Style and Styling

Copycat Style: February 2021

Pleated Skirt + Belted Blazer

Happy middle of the month, reader dear!

If you are new to Closet Play Image, Welcome! It’s lovely to have you here. Grab a cup of something warm to drink, pull up a chair, and come visit for a while. Or as they say here in the South, Sit a spell. I’m Liz, an internationally certified Image, Wardrobe & Color Consultant. My mission is to make the world a more lovely place, one outfit at a time… Shallow? I think not. The world can use more beauty. Shine yours!

If you are returning, Thank you for making my day! Your coming to visit every week is the best thing to happen to this girl in months… Really! If you are a blogger, you know what I mean, and if you aren’t, trust me when I say, I appreciate YOU! You are the reason I am here and writing twice weekly…

Every few weeks, I throw out this reminder: If you see anything here on Closet Play Image that inspires you or gets your gears ticking, please save it to your Pinterest boards, or share with your friends on social media. Your introduction is the best way for me to make new friends! Bless you!

Each month (Around the 15th) I do a Copycat Style Challenge, taking looks that have caught my eye and adapting them to my wardrobe, my style and my shape. I talk through the process in the hope that in following how I break this down to make it work for me, you can be inspired to shop your wardrobe, get more and better use from what you own, and have some fun!

What looks inspired me this month?

Take a peek…

What elements bind the three looks?

Pleated or swirly midi-skirt. Belted Jacket. Small to medium sized bag. That doesn’t sound like a lot to go on, does it?

What elements do I prefer from each?

I love the monochromatic palettes of the coral and blue looks! AND the pumps from the middle. I give a nod to the hat on the all neutrals look on the right, but wearing at hat for #workfromhome or paired with a mask when out and about is too much! I prefer the open neckline of the jacket in the center image and the fuss free minimal jewelry looks of the center and right.

What do I not want?

The brogues on the right are amazing, but with my short legs, I need a heel with this length skirt. In flats, I’d appear to be standing in a flower pot! The all neutrals look doesn’t work for my coloring. I need some color in any outfit, even an accent! The turtlenecks in the flanking images are too heavy for our weather; I’d wilt and have to take off the jacket. Which is the whole point of this outfit! All three jackets here are too long for my petite and hippy frame. I need a shorter jacket. AND let’s keep that jacket single breasted. I don’t need any extra bulk; this past year has provided plenty.

What do I own to work with?

Green pleated skirt. Check. Grey blazer style jacket. Check. Yes, mine is much shorter than theirs. Pumps. Check

What handbag to choose? I’d opt for my green chain bag. If I could have a fantasy bag, let’s go for a little Hermes Picotin… As for the shoes, I could have worn the green pumps with this, but I wanted something with a daintier heel.

How did it turn out?

No bag. I wasn’t going anywhere… Sigh. Someday.

I’m loving this look and can’t wait to wear it again! I could see wearing it with my navy cami underneath if I was looking for a work to date outfit!

Some of the Deets, Peeps!

To reflect that fuss free vibe, I kept it to a single bold bracelet, these oversized hoops, and bare decollete. Yes, there is a safety pin holding my jacket closed at a modest spot…

So How About You?

Are you back at work? Still working from home? Or not working at all? What’s your outfit recipe for kicking business booty and taking names? Mine might have become Pleated Skirt + Belted Jacket? Do you have pieces that could copycat this look? What do you have posted on your Copycat Style Board? Do tell… I love to hear from you!

Stylishly yours,

10 Comments

  • Andrea Andresen

    This one looks amazing and I prefer your interpretation. When I saw the date of it I thought I’d missed it on Insta as I was busy with birthday things, but have just been back through your posts and it doesn’t come up

  • Carol Karl

    Oh gosh, I love this look. Unfortunately though, being an H shape with only a little waist, I just can’t pull it off. About a month ago I spied this amazing pastel rainbow sheerish pleated fabric, perfect with all my Tranquil colours. Ever since then I’ve been trying to figure out how I could make a pleated skirt work for my body shape. Any suggestions? Thanks.

    • Liz K

      As an H, usually the idea is to draw the eye away from the middle and to the top and bottom… How long is the pleated skirt in question? I’d love if it were knee length. Most of the H’s I know have fabulous legs! A hip length top or sweater with princess seams to create length through the middle and the pleats fluffing out from underneath would be one way to wear it! I’d pop a rainbow necklace or scarf up top to balance the color below… Hope that helps, Carol!

      • Carol Karl

        Thank you Liz. That does help. I was thinking the skirt would be just below my knee or maybe just a bit longer. I’d love to team it with a blazer but I still have to find the perfect blazer that works with me without making me look bustless. I think the princess seams would work well. I have a bit of a waist and I have been finding that if I draw attention to it, so long as I have a topper to create some long lines, it works.

    • CiM

      Right on, Pamela – that’s what I was thinking, too. Nicely done, Liz. Fun posts to read and think through! And – am I allowed to say this? – you’re a cutie. I’m not sure if that word is acceptable these days, but I do often think, “Aww, Liz – looking so cute there!”

      I love seeing your smiling face…you often look like someone just told you a good secret or you’re about to do something fun. 🙂

      Cathy in Missouri

      • Liz K

        Thank you, Cathy! I have no issue with being cute. I think cute is highly underrated! When I was younger, I didn’t like it at all, but I’m discovering it ages well!

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