This outfit is very similar to the one I showed you last week. And it’s on purpose because it comes with another suggestion. You can wear something of the same day or a day before but remix it for another event. You could also see it as an exercize on how to take an outfit from day to evening.
The reason I remix certain parts of my outfit into another one for another occasion on the same day is that I often really like wearing a particular item that I have discovered in my closet, like this cobalt blue top. I hadn’t worn it so much before, so once I got to wear it again with my white pants, I loved it and wanted more.
Another reason is that it makes total practical sense. Often my clothes have not been stained in any way (certainly when they are worn inside), and it would be a waste and not good for the clothes at all to wash them straight away. Much better to give then another outing before they get washed. It all fits into my desire of creating a more minimalist wardrobe.
Since I liked to wear my silk electric blue top again, I was looking for a more dressier option. I was going out for a diner somewhere fancy outside so the outfit needed to be airy (yes even in the evening it’s still warm, no layers needed), fun and a little bit chic. I tried it with several black skirts but this girly one came out as the winner.
I did not really change so much from my original outfit, other than changing the trousers for the skirt, changing the shoes, and adding an extra colour to the ensemble with the bag. As you know I like doing that, as it creates a more graphical look and adds even more colour. Since this look was rather ladylike, I wanted to add a bit more fun.
It still feels like a completely different outfit. The other outfit was more business like (I wore it to a business meeting) and this one more party like.
This look does not feel 100% like me. It feels a bit too girly for me, something I even emphasised with the shoes (I would normally have opted for my high heeled black sandals). And I find the skirt a bit too short.
Still, it’s fun to explore another side of me and do something else every once in a while. I was with some good friends, so it’s easy to try something different and just have fun with it and see how you feel.
And yes, here is that black and white belt yet again. I do wear that belt a lot!
Have you been playing with clothes lately and sometimes dress for a different side of you?
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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I love the skirt and shoes on you! I have a couple of summer skirts in that same shape (though they hit me on or just at the top of my knee cap since I’m vertically challenged). That shape is so comfortable and doesn’t tend to ride up the thigh while sitting (a definite plus!). I think you could go with flats and it might make it a wee bit less “girlie”, but to me, it doesn’t look girlie the way you are wearing it…just pretty. I agree with Greetje about the same skirt with the yellow belt and shoes. That was one of my favorite outfits on you as well.
I’ve been trying to mix and match a bit more (though the cold weather is hampering some of my attempts for wearing more skirts!). As soon as the weather gets into the 60’s, though, I’m ready to explore that gypsy side more. 🙂
I like this electric blue top of you, it is such a wonderfull colour for you. The combination with the trousers I liked but with this skirt it is really special, you can wear this length of skirt for a long time to come. And I love your necklace.
There is a “girly” touch to your outfit but the clear bright colours and the clean style of your shoes, bag, belt and top calm it down.
I have never tried any fuller skirts but straight pencil skirts only.
Annette
Lady of Style
Absolutely terrific outfit. I know what you mean when you say you feel uncomfortable with the skirt length, as I often do as well. In this case you really don’t have to worry. You have at least another 10 years ahead of you before you have to start worrying. It looks ever so nice on you. I bet this is the same skirt as you wore with your black and white top, yellow belt and shoes at the gardens. The outfit I like the most. This blue black outfit is the number two.
I was surprised that you think these heels are not dressy. I find them very classy and they look good.
Yes, it’s the same skirt. Funny that you like this outfit very much as well. It must be the skirt! A clue for you wardrobe perhaps? Something similar at knee length would suit you too and is a good basic. (although I certainly don’t want to encourage more shopping!). Sorry to confuse you regarding the shoes. I do think they are dressy and girly. Normally I would have gone for my more modern edgier shoes, but these emphasise the dressy, girly chic look. Something rather new to me….
Hi Sylvia,
Love your outfit the blue and black skirt are very nice together. I like the idea of the green bag with the outfit will have to try that. Do you know of any stores in Canada or USA that sell Helen van der meer bags?
thanks Jeanette. I feel it adds something extra. Something a little less predictable and fun. You should definitely try it! Sorry I don’t know. You may like to check the website that I linked to…
Again you stun in a bold gorgeous hue! Cobalt becomes you and I love the silhouette of the ensemble as well- very fresh and flirty yet age appropo. You look sleek and chic!
Yes, and that’s is why I shy away from more subdued colours now. What a difference a year can make…
I love this skirt on you, it is so fun and sassy! Cobalt looks fabulous on you! This is my favorite look so far!
Quite a few of you like this girly look on me!
Sylvia–I do the same thing–mix part of my outfit with another one.
Love this; the skirt is perfect as is the shoes—great heel height. Love the cobalt blue–one of my favorite colors!
Thanks Paula!