Accessories 101: 3 Ways to Style a Bustier & Skirt
This summer, I’ve been doing a fair amount of traveling. As you can imagine, I’ve spent a good portion of that time studying what fashionable ladies across the globe are wearing! One combo that I’ve seen again and again is a tried-and-true classic: a simple bustier crop top and a high-waisted skirt.
Now, it may be easy to assume that this outfit can be classified as “hipster” or “hippie” or “artsy.” It’s true that, at first glance, those may be our initial impressions of these individual pieces. But think again! If those words don’t describe your personal style, that’s okay – by changing up your accessories, this outfit can take on a completely different set of adjectives.
Keep reading to see how you can reinvent fashion stereotypes with varying accessories.
Look #1: Edgy Night Out
Product Information: Bustier, Skirt, Clutch, Necklace, Earrings, Ring, Wedges
Who says that flouncy skirts and pretty tops should be reserved for the girly girls out there? This summer, add some edge to your look by incorporating one of this season’s most popular trends: studs.
To begin, pile on necklaces with spikes, sparkles, and chains. These are the building blocks of edge! Complementary rings and earrings intensify the look while a studded clutch (black is always a good edgy color) and sky-high wedges embolden the entire outfit. Finally, practice your best smoky eye makeup tricks and hit the town.
Look #2: Music Festival-Ready
Product Information: Headband, Bag, Necklace, Sunglasses, Sandals
My initial thought about this outfit is that I would 100% wear it to a music festival. It’s breezy, sexy, warm-weather friendly, and a little bit ’70s inspired.
Start with a bag – this fringe-embellished one will carry all of your concert essentials while keeping your hands free. Gladiator-styled sandals will ensure that your shoes stay on your feet – just swap them for flats if you’re planning to be in the center of the crowd to save your toes. Simple accessories like a pendant necklace and friendship bracelet won’t get in the way of your fun, and with the sun pounding down during the day, you’ll want a cute pair of sunglasses to block the rays. Finally, when you need to put your hair up (braids, perhaps?), top the look off with a hippie-esque headband.
Look #3: Pops of Coral
Product Information: Blazer, Bag, Necklace, Watch, Flats
Tummy-bearing tops and skirts tend to be on the riskier side of fashion styles. However, it’s easy to tone down your outfit by adding a blazer. The strong shoulders will balance out the hem of the skirt, while the extra coverage will make a peep of skin that much more acceptable.
Throw in some pops of color with a pair of coral flats and a statement-making necklace. Other accessories (like a watch and a tote bag) should stay in a more neutral color scheme; you don’t want to overpower the look with too many pops!
Your turn!
It’s easy to assume that a piece of clothing fits one fashion stereotype. (Feathers are for hippies, pearls are for preps, etc.) But the old rules are boring – challenge those stereotypes by using your favorite accessories to change the look of any piece!
Now, it’s your turn. What do you think of the outfits featured above? Would you do anything differently? Can you think of another way to wear this combo? What do you think about fashion stereotypes? Make sure to leave your thoughts below!
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Posted on on July 11, 2012 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Accessories, Accessories 101, Budget Fashion, Budget-Friendly, Bustier, Crop Tops, Music Festivals, Summer
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Lisa
Hm, I have a bustier and skirt similar to those. I’ll have to try this out.
katie
loveeee this outfit combination! I need to get my hands on a bustier.
Lizzie
need more ideas with a bustier. I wear mine but always get stuck in a rut.
Jaclyn
Now I just need to find the perfect bustier! xx
AEA
When I saw the title, I was feeling “eh” about this look…but turns out that I actually adore it!! Well done!
Sydney
The coral accents are so cute :D
Chris
I really like the looks, but I don’t think I would wear a bustier crop top, it’s showing a bít too much skin to look good on me, haha. I better pair a high waisted skirt with a normal tank top, that does work for me. :D
Phidias
Is this one of those outfits where your midriff above your belly button is showing?
Erica Lynette
Love the coral one :)
Ashleigh Maynes
this was done nicely, I think if you don’t want to be considered “hipster” then u can change up with print and color but use this a format to go by. Great post all together :-)
Caitie
I absolutely love this look – it’s edgy but just cute enough to pass for classy ;) Any girls that rock the bustier are golden in our books.
Alyssa Nicole
Omg these outfits are amazing!! <3
Sam
I’ve seen some really cute bustiers around shops lately, and have seen some looks I’d like to try, but sadly bustiers always seem to made for the small to moderately chested. So sadly my girls get no where close to fitting into them. When I try larger sizes, the waist is bigger but the ‘cup’ size is about the same. SO as much as I like this trend, I’ll have to opt out. :(
Jessica - UCLA
I love all these looks! I’ve been wanting to try a bustier top for a while but haven’t gotten a chance to. These outfits might have just inspired me enough to try it for myself. Thanks & good job!
Jen
I really like outfit 3! Coral is an addictive colour! Really pretty :)
Lilian
Thanks for the Inspiration. I just ordered the studded clutch from forever 21 for myself :D
Lenu
The first outfit looks really great :D
However, I don’t think I’d wear a bustier. I really like them, but I have the feeling that they don’t really fit my body.