Modest but not Frumpy?

[plaingirly]

Is it possible to look modest but still young and not frumpy?

I dress so scruffy and just want to look more feminine!

I really struggle to match tops to skirts though which is a pain as I want to wear skirts a lot more. I work in an office so do you think the maxi / gypsy skirt style would be acceptable?

I like the fuller looking just below knee or calf length skirts but tops always seem to look wrong somehow. And shoes are a whole other issue! I walk 20 minutes each way to work so they have to be comfortable plus I don't have a great deal of money so shoes that go with a few different outfits would be good.

Also I am starting to go to church and think I would feel better in a skirt for Sunday services but also for the more casual mid week gatherings.

Help please! :)

A timely question. A stylist/blogger wrote a huge post this week about skirts & what tops to wear with etc.

Unfortunately you need to click on various highlighted links but lots of information.

youlookfab.com/2013/03/14/how-to-achieve-flattering-fit-and-proportions-with-skirts/

Also a specific one on tops for flared skirts.

youlookfab.com/2013/03/11/ensemble-13-tops-for-a-flared-skirt/

Hope that helps.

P.S. I wouldn't wear a gypsy skirt to work -- but it depend on what you do.

A maxi could work.

First of all, a plain maxi skirt should be ok for office wear but a gypsy skirt is not ok imo.
Try to build up a wardrobe of basic in netural colours, as boring as it sounds. Blouses, tops jumpers cardies in black white navy camel grey etc that will work with skirts or trousers.
Scarves high necked tops and layering camis will help achieve a modest look.
You can look very stylish in modest classic outfits so good luck.

Though separates can, with a bit of work, look great on the right shape, in good quality fabrics, I think dresses are a better bet personally - none of these what goes with what problems. Also they flatter me more than tucked-in tops.

I wouldn't think a gypsy skirt for work would be appropriate but it does depend on your job.

Most of the more stylish young women at my church wear skinny jeans and casual but interesting tops, scarves, necklaces, etc. As do I (though not so young). Or sometimes a nice simple knitted dress - which also does for work and social occasions, suitably accessorised.

I am short (5'2") and beyond overweight (size 16) too which doesn't help. Not too confident with what I wear. Stuck in black trousers plus top for work and jeans plus top for weekends.

This is the sort of skirt I would love for weekend wear media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/550x/2a/c9/7a/2ac97a74ea0429c6b5808de087454ae3.jpg

My tastes are a bit too much to actually wear in real life.

I'm a bigger size than you but don't feel it stops me looking feminine or putting nice outfits together so don't let that get in the way.

I can see the boho appeal of a skirt like that but really don't think that style would flatter someone your height, as you acknowledge yourself. I'd go for the simple but feminine dress route. Dresses don't have to be above the knee or cleavage-baring. I'm tall myself so can't make useful specific suggestions, but I'm sure others can.

The clothes I like don't suit my height and shape - :( virtuousgirlhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/modesty2.jpg