I just can’t quit this skirt.   There’s something so festive and fun about a big, unapologetically glamorous skirt.  Even more than a ballgown, in my opinion.  It seems that these big maxi skirts – no matter how fancy – can be dressed down with pieces you already own and love  *cough*turtleneck*cough* for a vibe that’s decidedly offbeat, and wildly festive.

The last time I wore this skirt, I paired it with a tshirt (of course), and a few of you commented that you’d like to see it styled a few different ways.  So. Here are four ways to style this skirt, using pieces you likely have in your closet (think white shirts, denim or leather jackets, camis, etc).

Cozy:  A Slim Sweater (or Turtleneck)

Yup.  This is my favorite. 99% of the time, I will be wearing this skirt exactly like this:  Turtleneck, short chunky necklace, and glitter shoes because obviously.

I love this look because I felt oh-so-happily-glam in the manner of some sort of Queen-to-be (which sounds so much more regal than ‘princess’), yet the outfit is totally comfy and warm.  Win.

(photo credits:  Vafa Photography)

This is my fav.  But here are a few other ideas I messed around with in the studio…..

Classic: Denim Jackets & White Shirts

I don’t know who first rocked this look – Sharon Stone at the Oscars?  More recently Jenna Lyons, that’s for sure.  In any case…it wasn’t me.  But this classic combination is classic for a reason:  it WORKS.

I found that a silk blouse worked much better than a cotton one, and that footwear is a cinch with this outfit:  tall boots.  The casual vibe of the boot is perfect with a denim jacket, and would hide thick tights if it’s cold.

 Outfit Details

jacket – old (Joes’ Jeans I think) I splurged on it in 2002 and will never need another.  In that same vein, I’m loving Current/Elliot’s denim jacket – a soft, stretchy number that’s almost a shirt or their snap denim jacket.

top – Tuxe Bodywear The Coach

skirt – Shabby Apple Wooster Skirt in Mint (also in gray)

boots – old Fryes….very similar to the Renee Seam Tall (in Cognac)

bag – my mom’s, but check out our Evening Bag shop for a ton of similar options

necklace – old Stella & Dot, but you can get a similar vibe by layering this one and this one (both on sale)

Edgy:  Leather Jacket & A Simple Black Top

Tulle skirts and black leather jackets were made for each other.  I kept the punk princess vibe going with stiletto booties and black socks.  Because there is so much going on in this look, I went for a simple black shell.  I like mine slightly cropped and boxy, but really, any simple black shell would work.  Matching bracelets (in tortoiseshell) are a fun, unexpected accessory that bridges the gap between preppy and edgy.

 Outfit Details

jacket – old, but this year’s Iro Tara leather jacket is just as good (I’m in a 38 so I can fit sweaters under)

top – Kate Spade New York Sleeveless Wool Shell (now 30% off)

skirt – Shabby Apple Wooster Skirt in Mint (also in gray)

boots – similar (40% off until monday)

bag – old, but I found a black feather clutch on Etsy, and a gray feather at Anthro

bracelet – similar or try Bauble Bar’s darker tortoiseshell cuff

Sweet: Silk Tanks & Skinny Scarves

It’s hard to find an accessory that finishes the look without making me feel overly ‘done up’.  Especially with such a foofy skirt – it’s an accessory all on it’s own.  However, the silk-cami/tulle-maxi combo looked…unfinished.  It needed a little something.  So.  Skinny scarf to the rescue.  (And ear crawlers, of course.  They always look good.)

 Outfit Details

top – JCrew Silk Cami (now 40% off)

skirt – Shabby Apple Wooster Skirt in Mint (also in gray)

shoes – Kate Spade Karolina Heels (everything is 25% off right now)

scarf – old Chan Luu, but her new ones are stunning (this is similar)

ear crawlers – similar

The problem with this outfit, of course, is how to warm it up?  I have two ideas:

 – Add a 3/4 Length Coat

I tried a bunch of options, including those long, down Chicago-style coats (which worked fine, actually).  But my favorite?  A slim, 3/4 length coat, which is one of the most versatile pieces out there.  These coats tend to fit nicely in the shoulders, which keeps the look from overwhelming.  And I like how much skirt shows at the bottom.

(wearing French Connection’s Mixed Media Coat – now 40% off)

– Try A Jackie-O Cardigan (Unbuttoned or Buttoned)

Ugh.  These cardigans.  I don’t love a cardigan, but sometimes, they’re just the exactly right thing.

How do we feel about it buttoned?

(wearing J.Crew’s Cashmere Cardigan – on sale and another 30% off this weekend)

Shop Statement Skirts

Here’s the thing:  you don’t need a tulle maxi to recreate this look.  Any big, glamorous skirt will give off a similar vibe, so pick one that makes your heart beat fast, one that fits you.  Below, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite statement skirts – skirts with twirl, skirts with pouf, skirts that make my heart sing.  Fa la la la la….

…la la la la.

xo,

S