Happy July 4th! Today is definitely one of those lazy Sundays where I just want to lounge around my apartment in something as comfy as the Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt from J.Crew.

But I love this “sweatshirt” sweater also because it’s the perfect casual sweater to pair with pencil skirts to tone down an otherwise dressy outfit without looking like an actual “sweatshirt.”

I’m wearing: J.Crew Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt, J.Crew Canterbury Bells Pencil Skirt, J.Crew Studded Bar-Car Belt, Nine West Getby Wedges

I usually get all my J.Crew cardigans in a Medium because I like them to fit relatively loosely, and since this sweater is supposed to be of a boyfriend fit, I figured I’d be safe with a Small. It fits relatively loosely but not as slouchy as I’d like. Now it just looks like a plain sweater and not the slouchy boyfriend sweater I’d like to pair with such a fitted pencil skirt. I am definitely going back for a size up!

Get this sweater here from J.Crew for $69.50.

The Shimmering Jacquard Skirt from Ann Taylor Loft looks much more expensive than it really is.

It measures 17″ which means it’s technically a Mini skirt, but since it has an elastic waist, you can pull it down a bit more to your lower waist and it will be only slightly shorter than J.Crew’s “shorter length for summer” pencil skirts. Length is not the only thing I love about this skirt. The shiny jacquard material looks so expensive but is surprisingly versatile; I initially thought of pairing it with the silk ruffle camis I’ve gotten recently from J.Crew (Palmera, Victoria, etc.) – which did look amazing – but it also worked perfectly with a casual tee (as above), sweaters, basic tanks, or…even a gingham button down!

I’m wearing: J.Crew Giant Gingham Shirt, J.Crew Distressed Leather Denim Belt, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles

And then I realized why I thought it was so versatile. From a distance it looks just like a black mini skirt (but not too short), which obviously matches everything, but when you take a closer look or when the skirt catches light, you see the detailing of the jacquard fabric. It also doesn’t hurt when the skirt is comfortable and you can decide how high or low to wear it.

I never paid attention to Loft before but their skirts are really catching my eye. Their pencil skirts are all around the shorter 20-21″ length which I love. I’m finding myself checking back there almost as often as I check J.Crew. Eeeeeeeeep. Doesn’t help when they constantly have these amazing promotions that are unimaginable at the Crew!!!

Get this skirt from Loft here for $41.70 (with current 40% off promotion from regular price of $69.50).

I thought I would love the Kelsey Ruffle Top as much as I love the Palmera Ruffle Cami but I don’t.

The ruffles just don’t look ruffle-y and kind of sit there covering up my chest, rather than ruffle around the very flattering v-shape neckline of the Palmera. The button down style of this cami also gives off this weird peasantish vibe to me, which was not the dressy feel I was going over.

I’m wearing: Gap New Pencil Skirt, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles

For some reason, I think it only works somewhat when it’s tucked into something. Otherwise when I wear it I almost feel like one of those old grannies sitting in her bloomers on a stool on the street, chomping away at watermelons. Hmm, perhaps a faded memory of my childhood there. I sized up in the printed version simply because they didn’t have it in my usual size, but turns out the Navy version I did get in my usual size was way too small for the girls…and I looked totally ridiculous.

Do you see the weird gaping hole on my chest? Yes, it’s because the buttons barely closed over the girls, then because the top part would have no chance in hell of closing, it decided to flare out…then meet up again at the top. Don’t ask – I have no idea what’s going on with this. Not keepers.

If you would like to try the Kelsey Ruffle Top, get the printed version here or the solid color version here from J.Crew, both $49.99 (Final Sale now!).