Real People, Real Style: The Lunch Meeting

I don't usually go all out like this for a normal work day, but I have a lunch meeting today, so I thought, meh, why not?


Evan Picone wrap dress, and faux pearls I stole from my mother.

I'm also mulling the intersection of fashion and feminism today, which seemed to call for something more spiffy than yoga pants. Pearls, perhaps.

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BlogHer Tuesday: Barbie Loves MAC

MAC cosmetics has launched a new line of Barbie-themed makeup. It's a long way from the MAC I fell in love with a decade ago.

Viva Glam was a brilliant marketing move on the part of MAC's parent company, Estee Lauder. The line targeted young, socially conscious, politically liberal women like myself, women who were coming into our own financially and who were making adult decisions about how to change the world at the same time that we were learning to put our best face forward. MAC hired transvestite pop star RuPaul as the line's first spokes model, tapping directly into the desire of GenX women to be seen as powerful figures who could transcend gender.

You can read the rest here.

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Style After Five

I went to a swank cocktail party over the weekend; the invitation specified that the attire was "after five." When my friend Molly called to invite me, she said, "I don't know about your house, but at my house, after five usually means pajamas."


Alexa Admore dress at Bluefly, $79.99.


"After five" is not a style concept that most of us do very often, and when we are compelled to get our party duds on and go out, we often panic. In the last week, I have gone to a funeral, a ladies' luncheon, and a cocktail party, none of which are part of my typical weekday events calendar. How do you know what to wear? Easy.

Don't over do it. I wore a string of gigantic pearls on Saturday night; because they were so huge, I skipped earrings. You can also pair a very fancy piece with something more mundane, for more balance. My favorite outfit at this cocktail party was a beautiful copper-colored sequined skirt with a little tulle hem, paired with a basic brown twin set and a pair of low-heeled bronze pumps. Simple but elegant, and totally appropriate.

Emphasize your assets. BUT be sure to look at the ENTIRE picture, not just at that one fabulous part of your body or outfit. Let's say you are curvy and have great legs; a turtleneck dress may show off your gams, but it will also make your head look like it is resting directly on your boobs. Guess what people will notice? Hint: not your legs. A better choice would be a wrap dress, something that shows off your legs AND makes the most of your cleavage.

Act (and dress) your age. What is appropriate on someone who is 20 will not work on someone who is 40; instead, you will look like a 40-year-old woman dressed up like a college student. How do you know what's appropriate for your age? Look at what other women--celebrities and real people--your age are wearing. Keep in mind that miniskirts are for VERY YOUNG women, and that the little black dress is appropriate for everyone.

Be yourself. While the idea of the complete transformation is seductive, keep in mind that any drastically new thing you do may wind up making you feel uncomfortable rather than beautiful. If you're not someone who wears a lot of makeup, you don't need a full face to go out; mascara and lip gloss are plenty. Heels make you miserable? Chose a beautiful flat or a very low heel. You want to enjoy the party, not spend the whole evening worrying about your dress slipping down or your eyelashes falling off. The most beautiful women are the ones who are clearly comfortable in their skin AND their clothes, are who are fully engaged with the world around them.

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Real People, Real Style Tips

Susan,

Recently I started looking at tank tops. Now, I'm busty, so normally I wouldn't wear them on their own, but they seem to be quite essential layering pieces as of late. However, due the the bodaciousness of my ta-tas, when I find a tank that fits around, said ta-tas are barely covered by the plunging neckline.

I recently discovered that I can wear Men's tanks, size M, and they are much more modest. They are also way cheaper! I bought a package of 3 (Life by Jockey brand) for less than $8. Admittedly color choices are limited, but a good basic white tank is a great go-to item. (And, it would be a great excuse to buy some Rit dye and have artsy-crafty time!!!!)

Just thought I would send this along, as a member of the busty chorus.

Melynda

Thanks, Melynda! Great tip!

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What To Wear To a Baby Shower

So! Much! E-mail!

In early March I will be attending a baby shower for an old friend whom I recently got back in touch with. Many of the other attendees are also old friends whom I have not seen since probably the eighth grade-- and I'm not exaggerating. I don't know what to wear! I live in a small town in the Northeast and people dress very conservatively and casually. LL Bean could be considered the height of fashion (gee, don't you want to move here?). I don't wear skirts in the winter as I don't do nylons or such, and it's too cold to go without. The shower is a brunch being held at 11:00 on a Sunday.

