Wednesday’s TPS Report: Kylie Skirt

111 Comments

1. Yes! I like it! I see it with a yellow cardigan and black or grey pashmina!

   1. I love the skirt. I’d skip the matchy twin set and go with a bright cardigan and a solid cami underneath. Anyone else think that twin sets are dated?

      1. Hope not! I just bought a bunch of cashmere ones on super-sale from LandsEnd!

      2. Love twinsets. I think this also is a “where are you located,” as some areas of the country (noteably the South) embrace twinsets more than others (West Coast or NE).

      3. I am not a fan of twinsets. I don’t know if it’s so much a matter of “dated” (unless they are patterned), but I do think twinsets are a certain kind of look, and one that I am not too fond of on myself. Oddly, I am a big fan of many preppy staples (pearls, boat shoes, seersucker or madras, those fun ribbon belts. . . ), I think they can be paired in fresh and/or unexpected ways, sort of subverting the “preppy handbook” origins a bit… But with twinsets it’s just too hard to make it look interesting. They are rarely cut in a way that I find flattering and there are too many dowdy ones around to make the search frustrating, and I just feel a bit costume-y when I try to wear them. Sort of up there with khakis for me.

         1. Same here. Twinsets are just not flattering on me. I feel very matronly in them.

            1. I agree – like button-downs under sweaters (and button-downs in general, really), they’re a great look in theory and instant frump on me.

            2. I wish I looked cute in button-downs worn underneath sweaters. Everyone else looks cute in this outfit. I look like a fat frumpy mess.

      4. I like cardigans but can’t stand twin sets. I’d much rather wear a contrasting camisole or turtleneck underneath. Usually with matching twinsets, one or both of the items seem to have an unflattering neckline or cut, and you have to worry about washing both simultaneously.

      5. I think it’s more current right now if you wear a cardigan with a tank or some other type of shirt, instead of a matching shell, but I still think twin sets are classic, at least in my area.

      6. Yes, I live in NYC and never see anyone wearing twinsets. I think they are terribly dated and am surprised that Kat often recommends them.

         1. Love twinsets and see them all the time here. Totally classic and polished, and so easy to update them with a belt or scarf.

            1. Agreed, love the twinsets. I’m Southern, too, and they’re a staple. I do sometimes mix and match, but I think twinsets are a fabulous classic.

            2. I’m also in the South, and I wear and see twinsets frequently.

         2. in chicago, used to wear them but don’t (and don’t really see them anymore either). they look dorky to me now.

2. I’ve decided to start the couch to 5K program. I want to be more active like I used to be. I walk about 60 minutes a day now but get absolutely no cardio and feel like a lazy blob because of it. Do any of you have any advice for staying motivated?

   Also, any tips for a runner-to-be?

   1. If you listen to music when you run, give yourself a goal – for me, I had to listen to 3 songs before I could walk. But I gave myself permission to walk. That got me out there. I then upped it to 4 songs. I still use that method to get going and I use it during a long run to keep going. It makes the run seem doable and also gives me permission to walk.

      As for staying motivated, once you find the runners high, you’ll understand. Another piece of advice someone gave me — even if you’re not feeling it, go out for 20 minutes (or 2 miles, whichever is a shorter period of time). If you stll aren’t feeling it, you’re done. But chances are, you will be feeling it by then and want to keep going.

   2. Also, get fitted for proper running shoes. You don’t want a injury to sideline you right away.

   3. Sorry, I replied but it posted below!

   4. The couch to 5K was a great motivator for me – it started out easy and took gradual enough steps that I could always do it. I picked out the days I would “run” each week – it was a lot of walking to start – and didn’t accept excuses from myself. I hope it works for you too.

      1. There was one week with a really tough increase, but the great thing about it was the mentality of, OK, I must do three workouts this week so squeeze them in however possible.

         Limits possible excuses!

   5. I tried the couch to 5K and really liked it, especially Robert’s podcasts. But my trail of choice is paved and my menopausal insides couldn’t take the pounding. So now when I want to add cardio to my walk, I carry a five-pound weight.

