Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
French Connection is having a ton of great sales right now, including this lovely gray tulip skirt. For some reason, we’re seeing it with royal blue — perhaps a blouse or a thin knit — perhaps even a bodysuit and a high-waisted belt. Was $168, now $89, available in sizes 0 and 4-12 (sorry, size 2s). rollin skirt
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(L-2)
Tagged as:
French Connection,
gray,
Skirts,
tulip
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the front; think my backside doesn’t need the “enhancement” of the bow.
As long as that flap is secured, I love it. This is a great look. You can put the pop of color in a top with a grey jacket and you are dressed just right.
Cute but the front slit gives me cause to pause.
I thought backside bows were only for bad bridesmaids dresses (see: Four Weddings and a Funeral)?
Maybe it is just the picture, but it looks like sweatpants material to me. I don’t like it.
That was my read on it too.
me too…I actually have a sweatpants-material skirt almost exactly like this but slightly shorter and that was the first thing I thought of. Not too professional-looking.
I love it from the front. Not sure how I feel about the back. Wish FC just left well enough alone, and kept the back simple.
Loved it till I saw the back pitcure …. oh well.
I didn’t find anything in the description about the flap being sewn shut, so I imagine it could get a bit indecent for those of us with larger hips. The bow detail in the back makes it a lot less versatile too. I don’t think the belt option would really work over the bow, and you couldn’t really wear a shirt untucked with it either. Such a shame since I think it would be a great, versatile piece otherwise.
Loved it from the front.
The back really ruined it. The back itself would have made a cute front.
How am I supposed to wear a jacket over that bow without it looking odd? That means my only option is a tucked-in-blouse … and that’s an option only for very, very slender women.
I’m a little reluctant to ask this question, but as I’m curious and not trying to judge/criticize (maybe I’m just a little clueless) – why does tucking a blouse into a skirt only work if you are a very, very slender woman?
Anonymous: not sure I’m exactly on-topic re: your question, but here’s my own personal take on tucking-in. I think it only works with pants and skirts that sit on your actual waist, no matter what your weight is. Shirts that are tucked in to low-rise pants and skirts never sit right, at least not on me, they pull out on one side but not the other, or at the back, and I’m always wanting to tuck it in better in the front, where I can see it. None of this fussing and fiddling is at all chic or professional. Plus it’s really annoying.
Because some of us are fortysomething, which means, even if we are still in general decent shape, that our waistlines are starting to get soft. Just part of the natural aging process. And a blouse or shirt tucked in is not flattering. We tend to look better if we wear a sweater, or a cardigan, or a blouse that is intended to stay on the outside.
If I were to wear this skirt, for example, my tendency would be to wear a cashmere or silk turtleneck that is meant not to be tucked in, or perhaps a shell of some sort (again not tucked in) and a cute cardigan or little jacket over it. Maybe some nice rich jewel tones this time of year — would look great with gray. That’s why the bow in the back is problematic, IMO. It precludes me from wearing a cardigan or jacket.
I am just not capable of tucking, even when I was 20 and VERY skinny. I always end up looking like I have a lumpy inner-tube around my waist if I try to tuck something in… not the look I’m going for!
The fabric looks cheap to me too, like it would pill instantly.
Instantly.
Hate the bow and I agree that it’s inappropriate for work if the front is not secured. I like details on clothes, but I don’t like overly trendy/whimsical details like these. This may be a cute skirt for going out, just not for work.
I think the bow isn’t inappropriate for work, per se, but I agree that you wouldn’t be able to wear an untucked shirt or a jacket over the skirt. Maybe that’s why Corporette suggested a bodysuit, but IMHO that is also sort of strange for work-attire. Are bodysuits coming back in and I just don’t know it? (How on earth does one pee in those things without having to totally disrobe??)
Bodysuits have snaps underneath for going to the bathroom. I have the hardest time keeping a dress shirt tucked in b/c of my much larger chest compared to my thinner waist. (I know, I shouldn’t complain). But, I’ve seen dress shirt body suits advertised that will just stay put. I’m thinking of buying one and trying it out.
Where does one buy bodysuits? I have the same problem with tucking in blouses, but I must not shop where they sell those.
These are the only work-appropriate bodysuits I’ve ever seen (at Victoria’s Secret): http://search.victoriassecret.com/exec/
I saw this one in NYC this fall and loved it. Couldn’t figure out how the skirt was cut – very clever design. Flattering, too, I think. My guess is that the fabric is very fine quality and would not pill. Not every skirt is made to wear with a jacket! But just because the skirt won’t work well with a jacket is no reason to reject it. Boo-hoo.
FC totally upped the price on this TODAY! I wonder if it’s because they got so many hits from corporette readers?? NOT COOL.
From all of these comment, I thought that the bow was going to be some huge monstrosity right on the rear! It’s just a little wrap bow at the waist. I think it’s great. I’d totally wear this to work with a black turtleneck, black tights and flats, flat boots or mid heels.