Floral linen + white pleats

floral linen white pleats2

LOFT floral linen top (extra 40% off, no code needed), H&M; blazer (old, similar in petite), NY & Company pleated skirt (50% off, DIY altered – see below), Kate Spade pumps

floral linen white pleats3

I’m always on the lookout for vibrant printed tops, especially patterns that can work across multiple seasons. This LOFT one is soft enough to be PJs but is easily dressed up for the office. Material is 100% linen but feels just like a tee and didn’t wrinkle on me. The fit of xxs petite is a roomy “casual fit” throughout but will hopefully shrink a bit in the dryer. There’s 50% off site-wide with code FIFTY today, which is a good chance to pick up the sailor striped skirt (reviewed here) or a printed romper (haven’t tried, but print looks perfect for lazy summer weekends) *Update* That sale has ended – currently extra 40% off with no code needed.

floral linen white pleats1

I love how a good pleated skirt shows movement, going from gently draping to full-shaped with each step. I wear my mustard-colored one to death and went on a search for alternatives…

This NY&Co; one is very affordable, and I want to set expectations by saying the quality is fair for the price. The elastic waistband is exposed but comfy, and the skirt is fully lined. My only complaint is that the pleats meet the waistband in a way such that with certain movement, creases form at an angle on the front like in the photo directly above. Based on a review online, the pleats might jut out for those with  hips, and my curvier friend who tried this on agrees. Nevertheless I’m happy with this skirt and expect it to get lots of wear.

floral linen white pleats

I also tried on the blush color, but similar to the Zara girls version previously reviewed, it was a little too pink for my personal tastes/style. Above left and center show the fit off the rack, and right is the skirt held up to my natural waist:

floral linen white pleats fit

Size-wise, I ordered a 0 regular which sat low near my hips. I altered it to sit higher at my belly button, which also raised the hem to just where I like it. Since the waistband is exposed elastic, I thought the job would be easy enough to attempt at home. My handiwork will never compare to a professional tailor, but this job took less than 30 minutes so I’d be happy to do show the steps I followed if anyone’s interested.

Also wore it to work with this H&M; tie-neck top, Ann Taylor tote, and a blue blazer:

floral linen white pleats4

Measurements of LOFT top in xxs petite: 15″ across chest, 22-23″ length.
Measurements of skirt in sz 0 regular pre-alterations: 13″ across waist (easily stretches to 14-15″ across), 21″ length.

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38 Comments

  1. fashionpalm wrote:

    You are so sweet,Love the whole look!
    also you can visit this site for some clothes

    Posted 3.12.16 Reply
  2. Jason Roy wrote:

    Love the simple but elegant white pleats dress of the lady.

    Posted 12.9.14 Reply
  3. A Golden Tulip wrote:

    Love this look, love linen clothes, they are super comfy esp in hot weather.

    xo

    Posted 7.22.14 Reply
  4. Andrea Ryan wrote:

    I just discovered your blog. I'm petite, 25 years old, but always mistaken for 15. I'm looking forward to keeping up with your posts in the future. I'm finding your blog to be very helpful and I love your style!

    http://www.thefancyfashioncastle.blogspot.com

    Posted 7.22.14 Reply
  5. Jennifer V wrote:

    Hi, Jean,

    I bought that exact same skirt, and when you published this post, I recognized it right away. 😉 My measurements are really similar to yours, and the waist is also too big for me off the rack. Could you share the steps for how you altered the waist? 🙂

    The weird creasing really is due to the waistband as you noted. When I folded the waistband inside, all the unsightly creases I saw disappeared, and now that I know that, I'm determined to find a way to completely replace the waistband too, but that's another topic! :p

    Posted 7.20.14 Reply
  6. Little French World wrote:

    Love your looks & the way you style this skirt ! So stylish ! xx

    http://littlefrenchworld.com/

    Posted 7.19.14 Reply
  7. Hyerim (ESQ. Style) wrote:

    Hi Jean! Not sure if your readers are still looking for another dupe for your kate spade pumps, but these worked out nicely for me: DVF Bethany in New Gold, http://alturl.com/vowq4

    They are on sale at Saks Off 5th, but I got mine off Amazon for about $160. Very comfy, and a little more toe-cleavage than Licorice has.

