spend vs. save: midi skirts

I've been a fan of midi skirts since they resurfaced on the runways in the past couple of years, but have yet to try one for myself. I feel like they're somewhat hard to find, but maybe it's because the kind I'm lusting for are the colorful, full midis and not the slimmer-fit calf skimmers. A big, billowy skirt and a pair of heels would be enough to make me feel like a princess for a day, and luckily not blow my budget - thanks to some budget-friendly options. Here are a couple of beautiful, higher priced midis and a few of their less-expensive counterparts (plus, how to wear them).

SPEND:

alice + olivia - $395 (on sale for $277!)

Tibi - $395

SAVE:

Topshop - $96

ASOS - $51 

Space 46 Boutique - $92

HOW TO WEAR IT:

jacket, skirt, top, clutch, sandals

I'm in love with this tulle midi skirt. The princess-y feel of the skirt calls for balancing out the look with an edgier motorcycle jacket and a mock neck crop top. A bright envelope clutch adds some much needed color and the heeled sandals (always wear heels with midi skirts) add some height and make the legs look taller despite the skirt's longer hem.

xo-ally

current favorites: printed skirts

I'm loving printed skirts these days, and there are so many on the market to choose from. With either a solid or printed top, there are plenty of mix-and-match options, making multiple outfits out of one skirt. Here are my current favorite printed skirts for both day and night:

For day, left to right: River Island Printed Flippy Skirt ($42), Sail With Me Skirt ($44), Milly 'Combo' Print Miniskirt ($195)

For night, left to right: Born to Shimmer Skirt ($46), Sequin Embellished Miniskirt ($60), Embellished Miniskirt ($59-on sale!), Printed Sequin Embellished Skirt ($50)

My top pick of all of these has to be the red, white, and blue skirt by Milly (top right). I can't resist a red and blue combination!

The tribal printed sequin mini (second from the left, bottom row) was also worn by Desiree on this season of The Bachelorette. When I was watching that episode all I could think of was how cute that skirt was!

Side note -- who can't wait for the season finale of The Bachelorette?!

As for shoe pairings for the skirts, I could see strappy sandals working well for the picks for day. I like this pair and this pair for all three of them. A pair of Jack Rogers sandals would also look lovely with the Milly skirt. For the night skirt picks, this pair of neutral, ankle strap heels would look fabulous.

xo-ally