Sweater: Banana Republic, $22
Skirt: c/o Windsor Store, $23
Shoes: Me Too/Marshall's, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79
Plaid: Old Navy, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: c/o Windsor Store, $23
Belt: H&M, $20
Boots: c/o HCB Boutique, $54
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
 |
| Jack / Lands' End / Vince Camuto Tommy Hilfiger / C. Russe / Guess |
I've yet to try on a short A-line or full (or whatever!) skirt like you've got on now. I see a lot of girls wear them with a button up top tucked in, and with heels. I think it's so girly and cute, but I just haven't been brave enough to try that shape yet! But I definitely think the skirt shape suits you. Maybe you just haven't found the right outfit for it yet, but legs like yours are just asking for a skirt like this, LOL.
ReplyDeleteI definitely like the first look a little better. I would probably un-button it though and add a tank top for some added color.
ReplyDeleteHm. I love fluffy skirts and pleated skirts and circle skirts and all kinds of full skirts. However, this is not my favorite look on you.
ReplyDeleteHere's the thing though: maybe you haven't given it a fair shake? This skirt strikes me as both too short and too shiny. I've been admiring this look on Pinterest for months: http://pinterest.com/pin/7670261835782557/. Maybe higher heels and also maybe not all white?
I love plaid skirt and I'm slowly working on getting a few different colors, I prefer to wear them with a button down tucked in shirt. J.Crew makes really good one they fit well and the length is work appropriate. I usually wait when they have a sale.
ReplyDeleteXo
Http://pinksole.com
My favorite way to wear a short pleated skirt is with a pretty, basic-colored blouse tucked in, with a cardi unbuttoned over that, to add in some color. J. Crew's Jackie cardigan is the perfect length for me :)
ReplyDeleteYour second look is my favorite! You totally look great with the plaid tucked in. It tones down the sparkle and doesn't make you like frumpy at all.
ReplyDeleteI really like the 2nd one! I like how the plaid tones down the sparkles, and prevents them from being too over the top. However, I agree that the 1st one looks very nice on you! I think the 2nd just makes a bit more of a unique statement.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite looks is the second, I think that when wearing a pleated skirt it typically looks better with the top tucked into the skirt. The second look also has the same feel as yesterdays, besides the plaid, it has the casual look but still looks like effort was put into the outfit.
ReplyDeletehttp://emmastyleguide.blogspot.com
I think I like the first look best if you were to tuck in the sweater!! I just love the colors and that glitter skirt is beautiful so it should really be shown off :)
ReplyDeleteCassie
thriftthick.blogspot.com
Thanks Cassie! The heavy sweater is weighing down the pleats which is what is making it more flattering. It's also too thick to tuck into anything!
ReplyDeleteI love both looks but the first is more in line with my style. You look amazing in both and totally carry the edgier second look so well. Pleated skirts so work for me. I love wearing them especially ones with longer hemlines for work.
ReplyDeletecoverupchic.blogspot.ca
I definitely plan to try more pleated skirts in different shapes and lengths! This one has an elastic waistband and you can wear it anywhere on your body. I took some photos with it around my hips (so it would be longer) and it looked awful. It looks better at my belly button, but that makes it shorter.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brittany! The reason #1 is working is that the heavy sweater is weighing down the pleats along the top. If i wear it open it will yield the same silhouette as outfit #2.
ReplyDeleteI actually like this look on you! The first one would be my pick. I agree that while you look great in skinny jeans and I know they are the style right now, I cant wear them so I am having trouble finding things on your website these days that I think I can pull off. Thanks for changing it up a bit. Keep the pencil skirts coming though!!
ReplyDeleteThe second look is better. The first reminds me of a school uniform (the cutof the cardigan with the cut of the skirt).
ReplyDeletePlease don't think that the cut of the skirt doesn't "love" you. It actually looks very nice. Is it skin tight like your skinnies and pencil skirts? No. But that doesn't make you look any less lovely.
Same here, I don't think pleated skirts love me.
ReplyDeleteBut... I LOVE the first look on you :) cute!
- heather
www.ThisLifeIsYours.com
Whoa - there is a BIG difference between "skin tight" and fitted. Skin tight is never okay, and means you bought your clothing a size too small!