I'm 5'9 (no heels please! I would fall over as I have never worn more than a kitten heel in my life) and about a size 6/8. Day to day I live in jeans, a tank and a sweater or long sleeve polo shirt. I'm at a loss as what to wear. I would really appreciate any ideas you have.

Stephanie

I know that Stephanie has a cashmere sweater; I'm willing to bet she has a nice pair of wool trousers (those L.L. Bean folks LOVE wool trousers!). For a casual Sunday brunch, the trousers and the sweater--plus some great accessories--are all she needs.


Outfit available at Banana Republic.

I really like this outfit, largely because of the scarf, which is a little bit bohemian without being overwhelming. But Stephanie could do a necklace instead, or some really beautiful earrings. I also like the bag in the photo; it's a lovely color and a nice size and shape. The model is wearing a heel, but trousers like these look great with a flat, too; Stephanie might want to look for something with a pointy toe, which is a little dressier and will give her leg more length.

Finally, Stephanie should keep this in mind: rather than trying to dress to impress, she should choose something that she is comfortable in. There is a difference between an outfit that makes you look your best and dressing up as someone you are not. Always err on the side of being yourself; choose clothes that make you your most beautiful self, even if that means wearing something that you've had forever. If it looks great on you and you feel great in it, it's the perfect choice.

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Real People, Real Style: Mary Tsao

Since June of 2006, Mary Tsao has photographed her outfits virtually every day, and has posted the pictures to Flickr. Her photo set, What I Wear: Suburban Housewife Edition currently has over two hundred photos of Mary in everything from her party clothes to her yoga pants (including one photo taken on a day when she never showered). For the most part, thought, Mary's photos are a look at what one very chic writer and stay-home mom of two wears on a normal California day.



Mary had this to say about her photo set:

I based the whole idea of What I Wear: Suburban Housewife Edition on the Flickr group wardrobe_remix , in which participants post photographs of their outfits every day for two weeks. I liked the idea behind wardrobe_remix, but I don't participate in the group because my style is neither boho chic nor Harajuku.

It's suburban housewife.

I am doing my project for one year, and I got the idea for that from a project I did for Self Portrait Challenge when I photographed myself drinking my coffee every morning for a week. I figured that the only way this photo project would be interesting was if it took place over an extended period of time and if I was diligent about doing it. I think I've missed only a couple of days so far and I've been doing it since last June!

I have learned a lot while doing this project. I love clothes, and I'm no longer embarrassed to admit it. The project has been a great reason for me to put a little bit more care into what I wear, which in turn has helped me feel better about myself on a daily basis. Also, I now very much believe in the "rules" of clothes/wearing clothes that stylists such as Stacy London and Clinton Kelly (of What Not To Wear) dictate. It's not about your body shape; it's about the clothes you wear and how you wear them.

Susan, I think you and I both agree that just because you're a housewife/mom, doesn't mean you have to look frumpy or schlumpy!

I couldn't have said it better myself. Keep an eye on Mary's photo set, and think about starting one of your own! And of course, if you do, let me know.

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BlogHer Tuesday: Wardrobe Basics

The very pretty (and newly svelte) Pamela sent me the following e-mail:

I recently lost 12 lbs (all my "baby" weight and then some) and need basically a whole new wardrobe. But here's the kicker: we are hoping to get pregnant again soon. I plan on losing whatever weight I gain during the next pregnancy, but know that my body might change its shape and never quite go back to its current state. So what can I buy to fit my current body that will have some flexibility for my future post-pregnancy one?


suit from Banana Republic

Who can't relate to Pamela's dilemma? I certainly can. Go here to see what Pamela needs to shop for. (Hint: that suit is on the list.)

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Hmm . . . What Do You Think?

Hi Susan:

I have one more question about the care of cashmere. Is it possible to wash with baby shampoo in the washer on the gentle cycle, or too much wringing and twisting? Your thoughts?

Kate P

Recently my beloved and VERY hepful husband did a load of laundry. And in with the jeans and yoga pants and little (and big) boy t-shirts was my black cashmere turtleneck. I found it before it went in the dryer and laid it flat to dry and it was none the worse for wear, but the whole experience took ten years off my life. Because cashmere! In the WASHING MACHINE!

Deep breath.

I know there are people who swear cashmere can be washed in the machine, on gentle, as Kate suggests. My inclination is to say, well, maybe if you use a lingere bag, to prevent the twisting and wringing. Maybe.

