Here’s a seersucker Ralph Lauren trumpet skirt in size 10P that I found on clearance a few weeks ago. I was actually looking for a basic khaki skirt to throw on with a tee shirt for errand runs, but I liked how the flouncy hem made me look curvier on the bottom, and blue seersucker is pretty much a summer neutral, so I bought it.
I’m wearing it with my Panache strappy top in 34FF (that no one claimed at last year’s clothing swap–hooray! Saturday’s swap was outstanding, by the way, and you’ll hear more about it very soon). While I was wearing it, I thought, “Oh I am SO tiny up top now!” Looking at the photos, I realize I am not tiny AT ALL, and I’m not doing anything to minimize my boob presence. No balance point or “third piece” considerations like a necklace or cardigan, and white color is doing its usual job of maximizing me. Plus, the band in this top is pretty stretchy on the tightest hook, so I’m not getting optimum lift.
Instead, I’m relying upon the flouncy hem for balance, and I think it provides it. Do you agree?
I do agree a third piece would be nice for aesthetics but I think the trumpet skirt is really flattering on you!
I feel like the Panache Strappy Tops just do not give the support they could if you aren’t spot on in the band measurement. I wish the band had firmer fabric to give a little more wiggle room in size. Mine was thrown in the lab-only pile since I care less about dressing flattering there (hard to care about that when you smell like dead animals and alcohol.)
Even though the band is kind of loose (it doesn’t help that the three I have are 5 years old), it’s amazing how carefree I feel in these tops–so I guess the support was enough that I didn’t feel any self-consciousness.
I think you look great and summery. I sometimes find those whole third piece looks to be a bit busy for my taste.
Summery is just what I was going for. Thanks, leftcoaster! Third pieces are also kind of heavy when it’s warm.
I think the fact that the top is minimal (not overly covered or detailed) also helps, but yes! I like the trumpet hem.
Thanks, Miss Dell! I liked the simplicity, too.
Yay! Trumpet skirts are also one of my tricks to wear skirts fitted over the hips, without making it to obvious that my skirt is 2 sizes smaller than my top! 😉
I feel so smart for figuring out one of your tricks, Astrid!
That’s amazing – so you are not wearing an actual bra under the strappy top, except for the built in band? The strappy top is doing a good job on its own!
Yes, Jennifer! And I can even run in this top to catch the icecream truck. (https://hourglassy.com/2011/07/staying-cool/)
You look adorable! Summery, cute and stylish. (And comfortable.)
Aw, thanks, Di! Yes, comfort was key on the subways that day.
I adore the trumpet skirt! It does balance the outfit and the body. I tried on a leather Giorgio Armani trumpet skirt at Century 21 but the price was explained by a tear at the back so skipped it even though it would’ve helped me to balance my body in a similar manner as you are doing here.
broad shouldered and big busted myself i use voluminous midi skirts for balancing every other day. and if i wear a pencil skirt then it has to be much longer then wide – calf length – to look good in my books. bad luck for my legs, which are skinny. you cant have everything 🙂
and i find that bold patterned tops from woven fabrics minimize optical – and large, wide, interesting sleeves……