Outfit Re-Do: A Colored Pencil Skirt Redux

The year was 2013.  The world was obsessed with subscription-model retailers repped by celebrities.  A trove of websites called Homemint, Shoemint, Stylemint and more were shipping gifted items to influencers in droves.

We were also obsessed with pattern mixing and layering different textures in our outfits.  Lace skirts, jacquard, and patterned blouses were all big.  And some people were fashion-forward enough to death them together, with layered jewelry and studded shoes.  It was a bold time.

Almost a decade later, the fashions are a bit simpler, but that doesn’t mean we can’t build on the idea.  Here we go.

I hunted Google Image Search, but I could not find the blogger who created this original look.  You can find it on Pinterest.

Skirt // We should obviously start with the pencil skirt.  Unsurprisingly, a vibrant green lace skirt was tough to find.  But so was any green skirt.  One thing that wasn’t hard to find?  An olive skirt.

Luckily, olive goes well with black, so the MM LaFleur Cobble Hill Skirt is here to give us a bit of color in an effortless neutral.  If you’re looking for a more affordable option, I ordered this Amazon skirt, and it’s surprisingly great in person.

Blouse // I chose a black-and-white printed blouse because it’s a great wardrobe staple.  This ba&sh top has a cool, abstract print.  This Melloday top is another fantastic geometric print.  Plus-size?  This Anne Klein poet blouse is a nice option.

Blazer // The original outfit is loaded up with texture, so I wanted to include a bit.  This Ann Taylor jacket was on the blog Tuesday, and it’s worth a repeat.  It has a classic style made with a diamond jacquard pattern.  And it’s a great choice with business attire or with a graphic tee and jeans.

Looking for a blazer?  This notch collar seasonless stretch option from Ann Taylor is on repeat in my closet.  So sleek, so flattering.

Accessories // The accessories in the inspiration photo are pretty over the top.  We have studded shoes, a large gold belt, a bag with zippers and buckles, plus jewelry.  So let’s tone it down.

I love these block heels from Ann Taylor.  They feel very solid when you wear them, so walking around in high heels makes you feel like a baby deer on an icy pond, these can help.  Prefer a flat?  This Linea Paola pair is worth a look.

Similar to the shoes, I toned down the bag.  This Ralph Lauren Marcy satchel is the nicest bag I’ve seen in years in that <$275 category.

I didn’t realize these Ettika rope earrings were so large when I put them in the collage, but it’s 2:00AM, so I’m not remaking it to remove them.  Instead, let’s go with these incredible oblong cable hoops from Luv AJ.

For the hair, I would wear it down.  Up will make this outfit feel a bit severe, and you don’t want that.  The makeup should be minimal with a lip color that gives a bit of color, like Clinique Black Honey, and a solid coat of mascara to define the eyes.

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