The Impossible Skirt

Bespoke Style is a newsletter about personal style and the joy of getting dressed. I love wearing tailored and vintage pieces and highlighting the artistry of bespoke clothes. It’s a family thing.

If you haven’t yet, you can sign up for Bespoke Style or upgrade your subscription to paid here.

Enjoy! - Johanna.

Do you have that one piece in your wardrobe, that you absolutely love and is impossible to style?

You hardly ever wear it, but like it too much to give it away?

I have a skirt like that. It’s so fun, I enjoy it so much, and putting an outfit together around it is a real challenge.

I took on the task of making it work - again! - this morning.

This time I feel I might have won. Skirt: Johanna - 0:1. Nice! 

Here’s the skirt.

We (=my tailor/mom and I) made it a couple of years ago, after we were inspired by a Jil Sander skirt made from a stiff fabric that looked bold and architectural. When I say we made it, I mean that my mom and I have a creative symbiosis where I often hatch the ideas, she makes the piece, and we refine it together. The artistry is all hers. ❤️

With some modifications, we settled on a thick wool fabric in anthracite gray with a nice white and lighter gray pattern. I like how the texture of the fabric adds visual interest to this piece. It’s not just plain old gray.

To make it even more fun, we went with a bright blue lining instead of something dark. Having that extra pop of color that only you as the wearer know about makes it even more fun. It gives you this conspiratorial smirk, because you know something nobody else does.

Such is the power of handmade, bespoke clothes.

Here’s the kicker, though: I love the skirt. And, it’s proven a real challenge to style. The rushing on top that I thought would be such a fun and standout detail works in a very particular way. Few shirts, blouses, and sweaters pair well with it.

I tried a couple of options this morning, determined to make it happen.

From left to right:

1st Outfit: Skirt styled with a vintage white shirt and Massimo Dutti sleeveless pullover. The verdict: So-so, it looked a bit awkward, because the width of the sweater and the sleeves didn’t match up.

2nd Outfit: Same as above, though with just the shirt. Meh. It felt like what a stylish governess at the royal palace might wear in a Hallmark X-Mas movie. Not the vibe for today.

3rd Outfit: Worn with a wool sweater by Benetton that’s helped me tame another tricky to wear skirt in the past. See here. Not sold on it. It looks too chunky up top. The v-cut is too severe to go with the softness of the rushing.

4th Outfit: As a last resort, I paired it with a bright red cotton turtleneck by Sisley (worn here, as well.) I like this best. The slim cut highlights the rushing and the bright red adds a nice counterpoint to the darkness of the rest of the outfit.

Alternatively, I could have also worn it with a slim black wool sweater. As I’ll be working from home for most of the day, I didn’t want to do the severity of an all black look to myself. There’s something about seeing yourself in all black every time you pass a mirror that’s just too somber and severe for the close confines of home. I also have some outgoing tasks to do this afternoon and red fits that much better.

To leave the house for an errand, I’ll wear this combo with black boots (from this outfit), a black coat, and maybe a fun, leopard print scarf.

What do you think? Which worked best?

Have a lovely day,

Johanna

Ways to Support My Writing on Bespoke Style

If you enjoy my writing and the inspiration for personal style I share, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Thank You! ❤️

Or, make a one-time contribution of your choice through Buy Me a Coffee. I appreciate it!

Lastly, if you find this email inspiring, share it with your friends or on a platform of your choice. Thank you!