    Posted 7.18.14 Reply
  8. euny wrote:

    I get great sale alert from you, so I'm posting this to share this info, maybe you know this already or you are not into Tory Burch shoes, but if interested, please check out my video link. I'm working on getting my blog site since you got me so inspired, but at least I got a video linked up so far. Thanks. "Tory Burch Reval ballerina flat vs Quinn ballet flat" @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOxDJEAOxqA

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  9. zdf wrote:

    This post is very worthy of appreciation, look forward to more exciting replica breitling watch

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  10. Amy Farinella wrote:

    Bought the same linen shirt today at Loft. The print is so cute!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  11. Giovanna wrote:

    Such a cute look! Loving that skirt! Definitely need to check it out!

    xx
    giovanna
    http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  12. Juliana wrote:

    I was kinda scared to buy a pleated skirt. I don't know if I'll wear as often. But this post defently pushed me closer to a purchase! The green floral top is just amazing! Love, love, love it! Beijos!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  13. Suzie Q wrote:

    I love pleated skirts for the same exact reason with the pretty, flowy movement in them. I love the way you styled this outfit! Classic and sophisticated. Beautiful!

    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  14. Polly @ Tasty Food Project wrote:

    Love this simple yet sophisticated look!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  15. Anonymous wrote:

    it's no code needed! When I added to my cart it is automatically discounted to $17.99

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  16. Liz | Shopping My Closet wrote:

    Love the pleated skirt – very versatile!

    Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
    Style Me Wednesday blog link-up (live!)

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  17. sarahp wrote:

    I got the sailor skirt!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  18. Anonymous wrote:

    Ditto on that!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  19. Lucia wrote:

    Yes, would really love to see a post on altering elastic waistbands!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  20. Anonymous wrote:

    I meant to say "do you still use the same camera" as is listed on the "about" page?

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  21. Anonymous wrote:

    Photography question–great photos and lighting on the blog! do still use the camera? and what supplemental lighting do you use for indoor and outdoor photos? thanks!!!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  22. lululovestravel Alarcon wrote:

    You do an amazing job with your blog!!
    You always look elegant and professional 🙂 I like it a lot!!
    I love this outfit and the skirt is lovely!!
    Thanks for sharing with us.
    Lulu
    http://lululovestravel.blogspot.ca/

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  23. Anonymous wrote:

    Dear Jean,
    I was just going through old posts in desperate search for a Boston area tailor and saw that you initially suggested Hemmingway in Belmont…but later switched. Would you still recommend them or what are your current recs for best tailors in the Boston area? I am looking for someone to trust my very nice clothes to for more complicated revisions (i.e we are talking about lined coats and jackets not hemming pants). Many thanks!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  24. P wrote:

    Hi Jean! Do you throw your pleated skirts in the wash, or do you handwash? Wondering how to keep the pleats in after washing. I've heard ironing will work, but that seems like a lot of work and it would be hard to match the original pleating.

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  25. allase wrote:

    Lovely skirt and overall look. I'd love to see how you did the waistband alternation step by step, I just bought a very similar skirt in Zara and I am not very good with sewing.

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  26. Confessions of ShopaholicS wrote:

    I wanted to buy the linen top, however when I went to 'check out' it wouldnt allow me to use the promotion code, it says "expired" , So disappointed. Today is only 17th July, 1 day after your post. =(

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  27. Taramixandmatch wrote:

    This skirt is so pretty, can't believe it is from NY&Co; 🙂

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  28. ChocolateFashionCoffee wrote:
    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  29. Carol from Petite Style Online wrote:

    Such a pretty outfit!

    http://www.petitestyleonline.com

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  30. Anna N. wrote:

    Your blazer is so cute ! Very nice style.

    XXX,
    Anna N.

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  31. Mei Fleming wrote:

    Love this skirt. Knife pleats are so ladylike. I love it paired with the yellow blazer.

    http://www.eyelikefashion.com

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  32. Happiness at Mid Life wrote:

    This linen top is so pretty with the yellow blazer.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  33. Cua Wendy Muas wrote:

    I'd appreciate a step by step tutorial. Also, I love the pairings.

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  34. Le monde des petites wrote:

    Wonderful outfit!
    I love the shape of the skirt and your blazer is gorgeous!!!! <3
    Perfect, like usual!!!

    Xxx

    Le monde des petites
    http://www.lemondedespetites.com

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  35. Miss Hot Couture wrote:

    I like how you paired the navy polka dot top with the pleated skirt!

    http://www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  36. Jenn wrote:

    Love this look!

    Posted 7.16.14 Reply
  37. Shabnam Mahmood wrote:

    I love how you paired yellow and green together! It works so well.

    xx Shabnam
    http://www.breakfastonnewbury.com

    Posted 7.16.14 Reply

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