Vintage Pencil Skirt Three Ways
I got really excited when I spotted this vintage 1980s flocked suit (skirt for sale) (jacket for sale) while thrifting a while back. It has Victorian design details on it that really make it special.
I did a post with the jacket on its own. In that blog post I wrote about my visit to the Dior exhibit and how this jacket made me think of Christian Dior’s feminine designs.
Here is the same jacket with a different hat and handbag.
Below I’ve shown how to style the vintage pencil skirt three ways.
Vintage doesn’t need to be styled old fashioned.
Simply combine your vintage piece with contemporary items you already own. It will update the look immediately while still retaining that wonderful unique feeling that vintage pieces provide.
I wasn’t terribly adventurous with the colour combos. I wanted the focal point to remain the vintage skirt.
When you have a neutral palette and only one area of colour the eyes will always be directed to the colour.
I could easily see this skirt combined with a black and white gingham shirt or another bold smaller or larger patterned blouse or sweater to create a Gucci-esque version.
Speaking of gingham…I’ll be wrapping up my “million ways to wear a gingham dress” series next week.
None too soon if you ask me.
Normally when I buy something retail I make about five outfits with it to ensure it’ll work with the rest of my wardrobe to ease my conscience of purchasing retail. This time I went crazy creating thirteen outfits. I don’t like being pigeonholed into using one item over and over again for the blog, thus why you won’t see me touting any “capsule wardrobe” here.
My brain just doesn’t like being restricted and becomes bored very quickly. That is another reason I love thrifting…I’m never bored. There is always some new, weird, quirky piece out there waiting to be discovered and loved again.
Vintage and secondhand clothing has a soul. It has a history and stories to tell. I go after vintage pieces when I thrift but there are all kinds of contemporary pieces available too. Yesterday I picked up a Smythe wool vest for $5.99. Seriously!
If you don’t shop secondhand what is stopping you?
How would you style this pencil skirt?
Linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
Patti over at Visible Monday
These three styles are so chic, Suzanne! I love how you’ve made the focal point that amazing skirt. You find the best stuff!
– Sherry
It’s tenacity ; P
that skirt is very fab! total chic!
i would wear it with an oversize pullover or mens shirt…… and a trenchcoat 🙂
xxxx
I could really see this with a trench and men’s shirt.
Fabulous flocked suit, rich and timeless. Love the styling, especially the last image with the tie.
Gorgeous pink hue, and fabulous you for these fantastic outfits.
Your brain will never be restricted !
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
theellediariescom.com
What a lovely color and also lovely pattern, and you’ve styled both pieces so fabulously!. I think that those puffy sleeves make the jacket so different and cute!, but they could be tricky to style!, and you totally rock it, matching it with a leather skirt, so edgy and modern!
I love the fab skirt too, and the great accessories you picked to enhance it!, the cute tie looks perfect, the shoes, the fab attitude!
besos
I agree the puffy sleeves are fun but you are right, they don’t fit under any of my winter coats.
Wowza…that skirt is incredible!!
I need to try that trick before buying new items—can I put together 5 outfits with it. But I always just love a piece, and hope that I’ll figure it out when I get home….silly, right?
Now I want to see this skirt with gingham and other patterns!!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I’m like that when I shop thrift. When I shop retail I feel guilty so I really need to pull out all the stops and make sure it works.
I do love me some crazy 1980s excess! The further away we get from the decade the more I’m starting to appreciate it.
The top outfit’s my favourite as it shouts 1970s does Edwardian which I love. The colour is fab and both pieces fit you like a glove.
As you know I’m not a fan of the pencil skirt (on me) but on you, it’s fantastic.
I don’t get why anyone doesn’t shop secondhand but we should be glad they don’t – all the more for us! xxx
I also used to hate the 80’s but have grown to fall in love with bits and pieces of it the more I’m exposed to it via thrifting. Early 80s or late 80s are my favs.
I guess that wearing the suit’s skirt and jacket together would be totally over the top, but both the jacket and the skirt are totally wearable when combined fabulously the way you do! The jacket interacts very well with that amazing skirt, and my favourite outfit with the skirt is the first one. What a cute pair of shoes you’re wearing there. I can totally see the skirt with a black and white gingham skirt, nothing too patterned, so that the skirt remains the focal point. You really rock a pencil skirt! I’m no longer feeling too confident wearing one. I agree that second hand shopping is the best! I’ve known people to look down on it, and then compliment me on my totally second hand outfit! xxx
I took a photo of myself wearing both when I found this suit and quite liked it. I got a few mixed reviews from my IG peeps though so I avoided showing it as a suit.
Those shoes are Fleuvogs (famous Canadian brand) but I’m thinking more and more I will sell them. They hurt my feet now. Although they are fab for photos I can’t wear them beyond the 10 minute mark.
I do hope we are starting to change the perception of thrifting. I think it has changed lots in North America. Even 5 years ago people looked down on it but now people are rethinking previous perceptions and recycling.
The skirt is Fabulous but the Jacket is my fave and you are rockin’ it. One of these days I’m going to shop second hand.
http://www.madamtoomuch.com
Yay! More secondhand shoppers! : P
It is a fun suit. Wouldn’t suit me as my shoulders are broad enough on their own but it wasn’t my size anyway. I still shop second hand. Bought an A-line cotton blue/yellow jacket/coat. Like a house coat I think. I though Ron would hate it. No.. he really liked it. Then a week later I bought a high end red top (to start the second hand chain, you know 😉). And he thought it was plain and boring. Tsss. Well I like both.
Greetje
Ron knows where it’s at! That’s all I have to say ; P
Guess what Suzanne! ( you get the premiere here by the way) I bought a second hand skirt for the first time in my life last week! And after that I was sold! I bought two dresses and another two skirts, all thrift! There is no stopping now!
Hooray! I’m delighted you’ve given secondhand shopping a try. Once you’re hooked you love it.
My, my! These are wonderful looks. I like combining vintage pieces with recent ones and you have the flair to do that right. So pretty.
I really like how both pieces of the suit look on you when you split them up. They fit you beautifully! I would suggest keeping them, but I know your closets are bursting as it is.
Because I don’t have much of a defined waist, I tend to wear close-fitting pencil skirts as a layer under a tunic or a dress instead of with a close-fitting top, as it emphasizes my no-waist/hips/butt.
Yeah…I cannot keep all the cool pieces I find but I do love passing them on for someone else to enjoy.
Love the bright pink color on you, and both ways you styled the fabulous jacket and skirt. Love it with the tie! The Dior exhibit is something I would love to see! I do shop secondhand on poshmark, a, US thrifting site, as it is easier than spending hours on my feet . I do love my collection of vintage brooches, as the story and history is always more appealing and has special meaning. .. i know what you mean about finding treasures and keeping fashion interesting.
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Vintage or thrifting has always spiked my imagination.
I absolutely love all of these looks, especially the first photo. The hat creates the perfect proportions. Adding the pink tie over the black top is a fabulous touch. I often shop second hand and have some amazing bargains!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Wonderful skirt. And all these outfits are based on the skirt but they make you the style star. You’ve got the look, girlfriend, and the best shopping skills. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Fabulous styling across the board here Suzanne. I love the skirt and could go mad with all the different options this offers in both colour and pattern. You were very restrained here as I know you were probably itching to add that gingham dress just one more time!
I have to agree with you on the second hand/thrifting and the unlimited resources and inspiration they offer. Some of my most exciting clothes finds are from this niche.
Anna x
Ah…no. I’m way past adding that gingham dress to anything else! Ha! It was too much for me. I love it and I’m keeping it but you won’t see it here on the blog for a while.