      My motivation comes from the fact that my trail is outdoors, away from cars, and it de-stresses me to be out there. And I listen to a few hourlong weekly podcasts so I almost always have fresh content to listen to.

      Good luck with the program!

      1. Second the podcasts. I hated the background music, but having a cue telling me when to switch between the running and walking segments was the biggest help. If you’re more tech savvy than I am I know there are ways to layer your own “cues” over your own music, but i have no idea how.

   6. Don’t forget the bra!! Everyone talks about getting fitted for shoes; also get fitted for a really good bra. I see so many women out running with their breasts bouncing all around.

      I am a 32D and have had great success with New Balance’s Bonita Run Crop (I buy it in a small and nothing moves while I run): http://www.shopnewbalance.com/detail.asp?type=WMAPSB&style=WBT8308. My sis-in-law is a 34DD and also loves it (I think she wears the medium).

      While a good bra will be expensive, I’m sure it’s cheaper than getting a breast lift in 10-30 years.

      Happy running! Once you get into it, you should love it. Starting out can be hard, but the payoff will come.

      1. +1. It makes me hurt to see some women running around bouncing. Also, as it gets warmer, don’t forget to stay hydrated. I like this water bottle because it’s easy to hold and has a pouch for keys: http://www.amazon.com/Ironman-Handheld-22-Ounce-Bottle-Carrier/dp/B001RD7N22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302706414&sr=8-1

      2. Yes! I’m a 40G and had to double up on my sports bra after doing Week 1 Day 1 without enough support.

         1. Seriously, try the Enell bra. It is ugly but if you size it right, nothing moves at all. And I have tried a million bras and scoff at people who recommend most bras b/c if you are a C cup or smaller, you’re in a different category of what support might work for you.

            1. Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll check it out. My regular La Mystere bra certainly isn’t pretty, so that isn’t really the biggest deal for me.

            2. I hope it works well for you! Its what got me thru the long runs leading up to my half. And its my go-to PMS bra for working out — the slightest movement just kills me then and I know this will keep everything in place.

      3. Totally agree with this – I’m a 34DD or larger depending on the time of the month. I love the Enell bra if I had to choose 1 bra. But I have a lot of different bras b/c I chafe on my long runs where the bra closes and I have to change my bras around to not have major issues.

      4. Thanks for the suggestion. Just ordered two of these. I was just thinking at the gym last night that my sports bras are not so supportive now that I’ve started running.

      5. DD = two sports bras at once = no bounce. A little advice from a 47 year old: sometime after 40, the twins will try to head south on you anyway, so don’t give them a headstart by exercising without proper support.

   7. Congratulations! The C25k is great to get started running. You’ll already be used to scheduling activity since you’re already walking an hour each day. I find that’s the most difficult part for me. I lose motivation by the end of the day, but the warm bed is just so tempting in the mornings…

      As for staying motivated, I think it’s most important to know what you want to get out of the exercise, especially at first when it’s really hard and you haven’t become “addicted” to it yet. For me, it was originally to look better in my clothes. Now I just feel better mentally and physically when I exercise.

      It might help you to actually sign up for a 5k so that you have an external reason to keep going. In my city, there’s at least one every single weekend until sometime in September, so you should not have a problem finding a race. The bigger races are sometimes more fun for a first 5k because you’ll have people of all fitness levels there. Anything with “hard,” “HILLS!,” or “pain” in the name or slogan should probably be avoided for your first.

      DEFINTELY go to a running store and get fitted for shoes. If your legs hurt or you get injured after a few runs, then it’s not going to be fun at all for you. A poster below said that the shoes will be expensive, but that is not my experience. Local shops don’t have sales as often as Sports Authority, but the regular price on the shoes is approximately the same, at least in my area.

