I’ll admit it: I think “mullet skirt” every time I see one of these, but they’ll be a big trend this spring. (Or so I hear.) I highly recommend getting your fix with one of these bright, pretty options from Forever21 since you won’t regret spending only $30 when the trend wears off again.

(P.S. Just noticed these skirts match the colors of my blog theme almost exactly. I feel like I should buy them on that premise alone.)

Forever21 Tulip Tail Skirt, $27.80

Anonymous asked:

Hey Jackie,
I bought a skirt from target similar to the skirt in this link. The one I own, however, is a little flouncier. I’m 4’10” and I don’t know how to style this skirt without looking 12. Could you show me some outfits that will make me look my age? Thanks! Heyni

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=btms&product_id=2076753204&Page=28&pgcount=25

This is a tricky problem and one that a lot of shorter women have problems with. The irony is that often a shorter woman will overcompensate with a really girly, flouncy skirt like this by wearing 5” heels. With this kind of skirt, I’d actually recommend going for a sleeker, more professional looking shoe. It will look more chic and polished—things that 12-year-old girls are not! :)

1. ASOS Silver Bracelet Watch, $62

2. [Do a sleek ponytail with this outfit for an even more professional look.]

3. Love 21 Silk Georgette Blouse, $24.80

4. Forever 21 Tiered Grosgrain Skirt, $19.80

5. Pins and Needles Blazer, $79

6. Nine West “Garcen” Pumps, about $58

Hurry!

Ann Taylor LOFT skirts on sale from $40 to $4.88.

There are three colors available and only limited sizes left.

Have fun!

Skirts are the bane of every wardrobe. Their particulars may vary by season (floral? mini? pencil? pleated? not pleated?), but they stick around for good reason. Skirts are fun! The ease of a dress, with the ability for greater “customization” with accessories, belts and shirts. Skirts are also the modern professional mainstay, helping to replace or offer alternatives to dour pantsuits in conservative offices.

But, if you’re like me, sometimes your skirts languish in your closet. You can’t find a shirt that looks good with them, for example, or your denim skirts look too juvenile when you try them on now.

Skirts can be tricky, but not if you follow these simple rules:

• If in doubt, wear white up top. Printed tops can sometimes make even the most expensive and grown-up skirt look cheap or juvenile. There is no skirt that does not look good paired with a white blouse or tee.
• Tuck it in. Most skirts look better with tucked-in shirts. Add a skinny belt, and you’re off. However, for a denim miniskirt (and I know you’ve got one!), don’t tuck your shirt in or wear a shirt that’s too tight. That requires a bit more finesse.
• Wear heels carefully. Platform heels or sexy booties look great with dresses, but don’t always look as good with skirts. Just make sure to do a quick full-length mirror check so you don’t walk out the door looking more sexy tramp than sexy lady. 
• This may be obvious, but don’t wear super short skirts. I’ve seen girls out (cringe) wearing skirts that barely cover the cheeks. The kind of short that exposes your entire butt should you try and climb the stairs. Eek. Aim for at least 6 inches of clearance past your cheeks to be on the safe side.
• Tights and leggings can muddy up a good skirted look. Black tights with a black mini is a classic stand-by and should be your go-to if you want to pull out the mini when the weather gets colder. Experiment, by all means, but know that this is a trickier combination to pull off.
• If you work in a conservative office, the skirt should hit directly above the knee cap. Unless your dress code specifically says skirts/dresses should be below the knee, avoid wearing skirts that hit you mid-knee. It will cut your proportions off and look less flattering.
• Avoid at all times any skirt that hits you mid-calf. No exceptions. Don’t buy them, don’t wear them.
• The only sneakers you are allowed to wear with skirts are Converse or Keds-type shoes. If I see you wearing your Nikes out with a denim miniskirt on, I will absolutely give you the side eye. 
• A lot of women think that pleated or full skirts will make them look more hippy. Yes, this can be true—but if you tuck in your top, add a belt, make sure the skirt hits you in the right spot on your mid-section and keep your shoe height such that it evens out your proportions, you can wear pleated and full skirts without a hitch. I’ve never seen a woman, no matter what body type, that didn’t look fantastic in a low- to mid-thigh pleated skirt, belted with a white shirt or blouse. And by pleated, I mean this, not your Catholic schoolgirl get-up. 

Enough rules already! On to the fun part.

Here are two examples of how to wear skirts: first, a more dressy skirt, and, second, a denim mini.

• Old Navy Tank, $8
• Forever 21 Skirt, $16
• Seychelles Wedges, $40
• ModCloth Handbag, $44
• Via Nativa Reclaimed Wood Bangle, $36
• ModCloth Galleon Necklace, $18
• Tarte Lip Stain in “Lucky”, $24

• Forever 21 Peasant Top, $19
• American Eagle Miniskirt, $35
• Francesea Ethnic Cuff Sandals, $45
• Lucky Brand Earrings, $29
• BDG Linen Fedora, $24

grownbird asked:

Hi Jaclyn,

I have a photoshoot in a less than two weeks and I just bought a pencil skirt from Gap. I’m having trouble paring it with a shirt. I’m thinking just a plain white tee/tank? But what else to go with? I’m 5’3… short. Nude pumps preferably! I can’t find any! Please help!!! Thanks!

Since I don’t know what the photoshoot is for or what color your skirt is, I just styled up the only two pencil skirts I could find on the GAP website.

Although I like your idea of a white tank/tee, I added a bit more color (but kept the tops free of too many frills) since color tends to photograph better than white. Also, nude pumps are awesome—but everyone wears them. These shoes add a fun bit of something extra, but still give you the height it sounds like you want. :)

Left outfit:

• Full Tilt Tank, $10
• Gap Skirt, $25
• Nine West Caged Wedges, $50
• Oasis Cuff, $18
• Miss Selfridge Earrings, $7
• Top Shop Belt, $23

Right outfit:

• Forever 21 Tank, $15
• GAP Skirt, $25
• Lovely People Pumps, $76
• TopShop Ring, $13
• Disney Couture Fleur de Lis Earrings, $20
• Miss Selfridge Belt, $10

I saw this little feature on InStyle magazine’s website today about patterned skirts and mentally added a couple to my spring and summer shopping list. I have some work-appropriate patterned skirts, but that’s no fun—in the summer, I want to show some leg!

I like InStyle’s suggestion of pairing the skirt with a solid-color top for the most chic look, but if you’re a bit more bold—mixing patterns can work too. (But I won’t be trying that craziness!)

• Forever 21 Blurred Bubble Skirt, $15
• Forever 21 Contrast Skirt, $11
• Alloy Floral Skirt, $25
• Eight Sixty Silk Skirt, $45
• Hinge “Skater” Skirt, $68
• Forever 21 Brush Print Skirt, $15
• ASOS Floral Printed Skirt, $38