Maximizing Style

I’m grouping up with seven other bloggers across the decades to showcase that you can’t put an age on style. This quarter’s theme for the Magnificent 8, as we call ourselves, is Maximizing Style—aka, maxi skirts and maxi dresses. I used to wear a lot of maxi pieces in middle and high school, but I haven’t reached for them in years. I completely forgot I had this striped number and was so excited to break it out again this week!

I have less closet space in my newest apartment than I had previously, so I started keeping my shorts and some skirts in a dresser drawer in my bedroom. But folding them up means some stuff gets shoved to the bottom of the drawer, out of sight and out of mind! This skirt has been a victim of that. I used to wear it all the time in the summer and on family vacations because it’s comfy and cool on those hot summer days. But according to my cost per wear spreadsheet, I haven’t worn this skirt since June 3, 2021! Over two years ago… holy cow.

I find that I hardly wear my shorts and skirts anymore. I reached for them all the time when I was in school, but now that I have a real job and go into the office three days a week, I have to wear longer and more professional pieces. Of course, there are the weekends, but lately I’ve just been lounging in comfy clothes or in a swimsuit by the pool, ha!

I didn’t have any meetings on Monday, one of my WFH days, so I felt comfortable wearing this cute summery outfit. In the past I’ve worn this skirt with one of my three mock-neck tops (yes, I have the same shirt in three colors and I honestly wish I had bought it in all five). But today I decided to pair it with this black ribbed crop top from American Eagle instead. I thought the shirt was cropped enough that there would be an inch or two of skin peeping out between the shirt and skirt, but they hit me at almost the same spot around my natural waist.

I never know what sandals to wear with this skirt because it’s not quite white but not quite brown either. I decided to avoid the issue altogether by opting for these reddish snakeskin sandals instead, pairing them with a matching salmon-colored clutch. I like the added height of the sandals paired with the long skirt. I don’t think I’ve ever paired these shoes with this purse before, but the colors match so perfectly!

For accessories, I went with my new favorite necklace combo—this gold circular necklace from Shop LC and a purple druzy-like necklace from Charming Charlie. They don’t pair that great with the square neckline of the top, but I thought the layered look fit the minimalistic, boho vibe I was going for. I also threw on these retro sunglasses from Sungait. They’re definitely not the most flattering shape on my head (my big cheeks call for big glasses!) but I continue to wear them anyway.

 
What do you think of today’s outfit? Are you a fan of maxi skirts and dresses? I feel like they’re making a bit of a comeback, but in a very different shape than a few years ago. Now, the A-line, tiered maxi dresses (very East Coast chic) seem to be in style as opposed to the straight, boho printed dresses that were popular in the 2010s. Be sure to check out how some of my blogger friends styled their maxi pieces at the links below!

Let me introduce the other seven ladies of The Magnificent 8.

Mica of Away from the Blue   //   Roxanne of Glass of Glam   //   Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge   //   Rena of Fine Whatever   //   Eugenia of Age of Grace   //   Lesley of Jodie’s Touch of Style   //   Charlotte of Jodie’s Touch of Style

We are showing that you can’t put a number on style!

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As always, thanks for stopping by the blog today, and I hope you have a great weekend.

Miles of smiles,
Grace

Black Crop Top: American Eagle, $8 ($0.80 per wear) | Maxi Skirt: Hope Ave, $35 ($3.18 per wear), last worn here | Snakeskin Sandals: DSW, $30 ($3.33 per wear), last worn here | Sunglasses: Sungait via Amazon, gifted by brand, last worn here | Clutch: Francesca’s, $20 ($20 per wear), last worn here