ReplyDeleteI love look 1! I don't think I could ever wear look 2, unless I swapped out the jacket for a blazer or cardigan. I'm really confused, though... why don't you think this skirt looks good on you? I tend to wear a mix of a-line and pencil skirts (rarely do I wear pleats because they tend to make my hips look so much bigger (and they already are big).
ReplyDeleteSlight modification - skin-tight makes sense when we are talking about a bandage dress. But a skin-tight pencil skirt or skinnies means they are too small. It's crazy to me that slim-fitting clothes like pencil skirts get a bad rap though - I think the #1 fashion sin women commit is wearing clothes that are too baggy. A slim pair of pants at the office looks much more professional than an oversized pair.
ReplyDeleteYou answered the question Kate haha! "they tend to make my hips look so much bigger" I don't mind if something gives me curves and makes my hips look bigger - but #2 also gives me a bigger stomach. #1 works because the sweater is pushing the pleats at the top of skirt down and the pouf starts at my hips not my stomach. I look slim in #1, and in #2 I don't - not to say that "slim" is the goal everyday. I would definitely still wear #2.
ReplyDeleteI agree that #1 is a better silhouette on you, but I love the mix of textures and styles in #2! The plaid with the military jacket is a masculine balance to the super feminine skirt. I hope you keep finding ways to make the skirt work for you, because I think it looks awesome. :)
ReplyDeleteYou do look great in pencil skirts, but I actually like this skirt on you as well! Look #1 is more simple/innocent but outfit #2 is definitely more style blogger worthy!
ReplyDelete-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com
Definitely Look #1! The colors look great together.
ReplyDeleteLove both looks!
ReplyDeleteI like these looks. I disagree with what you keep saying (in the comments) about the first look requiring the sweater to weigh down the pleats to make you look slim. You're so slim that I really don't think you should think much about that. You could have the cardigan open with a slim tank underneath to show off your tiny-ness. And, you may not agree that your skinnies & pencil skirts are "skin tight" but they often look like they're only for people with absolutely no "jiggle".
ReplyDeleteI like the first look a lot!
ReplyDeleteKw ladiesinnavy
I see exactly what you're saying. Pleated skirts like this don't look good on me, for the same reasons they don't look good on you. I like the look with the long cardigan. I'd try it, if I hadn't already donated my pleated skirt out of frustration.
ReplyDeleteI find that skirts with lower pleats - starting at mid-hip rather than right at the waist - look much better on me. That first leather skirt you profile might work. Unfortunately, the lower pleats are hard to find right now.
I think I only own pencil skirts. Don't let them pressure you!
ReplyDeleteI really love both looks on you! I would have never thought to pair sequins and plaid (like in look #2) but I think it works so well! I have more of a pair shape, and I wear a lot of pleated skirts with the top tucked in. Although it doesn't necessarily make me look "slim" It definitely highlights my waist. I say whatever you feel comfortable/pretty in is great!
ReplyDeletei love the first look, but i'm sure the second look will grow on me. i never thought of pairing sequins with plaid. I love the pleated leather skirt trend, but my hips need to go to the gym, then maybe i'll buy one... :)
ReplyDeleteJ, what body type would this silhouette look good on? I just ask because I am the same body type as you pretty much & while I feel like these skirts do make my hips look wider, I don't really worry about it because I (we) are thin. Now I'm rethinking... would it look better on someone with more curves? thanks!
ReplyDeleteI adore the first look! It's very chic while being a bit casual.
ReplyDeleteCatherine xoxo
I think the skirt looks great! Im confused though as to what body type you think this skirt works best on? You already have an ideal body type (super slim and tall) so if you think this doesn't work for you, then who would it work on? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI really like pleated skirt. That black and gold polka-dot one is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI have the same shoes (as in the cardigan look)! Love them. They look great here.
ReplyDeleteI received a skirt like this, but a deep blue color, for Christmas and I really like the sequins but I feel like the skirt is not very flattering on me. I have a slim waist but was blessed with a big booty and hips which makes my similar short skirt even shorter. I will have to try with a heavy sweater as you did in look #1!
