Ask Belle: Styling a Pleated or Peasant Skirt

Mar 7, 2013

Belle:

I purchased a skirt VERY similar to this one and I’m having trouble styling it.  I have tried a pretty peasant blouse tucked in (with small, pretty spring flowers) but I end up looking very matronly/Sound of Music. Any help?

L – O – V – E the blog!!

Thanks! Melinda

Wearing a full skirt well, esp. a full, maxi-length skirt, is all about proportion.  Adding a peasant blouse on top might seem like a good idea, but it adds to much volume and creates, as you said, a very matronly look.  If you’re going to wear a voluminous skirt, you need a sleek top (and vice versa).

peasantskirtpost

Skirt: Alice + Olivia Shannon Maxi Skirt ($484)

Tops, from left: Embroidered Eyelet Tank ($65) //Lavi Silk Tank ($102) // Boatneck T-Shirt ($33) // Madewell Chambray Shirt ($70)

Tanks. I like the idea of pairing a racerback or halter style silk tank with a full skirt.  It’s the right combination of beachy and chic.  You could also wear a standard cotton tank and a low slung belt.

I also like the idea of adding a textured tank like this eyelet number from J.CREW.  If you need something a little less expensive try this textured lace tank.

Slim Tees.  This boatneck tee would look lovely with a fuller skirt.  I’d add a wide belt to pull the look together.  I would also consider adding a striped tee and a long necklace.

Button Up.  Adding a crisp white button up shirt or a chambray shirt to the outfit brings a bit of structure and classic sophistication to a breezy skirt.  I would add a statement necklace or roll the sleeve and add a wood bracelet.  This might also be a good opportunity to try the tied-in-front blouses that have come back into style this spring.

Looking for a pleated maxi that won’t break the bank?  Overstock has a pretty grey onePiperlime has a lovely peach numberThis mint one is also very chic.

Plus size? Kenneth Cole has a black one on sale.  Petite? I found this rich burgundy skirt made for smaller ladies.

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  1. Erin says:

    I like the button-up look! I have a long bright colored skirt I wore with a crisp white button down with the collar popped and the sleeves cuffed, and a wide belt. My friend told me I looked like Oprah and I took it as a compliment!

  2. Clearly Speaking says:

    Holy cannolli is this timely. I am looking for hints on styling fuller skirts (tummy camouflage)and Belle, the styling tip you shared is spot on. Also for my figure, shorter top over longer skirt equals legs for days (even though I am a shorty).

    How about a post on tummy hiding styles for those of us who unfortunately have that lower belly pooch that refuses to go away and need to look sharp at our lovely public service gigs?

    Erin, I will be copying you, girl!

  3. Melinda says:

    Thanks for answering, Belle!!

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