This long black circle skirt by Max Mara is not easy to style. At least not for me. I tried it before (here with a green leather jacket) and I did not really like it that much. Perhaps because the colours were too somber together? Anyway, I hung the skirt in my closet. Together with the matching jacket. When I bought this skirt suit two years ago at the Max Mara outlet I combined it with a lime yellow shirt (as seen here). I thought it was a terrific 1940/1950 style. My husband Ron thinks the suit looks like I am dressed for a funeral. Hence this cheerful yellow jumper from Zara. At the end of this post you will see another combination. No… don’t jump right to the bottom… I am not putting effort into writing this post for you to skip it. Right, you are back.
Ron and I did an earlier photo session at the Hortus Botanicus with my flower skirt and blue sweater. After lunch I changed into this outfit and we went back for another shoot. By the way .. that blue sweater?? I will never wear it with that flower skirt again. Not a good idea. Some comments (on the blog and on other media) opened my eyes.
Let’s continue with this outfit.
Below: question was: does this outfit need a belt? Or does that shorten my torso and emphazises the bosom? Answers: yes, it needs the belt and yes, unfortunately it also emphasizes the bosom. Well tough then. 
Below: I tend to lean on one leg when I pose. Which was not a good idea with this belt. I got very weird photos. We had to do them again in a more upright pose (still going strong with my Lumo Lift by the way).
Below: after taking the photos I discovered that this jumper which is a bit wider (so no stomach showing 😉 had its disadvantages… See how it bulges at the side? Bummer. 
Below: side view which also shows the bulging jumper.
Below: it looks much better if it stays tucked in. The brooch is by two Dutch female designers Spijkers & Spijkers (seen before here).
Below: for a laugh… “look mommy… no legs” 
Below: the shoes. Red suede. Arty photos by Ron. Collage by me.
Below: I have to show you this tote as well. It is a present from my friend Marianne: “… You have enough bags, so let’s increase the number of your shoppers”. Her words.
Below: close-up of the bag. It is a super light and handy shopper. Leather with a shiny layer. I like it a lot and use it a lot. It reminds me of the bags/shoppers Sylvia (40+Style) carried on her holiday this summer. I remember thinking “darned that is clever”.
Below: time to go home. Normally I can carry all my things plus the camera in the black and white tote or the black shopper. But now I also had more lenses plus an extra outfit to carry, including boots.
Below: as promised here is the black circle skirt with another top and belt. I think this look is much more modern. Would have loved this top to be yellow or red or bright blue or fuchsia or bright green, but no, it came in cream and black.
Below: from another angle. The boots are by DKNY (ancient) but I pulled them up a bit high. The belt is from Young Designers United two years ago.
Below: the look at the top with the yellow jumper was not my idea. I copied it from an oufit which I saw on Instagram. Worn by Carin (@catoinamsterdam). Carin and I met just before Christmas as she lives in Amsterdam. Easy peasy to meet for a coffee.
Below: of course we had to go and do a little shopping too haha. I bought that cream cropped top with the word AGE on it (…) and she bought the top in black with the word SIZE. Usually Carin is very colourful, but this all black outfit is good too.
OK, now you can say I have guts. As I finish this post with a photo of somebody who is more than 10 years younger and far more pretty. However she is also a lovely person, so if you are on Instagram, search for @catoinamsterdam. You can find me on Instagram as @No_Fear_of_Fashion.
Greetje
Linking up with Patti’s Visible Monday. You can see loads of bloggers there.
Linking also to I wear what I like showing the new Pantone colour.
The Age crop top with its belt combo for the win! The round bottom and flare lines up perfectly with the round bottom and flare of the skirt. It projects a triangle from the top of the “age” on the shirt to the hem of the skirt and shows off a lovely waist.
It is my favourite as well. I don’t think I will ever wear this long black skirt with the yellow jumper anymore. I have bought a short red leather jacket which might also work (on the blog tomorrow). Haven’t tried it on this skirt yet.
I really like the Age shirt and the belt, but I am not particularly fond of the shirt colour. Another reader suggested to die it in the desired colour which I dread but it is a good idea.
dyeing is straight forward and fun. my last project was a sweater from Target not in a color i wanted. so i bought it in what they called “cream,” a box of RIT dye remover, and a box of RIT kelly green. every woman i met while wearing that sweater wanted it. the color came out gorgeous, with flecks of blue and gold. I wore that thing out.
Thanks for the encouragement. I am going to buy that stuff.