But my stronger inclination is to say DON'T DO IT! Be kind to your cashmere; take the time to hand-wash. Think of it as a sort of meditation, a Zen moment of mindfulness of the small things. Something like that.

Do any of you wash cashmere in the machine? If you do, dish. Tell us everything.

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So You Don't Get The Wrong Idea

I don't want to mislead you about my style life. I really do try to live by my own rules, but some days, it's just not possible.

Today was one of those days.

My four-year-old woke up at three am with a fever; we were up until, oh, four thirty-ish, and then up again at maybe six thirty. I threw on a grey ribbed turtleneck, a pair of black fleece yoga pants, a pink fleece pullover, and my green Berne Mev slip ons. With white athletic socks. I had every intention of coming home to shower and change.

Guess what I'm wearing RIGHT NOW? Yep. Oh, and I spilled coffee on myself before lunch. Yep.

Everyone has those days. Even me.

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It's Hard To Be A Fashionista

Some days (today, for example) I am distracted from the pursuit of fashion by things like, oh, my life. And by moments like this:

Me: Charlie, you need to go to sleep.

Charlie: But I CAN'T sleep.

Me: Why not?

Charlie: Because THREE PARTS OF ME hurt.

No parts of Charlie were harmed (or hurt), but it was the end of a long snuggly day with my kids. Tomorow: basics revisited!

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Real People, Real Style: Anne

Anne, in Gap t-shirt, Citizens for Humanity sleeveless cowl neck fleece shirt, and Paige Premium Denim jeans in the Rising Glen style

Anne describes her outfit this way:

I'm a basics kind of girl (okay ... "woman," I'm 30, I should just accept it) and prefer to run after my munchkins in jeans and knit tops of all hefts and weights. I like to keep my bits covered, too. What I like about this outfit is that it is - to me - an example of balance. It's still basic and comfy, but not too frumpy nor too trendy. The cowl neck "thingy" is a twist on a sweater vest/sweatshirt, the Gap t-shirt was $2.97 on clearance and the jeans? Well, those were a splurge, but they make anything I wear with them look one notch better than usual (and make my butt look gooooooood) ... and that's worth the price tag right there. They also have a 9.5" rise and still look sexy, which is rare in the designer jean underworld.

My favorite thing about this outfit (other than the jeans, which are FANTASTIC) is the vest, which Anne described as "Matrix-meets-sweater-vest." I like that she has added that unexpected extra layer, which really kicks the whole jeans-and-a-tee outfit up a notch. She could also wear that sweater with a short sleeved tee or by itself, under a great jacket. Anne is living proof that being a mom doesn't mean giving up your style and flair, and that comfortable, practical clothes can still be funky and stylish.

Anne is currently trying to find a spring jacket; you can see her current choices here.

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BlogHer Tuesday

It's 20-something degrees here today, which means that the stores are chock full of spring clothes, just tempting my with their sunny brightness.

It seems like a good day to revisit the notion of Shopping Your Closet:

Return the things that fit and that are in good condition to your closet; put everything that may very well fit again someday in the Storage box; put anything that will never fit again in the Donate box. Things that would be perfect if you just had them altered go in the Alterations box; set a deadline for having the alterations done. That dress you've been meaning to have hemmed for three years? Give yourself two weeks to get it to the tailor; if it's still hanging in the back of your car after two weeks, get rid of it. Things that need cleaning or laundering go in a separate pile.

Tomorrow: Real People, Real Style. Have you sent me YOUR picture yet? Get on that.

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I Ask, You Answer: Tell Me Where You Shop

I have to confess something: I'm in a rut. I tend to shop at the same three or four places all the time (attentive readers can probably name them, in fact), but I know there are more great stores out there that I'm just not thinking of. Over the weekend, I was browsing around at Boden USA, for example, and I found this FABULOUS trench coat. And this one! So very cute!

I've never bought anything from Boden (although I might have to order that first coat, perhaps in navy), but I'm sure some of YOU have. And I'm certain that you have other places you like to shop, or just browse. So help me out, and share some of your favorite sites in the comments. Tell me what you love about them and why you keep going back.

Thank you!

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Cashmere Care Basics

Katherine classic cardigan, Isle of Skye Cashmere, $250.00

Hi Susan,

I have one simple fashion question that I know you can help with. How do you care for your cashmere sweaters? Hand wash or dry clean? If you hand wash, how exactly do you do it? I'm not that domestically challenged in every area, I just do not know the best way to do it and usually end up taking my sweater to the dry cleaners. I have heard that that can actually be damaging to the fibers and I wonder if it's true.

