What To Do With That Boring ‘Ole Black Work Skirt
31st July
Do you have a short black skirt for work in your closet since…forever? My recent challenge was to create a fresh new summer work outfit with mine. And here it is!
If you’ve cultivated a work wardrobe, I’ll bet you’re harboring a skirt just like this one. It’s not exactly a pencil skirt, because it’s very narrow enough at the bottom. And yet, it’s a staple.
Giving the skirt a purpose
At one time, I updated this skirt by having the hem raised. It previously hit my legs at an unflattering (dowdy-looking) spot. Even after that, I was uninspired seeing it on the hanger. My inspiration weaned even further when I recently to started wanting to wear lighter, brighter colors.
However, I now have to say that this piece just rose in my estimation! While a below-the-knee pencil skirt with a longer blouse makes my legs appear shorter and my torso seem extra long, a shorter hem creates balance.
Leg-lengthening heels
Add to the mix a pair of high-heeled light-colored (“nude” in my pale case!) pumps, and it’s as if I had leg extensions. Vavoom!
It’s a perfect summer work outfit: cheery and yet professional and polished-looking. On our recent European holiday, I scored this ivory silk top by Favio Castellani. It’s so delicate and makes for a beautiful silhouette, cinching at the waist and slightly flaring at the bottom.
The jacket
I picked up this bright pink blazer in Barcelona. You might recall from THIS POST that pink yarrow was on the Pantone list of this spring/summer’s hottest colors.
A finishing touch is an Italian silk scarf which I tied in a bow. I have to admit that unconsciously I was sort of copying a colleague who both has very curly hair and an enormous scarf collection. (Since our vacation, I started letting my hair do its own thing.) I suppose that is the highest form of flattery, right?
I hope you like my styling of this potentially boring black work skirt. I read some advice once that you should discard any item of clothing you haven’t worn in at least a year. If that were the case, this skirt would be toast. Thank goodness I don’t take all the advice I read!
Of course, I wear flats for the walking outside of my work place and immediately after fashion shoots!
I wore: Flavio Castellani silk top / Tahari skirt / Massimo Dutti blazer / Ted Baker pumps / Plinio Visona backpack / Balenciaga sunglasses
Totally agree with the nude heel point! The BEST way to lengthen your legs xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
Thank goodness for those nude heels! Have a great day, Dominique! xo
Elegant as always!
Thanks, David! xo
You are always so classy Janea, I love the pop of color from your blazer!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
Thanks so much, Paola! Kisses to you! xo
Very nice!!!
Have a nice evening!
Photographer Gil Zetbase
http://www.gilzetbase.com/
Thanks, Gil! You too! xo
This black skirt is a classic! You did an amazing job dressing it up and having it look well put together! Love the pop of color the blazer brought to the outfit.
Isn’t That Charming.
Thanks, Emily! xo
A black skirt is definitely a staple but you make it look anything but boring!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks, Amy! xo
A great way to jazz up a work skirt that’s for sure! Adding colour and accessorising as you have done here is great, like the idea of a neck tie as they always look so chic!
Beautiful you and really like these outfits here.
Laura xo
http://www.shehearts.net
Glad you like it, Laura! xo
So beautiful!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Thanks, Rachel! xo
I need to take a page from your book and start remixing my pencil skirt collection! I don’t do this nearly enough!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Sounds like a plan, Ashley! Have a great rest of your week! xo
Effortlessly beautiful.
Thanks, Iffy! xo
Gorgeous!!
Hadas | The Fashion Matters- Luxury travel and fashion blog
Thanks, Hadas! xo