I think this skirt is too long for you to be flattering. It should be around 10 cm shorter. The whole look, with the yellow sweater, is not a keeper, imho.
The bag Marianne gave you is awesome!
I think I will give in and have it made shorter…
I really like big full circle skirts, but I find them difficult to style as well. I think they need to be paired with something fitted to balance out the fullness of the skirt, but my boobs are larger now than they used to be, and I’m not crazy about how they look in fitted sweaters. Always something to fuss about, no?
Your red shoes are so pretty – nice that they had a portrait taken on their own.
I know exactly what you are talking about. Perhaps I should have to have the hemline taken up?
Just a tip – I’m also shorter waisted and “well endowed”, and I find that wearing a belt in a colour closer to the top will elongate the torso. Your blog is so much fun to read!
You are quite right. I tried to achieve a similar result by leaving the belt off. But it really needs a belt and I don’t have one in that size and colour.
I am very pleased you find my blog so much fun. That is the reward I seek.
Hi there beautiful! You’re looking stunning and stylish as ever. I love the yellow sweater ensemble. That pop of yellow and red color in the winter brings spring to mind, and plus it looks great!
I like the colours. As you say it is cheerful in winter. But I prefer the look with the cropped top. Would have been nice if they had had it in a cheerful colour.
I like the second book better, more modern and hip but the first look with the belt is good too. As you say it would be better if the top was more fitting to wear with the skirt. What would make these looks even better is to scrunch up the sleeves of the top to about elbow height which lets the eyes focus even more on your waist.
Good tip. Thanks.
Greetje, The photograph of the two of you laughing in beautiful! (I very much like that tee-shirt you are wearing, where can I find one?).
Your yellow and black outfit did look better with the belt….although a soft leather obi would be more comfortable, maybe? Shame you are not here, in Scotland, you could borrow mine!
The second look is super-modern and I love both the AGE and the SIZE jumpers.
It is a real shame they did not come in vibrant shades but your outfit is still plenty of fun!
Great looks.
XXX
Samantha
I do like the second look better. It’s more modern, as you say, and I especially love the belt with the copper rivets? studs? and the light colored boots. But if you do wear the skirt with the yellow top I think the proportions work best with that wide belt. If that belt feels awkward, what about an obi? Love the checked “shopper,” what a fun tote!
I totally agree on your views. I would love to find a leather fitted top with a short peplum or a similar cropped top but in a fun colour.
That is my kind of skirt – and you look fabulous in it. The cropped top is my favorite loo – and it’s very modern. xo
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thank you Patti. Now I have to find a cropped top in a bright and cheerful colour.
Greetje
I love the glamour of a circle skirt. Both outfits look great, but I love the “AGE” top with boots.
How fun to meet Carin. Looks like the two of you had fun together!!!
I agree, I prefer the cropped top outfit too. Would have been nice if the top came in a cheerful colour. And it is easy to have fun with Carin.
I like the first outfit with the yellow sweater and use of red shoes. I love high waisted full skirts like the one you are wearing but always struggle with tops for it too. I tend to prefer the a more fitted top when my bottom is a fuller to balance it out.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
I agree with your point of view of a fitted top but I think the cropped top works good with my tall figure too.
The second look (cream colored crop top and boots) is best. It’s daring and fun. Based on you posts, it seems a great match to your fun personality.
What a kind thing to say Christine. Thanks for such a compliment. And I prefer that cropped top outfit too.
I remember you wearing the skirt with the green jacket, and I also remember saying how much I liked the look. I also like it very much with the cropped sweatshirt and the boots. I think the key to wearing a circle skirt is to either be purposeful with the top. With the goldenrod sweater, if it was pulled tighter underneath the skirt to remove any extra fabric on the sides, it would have created a much cleaner look.
I am still thinking of a leather fitted top (red? yellow? blue?) or a colourful cropped top. As I am still not satisfied with the styling of this skirt. Perhaps I should not bother anymore. As I got rid of the grey boyfriend jacket too.
I love the bright combination of the yellow and red. It is a bummer about the bunching but not the end of the world. I wouldn’t really have noticed it until you mentioned it! And I think the belt is just fine. I don’t think it accentuates the boobs and I’m a lady who knows what with my boobs!
But I really love the second top – it’s fun and just feels you! And I like the way you’ve topped and tailed with the cream boots.
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks dear. I prefer that cropped top version too. But I am still not completely satisfied. A similar cropped top in a happy colour or a leather top would be nice.
