August Challenge: Skirt Week

After a week of dresses, I took on the skirts in my summer closet. I learned that dresses are immensely easier to style than skirts.
I'm not thrilled with most of these outfits. They were put together and photographed in a hurry.
1: VC leopard tube skirt with Fender tee and layered necklaces. Not sure I liked the necklaces but they were appropriate for the occasion.
2: old Carole Little rayon animal print long skirt and matching top, worn casually. DH called this "matronly". Anybody want this 2 piece set? The skirt wraps with button closing.
3: EF black tube skirt with fluid top. I liked this but am open to improvements.
4: leopard tube skirt again with linen top half tucked and sleeveless jacket. This was ok for a hot day.
5: linen pencil skirt with old EF top.
6-7: Same day, same skirt. Top was changed due to heat
8: very casual white denim Jean skirt with thrifted striped top. Should I toss this top? The skirt?
9: Today for church, VC lace tube skirt and blouse with a lace design. I liked these together and wondered why I had not put them together before. I wish the photo were better.
Many, if not all would be better with toppers, but it was just too hot.
I appreciate your comments and ideas.

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26 Comments

  • unfrumped replied 8 years ago

    I still love the leopard tube. Try with boxy top or chambray shirt.
    3 is great slso.
    White skirt looks like a fun casual basic- would work with it some more. Sneaks? Espadrilles? Slouchy linen sweater?

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    You look extra fab in #3, 4, 6 and 8. A little preppy, a little classic, a little arty, and a little graphic. That's our beautiful Eclectic Joy.

  • MTBGirl replied 8 years ago

    I love #1! Very much! Next is #8. Please don't toss!

  • Melinda SF replied 8 years ago

    Wow, I would never have guessed that you didn't think these through! 

    #4 was especially daring and fun, I loved it. 

    I understand about the toppers. I feel uncomfortable baring arms and legs at the same time too. Maybe repeat this exercise when the weather cools?   You might look into some curved and asymetrical hems to go with the animal print skirt (which I LOVEed.  #1 with a moto vest and some pointy ankle straps and meow!)

    Another idea on toppers is to look at some mesh ones, whether cardigans or crops.   J Jill carries quite a few in lots of different cuts, very airy.  I've taken to wearing them with a tank in a matching fabric underneath.  J Jill, and LL Bean also have some nice lightweight fluid knit toppers in lots of colors and sizes.  You could also carry a silk/light pashmina against frigid air conditioning.  

    You look great in skirts so I hope you'll keep going!

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    Unfrumped, thank you for the wonderful suggestions for the leopard and white denim skirts. Last year I was adjusting to the fit of tube skirts and didn't wear them much. This season I'm loving them.
    Thank you, Angie. Eclectic should be my middle name :)
    Thank you, Donna. It is so helpful to find out what you like.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    It already is. I hereby crown you Queen Eclectic is Your Middle name.

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    Melinda, Wow, lots of great ideas and thank you for the encouragement. I have the moto jacket and pointy toes ankle strap shoes for the leopard skirt. Unfortunately I am usually sized out both for JJill and LLBean. They are usually too wide through the bust/arms on me but it may be time to try again.

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    Angie, what a fun way of saying that my style is all over the place :). It made my day. I am thrilled to except the title.

  • E replied 8 years ago

    You look stunning in the fitted and straight skirts! I love all of the iterations here. The outfit in the second photo doesn't seem to fit with your general style.

  • replied 8 years ago

    Wow Joy.  You look extra amazing.  My favorite is number 3.  

  • Brooklyn replied 8 years ago

    I love the leopard and no 8. I personally like to style leopard with something plain.  I love it with green for instance.  I also think the black skirt in no 3 is very versatile and I really like the way you have styled it here.

  • replied 8 years ago

    Don't get rid of #8!  That's a very good look on you.  So cool and fresh in the heat.

  • catgirl replied 8 years ago

    3 and 8 are my favorites!  You look incredible in skirts.  I am not a big fan of 2 - it would be fine but next to these edgier modern looks, it does seem a little less exciting.

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    E and Una, you have noticed that these skirts are slim, mostly tube or pencil. Fuller skirts are not a good style for me except maybe a pleated that hangs close to the body. I do not have a waist to emphasize and full skirts usually make my legs look too thin. The second skirt is on it's way out.
    Sterling, thank you for the kind words.
    Brooklyn, the leopard skirt has mostly been paired with black tops in the past. I agree that plain is best. The black skirt in 3 is a favorite and works with almost anything.
    LavendarMoon, I will keep #8. You are right. It's great for a hot day.
    Una, I feel that most of these are fails in excitement. Maybe I can do better with cooler weather, jackets and different footwear.

