One of the downsides of pregnancy is that your wardrobe significantly shrinks. I try to make some of my non-maternity clothes work as long as possible, but many get tossed out of the closet the moment I find out I’m pregnant because I’m already too big for them. So I’m always happy to have a few staple items (maternity or not) that are wearable in a variety of ways while simultaneously being soft, stretchy, and flattering to an expanding waistline.
Since Preethi, my sister, Janssen, and I are all pregnant at the same time, we decided to do a little feature today about everyday closet staples that can work for a pregnant body (or not) in a variety of ways. (and if you remember, I did a similar feature in December with my little black dress).
My pick this time was my jersey knit pencil skirt from Target. Soft, stretchy, flattering, and infinitely remixable. Win, win, win, win. So here are five ways that I’m currently remixing and wearing my pencil skirt.
1. Casual
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| sailboat tee: made by me (shirt from walmart), sandals: target (old) |
I just recently discovered that a simple graphic tee can make a pencil skirt (which is fairly dressy, in my mind) very casual. Throw on some simple sandals and a messy bun or top knot, and you have the perfect outfit for lounging around the house, running errands, or going to the park.
I’ve also created a similar outfit with my neon pink v-neck tee from Target, and it’s just as casual, but super trendy and so fun and bright.
2. Work
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| button up: target (altered), belt: thrifted, wedges: target, earrings: tiffany’s |
While I don’t have a desk job anymore, I did for many
years before Peanut came along, and this is the kind of thing I would
wear to work. A simple and comfortable button up, sensible but pretty
shoes, a belt to define my waist (although there’s not much of that left
these days), and a relaxed ponytail make the perfect outfit for looking
put together but still being comfortable while sitting at a desk all
day.
3. Date Night
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| shirt & cardigan: target, shoes: steve madden via plato’s closet, necklace: gift from my sister |
For us, date night is usually very casual (unless it’s an anniversary or something), but I still want to feel put together and cute. With a little pattern mixing, a brightly colored boyfriend cardigan, bold jewelry, and simple curled hair, I’m going a step above casual while being a little bit fun. Perfect, in my mind.
4. Unexpected
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| cardigan: cozy fashions, belt: thrifted, leggings: target, glitter flats: payless, necklace: gift from Philip |
I think one of the most important tricks when learning to remix is to learn how to wear pieces in different and unexpected ways. This gives a piece of clothing variety — anyone can wear a skirt on their bottom half, but pulling it up to your chest and turning it into a tunic gives it many more remixing possibilities. With leggings, a bright cardigan, a belt, some sparkly shoes, and a fun braided hairdo, it’s a perfect weekend outfit.
5. Dressy
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| chevron top: c/o daisy rae, clutch: thrifted, necklace: gift from Janssen, shoes: kohls, red lipstick: maybelline “are you red-dy” |
Before I learned the art of remixing, this is the type of outfit I typically envisioned for a pencil skirt — fancy. Since the skirt is so bold, I paired it with a neutral patterned satin top, a delicate necklace, neutral shoes, and a simple clutch. And then I threw caution to the wind and added a swipe of bold red lipstick and the outfit was complete. Perfect for any kind of dressy event.
my fave is the skirt worn as a dress – so innovative 🙂
i especially love how you did the skirt as a top!
I LOVE that chevron top! All 5 looks were pretty 🙂
Love this post! You inspired me to relook at some of the clothes in my closet. I really want a mustard cardigan like the one you wore with the leggings but I can't find that color in the stores right now. All the yellows I see are super bright.
I love this! Remixing posts are my favorite! And I agree with the previous comments – the skirt looks fabulous as a top.
I love versatile pieces! I think I need more of them. =) xoxo A-
I love seeing how people remix an item! You get so much more mileage out of your clothes when you can wear them different ways 🙂
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
WOW.. Love every one of these outfits!!! 🙂 I have a skirt that's just like it! maybe ill try one! I like the work one for tomorrow.
Sara
http://seventwentysomethings.blogspot.com/
Great ideas! Love the pencil skirt as a tunic!
Very cute outfits! Of course my favorite is paired with the chevron top 😉 But I also love it as a top/tunic! You look great!
http://www.daisyraeboutique.com
http://www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
my Fav is no.4!
Your date night outfit is really cute.
Oh Merrick – this is genius!! You have remixed this skirt so beautifully in every outfit… my favourites are the last two with a slight preference for no.4 Unexpected (I think it's the pairing of the blue with mustard)!
You're glowing btw…!!!
Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com/
Fun post! I love how you showed all of these different options! Very versatile 🙂
Seize the Styles
I bought myself that same gold necklace and then I caught it on the gearshift in the car and it broke into about three pieces. I'm still sad about it.
Inspiring! I'll have to take a 2nd look at my closet now. 🙂
How fun! I love that you wore the skirt as a tunic — that's one I need to try! Once I took a tunic and folded it in half to wear it as a tank top layered under a jacket and it looked so cute.
I love remixing my clothes, too. I did something similar with my Wear One Piece Five Ways segment with a chambray shirt recently.
Sarah
Cable Car Couture
So great! I love this. Also, how great is it that Janssen and Preethi are both preggers too!! That's my dream.
LOVE the unexpected look! That's cute and creative. I'm gonna have to see if I can pull that off.
I especially love #'s 1 & 3. You are so creative!
I love your blog! One of my new favorites 🙂
-Jessica
http://jessicaandjordanashcroft.blogspot.com/
Hi!! 🙂
I really like your blog, I´m following you 😀
… maybe if you have time, you could visit my blog too, and if you like it, follow me back 😉
Kisses!
http://modacapital-blog.com
Hi, I found your post on 5 ways to wear a statement necklace from Already Pretty and I was browsing through your previous posts in the series when I read this one. I tried it out, though not with a pencil skirt and was so happy with a "new" outfit. I did a post on the outfit on my blog and mentioned you as well. I hope to read more of these as I'm now a follower of yours.
Good day.
xo
Audrey
http://inches2style.blogspot.com
Hi Merrick! I found your blog via putting me together. I had baby #2 six months ago, and I am going back to work…but I need a new wardrobe.. Business casual.. Can you find the time to make another re-mixable outfit with cute business type clothes? I would appreciate it SO much!!