HOW TO STYLE A PLEATED SKIRT? MINA BAY (JELSA)

Today I'm sharing a spring outfit in a neutral colour palette that I wore a couple of days ago. This styling consists of an ivory pleated maxi skirt, a lava grey 'baggy' top, a pair of camel heeled boots and a puppytooth pattern coat. This coat is actually black and white, but it looks grey (probably because of the smallness of the pattern). Correct me if I'm wrong, but I googled this pattern and I think it is puppytooth (a smaller version of houndstooth). Anyhow, I liked the relaxed but still feminine vibe of this outfit. The silhouette of this outfit reminds me of an outfit Sheila from Ephemera recently posted. Interestingly, while I normally appreciate a defined waist in my tops and shirts, when I wear a longer skirt, sometimes I also opt for a 'loose' top. It makes me think of the 1920ties fashion which was (in my opinion) one of the most comfortable and feminine fashion eras.


THE STORY BEHIND THIS OUTFIT - THE TWENTIES
Not that my outfit is an interpretation of the jazzy period, it is definitely more 2020 than 1920. However, a lot of items labelled as 1920 are far from it. A lot of people think of a cocktail mini dress when they think of the jazz era, but in reality most women wore either bellow the knee, midi or maxi length back then. Mini length wasn't invented yet and hence very short skirts wouldn't be considered respectable and certainly not for everyday wear. It is true that this is the era when the skirts got shorter, but bellow the knee was as short as they got. 
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE 1920  MINI DRESS IS A MYTH? 
Take a look at this illustration from 1920 Canadian Home Journal (source: wikipedia) for a more realistic view of nineteen twenties fashion. While on the subject of the 1920 fashion, it is also worth mentioning while dresses were a bit wider around the waist, there was still some waist definition and women still wore belts (they just weren't very tight and were typically lower). It was a fabulous fashion era. It's a bit odd realizing that it started exactly a century ago. What to say of today's fashion? What will 2020 look to future generations? What will they identify as key trends? Cake face make up and tracksuits? Let's hope not.
MY CURRENT WARDROBE SITUATION AND THE REASON FOR NEUTRALS
When I packed my bags to move to island Hvar, I brought mostly neutral colours because I wasn't sure of the dress code at my new work. There isn't a strict one, but I didn't know that at the time. However, I find myself enjoying the light neutral shades. One of the neutral colours I really embraced lately is grey. I don't remember wearing it that often in the past, but these last two years I wore it more and more. I do occasionally miss my vibrant items, but I can always browse my blog archive to remember and reminiscent about bolder colours. I didn't bring that much clothes with me to the island in general, so this is a time to really put my shopping one's closet skill to the test. With the epidemic there is no way for me to send for my clothes and I don't fee like buying new items (even if ordering them online is a possibility). It was easier to shop a larger closet, I must say. I'm definitely not the type for a capsule wardrobe, I like to have options. I'm not a shoppingholic, I prefer to hang onto my clothes, but I definitely prefer having a larger wardrobe. My ideal wardrobe is not too big but definitely not a capsule or a minimalist wardrobe. I think with years I found a good balance of having neither too little nor too much and I was happy with the one I had. Too bad I had to leave it behind.  

