Posted on 23 Comments

Another wrap and a wardrobe question

5737427130_d34c45e490-flickr

I am beginning to think that wrap skirts are going to be for the Summer of 2011 what elastic-waist skirts were for the Summer of 2007.  Time will tell, but I’m already off to a pretty good start.

Here is the latest, made a few weeks ago to wear to Eamonn’s First Communion.

Pattern: Spring Wrap Skirt by me 🙂

FabricBliss Bouquet in Teal from Amy Butler’s Love collection

5736876197_e80c081be9-flickr

Ok, so here’s a question for you: I usually wear close-fitting t-shirts or tanks with my skirts, but I never know what to do when the situation calls for something dressier.  Lately, I’ve just been adding a sweater to the outfit, and that works nicely.  Until I get warm. I have the hardest time, because I’m heavier than I want to be, and I don’t particularly like the way certain styles look on me at all, let alone with a skirt.  The ideal shirt would define my waist more, and my chest less.

Maybe I’ve answered my own question there – a knit faux wrap shirt could work – something like this one?  Still kind of busty, though.  Argh.  I don’t know.

What kind of shirt would you wear with a fitted wrap skirt like this?

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Posted on 23 Comments

23 thoughts on “Another wrap and a wardrobe question

  1. I wonder if a slightly longer wrap skirt would give you more top options? When it’s kneelength, you kinda have to go with a short close-fitting t or tank, or the skirt will disappear; but if you have a longer skirt, you can wear a looser girly blouse over a camisole, or a silky tunic with split sideseams, or…

    1. I’ll tell you a secret – it actually is a slightly longer wrap skirt. I have it pulled way up, the top of it hitting the bottom of my bra (classy, eh?) I found that was the easiest way to make a smooth transition in the waist area. Maybe I should try wearing it lower, though, and doing the flowey shirt thing. I like that idea. I just have to make sure the skirt doesn’t hit the widest portion of my calf. I’ve read it’s most flattering to have the bottom of the skirt hit either just above or just below the knee, where the leg is narrowest.

      1. I’ve heard that rule, and then, in characteristic form, ignored it. If I’m comfortable in a skirt, whatever its length, I’m going to be flattered by it, because me wearing something uncomfortable is never cute.

        1. Good point 🙂

  2. Lisa, I am in a similar situation as you. In the hot summer weather I like loose fitting blouses or shirts that I wear over my tank tops instead of the sweater. I leave the shirts open and wear like a jacket and they are a lot cooler and more comfy yet give that dressy look. I also like to pop off the cheapy buttons that the shirts come with and replace them with my own clay buttons and really gives that extra touch. I wear the tank top and shirt type jacket with my skirts, pants and even clam diggers so is quite versatile.

    1. Thanks for the idea. I recently got a nice, lacey blouse – I hadn’t considered wearing it jacket-style, but I think I will give it a try!

  3. How about a thin weight lacy sweater. I found one at Goodwill a few years ago, and just love it. Course if you can’t find one, you can always crochet or knit one…

    Or how about a cropped lightweight top, one that comes just below the waist.

    Hope these ideas inspire you.

    1. A lacy sweater sounds nice. I should look for a fun pattern to knit. Good idea! I’m too busty for cropped tops – they make me look really heavy everywhere else, unfortunately.

  4. I usually do the same and wear tanks or fitted teeshirts with skirts. I like the wrap shirt idea for a dressier look. And everyone else has great ideas too! love the skirt!

    1. Thanks! I am probably just going to keep doing what I’m doing – seems to be what most people wear casually with a skirt!

  5. I actually made a lovely sheer, loose-fitting blouse to be worn over close fitting t-shirts or spandex tank tops. It looks dressy, too.

    When I have a moment over the weekend, I’ll post the pattern and can’t at the moment as I am at work.

    I love the skirts you’ve made, they’re very pretty and inspiring me to want to make one.

    Thanks!

    Debbie…(O:
    >

    1. That sounds lovely! I’d love to see the pattern, if you do post it. It may be beyond my skills, but it can’t hurt to look 🙂

      1. Well, I have searched & searched but couldn’t find a photo or link to the pattern I used which is a New Look 6622. Very simple to put together.

        But, I did find one on ebay that is similar (and prettier I think) to the one that I made found at this link: http://tinyurl.com/3mknwvb

        I’m still getting familiar with sewing and learning different techniques. Now that I made that blouse, I wish I’d done it with French seams. Oh well, I’m certainly going to make another, with a few adjustments, too.

        Now to find time to sew…lol.

        Debbie…(O:
        >

  6. I do the same (t-shirt with my skirts). I find that if I wear something loose on top of one of my skirts, I just look big all over… I love the ideas here! (Also, your skirt is on my to-do list!)… 🙂

    1. Oh, definitely, me too. If it’s at all blousy, I feel like I am one big triangle with no waist to speak of. Very unflattering look for me, LOL!
      I saw you bought the pattern – thanks 🙂 I hope it works nicely for you! I’d love to see your results.

  7. Love the skirt it is so pretty! I understand where you are coming from. How is this for an option ~ a ribbed lace bolero? Here is a pattern that I will make one day:)

    http://kellymaher.wordpress.com/2007/07/04/ribbed-lace-bolero/

    1. That’s an idea I hadn’t considered! I like the way it looks on the model, but I wonder if it would work on my shape. IT might enhance the busty nature of what I am wearing, which is sort of the opposite effect of what I want… might have to do a little research on that.

  8. I think I would wear a simple, cream-colored blouse with short sleeves. A vintage cream blouse works good too. Love the skirts and maybe wear the skirt with a twin-set sweater and shell in the color of the background or one of the colors in the skirt. It’s up to you what will work. I have emormous hips and these options work for me. Try them, just maybe one will work.

    1. A twin set would definitely work – I’ve done something similar, and it’s great for cooler days. I’ll have to keep my eye open at the thrift shop for a vintage blouse – that sounds like a great idea. Thanks!

  9. You look fantastic. ‘Nuff said.

    1. Thanks, Elizabeth. Always nice to hear 🙂

  10. I love all the ideas. It gives you so many choices. Here is another option I have started trying: go without the sweater, buy a medium to large bright color necklace to match the skirt. The necklace brings the eyes up then the eyes go to the skirt but skip the bust since you have on the black top. I have the same problem with the bust so that is what I have been trying lately. Hope it helps.
    Angie

    1. Good idea! Only I would probably *make* the necklace instead of buying it 🙂

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