A couple weeks ago, I brought my denim skirt out of hiding. I have very, very mixed feelings about it. Because when I tried it on in the thrift store, it felt really nostalgic and cute. Then I searched outfit ideas on Pinterest, and I was like oh yeah! I can definitely rock these looks. I will amaze everyone with my ability to make a vintage denim skirt look super cool!
And then I actually put it on and I was like oh noes! Definitely don’t think I can look cool in this. Everyone will only be amazed at how much I look like I belong to a religious cult.
So when all else fails, I turn to the Instagram community and say HELP ME. And they do! I got some great ideas from everyone, and wanted to try a few of the looks out and see if I can pull them off in real life.
LOOK #1
Fitted tank + strappy sandals.
I don’t have a truly “fitted” tank, but I tucked this one in real tight and, since these are pieces I’ve worn a lot and am very familiar with, it doesn’t seem like too far of a stretch. I got comfortable in it pretty quickly. Although this tank top must be worn with caution because it shows ALL THE SWEAT. I’m now wishing I had also tried it with my b+w striped tank.
Grey tank old by Everlane (similar) / Wrap sandals by Sseko Designs
LOOK #2
Graphic tee
I didn’t think I owned a graphic tee, but low and behold, I found one mixed in with my lounge wear! It’s super soft and brings back happy memories since I got it on my trip to Austin, TX (back when I did some guest posts for the Un-fancy blog). The tee is a little big for this particular skirt and got really bunched up in the back. But it still felt comfortable, and finishing the look with Birkenstocks made it feel like something I would wear on any normal day.
Graphic tee from Tyler’s (similar) / Sandals by Birkenstock
LOOK #3
Cozy sweater + sneakers
Nothing beats this sweater. I honestly can’t wait until it’s cool enough to wear it again. As for the shoes, I’ve tried wearing sneakers with this skirt before. But they were little white sneakers from Target (not the cool white minimal sneakers everyone is wearing) and I HATED the look. I was fine when I put it on, but turned incredibly uncomfortable leaving the house. I felt like I’d escaped my religious cult and was visiting California for the first time. That experience made me nervous to try sneakers again. But! I think the pop of yellow gives the outfit a more fun vibe than a dorky one. So 80’s! RIGHT?? Just nod.
Sweater by Jamie + the Jones / Sneakers by New Balance
LOOK #4
Clogs
A lot of people suggested trying clogs with the skirt — which totally surprised me! But I think they had more of a high-heel clog in mind. I don’t have those (yet) so I work with what I got, and I surprisingly loved the look. I paired it with my favorite color as of late and tszuj-ed (it’s a word!) the tee by tying a knot and rolling the sleeves. This is a look I can totally get behind and see myself wearing again.
Linen tee by Flax (from Stylish Treasures) / Clogs by Lotta from Stockholm
LOOK #5
Booties
This last look was the one I thought I’d love most — and didn’t like at all! What the heck? Booties are pretty no-fail for Fall and go with everything, but I couldn’t get the look right. I tried cognac heeled booties and camel chelsea booties and finally settled on these dark brown ones since it was closest in color to the black tee. I also tried them with socks peeking out the top to see if adding that fun detail would help me come around. But nope. Then I tried my black flats and that was even worse. I just couldn’t get it to work. I think I might actually like riding boots better, but then we are risking a serious cowgirl look. So clearly I need help with this one. Is it the shirt?? The length of the skirt?? I might take another suggestion and hack off that bottom hem to see if that makes it look more updated.
Black shirt by Me! (Similar) / Brown booties by Frye
Similar denim skirts can be found here and here and here, but I highly recommend searching your local thrift shop before buying new.
Which look is your favorite? Any other styling ideas for me?
loves,
jaana
Girl, you totally rock this skirt! I love all of the looks, but I agree that something is off with #5. Maybe with the tank top from #1 and lighter colored boots? I know I’ve had a hard time with midi skirts and boots because I think the combination just cuts off too much of my leg and makes me feel stumpy and frumpy.
Yes, I think your suggestions are on point. The dark colors of the top and the lighter denim (and my light skin) make it look weird. Even if the skirt was shorter, it might work a little better. Thank you for the ideas! 🙂
You are totally rocking this skirt! I was sucked right into this post with how cute and how happy you look in the first look. And then of course I love all of them. I’ve been finding it more fun to mix up the proportions lately too, so fun.
Aw! You’re so sweet, Laura! Thanks — definitely a fun experiment! 🙂
All the looks are great! But I think my fav is the sweater and sneakers! I have such a hard time feeling comfortable and pulling off sneakers in a non athletic look. I always wonder how do they do it?? Mission accomplished here!
That makes me excited to hear! I liked it too, but wasn’t sure if I was being bias with the sneakers because I wanted them to work, or it was actually cute? haha! Thanks!
I love this skirt, especially with the clogs! It plays up a little 70s vibe in a very relaxed way.
woohoo! mission accomplished 😀
#4 is my faaaaave!! Also, I’m dying over the religious cult… you’d obviously be kicked out since your hair doesn’t reach your waist. 😉
LOOOL phew! crisis averted!