The other day, I talked about the matching Jungle Flow set from Farm Rio — how it’s the ideal nursing-friendly alternative to a summery statement dress, the likes of which I typically find myself reaching for this time of year. While the set is truly striking together, the thing I failed to detail in that post is how beautifully the individual pieces shine as outfit-making separates.
The flirty drawstring top and voluminous skirt are so fun and playful — it’d be a shame not to let a couple of other pieces from my closet get in on the action too.
Perhaps best of all in this little game of mix-and-match, I feel like I’m getting way more bang for my buck than I would from a statement maxi dress that can be worn all of…well, one way. In that sense, Budget-Minded Me doesn’t mind investing a little more into a set that will ultimately see plenty of opportunities for wear throughout the seasons.
How To Transform 1 Farm Rio Set Into 2 Low-Maintenance Outfits
top (XS) | jeans (TTS, 25) | bag | sweatshirt (S) | skirt (S) | sneakers
A really great pair of jeans and a statement top? I feel like I’m taking a page out of Linzi’s book when I tell you it’s an outfit formula that just works.
And what about pairing that floral maxi skirt with something a little more…schleppy chic? (à la feigned effort as the official term for my personal style.) A classic sweatshirt’ll do the trick, thank you very much.
Outfit Formula 1: Black Levi’s + A Bold Crop Top
Farm Rio Jungle Flow Crop Top: With an elasticized hem plus an adjustable (beautifully beaded) drawstring, this is an easy one to loosen up for nursing access from beneath, and because it’s more or less full coverage, you can get away with wearing your favorite bra, whatever it may be. (This time around, I’ve just been wearing super-stretchy bralettes that can be either pulled aside or pushed up and away.) The 100% cotton is light and airy, with enough nubby texture to keep the look really interesting and elevated. Worth noting: I sometimes have an issue with elasticized puff sleeves being uncomfortably snug on my arms, and these are nice and loose. The fabric isn’t overly sheer, either (in fact, I’m wearing a bright-red bra in these photos). Sizing is generous on this one — I’m typically between XS and S in tops (usually S side when nursing), and this XS is plenty roomy.
Levi’s Wedgie High-Rise Jeans: As much as I’m loving a roomy, low-rise wide-leg these days, I wanted to balance the volume of this top with something a little slimmer in profile. These Levi’s Wedgie jeans are ideal if you’ve been unsure how to migrate away from skinnies — they’re still fitted and flattering on the bum, and the leg is straight enough to feel current while juuuust skimming curves where it counts. I always love black denim with white sneakers, too. The whole thing reads sporty and casual with a feminine twist. (I’m wearing my true size 25 and they fit like a glove now, but I had to commit to a break-in period. For a lower-maintenance fit, you could also size up.)
Outfit Formula 2: Long Cotton Skirt + Classic Crewneck Sweatshirt
Farm Rio Jungle Flow Maxi Skirt: The skirt is the same light and airy, 100% cotton fabrication as the top but with an additional cotton lining. The beaded drawstring is super-pretty here too. I sized up to a S for the skirt, thinking that the elasticized waist might be too snug because I tend to be straighter through the middle, but I could have gotten away with an XS. I’m 5’5″, wearing the skirt pretty high-waisted with flat sneakers, and it’s nearly floor-skimming. (The description says it’s about 40 inches in total length, but I’m kind of fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants when it comes to measurements and sizing, so do with that what you will.) You could most definitely wear it lower on the waist or hips, or add a platform or heeled shoe to make it work for a variety of heights.
Anine Bing Los Angeles Sweatshirt: A sweatshirt is a sweatshirt is a sweatshirt, until you find the sweatshirt. With this skirt, in particular, the simple graphic of the sweatshirt is key to balancing the visual impact of the printed skirt. But the fit alone would make me want to collect one in every color (– if it were offered in more than this perfectly washed black, which it’s not). It’s just oversized enough, and something about the neckline is…above average. It’s a classic crewneck, but sliiiiightly looser than normal, so it’s ultra-comfy and drapes a little differently. I also love the weight. Good ol’ sweatshirt warmth, but with a broken-in softness, and not so thick that you can’t tuck it in. Just a really well-designed piece that’s worth the little bit of extra you’ll pay for an of-the-moment brand like Anine Bing. Wearing a S.
How I’m Accessorizing Farm Rio Prints: White Sneakers + Crossbody Sling Bag
I kept the accessories exactly the same for both of these outfit iterations: these excellent Fila High-Tops offer the same versatility as Converse but are just a tad more interesting (TTS). And the the multitasking Longchamps Green District (recycled nylon!) Belt Bag dresses up nicely but is sporty enough for everyday (bonus that its unisex sizing means Chris could wear it, too. Has he? Well, uh, no. But just saying…). It spot-cleans easily too, should it fall victim to a cascade of spit-up or a rogue dollop of ketchup. Indeed, both have occurred this past week.
Just for funsies, I’ve linked up a few other semi-splurge-worthy sets below, as well as a few super-intriguing sets at a more affordable price point. (This set from Anthro is beyond pretty!)
Semi-Splurge-Worthy Matching Sets
Matching Sets to Mix and Match Under $200 (Both Pieces)
Got a favorite set you’ve been mixing up? I’d love to hear about it!
xo,
Em
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Photos by the lovely Carolyn Stockman.
