The feature for this Style My Buy post is a black satin skirt from Zara. Liz got in contact to ask for suggestions on how to style this skirt so that she didn’t end up looking like a waitress!! I know exactly what Liz means; whilst I love a monochrome outfit… a white blouse and black skirt risks looking service-like.
I have a similar skirt from Hope Fashion that I’m wearing in the main pic. As this type of satin skirt, cut on the bias, provides a narrow and slinky shape on the lower half, the key to great styling is to contrast with something more boxy or billowy on the top half. Tying a shirt or blouse in a knot creates volume and is an easy way to make use of an item you already own.
Outfit ideas
If you are not keen on showing your tummy or bottom area in a slip skirt, then you can opt for a longer style blouse, like this emerald green one from Zara below. Raise the overall height of the outfit with a heel which will balance the longer length of the blouse. Satin on satin, with heels and statement earrings provides a sophisticated evening look.
Bag: River Island / Green blouse: Zara / Shoes: JD Williams / Earrings: Accessorize
Alternatively, try contrasting the satin with a different texture as I have suggested in this outfit below. The neutral linen blouse and woven basket bag offer an interesting mix with the black satin. I have chosen chunky flats to complete this modernist, daytime look.
Bag: Mango / Belted Linen Blouse: Zara / Sunglasses: ASOS / Sandals: Red or Dead /
For more of an edgier evening look, wear the black satin skirt with a t-shirt, blazer and heels. The t-shirt shouldn’t be too tight. Opt for one with cap / batwing sleeves, like the one below from Mint Velvet, as the shape across the shoulders will balance-out the narrow skirt. Either tuck it in loosely, or perfect a ‘front tuck’. Wear with a longer length or oversized blazer (undone), and don’t forget to push the sleeves up your arms for ultimate laid-back chic.
White Blazer: River Island / Bag: New Look /T-Shirt: Mint Velvet / Sandals: Mint Velvet
Another style of t-shirt that works well with a satin skirt, is a boxy style. Either wear loose or just ‘front-tuck’ and grab a biker jacket and trainers for an easy daytime look. I have selected high-tops for this outfit, but any trainer will do – just be mindful of where the hem of the skirt falls on your calf. If you have chunky calves, a high top might not be as flattering as a normal trainer.
T-shirt: Weekday / Biker Jacket: All Saints / Bag: M&S / Converse: Office Shoes
Depending on your body shape, the top you choose to wear with the satin skirt doesn’t always need to be tucked-in. For example, the shaping on this cami top from Monsoon would flatter a lean body type or someone with narrow hips and rounded tummy. Choose an oversized denim jacket (one that falls below the length of the cami top), and low block heels for a casual daytime outfit.
Cami Top: Monsoon / Denim Jacket: H&M / Bag: Accessorize / Sandals: Zara
A structured, belted jacket is another great shape to wear with a satin slip skirt. The belt provides focus on the waist – it can detract from a larger lower half and is also great if you have a boyish figure and want to create a waist. A simple vest underneath would suffice as the main focus is the statement jacket. Add tan accessories and you have a smart daytime outfit.
Vest Top: Warehouse / Safari Jacket: Stradivarius / Bag: M&S / Espadrilles: Office
Satin skirts can be tricky to wear, as I have written about previously (How to wear satin slip skirts). They offer no hiding place for lumps and bumps, and so control underwear is a must. These microfiber shaping bikers from H&M are light enough to wear during the summer months – yes, they don’t look pretty but they sure improve the silhouette!
If you are fortunate enough not to require control underwear, then a slip underneath might be useful and helps prevent static (I recommend a two-pack from M&S, which come in very handy right now as so many summer dresses seem to be quite sheer).
I hope you’ve found this post useful. Obviously you can take these outfit suggestions and adapt the palette to work with any colour satin skirt. There are so many around on the High St. right now with Top Shop, New Look, Zara and now M&S offering so many different patterns and shades. For more style inspiration, check out my Pinterest Board: Satin Skirts.
Let me help you style what you buy
I’m now looking for a topic for my next Style My Buy post! So maybe you bought something on a whim, but now you’ve got it home you are unsure of how to make it work with the rest of your wardrobe. We’ve all done it! But don’t worry, I can help you get the most out of your new purchase – or even something you’ve had hanging at the back of your wardrobe just longing to be worn. Just message me and I will create the next Style My Buy post around your challenge!
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