      There might be a running club or clinic that is friendly to beginners. You might consider joining such a thing if you have the time. Meeting other people within the sport is a great way to actually stay involved. I met some of my best friends in a running club and a triathlon club. Now I never have to work out alone if I don’t want to (though I do enjoy working out by myself sometimes). Having someone say, “I did this crazy track workout with blah blah blah intervals at such and such a pace” is great motivation because I don’t want to fall behind!

   8. Congrats on your decision to start running!
      My advice: Follow the program. At some point in that program, you’ll think “oh this is easy, I could run farther than that,” but RESIST! Your body needs to build up tolerance to the repetitive stress of running, and pushing it too soon is just asking for trouble (I once had to bail out of a marathon because of overtraining-induced knee injury only a month into my training. SO disappointing.)

      Also, don’t forget to stretch! Yoga’s great, but if you’re not into that, the website for Runners’ World magazine has some videos of warmup and post-workout stretching routines that I’ve found very helpful.

      As for motivation, I suggest registering NOW for a 5k about the time you’ll be completing the program. They’re fun, they’re cheap, and knowing you’re already committed will keep you accountable to your workouts. I’m also a huge fan of keeping track of my mileage — it’s fun to watch the numbers go up, and you can designate rewards for making it 10, 25, 50 whatever miles.

      1. Agree with this! Sign up for a 5k, perhaps one around Memorial Day, and now you’ll have a goal in mind. I did this for a 3k and gave myself a month to get ready. I was positively stunned and so, so happy with myself when I finished. And also, Getting off the couch, if you are walking 60 minutes a day, please don’t beat yourself up. That’s an accomplishment, and perhaps you can exercise less but more intently and focused with the comments the wise Corporettes have provided.

      2. Runnersworld.com has a race finder: http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/racefinder/0,7151,s6-239-283-284-0-0-0-0-0,00.html

   9. OK, I just typed a long comment and it got eaten by the “You are posting comments too quickly” monster.

      First of all, congrats! I did the couch to 5K about a year ago, and just did my first half-marathon last weekend.

      Yes on going to a running store and getting real running shoes. I would also recommend getting running socks. They can be kind of expensive, but your feet will thank you for it.

      Don’t skip ahead in the couch to 5k program, even if you feel like you can. Your cardio fitness will likely increase faster than the ability of your joints to handle the running.

      For motivation, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQqbOoU (he also has a blog called Ben Does Life). Also, sometimes when I don’t feel like doing, say a 6 mile run, I will tell myself that I only have to do 3. Then when I get going, 99 times out of 100, I do the full 6. The hardest part is getting out your front door. There is also a couch to 5K group on facebook. Some of the articles that the administrators post are kind of annoying, but it can be motivating to read other people’s comments about their progress.

      I don’t agree with the person below re: not wearing headphones. Just keep the volume relatively low if you are near a busy street. I find music helps me keep motivated.

      Good luck!

   10. I’m a long time runner. My advice about staying motivated comes from Gretchen @The Happiness Project. She says that for her, it’s easier to do something every day rather than four times a week. I found that to be so true for my running. I know I have to get out there every day- even if it’s just a short 20 minutes. Feels great and there’s no arguing with myself about which day I’m not going to work out- which would then inevitably stretch to “days” of not working out. Good luck!

   11. Seconding a lot of the comments here:
       Make sure you get fitted for proper running shoes. I developed a nasty case of runner’s knee while training for a 10k that kept coming back until I finally got new shoes (and a knee brace). The difference from the shoes was amazing. Socks, too. Ask people who run, or look on Yelp, to find a good store. The staff should watch you run outside or on a treadmill; bonus points for looking at your existing shoe to see how they wear.

       Definitely sign up for a race, it is the biggest motivation for me. In college I would hang a bikini on my wall; if you’re looking for any weight loss that will do it too! One of my roommates cut out an ad that said “If you had gone running when you first started thinking about it, you’d be back already,” which may be slightly cynical, but if you’re not in love with running (I’m not!) it’s a great moniker.

       If you have an iPhone, I recommend the RunKeeper app. I just started using it and really like it. You can get audio cues on pace, mileage, and speed. It will track your run via GPS and give you a map and minutes per mile breakdown of different parts of your run. It also lets you play your playlist while you run.

