Top: Kohl's | Corduroy Jacket: Macy's (nearly 10 years ago!) | Skirt: Marshall's | Belt: Kohl's | Shoes: Urban Outfitters (shop)
I've decided that I need to learn how to dress down a pencil skirt. I'll spare you the many reasons for this so as not to bore you, but I will say that if I don't learn to do this I'll continue to stare longingly at my pencil skirts and never wear them.
So far I've noticed that if the pencil skirt is colored the outfit feels less corporate. Check. Easy. And yesterday I tried making a classic grey pencil skirt more casual by adding a corduroy jacket and some pops of bright colors like red and orange. I think it worked! I got several compliments on my outfit, but none of the awkwardly said, "Wow, you're so dressed up..." comments. I don't know why it took me so long, but I'm relieved to say that I think I found a way to give my pencil skirts some love. Whew!
**update 12/14/11 - I've now done a more in-depth post on this. Find it here.
I just found your blog- You are SUPER cute! I'm loving this complete outfit :) Blazer's are so versatile. Love them!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute! If you have any graphic tees, they look great with a pencil skirt and blazer for a more casual look. Jean jackets do the same. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas - I looove pencil skirts but feel too dressed up to ever wear them except to church since I work from home (and I hate those awkward "why are you so dressed up?" comments; I even used to get those at my office...)
ReplyDeleteloving this look. i totally stare at my pencil skirts too and dont know how to wear them for the casual look...i think i would wear this look with a pair of flats or sandals to make it more casual/
ReplyDeletexo nav
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Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteI always feel extra dressed up when I'm wearing a pencil skirt so they always just stay in my closet (since my internship was seasonal.)
I'll definitely keep that in mind :] I've always been hesitant to wear black and brown together for some reason, but on this outfit it looks so cute!
The pencil skirt is actually charcoal grey. I haven't mustered up the courage to wear black with the orange pumps yet...I fear looking like Halloween!
ReplyDeleteI recently did a graphic tee with a blazer and jeans, but I LOVE the idea of that with a pencil skirt! Thanks, CC!
ReplyDeleteYay, hi Jenny! Thanks for stopping by. :)
ReplyDeletenew follower! I use to work at a library where all the ladies thought I was way to overdressed if I w ore a dress or skirt no matter how casual that dress or skirt was! I hated those comments like"you are so dressed up" or "are you going somewhere after work?" I am going to love reading more of about you and your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable look! I love the blazer and those shoes are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm new to your blog but definitely adding you to my reader. I love how you dressed down a penciled skirt I have to admit that I love how flattering it can be but sometimes I can't help but associate it with work so I try not to do much with it so I'm not reminded of my stressful times. :)
ReplyDeleteI have found that my zebra print pencil skirt never gets treated as too dressy, haha. I think my red one will also avoid that fate. I would say you successfully (and adorably) dressed down that skirt!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great- I love mixing dressy with more casual pieces- who needs fashion rules anyway?
ReplyDeleteI always find it difficult to dress down a pencil skirt, especially the black one in my closet. You did a great job dressing it down though!
ReplyDeleteLove these heels, Audrey!
ReplyDeleteAsk the Duplex
You're a genius! Seriously, I never buy pencil skirts for that very reason...but now, I'll be looking out for colored ones and probably copying your exact outfit for the classic skirt.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melody! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who hates comments like "You are so dressed up." I feel weird that I feel weird about them! Haha.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Tabitha! Thanks so much for stopping by. Would a pretty colored pencil skirt relieve some of that stress? :D
ReplyDeleteAh! I see the charcoal grey now ;) Had to have a second glance at it!
ReplyDeleteLOVE those heels, such a pretty color.
ReplyDeleteYou look very polished and chic.
Love the colors and textures together! What a great jacket that has stood the test of time. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the bright colors and a casual jacket make the skirt feel less stuffy. You look put together, but not corporate. Which actually, may be why I've not worn my navy pencil skirt in a while... thanks! I'll rethink it.
ReplyDeleteI think this outfit is somewhat dressed down yet quite dressy & proffesional at the same time. Love love those amazing orange pumps. I also adore that little brown Cord Blazer.
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