This is something I’ve wanted to try for a while
Dress up a simple shirt with something a bit more fancy for a more formal look, I mean. Well, as you know, I don’t really do formal wear. And I certainly wouldn’t buy a formal dress that I hardly ever wear. But every now and then I might need to put together an outfit that could pass for a bit more formal attire.
So, this is an experiment of sorts: how to put together a (somewhat) formal outfit using only clothes I already have in my wardrobe.
But at the same time my so-called formal outfit should be understated and comfortable, so that I won’t feel overdressed. Because I really, really don’t feel comfortable in formal attire. Sure, it may look OK, but if I end up feeling I’m wearing someone else’s clothes, what’s the point?
So, let’s start with the striped shirt. That’s more smart than formal so we’re well in the understated territory. The frilly lace skirt is flirty and fun and comfortable. Now let’s add a few accessories: a metal belt, some jewellery, a nice bag. And flats. No, even my formal wear, or should we call it ‘alternative formal’, does not include heels. I must feel comfortable, remember?
Outfit details:
skirt: Zara / shirt: Marks and Spencer / coat: Jaeger /
shoes: Clarks / sunglasses: Marc Jacobs / bag: Chanel / belt: Depeche
So, what do you think? Is this formal enough? Or just ‘alternative formal’?
Tiina
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Love this! For me, the metallic belt signals the outfit's intention and the cute skirt carries it out. Very fun look that achieves its goal. The experiment is a success!
Thanks, Ally!
Love it – it looks like "you", it's creative and very cool. No need to shop for "formals" – you have nailed it. xo-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks, Patti!
Great look! Beautiful skirt.
Thanks, Nancy!
I like this clever pairing. The skirt is one I'd wear too, as I'm a bit of fancy pants myself! Wishing you a fab week xAnnawww.annasislandstyle.com
Thanks, Anna. The skirt is a bit of an odd choice for me as I don't really like lace and I absolutely hate frills (childhood traumas…). But maybe it's just the exemption to the rule…
Your version of formal is great and just that, very you , comfortable but stylish . I love your tiered skirt , pretty, feminine but not overly so.
Thanks, Jill. I think you hit the nail on the head there: the skirt is feminine but not overly so. Just girly enough, but not too much, that's me for sure.
Great juxtaposition of pieces. bisousSuzanne
Thanks, Suzanne. I like a bit of contrast.
Your outfit looks so harmonious, Tiina! Love the layered skirt look with a stripy shirt and an elegant coat, wonderful styling! Love that you look happy and feel playful! Thank you for joining Modish Matrons!
Thanks, Natalia!
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.
Thanks, Nicole.
I do so like the stripes with the skirt. I could so easily replicate for work. In fact I will next week. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks, Anna. I'm all about easy-peasy simple outfits that can go anywhere.
Love your alternative formal look and I'm obsessed with your sunglasses! My favorite pair I have is also Marc Jacobs, but I've never seen this color before. Are they still available somewhere? Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!-Kristincountdowntofridayblog.com
Thanks, Kristin. This seems to be my favourite pair of sunglasses at the moment. I bought these (like many of my sunglasses) at the airport, it was a total impulse buy. but I saw these glasses also on Pretavoir (http://www.pretavoir.co.uk/us/marc-jacobs-marc-8s-txa05.html).
I love the terminology 'alternatve formal" I think it fits quite well and I love the mix of these pieces. I have a dress I wore to my brothers wedding that kind of sits there.. so the next relatives wedding I decided to buy something I will continue to wear in my closet. Love the metallic belt!thanks for linking with turning heads tuesdayjess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks, Jessica. I don't really have anything very formal, and I don't want to spend a lot of money on something I hardly ever wear. On the other hand, I hate fast fashion and cheap, synthetic fabrics, so buying a cheap disposable dress is out of the question, too. So, I have to make do with pieces I already have and mix and match…
Tiina, as promised I have replicated and will do a bold post later this week mentioning you as inspiration. I hope that's OK.
I look forward to seeing that, it sounds great!
It's scheduled for Friday and called Being Tiina 🙂
Meant blog post. Silly autocorrect
I love the combination of the striped shirt and lace frilled skirt. Thank you for linking up to Style With a Smile :-)Emma xxxwww.style-splash.com
Thanks, Emma.