So I’ll start at the end and say hurrah for showing the photos of Carin. I knew she was meeting up with you and so wanted to see the photos. She looks so bubbly and full of fun – how lucky for you to meet up so easily. I’ve yet to meet up with a fellow blogger, but may be meeting Kezzie when she comes to the islands this summer. Anyway, I like the black skirt very much (I wear this style a lot myself) and prefer it with the belt and yellow top (accentuates waist and bust – so what as you’re all woman!) The red shoes are divine, such a bright, strong red. Lovely the collage of red shoe shots x
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
I had put a picture of Carin and I meeting on IG. I am now following you on IG too. Meeting fellow bloggers is a risk. After all you have never met them in person before and they might not be who you think the’d be. But my experience is that ususally they are as awesome as you thought. So I hope you meet Kezzie. As for the black skirt… I am still not completely satisfied with the styling.
I have the same problem with my wide black skirt! I find it very difficult to style it… the fact is that the skirt has a severe look, perhaps because of its colour
I think it needs something to make it less elegant …About your outfits : I prefer the second one with the cream colour sweatshirt. It looks modern and I should try something similar myself ….thanks for inspiring me!!
Ha! That is a big compliment, coming from you. I thought that a bright leather jacket could perhaps also be nice??
The second look with croped sweat is wonderfull .I really liked the cropped top.
You have a good sense of style and I love your humor.
Gaby
http://www.stylissalat.com
I like the cropped top outfit better too. And I love your compliments about style and humor.
This is such a beautiful skirt, glad to see you’re trying some new pairings with it. I love the bright color combo with the yellow shirt and those incredible red pumps, and I think the belt is an excellent addition and perfect where you are wearing it. The bunchiness would bother me as well, so I would most likely try it with a lighter fitting tee or a yellow lightweight blouse. But I will admit, my favorite is the last combo, I love the bit of funky edge it gives and the boots are perfect!
As for sharing your new friend, well, that just says exactly what you’re all about. You are real, you are confident, and you are wonderful just the way you are. Therefore, why not share.
Sharing is what Social media are for. Besides, when you share, it will make you richer (in spirit). I know you think the same.
Whoa, what a beautiful skirt. You find such nice clothes.
Believe me Ally, being in the Max Mara outlet in Italy is like being a kid in a candy store. Very hard to choose, no difficulty finding nice clothes.
I like the belt high just where you put it but, like you, I would be bothered by the bunchiness of the top. You still look great though – I don’t lie. But the second top bring has lightness and a hip vibe which I love. Of course, I adore your pin!! How fun that you can hang out with Carin!
If you want an elegant look that skirt might look good with a black and white striped blouse with a really dramatic red neckpiece and those shoes. I see those B&W stripes everywhere now.
And yes, you made me laugh. Thank you so much!!! I needed that in this break from work. Oh, and Ron, what a great eye. Love his shoe shots. I hope you bring extra pairs!
Thanks for the suggestions!! As long as I can put something warm underneath the shirt. The skirt is for winter and warm. Black and white striped blouses tend to be cold. And I also find blouses less modern in combination with this old fashioned skirt. Is that just me?
I know what you mean about wanting to be warm. I was thinking a slightly stiff cotton blouse with wide bold black and white stripes, cuffs turned up. I just see it in my mind. I think the bold stripe and bold accessories could make it work. Just throwing it out there… In the end, you know yourself better than anyone, Greeje.
Now where do I find such a pretty blouse??
I really liked the cropped top, much more modern. You are very critical of yourself. you have a good sense of style and HUMOR. Love it.
Thank you, I also prefer the cropped top. Yes I am very critical of myself (sigh) and thank you for the style and humor compliments. Made my day.
I love the brightness and boldness of the first outfit but I like the AGE graphic on the second outfit.
My eye always goes to colour.
Love seeing that brooch! I took photos finally of me wearing the one you gifted me but they probably won’t come up for a bit yet. It is such a great quirky piece and really makes a statement in your outfit.
bisous
Suzanne
I am on the outlook for more brooches like this but not the same. It is hard for me to recognize the quality modern. And Jodie gave me the tip to dye the cropped top…
The green leather fitted jacket with the circle skirt was my favorite! You looked stunning; it showcased your figure beautifully–very chic and modern look.
You are number three who prefers the green leather jacket. I am so surprised!!
