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Style an Old Classic with a Modern Twist

Hello, it’s great to see you! Today I want to share my love for the pencil skirt; and I want to show you how to style this old classic with a modern twist.  It’s always a good idea to have at least one in your closet. Even if you don’t work in an office, a pencil skirt will serve you well. Whether it’s date night, a business-y meeting, or event, this classic separate is always a stylish choice. 

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The Summary

  Today, Kelly is styling an old classic with a modern twist:  a pencil skirt from J.Crew and puff sleeve top from Everlane

  The outfit is modeled, and she pulled together 3 alternates

  The outfit is shoppable via a text or image widget

  Each alternate is shoppable via a text widget

How To Style An Old Classic With A Modern Twist

1. Petite No. 3 Pencil Skirt

(J.Crew)

When I worked in an office, I regularly wore pencil skirts. I had at least 6 or 8 in different colors, prints and fabrics. My go-to for pencil skirts is J.Crew. Their petite No.2 Pencil skirt sizing has always been spot on. So easy to style with button ups, sweaters, blouses and t-shirts, no matter the season. 

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Petite No. 3 Pencil Skirt (J.Crew) | Eyelet Puff Sleave Top (Everlane) | Bembien Marfa Bag (J.Crew) | Kiera Lugsole Sandal (similar, Madewell) | Italian Leather Buckle (similar, Everlane) | Loli Ankle-Strap Sandal (similar, Madewell) | Zodiac (similar, Zappos)

Shop more J.Crew skirts

Say hello to the petite No.3 Pencil Skirt. The difference between the No.2 and No.3 is the length. The No.3 falls just below the knee. The bi-stretch cotton is perfect for summer; so is the selection of colors offered right now. Pale lavender and periwinkle are options. Along with the classics, navy and black. I went for white! 

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To me, this is a fun outfit. Perfect for brunch, or a dinner date. The color combination feels fresh, the moss green of the puff sleeve eyelet top is brightened up by the bright white of the skirt. I really did think this top would be overwhelming on my frame with the puff sleeves, But it was worth trying because I love how it fits, feels and looks! It’s fun, flirty and feminine with the eyelet material. The moss green just takes it to a new level of fun. 

Shop the outfit

2. Shopping Everlane Online

If you haven’t shopped at Everlane online, I highly recommend you take a look. The shopping experience is very user friendly. And their returns are the simplest out there because they work with a third party called Happy Returns.

Happy Returns operates out of select FedEx Office locations. When you make your return online and select the Happy Return option, you get a list of FedEx Office locations near you that offer Happy Returns. You get a QR code emailed to you and all you have to do is take the item to the FedEx location. You don’t need a shipping box, there is no shipping label to print. Just let the FedEx employee scan the QR code in your email. They package it up and your return is complete. Your refund will automatically be refunded to your original payment method when they scan the code. It’s super easy and fast! 

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Petite No. 3 Pencil Skirt (J.Crew) | Eyelet Puff Sleave Top (Everlane) | Bembien Marfa Bag (J.Crew) | Kiera Lugsole Sandal (similar, Madewell) | Italian Leather Buckle (similar, Everlane) | Loli Ankle-Strap Sandal (similar, Madewell) | Zodiac (similar, Zappos)

Shop more J.Crew skirts

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3. Puff Sleeve Eyelet Top

(Everlane)

This moss green puff sleeve eyelet top is from Everlane. I am wearing regular size xs. The sleeves are a little longer on my arm, but the waist hits just right for me. For average-height people, this top would be a little cropped but is still great with high-waisted jeans, skirts, shorts, and pants. I love the tie detail on the back. 

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Petite No. 3 Pencil Skirt (J.Crew) | Eyelet Puff Sleave Top (Everlane) | Bembien Marfa Bag (J.Crew)

Shop more J.Crew skirts

Pointy toe flats would be really cute with this pencil skirt, but I decided to go with neutral heels. These are several years old, from Madewell, but any neutral strappy sandal would work. Here are similar versions: 

Similar Loli Ankle Strap Sandal (Madewell) | Kiera Sandal In Woven Leather (Madewell) | Italian Leather Buckle Heel (Everlane) | Similar Zodiac Ilsa Sandal (Zappos)

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For an extra summertime vibe, I have my Bembien Marfa Bag from J.Crew. We are at the Famous Georgia Theater. The rooftop offers views of historic downtown Athens. This rooftop bar has a cool refreshing breeze, just perfect on a hot summer night. Cheers everyone! 

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Shop the outfit

Alternative Stylings

More Ways to Wear It 1 More Ways to Wear It 2 More Ways to Wear It 3

Top BoardSupima Bozy Crop T-Shirt (Banana Republic) | The Point (Rothy’s) | The Bucket Bag (Rothy’s) Left Board:  Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee (Madewell) | The Sneaker (Rothy’s) | The Wristlet (Rothy’s) Right BoardButton-back Linen Tank Top (J.Crew) | Kinsley D’Orsay Flat (Madewell) | Transport Shoulder Crossbody Bag (Madewell)

In Case You Missed It

Yesterday, Jennifer shared 3 easy tips to apply highlighter for more radiant skin.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

How to Apply Highlighter Like a Pro

About The Author

  1. Mari

    Those looks are all good and you look great as always. I especially loved the sandals and the Maria bag. Those two are iconic and I have seen versions of them for years. I also loved the green top with the pencil skirt. It looks smart and effortless. The second look with the striped top and the fun flats was also something I would like to wear. Another great fashion update from everyoneโ€™s favorite Super Model.

    1. Kelly Djalali

      Mari! Thank you as always for your sweet words ๐Ÿ˜Š I love that second look too, I think I might have to shop all of those items! xo Kelly

  2. Roberta

    Good morning, Kelly
    I wear petite and love your posts for petite women. And of course, your cooking blog! I like the top today and wonder what bra to wear with that neckline.
    Thank you, Roberta

    1. Kelly Djalali

      Hi Roberta, Good question! I am wearing a strapless bra with this top. It’s more comfortable since the sleeves start right where my bra straps would sit. The bodice of the top is lined, so you have full coverage there. The sleeves are not lined, but a bra that matches your skin tone would work out too. Hope that helps! ps- Thanks for following Djalali Cooks! xo Kelly

  3. Lisa kulas

    Kelly you amd tier mother in law always look so pretty and so classy! Thank you for all you guys do! Love your blogs! God bless and thank you ๐Ÿ˜‡

    1. Lisa kulas

      Your mother in law. Not tier! Sorry for typos! Have a great day!

      1. Kelly Djalali

        Hi Lisa, Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day ๐Ÿ˜Š xo Kelly

  4. Jes

    Cute, refreshing and classic. Thanks

    1. Kelly Djalali

      Hi Jes, thank you so much for stopping by today! xo Kelly

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