       If you ever don’t feel like running, make yourself get dressed, go outside, and run down to the end of the block. If you really still don’t feel like going, go inside and relax. But 99% of the time, if you get dressed and go outside, you’ll just go for it. That can be the toughest part.

       GOOD LUCK! Running is a great life-long sport (or so I keep trying to tell myself!)

       1. Another great one saying, “One more mile and the cake is history” — that’s a big one for me

   12. I just started one too, so I’m totally interested. No advice (obviously), but best of luck!

   13. Second most of these tips. I did the Couch to 5K program a couple of years ago. Running is not my primary work-out, but I use it to supplement martial arts and some weight-lifting, and I do enjoy it. It provides a great mental break.

       Don’t worry about your running speed initially, or ever. Just run at a pace that lets you make the specified intervals. Your endurance and distance will increase before your speed, and you will have less risk of injury. I’m personally very happy running 12-13 minute miles, and haven’t felt the need to push for much faster.

       As everyone else has said, get the correct shoes. I also have orthotic inserts, and the shin splints I had when I first started went away quite quickly after I got the right shoes.

       There is a specific Couch to 5K iPhone app that lets you track your work-outs and provide your own playlist, but offers the audio cues of the podcasts others have mentioned.

       Experiment with different running surfaces/environments — treadmill, sidewalk, road, track — some may work better for you than others. My road runs are more enjoyable than treadmill ones, but beware that switching from the treadmill to regular ground may be harder than you expect for a couple of runs. I was amazed how out-of-breath I got! You get used to it.

       Moisture-wicking clothes are your friend, especially as it warms up outside. (It will warm up, right?) Don’t try to run in cotton if you sweat a lot, or if the temp is much about 60.

       Don’t talk yourself out of a run because the weather is bad. For some reason, my best runs seem to happen when it’s chilly and rainy out.

       Motivation: for me, bribery works. Maybe I want to listen to some particular music, or buy some new work-out stuff, or eat cake. Make going running your “price” for those things. Yes, it’s the same strategy that works on three-year-olds — but it does work. ;-)

       Good luck, and have fun!

   14. Congrats!!! First of all, I was NEVER a runner and about 2 years ago I decided to do a 5K and I couldn’t bring myself to do the training. I was totally defeated. About 6 months after that, I decided to run a half marathon with a friend of mine – so I started training and I did it!! I would up running 3 races of that length last year and I’ve already run one this year!! Moral of the story – I’m the poster child for if I can do it, anyone can do it!!

       Tips: I also agree with music (or I also watch TV at the gym when I can), and I give myself song goals, or i’ll run til the commercial (also: let’s be clear “run” = slow jog). I also agree with signing up for a race – it gives you the impetus to get to the gym/go out and jog when you really don’t want to. There’s a different mindset when you are ‘in training’ for something. At least for me, I feel stronger, and more like an athlete when I think that way. Plus, the medal at the end of the race was SUCH a great feeling what kept me running and keeps me racing!!

       Good luck!

       1. There are many apps named “couch to 5k” and “couch to 10k” on Iphone. Any recommendations on the best ones?

          1. The one I have (mentioned in my previous post is) at http://www.c25kapp.com/. I don’t think it’s endorsed by the program or anything, but has all the features I look for. I imagine you can also program RunKeeper or similar apps to the program, but this one is pretty effortless.

          2. I love Get Running — http://splendid-things.co.uk/getrunning/

   15. Definitely sign up for a race now and tell people you are running – that will keep you motivated. Find someone to do the program with you if you can. I’m a C25K, Bridge to 10K and half marathon rookie graduate and the only thing keeping me motivated was knowing I had a race coming up and that people knew about it. Good luck! Running can become addicting. :)

3. 20″ would be short on my 5’6″ frame.