Thank You!

Stephanie
Mother of one year old boy/girl twins

This is such a great question, and so simple (and yet! so important!). DO NOT dry clean cashmere. Ever. Dry cleaning fluid is incredibly hard on the fibers, and will cause them to dry out and break before their time.

Don't do it. Just don't.

Instead, hand wash your cashmere sweaters in cold water and baby shampoo. Yes, really! Baby shampoos have very few surfactants, so they're extremely gentle, and they smell great as well, which makes up for the fact that a wet cashmere sweater smells like a wet dog. Just ask my husband.

Here's the 411 on washing your cashmere sweaters:

1. Clean out the sink. Be sure to wipe up any cleaning product BEFORE you plop the sweater in.

2. Fill the sink with cold water and a few squirts of baby shampoo.

3. Turn your sweater inside out and plunk it in the water; gently squeeze until the sweater is wet through. DO NOT wring or twist.

4. Treat any areas that need extra care. Squirt a tiny bit of baby shampoo on the specific spot; massage gently with your fingertips. Rinse and repeat if needed.

5. Leave the sweater to soak for three to five minutes. (And here I am compelled to admit that I actually SET A TIMER because otherwise I wander away and an hour later one of my children is in the bathroom yelling "THERE'S SOMETHING BLACK IN THE SINK!" and I realize that DAMMIT my SWEATER is STILL SOAKING. So! Timer.)

6. Drain the sink; rinse the sweater until the water is clear and the sweater is soap-free. Gently squeeze the water out of the sweater. I typically start at the neck and squeeze to the hem. DO NOT wring the sweater. For the love of all that is holy, DON'T DO IT.

7. (Almost done! Promise!) Lay a clean, dry towel on your clean, dry kitchen table. Lay the sweater flat on the towel and roll it up. Gently squeeze the towel to draw the rest of the water out of the sweater. Again, DO NOT WRING. I'm begging you.

8. Lay ANOTHER towel on a flat surface; spread the sweater out flat. Button cardigans and pull the placket so that it's straight; be sure that sleeves and hems are laid out completely flat, to avoid crazy drying wrinkles. Voila! You're done! I lay my sweaters on top of the dryer, to speed drying, but be warned that if the dryer is running and warm, this will also spread the wet dog smell.

That's it! You're done!

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The White Shirt, Revisited: Friday Links

Classic
It's worthwhile to start with a basic white shirt, one with buttons up the front and a collar and cuffs and no real bells and whistles. This is the most practical of all white shirts. The Gap has two basic white shirts: the notched cuff shirt, and the long sleeved fitted shirt; both will run you $39.50. Try them on with your lowest rise pants or jeans, and check for coverage.

Short Sleeved
If you don't like the feel of long sleeves under a jacket or sweater, or if you're looking for something that can take you into summer, Old Navy has this great cap sleeve shirt, in a cotton/nylon/spandex blend, for $22.50. Available only online, which gets you out of having to go to the actual store. Always a good thing.

Tuxedo
I'm all about the tuxedo bib shirt these days; I don't know why. J. Crew has this one, in lighweight cotton, for $78.00. Don't be scared by the pleats--it's not meant to be ironed. Promise.


What say you to the white leather handbag? Yea or nay?

Ruffled
I love the ruffled white shirt, but it's possible that they are on the way out, since everything I found was on sale, so use your best judgment. In the mood for some BIG ruffles? Ann Taylor has this blouse for $49.99. Prefer something less . . . ruffle-y? How about this blouse, from Old Navy? On sale for $19.50. Finally, if you want something ruffly for summer, check out this sleeveless top from J. Crew. On sale for $49.99, but all sales are FINAL, so be sure before you buy.

Again, think about your OWN style. Watch for cool white peasant tops and tunics, or mandarin collars, or white shirts with some pretty detailing (embroidery or French cuffs or fancy fabric). Wear your white shirt with EVERYTHING. Really.

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The White Shirt: The Only Shirt You Really Need

Every woman needs one really terrific white shirt. I don't mean a white tee shirt, although you should have one of those, too. I mean a nice white shirt, with a collar and cuffs and buttons up the front, something you can wear with jeans or a suit or anything in between.

