Blue pinstriped cotton, traditionally the reserve of city businessmen, is now regularly found in women’s clothing styles. Crisp & elegant tailored shirts & shirt dresses like the one I styled here are commonly seen across all price brackets. However the look I most covet right now is not so easy to find, at least on my budget. I’m talking about a tiered or layered blue pinstriped cotton skirt such as this incredible one by A.W.A.K.E.
The skirt could be floor length maxi, midi or to the knee but more importantly than length it should be quite full in volume. I’m seeing this as a very easy breezy summer styling piece to dress up with heels & a business shirt or down with a t-shirt & sandals. It has VERSATILE written all over it. Damn if I can’t find one under £300 to test my sartorial spidey senses! However here are the exceptional beauties I found if you do happen to have the budget.
MARKS AND SPENCER PINSTRIPED RUFFLE SKIRT
To my complete surprise Marks and Spencer did a blue pinstriped ruffle skirt in their summer range. Unfortunately by the time I realised, it was in the sale & size 10 was completely sold out. Never the less I headed down to my local M&S to scope out the skirt & see if anything could be done with a larger size. After all the price was down to just £19 so it was worth checking out the possibilities.
I’m so pleased I did because there was indeed a very simple fix to customise this particular cut. The design of the skirt meant all I had to do was pin a simple fold in the waist band for the size 14 to fit properly. Yes I said size 14, I repeat that’s size 14 people!
Perhaps you can see in my close up shot where there is an extra fold in the falling fabric behind the ruffled edge? I could easily sew this in place as the skirt is actually fastened by concealed zip at the back although to be honest I probably won’t bother. In addition to adding the desired bulk, the larger size gives me extra length which is more than welcome in making this midi a maxi.
SHOP HIGH STREET PINSTRIPED SKIRTS
THINK ABOUT FASHION OUTSIDE THE BOX
Sometimes a simple tweek is all that’s required to get your unique piece of funky fashion. Just like my post about customizing this dress, which incidentally is now on sale for £30. Before you know it you’ll be wearing an original too!
HELLO SUMMER HOLIDAYS!
So as of today I’m officially a full-time Mama again. Well for the next six weeks at least. We’re just pottering around home with the occasional day in London & catching up with friends afar. All being equal I’ll keep up with my weekly blog posts although everyone knows how school holidays can get crazy. I might simply re-publish evergreen content that I feel you may enjoy, who knows? Not me that’s for sure! I think the best solution is subscribe to RCM so you always stay up to date despite my crazy manic schedule. Come mid August we’re in Italy for two weeks taking in the wonderful Festival of Ferragosto. Rest assured I’ll post fun daily reports to Instagram from the Adriatic so please remember to turn on your notifications.
Lots of love, Mx
Comments ( 20 )
jamie
I agree – this IS hot right now. I’ve got one I’ll be styling, too. Not sure I’ll look as fab in it as you do, though!
MT
Hey we can be twins! xx
No Fear of Fashion
Hurray for your adjustment skills. £ 19 is a steal and indeed you cannot see it has been adjusted. Together with the tan belt and lovely sandals a full proof summer outfit.
Have a pinstriped pair of skinny 3/4 trouses and a huge long jacket (very lightweight) so I am fine. No need for more stripes.
Have a lovely holiday dear. Michelle.
Greetje
MT
Oooh pinstriped trousers are fab, I completey forgot to mention them! Let’s face it Greetje, pinstripes are sexy any way you wear them 😉 xx
Laurie
It looks fantastic on and no one would notice what you ave done to adjust the siaze. I’ve been hankering for a skirt like this for a while. I like the flouncy ness of them!
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
MT
Thanks Laurie! Yes I’m sure you’ll get one at some point, I can’t see this stle going out of fashion any time soon can you?
sequinist
This is fabulous on you! You really embody the saying “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” when it comes to fashion. I love that you DIY your way to whatever it is you want. Can’t wait to see you sashaying around Italy on your August hols in this little number. xx
MT
Thanks mate 😉 I can’t wait for Italy either, it’s currently raining cats & dogs here xx
Suzy Turner
You’re so creative! I bought a pair or trousers in size 16 last year because I loved the fabric so much but I haven’t been brave enough yet to try and do something with them!
I LOVE your skirt – it’s gorgeous on you. And those glasses are absolutely fabulous!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com & http://www.yogadocious.com
MT
Ok now that is ambitious Suzy, how should we tackle the trouser dilemma? What kind of material are they made of?
My sunnies actually belong to my 12 year old daughter. She bought them from Tkmaxx with her birthday money. I think they were about a tenner 😉 Do you have Tkmaxx over there? xx
Rhiannon Duffin
This is my favourite look on you! You’ve put together a great style along with your fab skirt! Keep it up gorgeous.
P.s Good luck with full time mummy duties over this next month or so…! Eek!!!
MT
Thanks doll, I’m a bit flamenco aren’t I? I need all the luck I can get, so far it has rained every day!
ABby@Midlifecrisisnut
I know what else is hot right now – YOU in a pinstriped skirt! Looking cool there Michelle! Clearly enjoying the summer heat! xx Abby
MT
And then the rain came….Oh Abby it’s absolutely miserable here now, 3 days of rain & I’m in long sleeves & bed socks! Bloody English summer. Can we come over to you? xx
Renia Jazdzyk
Such a stunning look!!
I love your skirt…and your sunglasses (I need them!!)
Have a lovely day dear
Kisses x x
MT
Thanks honey xx
Linda Cassidy
I just fell in love with a skirt. Don’t forget to come link up on A Labour of Fashion. Would love to have you join us
MT
Whoops did I miss it again? Ack school holidays have me all over the place!
Chloe
Omg yess! i’ve been seeing pinstripe everything and have really been loving this trend! 🙂 I love the ruffle hem detail too!
xo, Chloe // http://funinthecloset.com/skylar-body-natural-perfume/
MT
I know, it’s fab isn’t it? I can’t see pinstripes going away any time soon & I’m glad because I love the look too! xx