I liked the skirt with the green leather jacket best. The fitted jacket contrasted with the skirt, and the jacket is so modern and cool. But if you think that it’s too somber, why not try the yellow/lime shirt under the jacket? In spring, of course, way too cold now. Winter sucks, makes you want to wrap up in thick knitwear… Wait, that’s me. Or how about a fitted v-nevk or boat neck cashmere sweater? See, it’s winter, I can’t get knitwear out of my head…
The skirt is winter too so your suggestions are appreciated. Only I don’t feel comfortable in fitted jumpers in light colours. I am quite surprised to hear you like the skirt with that leather jacket. The idea is good but I want another colour. If I put a yellow top underneath the green jacket I don’t know how to tie these three colours together.
Hi Greetje! all I can say is…..a win and a win! You carry both looks beautifully!
I like Ron’s photo shoe(t) too!
Hope your ankle heels quickly!
XoxoxoKatie
Hmmm that ankle is getting better and better, but it is going to take a while before I can walk on heels again I am afraid. Oh well… it is just that, a sprained ankle, nothing permanent. Thanks for commenting dear.
Excellent post Greetje! I actually favour the second look. I think it’s more current and you don’t have the problem with the bulging sweater as in the first look. Although the sweater is much bigger, it makes you look more slender. I do agree that a different colour would have been nice but the cream colour does look good on you! Thank you for mentioning me, looking forward to our next shopping date, this time in Hasrlem xx
I’ll be waiting for date suggestions my dear.
I love the skirt, it’s beautiful. I like the black and yellow set. I had chosen a different color shoes …
Ah Josep-Maria, but…. the red of the shoes is coming back in the little red dot in the brooch… I did think about this.
Oh. I missed a whole lot of your mails. I subscribed again. I think that skirt is gorgious with the boots! I would love it very much if you joined my Fashion link up party!
Apparently sometimes this happens. I have the same trouble with other blogs. No idea what causes it. I will not join your link up party as I am in the middle of finding out how I lost many of my blog posts….
Ah, wat a mess. But perhaps you can join later on in the week! 🙂
Wow this Skirt is amazing. Kann ich in deutsch schreiben? Du siehst fantastisch aus. Ich liebe Deinen Look! Der Rock ist ein super Kombipartner, wie man bei dir gut sehen kann.
Wünsche einen schönen Sonntag Abend, liebe Grüße Tina
I do understand German Tina, but I cannot write back to you in that language. The skirt is not really a super combination partner. At least not to me as I have great difficulty styling it. Thanks for stopping by.
Oh I love both styles. First it look elegant and the second look with croped sweat is wonderfull fresh and modern.
🙂 I can read dutch, but I cannot write or speak.
Well you can do it in German (not favoured by Google though who sees it as mistakes on my site…) and I can do it in English.
I really like the yellow & red with the skirt! Like Jodie, I was also thinking if you could maybe wear the belt a bit lower?
I like the age shirt, too. And how fun that you got to meet up with Carin! Her IG account is so fun!
No, I cannot lower this belt. It will just sit in the same place only make my waist look wider (not a good point). I thought everyone would go for the look with the Age shirt, so I am a bit surprised that the first two comments are in favour of the yellow one.
I love the look with the yellow top and red shoes…how I wish I could wear shoes like that!! Gorgeous look and the skirt is flattering on you! Thanks for stopping by and all you kind comments!
I have sprained my ankle last Thursday (already mending but it will take about 2 weeks I think). Nothing like that to make you realize how lucky you are when you are healthy and everything is working. No ups without downs. Thanks for commenting.
Ahhh Greetje!!! The black skirt, yellow jumper & red shoes give you such an elegant look!!! That was my first reaction when I saw the email—elegant!!! As for the belt…could you put the belt a little lower on the skirt—that might change the proportions? I like the outfit with the “age” sweatshirt too—very hip! (if you wanted the shirt in a different color you could probably dye it)!
And again you just make me laugh through your narration! Have you ever tried stand up comedy?
Keep up the great work….love to see your posts on Sundays!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…I did not skip to the bottom—what?? and miss your funny comments??
When I am retired I might take up stand up comedy. I think that would be soooo good. But also very scary. And thanks for the tip to die the top. Great idea. Now I need somebody is willing to risk her washing machine haha.
I cannot put the belt lower, just make my waist look wider. Perhaps I need another belt, which is kind of awkward as I specifically bought this belt for these kind of looks…
And I am thrilled I made you laugh again.
FYI…I’ve dyed items in a bucket instead of the washing machine—it worked just fine!!
Oh that is brilliant. i have buckets ?