  • Laura (rhubarbgirl) replied 8 years ago

    I particularly like 4 and 8 myself.

  • L'Abeille replied 8 years ago

    Don't you dare get rid of #8! It looks amazing --crisp and fresh even in the heat (but then I'm always a sucker for a nautical look).

    Now, let's talk about #2. I don't see matronly, just a lack of imagination. As is, too much of a muchness. Try adding some light or metallic contrast: a scarf, pendant, belt? I guess your eclectic mix doesn't skew as far as RATE or boho (your casual looks have more polish than my professional ones) but what would happen if you leaned a little bit in that direction?

    Next., split up the pieces. Try the top with white or navy capris or slim ankle pants. (Is it a muted print in burgundy? Hard to be sure on my small screen.) Now, try the skirt with a shell or elegant tank, in a toning pastel or dark, but shorter than the original top so you play up the maxi/long legged proportion more. A mesh or lace topper might work over this too. Also, if the skirt is wrapped, is it possible to wear it sort of unwrapped /open at the front, over cigarette pants? (I am picturing a "hostess outfit" for the casual entertaining I imagine as your lifestyle. Please don't disillusion me, I am trying to anticipate my own retirement...)

    Sorry to be so bossy but I love the versatility of two piece outfits because they can pull their weight as separates until the next time matchy two piece dressing has a moment. And it's still having one now, or is that over already?

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    Most of these are terrific and #3 and #8 are standouts. The only thing that is a bit off is #2 (just get rid of it!) and the blouse in #5, which looks less current than your other pieces. And you have great arms (and legs)!

  • Maneera replied 8 years ago

    Wow Joy....you're rocking this challenge! Love 3,5,6&8. Queen Eclectic does sound just about right for you! You look wonderful in all of these outfits. Very successful week indeed!

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    Laura, thank you for giving your preferences.
    L'Abebille, you have several ideas that I want to try. The pieces in #2 are a small pattern that is more of a texture of black and a coppery brown.
    The skirt overlaps and closes in front with two buttons at the waist. Otherwise it is open but doesn't show the leg even if I walk quickly.
    I can see a wardrobe hole for a mesh topper. I have a black and a white mesh pullover but too warm for even cool summer days.
    I'm not really comfortable any longer in anything too RATE. In the 60's-70's I certainly did my share of boho and still love ethnic fabrics and jewelry.
    Shevia, thank you. I'm glad that you addressed the blouse in 5. I wondered about it as it is one of the few boxy tops that I have.
    ETA: Thank you, Maneera, for your encouragement. I just noticed your post and noted your favorite looks.

  • texstyle replied 8 years ago

    #3 and #8 are standouts - really nice Joy!  I agree to try the leopard with chambray maybe. 

  • kerlyn replied 8 years ago

    #3 is my favorite as well, but I really like all of them!  You wear those slim skirts so well.  You'll be my inspiration, as I just ordered my first tube skirt.  Fingers crossed I can style it as beautifully as you have here!

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    Kerlyn, I think that you will love your tube skirt, but give your eye some time to adjust to the look,if needed. They are very comfortable and work well with long tops like skinny jeans do.
    Texstyle, I am hoping for cooler weather to try the leopard skirt with my chambray shirt. I also want to doAngie's client Karen's look of leopard skirt, white shirt and denim jacket. That has been my inspiration for wanting a leopard skirt since I saw the outfit.

  • lyn67 replied 8 years ago

    Joy, trust your Hubby, he has some good eyes as for me too, nr 2 is not up to all of the other oh so gorgeous and cannot tell you how much I love your eclectic style! :-)))

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 8 years ago

    I think you have done very well with skirts Joy.  I have a few favorites (3 5 6 and 9)  but like them all.  I would like to see the shoes from 3 with #1.  

    I have the same tube skirt as #1 and 4 and find it is less forgiving of figure flaws than my other VC tubes.  It looks fab on you and I feel inspired to give it more love.   

  • kerry replied 8 years ago

    I agree with you, Joy that skirts are harder to stule than dresses but dresses are harder to fit. Is that why I'm always in pants?!

    I love your leopard print tube skirt!

    I think you had a great skirt week. I admire your level of commitment to assess your wardrobe. My favourites from this batch are 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9.

  • cjh replied 8 years ago

    Amaze-ing. Every. Single. Outfit. FAB.

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