And a product from the Body Shop called "All In One Face Base" (base/powder compact) to brighten your face. Trust me on this base, it takes 3 seconds to put on and does absolute wonders. I use a shade 03 which may be close to yours, but you have to try and match it to your skin.
As for the skirt and boots, the boots would work if you had a more body conscious jersey, knit skirt that fell on your body better like your inspiration had. But, this skirt is a different type, and requires matching with sexier sleeker clothes.
For the skirt you're working with, sleek black bootie with side zip which hugs the ankle would be awesome. It doesn't have to have much of heel and can be comfortable too. Do you have shoes like these? It would be a great wardrobe investment. Timeless, goes with everything.
ReplyDeleteI'm Audrey, I wrote all of the Anon comments.
ReplyDelete@michelle: Yeah, the lump factor is pretty obvious. I will probably try to fix the fit, but I wanted to keep the length because I already have a similar skirt in a shorter style.
ReplyDelete@K.Bean: Long skirts are a challenge, huh? I wanted to see if this orphan piece could get some wear, but it seems like Style Nation just isn't feeling it.
@D-Med: You're too kind. I also like lace up boots with a longer skirt. Lace up boots in general score high in my world.
@Audrey: wow, those are quite detailed suggestions. Perhaps if I weren't on a shopping ban, or if I were in a corporate field, I would consider following a few. For now, I am mostly interested in ideas to help me restyle the clothing I already have. Although I am highly imperfect, I am very secure and accepting of my natural looks. I hope that all women can be.
Sorry, Rad. I didn't intend my suggestions to make you feel highly imperfect or less than natural. I had thought that the minimal make up and other suggestions were in vein with the spirit of your look. My mistake.
ReplyDeleteRad, Amen to this!
ReplyDelete"Although I am highly imperfect, I am very secure and accepting of my natural looks. I hope that all women can be."
I know that you do look fab when you wear make-up for special occasions, but I also know that you don't do it very often, which works for you. Unlike most of our readers, I've seen you in person rather than just in photos, and seriously, you like perfectly fine without make-up.
Also, it's just worth noting that when I choose my work from home outfits, sexy and sleek are pretty much the last things on my mind. I think we're alike on that :)
Anne, I think you're going overboard on the sexy and sleek. Why do we wear tailored clothing after all? And I already apologized. Must you drive it into the ground?
ReplyDeleteI like the shirt over the skirt and the belt! Does that mean I'm frumpy?
ReplyDelete@Terri: Nope, it just means I can't read these things well yet.
ReplyDeleteI think this outfit looks great, especially for working from home - very comfy! And I like the boots under the long skirt. That's a look that I've always enjoyed (I think this goes back to the discussion on combat boots + skirts over at Fashionable Academics, and my nostalgia for some 90's fashions - long skirts and tall boots seemed to be kind of big then, if I recall).
ReplyDeleteAnd no long cardigan if you are worried about a long torso. Think short tight layered tops.
ReplyDelete