   1. I love this skirt but on my 5’11” frame it would seem indecent. Maybe with opaque black tights for going out?

   2. I’m 5’5″ but have a long torso and short legs, so this would be pretty close to a great length for me.

   3. Too short for me too at 5″4.

   4. Ditto on the too short at 5’9″.

      No snark intended (seriously!), but how tall would one be to wear a 20″ skirt? What length is appropriate on a 5’9″ (mostly leg – lucky me!) frame? I’ve never measured one of my skirts, but I’d be interested to know for on-line shopping purposes.

      1. I am 5’9″ and wear 23 inches for work. Hits me about 1-2 inches above the top of the knee-cap. YMMV, but anything within a couple inches above the knee is perfectly acceptable here.

      2. I’m 5’4″ and 19″ is perfect on me. 20″ hits mid-knee, which is lower than I like. It’s more about how you’re built than height.

4. First of all, congratulations! I’m proud of you for taking steps (haha) to increase your level of activity! And as an aside, I do think it is very admirable that you are already walking 60 minutes daily – that is a lot more activity than a lot of people.

   In terms of staying motivated, I think you need to find out what motivates YOU and go with that. Do you want to buy a new dress/new running shorts/a fab dinner out once you run 40 miles total/lose 5 pounds/firm up your thighs/can run for 10 minutes straight without stopping? Then set that goal and make it happen! Give yourself pep talks while you are walking/running, remind yourself that you are becoming stronger, faster. If you have an off day, don’t sweat it – everyone has off days. Be pissed at yourself for 15 minutes, then let it go, and start fresh the next day.

   If you haven’t run before, I’d head to a specialty running store and have them watch you run and figure out what type of shoes you need (are you flat footed? do you over/under pronate? etc). Buy one of the shoes they recommend (they’ll be expensive) but more importantly TAKE NOTES on what they say. I bought my first pair of running shoes at a running store, and have bought every subsequent pair at Sports Authority or online based on what they told me for about half the price of that first pair. But they do know what they are talking about so it is a good place to start so you don’t end up injured because you don’t have the support you need.

   Please don’t wear headphones while running outside. Please, please please. You are asking for trouble. You need to be able to listen to traffic noises, hear the cyclist who hopped up on the curb to avoid traffic, hear people behind who want to pass you (or a dog who broke his leash and is chasing you because he wants to play or bite you), etc. It’s just basic safety. Indoors – have at your headphones! But outside, safety first.

   Enjoy!!!!

   1. Arg this was supposed to be in reply to Getting Off the Couch above.

   2. I can’t run without headphones but just keep the music to a level where I can still hear traffic etc. I would suggest carrying ID just in case anything happens. I like the Shoe ID from Road ID: http://www.roadid.com/Common/Catalog.aspx?C=RoadID
      As far as motivation goes, I think it helps to get the running done in the morning. It’s far too easy to make up excuses as the day goes on. When I’m running and getting tired or face a big hill, I make myself run 100 more steps. It’s usually enough to get me over the hump. Good luck and have fun!

      1. +1 on the Road ID. I use the wristband. Plus, if you Google you can usually find a coupon code for 15 percent off.

         1. Yes. Also if you sign up for a race, the goody bag will very often have a Road ID coupon in it.

   3. I disagree with this advice on headphones. I keep my music down at a level where I can hear outside noises, and in early mornings, I keep one ear “open” if it is really dark out and I want to stay extra alert. But if you’re running on sidewalks, you’re pretty safe.

   4. Anyone have suggestions for some good workout / running songs? I’m getting bored with my current rotation. TIA!

      1. I like to listen to Girl Talk when I work out. Its super upbeat and is a mash-up of all the popular songs you would recognize put together in an interesting way. Many times the artist offers free downloads as well.

      2. I love Mika to run to! It’s complete Eurotrash, but he always makes me smile. “Big Girl, You are Beautiful” is genius.

