09.30

Black and white floral

When I was a teen, I slipped on my brand new muted pink and green floral blazer so I could look just like Molly Ringwald in the picture below. Feeling the silk lining brush my skin, I didn’t worry that the color wasn’t the best for me and would probably look better on a blonde and best on a redhead. Practicalities didn’t matter, since sliding one arm in was halfway to channeling Molly Ringwald. Twisting and turning to ease my other arm into the jacket, hiking it up so the arms were just so, and channeling my best pout, I “was” her. Until, very quickly, realization set in that I couldn’t channel someone else by wearing similar clothes. Lesson learned!

And I can tell you that florals were waaay out of my comfort zone - I think I wore the blazer only 2 or 3 times, mostly out of guilt. I have definitely realized solids, and very occasionally stripes, checks, or plaids are not only easy for me, but when cut well can be divine. Textures, subtle weaves, and solid construction in fine fabrics are my siren’s song.

floral pants Molly Ringwald

But this black and white floral skirt sang to me, probably because the color palette in an oversized pattern, resulting in abstraction of a floral print. Adding some stripes and my ever-loved booties to keep the floral casual, I had an outfit that felt not so floral, but all me. But black and white without an accent can seem a bit dull, so I needed just a splash of color.

Thanks to Kluster Shop, I now have a versatile necklace I’ll be sharing with Chloe when I need a pop of color married with a deeper color for texture. The grey highlights the black and white, but the turquoise is what gives the outfit the pop it needed. I’m looking forward to all the ways I can wear this necklace: wrapped, long, as an accent or with complementary colors. Thanks again Kluster Shop for creating a stunning piece that we both adore!

necklace: Kluster Shop (c/o) | sweater: Agnes b. old (similar) | shirt: Madewell | skirt: Zara (similar)| booties: Rag & Bone

What is something you thought you couldn’t wear… but surprised yourself by wanting to wear or actually wearing?

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22 Comments
  • Highland Fashionista

    This is a perfect piece to play with print mixing, as you have. Lovely.

  • http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/ Laura Trevey

    Gorgeous Daahhhling!!

  • Therese

    Sooo nice Sweetheart!

  • http://spashionista.com/ Spashionista

    Proof positive that it’s all about find the right piece, not necessarily the most trendy piece. I’m not big on the florals, either so I can appreciate your take on this trend. It is very modern and sophisticated and not at all junior - or senior, for that matter! Love that necklace, too! ;-)

    Alicia

  • Wanda Hoffs

    That is the perfect accessory for your outfit, and you look great too!

  • Jen West

    Completely LOVE it!!

  • Ann Wood

    I had those floral pants too. Didn’t everybody? This is a pretty mix. I think it’s fun to try things that are out of one’s comfort zone every once in a while. I love floral mixed with stripes and this skirt is a beauty. Very cute boots!

    blue hue wonderland

  • Geralin Thomas

    While color trends come and go, Black + White is ALWAYS going to be fresh + trending. Pretty skirt.

  • http://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/ Jan Graham-McMillen

    Here is the way to wear a cardigan! (Ha!) Excellent third piece styling, seriously. So love the skirt and top combo beneath it … perfect. You are an inspiration in wearing booties, skirt and bare legs … a new style habit to cultivate, ’cause you wear it well. Perfect little turquoise touch … you just rock the whole thing!
    Something I thought I’d never wear? Skinny anything. Especially skinny jeans. Love ‘um now, of course. Stripes, too. I’m an adamant woman that says never quite a bit, and although I mean it at the time, I know I must sometimes throw it all into reverse!

  • Jessi

    I do like that floral skirt! Floral is one of my faves though, I could wear it everyday! I totally want the pants Molly is wearing :) I like that you combined stripes and florals but kept it all black and white with a pop of color from that necklace!
    Jessi
    http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    I’m starting to enjoy mixing and matching… who knew!

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    I think you’ll be seeing a LOT of this necklace. I have it on right now with all white. It’s perfect with everything.

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    Did we all want to be her… or did every store just jump on the trend, even though trends lasted so much longer then? I felt like I was wearing my curtains - a floral I hated!!

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    Thanks - and black and white are my go-to pieces - yes, always, like you say!

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    I always say never, and spend so much time backtracking! And then swear never to say “never” again. Of course, the next time I open my mouth, out it pops. I’m never changing… Ooops, there I go again, haha!

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    Too funny, I bet you could find them on consignment somewhere! You could totally rock it for Halloween - and then just keep wearing them :)

  • Kacie’s Kloset

    Great outfit! I love your booties and pop of color with your necklace! If you get a sec, I’d love to hear your thoughts on my latest post. xo

    http://www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com

  • Kimber Ashley

    So fun! I am a black and white girl too! There is nothing like an easy black top with a fun accessory to be classic and cute!

  • http://lady-of-style.blogspot.de/ Lady of Style

    Black and white patterns are a fantastic option if you don’t want to go too colourful. I recently showed a b&w floral dress and I find these prints timeless and also suitable all year round. You paired this skirt so well, love the pattern mix as you stay with the colour scheme.

    And to answer your question: I see more and more booties with dresses and skirts and I think I finally have to try that as it would be perfect for this season…

    P.S. My daughter complained we can’t share necklaces while she is in London ;-)

    Annette | Lady of Style

  • DL Stinedurf

    Black and white takes the print down a notch. You look great…I love the mix of stripes and floral.
    Debbie :)
    http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    I loved your b&w dress - it was gorgeous! And if that is all your daughter is complaining about then I’d say she’s having a fabulous time!!! Congrats :)

  • http://familialramblings.com/ Felicia

    I absolutely LOVE that outfit! It’s really cute and it looks great on you.