Sometimes you find a statement piece you love, and you just have to roll with it. I picked up this Carmen Marc Valvo scuba skirt a few weeks ago, for a steal, at TJ Maxx. I fell in love with the color and pattern – figured I’d work out what to wear with it later.
I finally had a chance to wear this spontaneous purchase, earlier this month, to my daughters graduation. This skirt is a no-brainer as it works back to black or white very easily. The beauty of a scuba type pencil skirt is that it is stretchy and fitted which makes it flattering and comfortable. My issue was; finding a top that would hide my ‘mommy tummy’, yet not cover up the entire skirt. There was no way I was tucking a shirt into this scuba type skirt or wearing a crop top (though this look is great in magazines and on many lucky ladies – it wasn’t going to work for me even in a full-body Spanx). The solution? A top that nipped in at the waist and flared out around the tummy area – a peplum style. Thank you to the fashion genius who created the peplum top!
Here’s a look at how I styled it up:
The back of this top kept up with the fun pattern in the skirt. I like the denim for day vs. black, though I would wear skirt this with a black top in the evening. This skirt also works great back to white.
The key, when styling up a pattern skirt, is to keep the top simple in order to showcase the star of the show – the fab skirt! Fitted bottoms work well with a semi fitted or looser item on the top – to keep the outfit balanced.
Simple doesn’t mean boring. As you can see, this top is simple in the front but a party in the back and does not distract from the skirt.
Get the look!
Patterned skirts are big this season, here are a few that have caught my eye.
Pair up one of these tops with a pattern skirt or pant.
This Ann Taylor top, was the closest I could find to mine.
It is sold out online, but may still be available in stores.
This polished look can easily be mixed and matched for many occasions; from work to evening – day or night.
Any one else try out a patterned pencil skirt yet? There are so many fun patterns out there to choose from and if you pick one up in a scuba fabric, they are comfortable to boot!
SUMMER SALES!
Big sale with up to 50% off , on now at Anthropologie during their TAG SALE! Pop over and take a look HERE
Nordstrom took a ton of markdowns this week for their SUMMER CLEARANCE SALE, on now, link HERE
Ready to try out a romper?
I am loving this palm print one from Old Navy – under $25.00 (additional 15% off now!) – available in petite, plus and regular size. Runs true to size in solid and 2 prints. HERE
Looking to ease up on your makeup/hair routine over the summer?
Tips on keeping things simple HERE
Loving blue and white for summer?
My picks of some fab pieces HERE
For vacation outfit inspiration, be sure to pop on over to Instagram where I have been posting outfits from the tropical island of Kauai all week, HERE to you can go direct to instagram and find me at @AskSuzanneBell
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Enjoy your week and thanks for stopping by!
XOXO
Suzanne
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[…] Fun skirts and the tops to wear with them HERE […]