      3. Prince (especially Kiss)
         Cee-lo’s F-you.
         Polaris, by Bostitch (I’m so loving Nortec music, which is a fusion of Tiujana brass/traditional Mexican and techno. It is AWESOME to run to. Hipnotic, hard dance beats, yet interesting. Bostitch’s Polaris is a great example of Nortec music)
         Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance

         1. I have Prince’s “Kiss” on my mix. Love it!

            The one that really gets my butt in gear when I’m flagging is “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado.

      4. Beyonce: Ego, Naughty Girl, Check up on it, Get me bodied, Crazy In Love. Basically any of her fast songs.

         Kanye: Work out plan, Stronger

   5. I actually agree with you on the headphones. I run a lot, and I don’t feel safe running outside with headphones on (even though I’m totally comfortable running at night, by myself, etc.). Cars are by far the biggest risk to pedestrians, and I’ve come close to being hit a number of times (typically while in a crosswalk). On at least one occasion, hearing the noise and jumping out of the way was all that protected me from injury. And on non-motorized paths, I’ve had a number of near-misses from cyclists. It’s just not a risk that I’ll take.

      1. I’m with you on the headphones. I’ve never run with music except on a track. I’ve almost been hit while running in a very wide shoulder, and I’ve been hit while driving by someone that crossed the line and ended up in a nearby yard, which definitely made me rethink the safety of being close to the road in any situation (running, yardwork, etc.).

         1. Yup. I used to work in injury prevention with a focus on road traffic injuries, and that fundamentally changed my view of cars (as a pedestrian, passenger, and driver). Getting in car is the most dangerous thing most of us do every day (roughly 1 out of 85 deaths in the US are caused by road traffic injury), and about 70,000 pedestrians are injured by motor vehicles annually.

            1. Meant to add: when a runner gets mugged or otherwise attacked, there’s a lot more media attention than there is if a runner is clipped by a car. It alters our perception of risk.

            2. its also a good idea to tell someone where you are going, especially if you are going for a long time or doing a hard workout.

            3. Yup. I got heat stroke once when I was out for an 18-miler. Was really glad someone knew where I was.

               Also, for this reason, I love my RoadID.

            4. With respect to the issue of letting someone know where you are going, there is an option on the RunKeeper app where you can pay (the basic app as free), and it will allow people to track you in real time via the GPS in your phone. Which is both really cool and also kind of creepy, but I am considering doing it for safety reasons and so that my husband will be able to track me during races.

            5. I have a RoadID too! It does make me feel safer. I sometimes run with my phone if it is a particularly hot or cold day, when I don’t think there will be as many people out running.

               Also, I have the RunKeeper app and I had no idea there was this tracking feature. Though it does kind of seem creepy if your location is visible to everyone…maybe there is a way to set it on private?

               cbackson – I remembered a couple weeks ago, you posted that you were running the Boston Marathon. Good luck to you, and any other corporettes, who are running Boston this weekend!

      2. I think this maybe comes to – know where you’re running. There are different safety issues in a city versus a suburb versus a rural area. I’d be more concerned being hit by a car near my parents’ house (in the ‘burbs) than in the city where I live (a car would have to drive up on a sidewalk to hit me), but I do worry about late night runs b/c every summer it seems some runner is hospitalized after being beat up/attacked running in a relatively safe neighborhood at 10 at night….

   6. I also agree on not wearing headphones while running. The risk is just not worth it to me. And I like to hear myself breathe!

      For motivation, try reading “Born to Run.” It’s a quick, engaging read, and really helped motivate me to start running again!

5. Anyone else find the sizing for Kate spade weird? The things I’ve tried on I have found small in the bust, but way, way too big in the hips, which is odd since I’m usually larger in the hips. The cuts on skirts and the bottom of pants seemed boxy.

   FWIW, I am usually a 6 at banana republic and AT, and a 6-8 in Theory. I’ve tried on everything between a 4 and a 10 at kate spade, and no luck. Sad, they have cute things.