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed your blog and check it most every day. I've gained a lot of inspiration and gathered ideas of what I can do with what I already own. So it is with hesitation that I point out an inaccuracy in your terminology and encourage you to check out the difference between pleated skirts and gathered skirts. (I have a BS in clothing merchandising, so I do know something about these definitions.) Pleats are distinct folds of fabric like in the Vince Camuto and Guess examples. The cute, shiny little skirt you are wearing and the Jack skirt are actually gathered with no distinct folds. Sorry to be picky about definitions, but that is what helps us communicate. Keep up the beautiful work on your blog and the upbeat yet honest attitude toward fashion.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the skirt is the problem. I think the reason you like the first look better is because you've gotten the proportions right. If you wear looser or flowy on the bottom, then a more fitted top works. A cup tank pie to that is bloody conscious with a wide belt would be very flattering.
ReplyDeleteThis may be correct if the woman in question is slim like you are. In the case of a curvier woman, such as myself, I prefer my work clothes to be a little looser because I don't need anyone to be distracted by my body in a professional situation. Also, I hate it when women with a belly (not necessarily a large one, just a little lady pooch) wear pencil skirts that hug that hip area and bunch underneath. Gross.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think the second look is more flattering on you. It actually shows a defined waist, whereas in the first look, the skirt looks immensely shorter due to the extended hemline of your sweater. Maybe it's your magical photography skills, though.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love both of these looks on you! You're crazy to think you don't look good in skirts. I need those sequins btw!
ReplyDeleteLove the look paired with flats!
ReplyDeleteeypolapol.tumblr.com
pleated skirts also don't work well on me. i would love to see you in a maxi skirt or dress! would look great on you.
ReplyDeletethe skirt you're wearing isn't even pleated. it is a circle skirt. it is the length that makes it less flattering, not the style or the extra material you're referring to as pleats.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard the term circle skirt before, thanks for that idea! And I feel like it can't be just the length and not volume, because this skirt (same length) is flattering: http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2011/12/todays-everyday-fashion-sequin-jacket.html
ReplyDeleteNo matter your size, even a really curvy woman, pants that are baggy and oversized are not professional. It is a balance between both ends of the scale - your clothes shouldn't be too tight OR too baggy. People constantly ignore the too baggy part though. A good fit lies somewhere in between the two extremes.
ReplyDeleteYou said you disagree and then said the same thing I did, LOL! If I'm wearing a slim tank, it's going to push down the pleats the same way the sweater is. And I have plenty of jiggle - the key is in finding pants that are thick material and don't show every lump and bump. A slim fit like a skinny or straight pant can be flattering on many different body types, not just mine!
ReplyDeleteKimmie, I think this is an excellent question, and the types of questions I would love to explore when I open my fashion magazine! I would love to feature some experts to share their opinions on this matter!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, thanks so much for providing these definitions! It's a strange place I have found myself in - I blog from the perspective of a girl who is from a small town in Kansas and has no fashion training. I thought, "wouldn't it be fun to hear fashion from just an average girl?" when I started. But now I know people expect me to know this stuff, and while I looooove learning new things so I'm so glad you shared this, I also just think clothes are fun and have a hard time taking them this seriously! Food for thought, thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI didn't really mean "skin tight" in my original message. You tend to stick to things that are, not skin-tight, but perhaps extremely fitted? I've noticed that you shy away from things that are not right against your body. I agree that baggy clothes aren't flattering, but things can have a looser fit and still be flattering (not baggy). For example, shift dresses, wide-legged pants, and in this case, a-line skirts.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, I find this cut of skirt to be incredibly flattering on you! The tight waist fits well on your small waist, while the bit of a-line (I would call this a-line, not pleated) further accentuates your waist. I also love the mix of sequins and plaid- I've seen it a lot on tumblr and Pinterest and I think it's a great, fun mix. Perhaps not your personal style, but definitely fun.
sorry, i wasn't clear.... i meant that length is too short for that style. circle skirts look better when a little bit longer because it balances out the volume. i didn't mean you can't pull off mini-skirts.
ReplyDeletei think you should try an actual pleated skirt.. maybe in a maxi: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20467742x&parentid=SUGGESTIVE+SEARCH+RESULTS (i have a few of these and think they are very flattering... mine hits closer to the floor though).
I think you look great in both looks but I hear ya about this style of skirt, whatever you call it! I tried on a cute polka dot one today and, like always, I looked like a figure skater. I'm fairly tall and have tried different lengths with no success. YET!! I will keep looking and keep trying! Thanks as always for your inspirational and educational posts!