It was fun chatting clothes with you about clothes, but let's stop the fashion talk for a second and let me tell you something about the lovely location where this outfit was shot. I like to show you beautiful beaches and bays that island Hvar has to offer. Mina is the best known and the most popular beach in Jelsa. It is a sand beach with beautiful pristine sea water. There is plenty of greenery around. I remember visiting it as a kid. You might remember that I prefer pebble beaches, but I like this one. Plus, I have fond memories of going here. So, it makes sense to visit it often.
HOW TO GET TO BAY MINA (JELSA)? 
Getting to Mina is really easy. It's only about half a kilometre from the centre of Jelsa. You can walk there in no time, just follow the road. It shouldn't take you more than 10 minutes on foot. You can also drive there. Another way to get to Mina is to walk near the sea. There is a pathway near the sea, but it's a bit narrow. If you prefer to be more comfortable, you can just walk on the road. There isn't much traffic here. What else can you find in Mina? In the summer, there is a beach and lounge bar opened as well as an aqua park. There might be more activities in the summer, I'll keep you posted if I'm still here when the summer arrives. Right now, it is very peaceful here.
HOW I WORE THIS PLEATED MAXI SKIRT BEFORE- MORE OUTFIT IDEAS
 Browsing my archives, I found outfits with this ivory maxi skirt dating back to 2015. I find it quite easy to style both for every day and special occasions. I have worn it paired with both heels and Doc Martens boots. I don't remember how much I payed for this skirt, but since it's a no name skirt it probably wasn't much. I'd say I got my money worth out of this one. That goes for other items worn in this outfit as well. I think you'll be seeing more of this pleated skirt this spring, especially as my closet options are now more limited. Not that is a negative. I actually enjoy thinking of multiple ways to wear something. As I always say, limitations can actually be quite freeing.  Another thing I like about this skirt is that it can be worn as either a midi or a maxi skirt, depending on whether I wear it higher or lower on my hips. That's a definite advantage of elastic band skirts. 
HERE ARE LINKS TO SOME OF MY PREVIOUS POSTS ABOUT ISLAND HVAR IN CASE YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF THIS BEAUTIFUL CROATIAN ISLAND
 6. INSIDE OF A RENAISSANCE VILLA OF PETAR HEKTOROVIC
As always, thank you for reading, visiting and commenting. Have a lovely day!

Comments

  1. MELODY JACOB25 April 2020 at 07:39

    This maxi skirt looks really nice on you
    https://www.melodyjacob.com/2020/04/my-all-day-lockdown-skincare-routine.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. tia teilli25 April 2020 at 08:28

    Suknja je prekrasna. :)

    https://tiateilli.com/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Miss Val's Creations25 April 2020 at 09:04

    Great outfit. One can never go wrong with neutrals. So easy to mix and match too. I always wished I lived in the 20s. Such a fun, feminine yet comfortable time for fashion. Mina looks like a lovely spot. Those benches are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Marisa Cavaleiro25 April 2020 at 09:05

    Hello Ivana
    I'm also not a person to have a capsule wardrobe, I'm like you, I like to have options !! And, as you know, I'm also a fan of vibrant colors. But I realize that you have to be creative so that with little clothes you can always present different outfits.
    I love pleated skirts and I found yours wonderful! I also liked the outfits you present with her.
    xoxo

    marisasclosetblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sarah25 April 2020 at 09:20

    Mina looks absolutely beautiful and looks like a nice place to spend a relaxing few days! I love your outfit, the pleated skirt is very elegant :)

    xo Sarah | Oomph London

    ReplyDelete
  6. BABALUCCIA25 April 2020 at 09:28

    Molto molto chic il secondo look.
    Pazzesco il posto

    ReplyDelete
  7. Pilar25 April 2020 at 10:12

    Love the way you styled your skirt Ivana! I hope you are doing well!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jodie's Touch of Style25 April 2020 at 11:26

    I'm like you...I need options. Otherwise I get too bored with my clothes. I love this skirt, and it makes me want to pull mine out. Thanks for the reminder.
    XOOX
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kathrine Eldridge25 April 2020 at 13:27

    What a versatile skirt! I adore all these looks.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Zuba25 April 2020 at 14:04

    Ova suknja mi se baš sviđa. Sjećam je se otprije, i moram priznati da su mi najbolje kombinacije sa svijetlim komadima odjeće.
    Nadam se da ćeš uskoro doći do svog ormara. Nije za svakog minimalizam, mislim da nije ni za tebe ni za mene :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ivana Split27 April 2020 at 12:35

      hvala, da nije za svakog, ja volim čuvati stvari, baš sam sentimentalna kada je odjeća u pitanju.

      Delete
  11. Mica25 April 2020 at 14:30

    It's such a beautiful pleated skirt on you and I like the leopard with it! I wore something incredibly similar the other day - a loose slouchy neon leopard tee with a navy maxi skirt. I liked the two looser pieces together, it was an incredibly comfortable outfit! :) You and Sheila both wear the look so well too!