The white shirt is the ultimate wardrobe basic for a couple of reasons: it is universally flattering, it never goes out of style, and you can wear it with virtually anything.

The classic white shirt is universally flattering.
White reflects light, so a crisp white shirt brightens up your face no matter how many martinis little sleep you've had. Still not convinced? Add a colorful accessory--the white shirt is a perfect background for that hard-to-match scarf or multi-colored strand of beads you're always wishing you could wear.

The V neckline of the white shirt flatters everyone, regardless of build, because it frames your face and neck. Pick a shirt that fits properly through the chest, even if it means altering the waist; wear a neutral (not white) bra for full coverage. For a more casual look, layer your white shirt over a tank top in a light pastel color.

The white shirt never goes out of style.
corollary: No matter what your personal style, there is a white shirt for you. When you think "white shirt" don't just think "button down." Look for distinctive details--a larger collar, say, or a tuxedo front--that reflect your own personal look. Think about French cuffs and mandarin collars and embroidery. White doesn't have to be boring, and your white shirt doesn't have to look like you borrowed it from his closet.

However! A great menswear shirt can be very chic on a girl. I like the classic, 1950's Oxford-and-capris look for weekends, and Sharon Stone very successfully paired her husband's dress shirts with ball skirts for black tie events.

You can wear the white shirt with virtually anything.
For maximum flexibility, choose a white shirt with a slim cut; go with a slightly longer tail, to cover lower rise pants and skirts. Something in a cotton blend will wrinkle less, or look for shirts that are wrinkle resistant. Wear your white shirt under a jacket or sweater, or over a tank or camisole. Wear it with jeans and silk skirts. Tuck it in for a more polished look, or leave it untucked for something more casual. I wear my white shirt with wool trousers and a jean jacket--if I am going to leave the jacket on, I layer the shirt collar over the jacket collar.

The white shirt is perhaps the ONLY piece that EVERY woman needs in her closet. Get yourself one today.

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Real People, Real Style: Wendy

Wendy, on her way to a fancy baptism

Wendy describes her outfit this way:

We had a baptism at the St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. If you have never been you wouldn't understand; you really have to plan your outfit. The FQ is full of old uneven cobblestone streets, pee-pee puddles, drunken tourists from the night before and on this day it was very cold. I never wear heels in the FQ for the reasons I mentioned, but I felt it appropriate on this day.

I normally wear skirts whenever I need to dress up, but with the cold and need to walk about 6 blocks I thought pants would be necessary. My outfit is from the Limited and is about 5 years old. I am on the short side and hate to have things hemmed so it is hard to find pants that don't drag on the ground. I always wear heels with these pants and fold up the cuff. If the cuff is not folded, the pants just barely miss the floor. The sweater is great, because it has the fake shirt underneath. I don't layer much because I am on the chunky side and I think it adds bulk.

I really like the shoes. I tried them on for the hell of it at TJ Maxx. I didn't think I liked pointy shoes, but these were comfortable and the right price. I usually get compliments when I wear them, so that doesn't hurt either. After being out all day and walking the Quarter my feet hurt a little, but nothing like some of my other shoes. You know when you just want to cut your feet off at the end of the day?

I wore my cape, because I don't have a nicer coat. I rarely buy coats because we don't usually have many cold days and I am not outside much. I really like my cape. It is like a warm blanket that you can wear out. Although, I do get some stares and some not so nice comments when wearing it, but I just ignore them. My daughter wore her cape, too, which people thought was cute. We did not plan it, she just had to wear hers when she saw me put on mine.

One last thing: I took the Coach diaper bag out today. I rarely use it because it is uncomfortable and a bit bulky. However, I begged and pleaded with my husband to get it for me. He got it as a Christmas 05 gift and I didn't have the heart to tell him how much I don't like it. I simply say that it is too special for everyday use and bring it out on special occasions.

I like Wendy's outfit a lot, but I really love her narrative. She's doing so many things right here: she is dressing for the weather and the situation without sacrificing style, and she started by shopping her closet rather than running out to buy something new. The monochromatic look gives her a long, sleek line and emphasizes her curves in all the right places, and "layered" shirt and sweater is brilliant, particularly for a curvy girl. And of course the shoes are FABULOUS; the pointy toe and little strap adds just the right element of chic to this outfit.