ReplyDeleteNicole at VV Boutique Style
I don't understand where the impression that my clothes are "extremely fitted" comes from, because I HATE things that are tight on my stomach and all my shirts are boy-fit. (I like leaving the back untucked so it covers my butt.) My uniform is definitely a slimmer bottom, but the top is always loose. I've also worn shifts and wide legs numerous times on the blog. A-line skirts look terrible on my body type though. I wouldn't try to force someone who didn't look good to wear a pencil skirt, so why suggest an A-line?
ReplyDeleteThe skirt looks great on you! I'm not sure why you think it doesn't. I like the burgundy/maroon sweater look better by far, because I think the particular colors in that plaid, or maybe just the plaid, clashes with the gold sequins of the skirt.
ReplyDeleteThe silhouette in *Look #1* highlights your long, lean body type; and it's also just soooo flattering on you, too, J.!! ('Almost looks like you could be going, no kidding, to a late Bistro lunch on a Springtime Saturday in Paris!!) Instead of "volume on top, slim on bottom," Look #1 is "slim on top, volume on bottom; and, to me, your body type............ (lucky, *lucky* you!!)............ looks good in EITHER silhouette!!
ReplyDeleteAs part of Paris Fashion Week----(i.e., at the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013 Show on September 28, 2012, in Paris, France)----Olivia Palermo arrived wearing a *similar* dress silhouette with her (gorgeous!!) Dior black ruffled dress; and peplum leather jacket:
http://www.stylebistro.com/lookbook/Olivia+Palermo/8BaaXNTIqFD
Not sure if you'll be reading this. But I have followed your blog for some time now and I have to say that I really enjoy your posts for several reasons. And one of them being that you look natural, normal and wear everyday clothes. I find that a lot of fashion bloggers out there go a little to far with the fashion and it's not longer and "everyday" style. So I really do appreciate your blog and your style truly is "everyday fashion".
ReplyDeleteXO
http://www.brunetteobsession.com/
What a sweet reply. I didn't want to offend and I certainly am not an expert. I only stated my credentials so you'd take me seriously. I love your blog and think you do an excellent job of educating all of us on great fashion. You're a great inspiration and the text to your posts is always positive, uplifting and encouraging.
ReplyDeleteI actually like both looks! Call me crazy! Lol
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of this shape of skirt since I'm not very hippy, so I might be biased! Lol
XO Nat
www.natinlove.com
Nat in Love
The one with the burgundy sweater, definitely. The shoes are nicer and go with the outfit, and the plaid/green/boots is too busy for an already eye catching skirt. Almost no one looks good in a full mini, a more tapered A-line that is longer is more universally flattering.
ReplyDeleteI'm dying to get my hands on that conversation pieces military jacket!! I checked out the "similar" listings, just not as cute! Does anyone have any good recommendations for an alternative?
ReplyDeleteI'm really confused and I think you're misunderstanding me. I'm telling you that you look good. This blog is more of a magazine, right? So you don't always wear what you necessarily would like? So I'm suggesting more a-line skirts, because they look good on you, on this blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link! I have almost an identical skirt I bought for Africa (we had to wear long/loose bottoms). It's not all that flattering but I will probably post it with at some point!
ReplyDeleteIf there is anything I've learned through blogging, it's that communicating through text is can be tough! I think maybe you are saying this skirt is an a-line? I wouldn't call this skirt a-line at all, so that might be what's different! And yes, I post outfits in a magazine format but I wouldn't want to add something to my closet that wouldn't be worn. I ordered this online so it was tough to tell how it was going to fit, and now I will try to find more ways to wear it and then pass it on to someone who will love it!
ReplyDeletekohls also has a pleated leather looking one from the PrincessVera Wang collection
ReplyDeleteWhat are you talking about?! You look great in that type of skirt! Love the outfits.
ReplyDeleteYou rocked this skirt!!! I especially love it with the red sweater...so much that I showed my boyfriend it and told him I really want it but have no where to wear it. Weirdly enough he asked me out on a date like two minutes later :)
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE the second look!! The plaid and booties tone down the sparkle in the skirt perfectly. I would love to sport that look!
ReplyDeleteThe first is pretty and i would definitely wear it, the second is just much more fun and original. Those are the outfits I come here to see! Bravo! :)
Oh I LOVE the second look!! The plaid and booties tone down the sparkle in the skirt perfectly. I would love to sport that look!
ReplyDeleteThe first is pretty and i would definitely wear it, the second is just much more fun and original. Those are the outfits I come here to see! Bravo! :)