    Hope that you are having a lovely weekend :)

    Away From Blue

    ReplyDelete
  12. Best bodybuilders25 April 2020 at 15:50

    Great post and beautiful pics

    ReplyDelete
  13. Shauna25 April 2020 at 19:20

    Beautiful! I love all your looks, and let's talk about that backdrop. SO stunning! Love the lake. xo

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

    ReplyDelete
  14. Vix26 April 2020 at 09:39

    Maximalism all the way! This skirt is lovely on you, such an elegant shape, particularly when you wore the T-Bar shoes with it. I like the looser top, too. It is very reminiscent of the Flapper girl shape, makes you look so tall and willowy.
    What a stunning location to live in. I think I'd settle for fewer clothes to live somewhere so beautiful! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  15. Polyester Princess26 April 2020 at 10:54

    I definitely need to have options, and would find a capsule wardrobe too claustrophobic! I can just bear living with one when I'm on holiday, but even then I always pack for too many clothes "just in case". Mina Bay is the perfect backdrop for your neutral outfit. That pleated skirt is lovely and the fact that it offers endless possibilities is proven by all the outfits you created with it in the past. The shape is indeed reminiscent of the previous 20s. I actually love the willowy silhouette of 1920s fashion, but I do think the taller and slimmer you are, the better. 1920s fashion would be just perfect for you! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  16. blossomikebana26 April 2020 at 13:02

    You look so beautiful on all of your looks! the skirt looks stunning on you. And the place were you took the photoshoot is breathtaking :)

    www.blossomikebana.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Perla Sanchez26 April 2020 at 14:20

    I love your first outfit, especially the boots! The nature around you looks so nice!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sheila26 April 2020 at 14:43

    That's a great skirt - an excellent basic, and good neutral. Thank you so much for the shout-out, Ivana, very sweet of you. :)

    I like that you can vary the length of this - it's a very versatile piece. Sorry that you are missing your colours from your travel capsule (who knew you'd be stuck with them?!), that would drive me crazy. I'm more of a maximalist. Although I'm enjoying just shopping my (admittedly huge!) closet, I really miss shopping!

    I love the long look of the original 20s looks - they are such a pretty and feminine style! Thanks for that link to the real fashions.

    What a

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sheila26 April 2020 at 14:43

      Oops, I cut off my last bit...ha ha...I meant to say "What a beautiful place that is! I wish I could hop in a transporter and just go there!"

      Delete
  19. akiko hiramatsu27 April 2020 at 00:00

    The first outfit is comfy,, but second one is so elegant!
    I love all of your outfits with the beautiful pleated long skirt!
    Your shopping one's closet skill is really great, Ivana<3

    akiko

    ReplyDelete
  20. Shaira Manalo27 April 2020 at 03:31

    This outfit looks so comfortable. You styled it in so many cute ways! <3

    Stay safe! :)

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    Blog: www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Selvaggia Capizzi27 April 2020 at 13:10

    Beata te che puoi uscire Ivana, noi siamo ancora blindati. Questa gonna mi piace davvero tanto in particolare nell'abbinamento più elegante!
    Don't Call Me Fashion Blogger
    Facebook
    Bloglovin'

    ReplyDelete
  22. Lovely28 April 2020 at 00:15

    Such a pretty skirt hun and so versatile too, you did a fab job styling it!


    xoxo
    Lovely


    ReplyDelete
  23. Carolina G. Ticala28 April 2020 at 02:49

    Hello! great entry.
    Have a lovely day too =)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Rowena @ rolala loves28 April 2020 at 07:18

    This is a lovely outfit. A pleated skirt is such a classic and versatile wardrobe staple. Your rationale for packing makes a lot of sense since you can't really go wrong with classic neutral components in a work wardrobe.

    ReplyDelete
  25. MARIANNYC28 April 2020 at 08:02

    Love the pleated skirt on you! It's also a good transition piece to summer :)

    https://www.mariannyc.com/duolingo-more-time-to-learn/

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ananka28 April 2020 at 17:57

    Great styles. I do love the casual look with the tshirt :-D

    ReplyDelete
  27. Ivana Split29 April 2020 at 11:46

    hvala ti

    ReplyDelete

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All your comments mean a lot to me, even the criticism. Naravno da mi puno znači što ste uzeli vrijeme da nešto napišete, pa makar to bila i kritika. Per me le vostre parole sono sempre preziose anche quando si tratta di critiche.

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