6. Has anyone seen any good low rise pencil skirts lately? I feel like they aren’t even made anymore. I am 5’7″ and a 34 DD. Consequently, I have a VERY small torso, and the majority of my height is in my legs. Traditional pencil skirts look very Steve Urkel on me (you know, pants hiked up to right under your boobs). I can’t wear them w/ just a tucked in shirt. I need either an untucked long shirt or a closed blazer over it to minimize the boobs and give an illusion that I have a torso.

   I have two pencil skirts, one in plain black from forever 21 and one in gray suiting material from Old Navy. Both start an inch or two below my navel and go to my knees or just past. I also have a couple skirts that I just bought 3 sizes too big, and wear on my hips, but those now go past my knees.

   I’d love to find professional low rise skirts. Help!

   1. would a pencil skirt made of a more stretchy material be more versatile in terms of where you wear the waist? or would buying skirts in larger sizes and having the hem altered help?

   2. I have a couple from banana republic from last winter. You might check their spring lines–mine just didn’t have the 1″ “waistband” around the top so they sat lower.

   3. I think you either needs to find skirts without a defined waistband or skirts that have a curved waistband, as they can usually sit lower on the hips without looking too big or ill fitting. It looks like all of Nordstrom’s Halogen line at this moment either have no waistband or curved waistbands.

      1. need to find- sigh.

   4. I feel the same way about dress pants – I hate when I sit and they ride up waaay past my belly button. I think for low-rise items, you really need to go to stores that cater to a younger demographic or even shop in Junior’s departments of nicer stores. Low cuts are (for better or worse) more available for teens, hence the Old Navy and Forever 21 pieces you have.

7. Totally obsessed. I bought this immediately. PS I think I have an online shopping problem, haha.

8. I like this skirt but for some reason, my eyes keep telling me that it would look much better as the bottom half of a dress.

9. Threadjack – back to the discussion on lace.

   I have the talbot’s lace skirt in navy with a dark green lining. What other colors could I wear with it, specifically in a top and then blazer? I am open to other colors of blazers and I think that a cardi would be too floppy and take away from the streamlined pencil cut of the lace skirt.

   I own a new Elliott Lauren navy zip up blazer which is long-ish (hits at hip) and has clean lines. Seems like it will balance out the feminity of the skirt. I can’t wear green near my face, having olive skin. Thoughts?

   Thanks! Happy spring – enjoy the coolness already people are turning on AC in Texas – I know, it’s all relative.

   1. I’ve never seen this skirt but from what you’re describing, I think a mustard colored shell/blouse/top would look nice, as well as anything plum/burgundy/maroon. For blazers, I think charcoal or chocolate would work nicely.

10. I am considering purchasing a seersucker blazer like this one:

    http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=31598&cid=SM0991

    Having never worn seersucker, I have no idea how to style it. Any suggestions? TIA!

    1. I’d suggest a white tee and a navy or colored skirt (red, pink, green). You could also pair it with a navy print.

    2. When I was heavier, I had a seersucker blazer I loved (not because I was heavy — it just is way too big on me now). I wore it with everything in the summer. I found it to be incredibly versatile and there was very little I didn’t think it could work with.

    3. I think you could pair it just as Bonnie suggests, or as done on the website (similar).

       Speaking of seersucker, LL Bean Signature has this gorgeous seersucker dress that I love (also comes in black s/s), but I can’t decide if it’s actually appropriate for the office or more in the sundress category. I would obviously pair it with either a blazer or cardigan, not bare shoulders. I really love it. Thoughts?

       http://www.llbean.com/llbeansignature/llb/shop/68323?subrnd=1&from=SR&feat=sigsr

       1. I like this dress, but I think that even with a blazer or cardigan, it will look more “I’m wearing a sundress under my blazer/cardigan” than “appropriate work dress.” Great for weekends though!

       2. The straps definitely take the dress into sundress category, but the rest of the dress is cut very appropriately for the office. Maybe a nice shrug/cropped-cardigan-thingy could make it more suitable for the office?

       3. I love this dress but would reserve it for casual fridays.

          1. Thanks, all!

             I think you are probably right — but maybe I will order it anyway. I just love it too much!