I would suggest that Wendy take the pants to a tailor, though, because a tailored hem (or cuff) is a neater look. If you are on the petite side, you need to get used to the idea that pants (and most likely skirts and dresses) will often have to be shortened. Actually, ALL of us should get comfortable with tailoring, because very few garments will fit perfectly on the first pass. Buy things that fit properly through the waist and hips and THEN deal with the hem. But do deal with it; you will be glad you did.

Finally, I would tell the rest of you to heed Wendy's story about the Coach diaper bag, because the moral seems to be this: if it is beautiful but not practical, it will wind up being beautiful in your closet, which is really a bummer.

Wendy looks so lovely here. Now she needs so show us her cape!

YOUR turn! Show us what you're wearing! E-mail a photo and description to fridaystyle.susan AT gmail DOT com.

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Save Your Closet, Save the World

It's Tuesday and I'm over at BlogHer, talking about how your wardrobe can prevent global warming:

I am intrigued by the idea of leasable clothing (women should be able to rent evening gowns, for example, like men rent tuxedos), but I’m not entirely sold on this option; I am also not willing to wear polyester, even if it will save the planet. My fashion philosophy is that you are best off with a smaller wardrobe of well-chosen pieces that you love and wear and care for thoughtfully. Put together an eco-friendly wardrobe of fabrics that can be hand-washed and air-dried, and choose styles that transcend trends.

I'll be writing a style Q&A every Tuesday at BlogHer, so ask me some questions. Shoot me an e-mail at fridaystyle.susan AT gmail DOT com. I'm sure there is something you're dying to know.

Tomorrow is Wednesday, which means Real People, Real Style! Check in to see what Wendy wore to a swank New Orleans baptism, and be sure to send me YOUR photos.

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Window Shop Without Ever Leaving Your Sofa

I have to admit that I almost never shop for entire outfits; instead, I buy pieces that will work with things already in my closet. But every once in a while, particularly at the change of seasons, I am stumped about what goes with what, and I start looking for ways to make what I already own look fresh and new.

A variety of retailers are now including some form of look book in their web sites; this is a section that shows entire outfits, rather than just discrete pieces. So if you are wondering how to wear a trench coat this spring, for example, you can browse around and see various options. Here are three of my favorite sites to virtual window shop:

Banana Republic has a Shop By Outfit feature that tends to focus on a few trends at a time. Right now they are featuring shirt dresses, pencil skirts, and the trench.


Classic trench coat, Banana Republic, $198.00

J. Crew is currently featuring their Editor's Spring Preview. This is a more eclectic set of outfits (does anyone really wear a striped boatneck with madras shorts?) but it is useful because it relys on essential pieces that you probably already have.


Sadie cropped trench coat at J. Crew, $168.00

Finally, Forth & Towne is like a look book unto itself. The store is the Gap Incorporated's effort to revive flagging interest in its brands among women over 40; the look is classic and elegant and not available on line (sorry). But the site is still useful as an inspiration; I particularly like the way the collections are organized, and the trench included in the Spring Essentials section is to die for. If you are fortunate enough to live near one of the chain's brick-and-mortar stores, I advise you to check it out. And then report back to me.

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A Healthy Heart is Beautiful

Today is National Wear Red Day. Why wear red? For this reason: heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in America. Across the country, Wear Red events will help raise funds and raise awareness, and may save your life or the life of someone you love.

What can YOU do? Why, wear red, of course! Think about accessories--a red scarf or bag with a black sweater, for example.


image from Bluefly (scarf no longer available)

If you're not much for a scarf around your neck, tie it on your bag. That's what I did. Wherever you wear your red, stop and think today about your heart and all it does for you, and what you can do to keep it healthy. And share the love with something red.

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Skirting the Issue

Today is February first, which means we are THAT MUCH closer to spring. Time to look in your closet and see what you can pull out to lighten your wintry mood.


Merona skirt, $19.99

A great cotton skirt is a summer wardrobe staple (wear it with a tank or tee and flip flops, or with a sweater or blouse and kitten heels) but you can also pair it with boots and tights and a slim sweater for colder weather.

Two things to keep in mind: first, if you're wearing an unlined cotton skirt with tights, you will need a slip; this will keep your skirt from sticking to your tights and will help keep you warm. Second, don't pair a gossamer skirt with a chunky sweater; the sweater will overwhelm the skirt. Instead, go with a substantial cotton skirt and a lighter weight sweater. This skirt would be fantastic with a brown turtleneck in a light merino wool or cashmere (both of which are warm but not bulky).

Skirt currently available online and in a Target store near you. At least I hope so. For your sake.

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