the skirt, not all dressed up

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Teva Mandalyn Wedge Ola 2 $30

Skirts and dresses are always a tempting option during the hot months when light and breezy is key, but many women struggle to transition them into their casual or day-to-day life. Although there are plenty of casual-only skirts and dresses available in stores during the warm months, you don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe.

Land's End Initial Necklace $39

Ann Taylor Perfect V-Neck Tee $28

Emily submitted this patterned skirt which is a great piece for "dressing down" because it has a fun ruffle detail at the hem and has some stretch to it. A pencil skirt can look too stiff when you are wearing it casually, so choose something that moves easily. I paired it with a brightly colored t-shirt (you can wear it tucked or untucked depending on your proportions) to add a fun pop. When dressing down a skirt, look for a basic knit without sheen or embellishment.

Although I love to layer on the accessories, for this outfit I only added a simple sterling silver necklace. It adds enough polish so that the outfit feels complete without being dressy. Finally, I added a casual wedge sandal with a hint of color that will keep your feet comfortable and your outfit looking effortless.