       4. I think it would depend on how it looks under the cardigan–could you tell it has thinner straps, or does it just look like a sheath? If it looks like a sheath you’ve put a cardigan over, then I think it’s fine for casual fridays (to me, seersucker=casual fridays, or, if you’re on the Hill, Seersucker Thursday), or everyday if your office is more casual (though the neckline looks like it could be low depending on your bust size). But it’s really cute for the weekends.

          1. are you kidding, or is there really a seersucker thursday? LOL

             1. It’s a big annual tradition– a bipartison, friendly smile thing like wearing green on St. Pats– and then also a weekly normal, like some people in some offices wearing nice denim on Fridays. Not that seersucker isn’t worn every day of the week in DC/the South– beautiful, serious suits made for getting through the humidity crisply and w dignity– but Seersucker Thursday is a social sweetness we all see and share.

             2. You can look it up on Senate dot gov, searching Seersucker, for the singular day tradition, like St Pats, Valentines, etc.

             3. PS- it doesn’t look as casual on men as it does on us somehw, since they wear full suits, usually with bow tie and pale suede bucks shoes. On us it tends to read cuter, sundressier, summery picnic-y. Solid color– not the traditional bitonal stripe– helps achieve an office-appropriate formality for womenswear. Or a skirt with khaki blazer vs. a dress. Southern and New England men wear seersucker suits to summer weddings, for example, where we would not likely wear a seersucker dress– reads more casually on us. We tend to get more breaks sartorially anyhow, especially when it comes to beating the heat while still appearing ladylike, so fair enough.

             4. Oh it’s a thing. It started with one day a year in the Senate, but I had a roommate one summer who worked in a House office for an Alabama member. They had it every Thursday. I agree with Anonymous that it looks more professional on the men. Though I have seem some fabulous seersucker skirt suits for women.

          2. That’s awesome. I say we try to bring this tradition to the NE.

       5. I have a seersucker pantsuit that I wear regularly in the Summer. Have you considered looking for similar dress that has a matching blazer available? It’s a great look with navy or nude pumps. And still professional, at least in my neck of the woods.

          1. When I do full seersucker — i.e., a suit or dress + blazer — it tends to look a bit overwhelming on me. But maybe I can look for other dress options — there’s just something so great about this one. It would be perfect on those really humid days!

    4. I have a similar Brooks Brothers jacket and mine looks fabulous with a navy skirt and white silk blouse under – also looks great with tan. However, I do think that the workability with navy depends on the exact shade/relative darkness of the blue stripes.

    5. Ooh! I just bought that, or something very similar to that, this weekend at the loft. I also purchased a pair of navy dress slacks and a coral shell to go with it. I love the look together, I think any light-colored shell with navy would work. I also think it will work with black pants. Or a pencil skirt.

       Yay!

11. Are tights okay for the office? We’re professional all the time (suits every day) except Fridays, we’re “business casual.” A couple weeks ago, I wore a cute target collection dress that was a bit short, so I wore it with black/gray tights. I felt slightly uncomfortable and was wondering if tights/flats made me look to “girly” or “little girly” for the office.

    Also, unrelated, I was surprised to read yesterday that tank tops were inappropriate at the office unless covered by a jacket. I wear tank tops w/ suits all the time, but I’m not strict about keeping my jacket on. Especially if I’m sitting down.

    1. I wear tights most of fall and all winter long to the office. I mostly go with black or a black/grey (tiny) print. I’ve worn medium gray but that made me feel a bit too school girlish. I think you might have felt uncomfortable because you were wearing a skirt that was too short for the office, not because of the tights. Or that would be how I’d feel anyway.

       And I think the tank tops thing totally depends per person and per office.

    2. Tank tops or sleeveless? I think it may be a definitional thing. I think that spaghetti straps are not office appropriate, but sleeveless tops I think fall into a grayer area.

    3. I think a good rule of thumb for shirts is that if you raise your arm, no one should see your armpit. So tank tops are probably out.

12. I guess it’s just me – that skirt looks like an old half-slip.

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