Student Fashion: Maximizing Your Investment with One Floral Skirt, Three Ways
By Jenn Bussell
One of the biggest seasonal trends on the Spring/Summer 2012 RTW (ready-to-wear) runways was floral. Big and bold, soft and subtle…floral prints are popping up all over dresses, skirts, jackets, and accessories.
Not sure floral is your thing? Well, consider this. Investing in a multi-color floral print staple such as an A-line skirt is a super smart purchase for the savvy career girl just starting out. You can dress it up or dress it down; wear it to the office, then out on the town. It takes you from day to night to weekend without skipping a beat.
A fab option is this floral skirt from TopShop with a delicate grosgrain ribbon belt.
It’s wallet-friendly at only $60, but with a little creative ingenuity the cost-per-wear is even less, depending on how may unique looks you’re able to style leveraging separates, shoes, and accessories already living in your closet.
For a client presentation, pair the skirt with a solid blouse or tank then top it with a structured blazer in a lighter color…cream, white, or tan. Pick up a contrasting color from the skirt with a fun brooch or beaded necklace. Finish the look with a pair of patent pumps and sassy satchel that are all business.
Heading to happy hour with the girls? No need to pack a change of clothes. Simply keep your daytime look polished but with a bit of playful preppy-ness. Start with your floral skirt but trade the blazer for a cardigan. Layer over a flowing top in a solid or even a subtle polka dot. Ditch the heels and replace with bright flats. Add a few fun bangles or even an oversized men’s watch. Now you’re pub-worthy!
Come Friday, it’s all about working for the weekend. The floral skirt is again the perfect piece to showcase your chic yet casual sensibility. A peasant blouse in a pretty pastel paired with a statement necklace and wedge sandals in a soft metallic keeps you looking professional should a last-minute meeting creep onto your agenda.
Before you hit the shops take a quick inventory of what you already own; let the most predominant pieces and colors be your guide in finding a floral that’s sure to give you the most modish mileage from spring into fall.
