Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means YBC® will earn a small commission if you happen to make a purchase. Thanks for the support.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching (and my birthday is the day after!), so I’ve had celebratory outfits on my mind lately. Do you guys have one of those stylish friends with exquisite taste who is able to pick stuff for you that you would never pick for yourself, and yet you love everything they choose?! I have a friend like that, and she’s killed it before by gifting me this hat, which I absolutely loved the second I put it on, but it was one of those things I never would’ve chosen for myself. Recently she sent me a link to this skirt and said, “This would be so cute for Valentine’s Day.”

Now, I’m not a skirt person because I am insecure about my legs. I feel like I am short and stocky and skirts, unless they’re petite, just look weird on me because of my legs. I feel like the proportions are all off. However. This friend has proved time and again that she knows her shiz, so I ordered it because free shipping and free returns - what did I have to lose?

As it turns out, I had exactly $48 to lose in this little foray into skirt-trying because that’s how much this thing cost and I wound up loving it. It fit like a glove, and between the high waist design and the perfect slit up the thigh, my legs somehow looked way longer than they are, giving me more confidence than I’ve had in a while. And really, that’s what dressing should be about, imho. Like, we all just want to feel confident, right?

Anyway, when I first pulled it out of the box, I had to text her and ask what type of shirt goes with this thing, because you guys all know my expertise is leggings and sweatpants. Beyond the scope of athleisure, I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to putting together an outfit. I’d just purchased this Free People bodysuit (currently on sale!) for the holidays, and she suggested I pull that out and pair it with the skirt.

The bodysuit needs a little something underneath, so I went with a seamless bralette. I’m a big fan of bralettes, especially in the summer under rompers and sheer tops, or any time you’re just hanging around, don’t feel like wearing a full on bra, but need a little coverage. They don’t dig in, they smooth you out, and they’re just so comfortable.

For the make up, I kept it really soft and neutral, which is what I've been into lately. I used this foundation all over my face except for under the eyes. Under the eyes, I used this concealer. Then, I used a little bronzer, a swipe of blush, and my fav brow pencil. For the eyes, I used a champagne color on the lids and a soft brown in the outer V’s of the eyes from the OG Naked palette from Urban Decay which I don’t think they make anymore. Then I lined my lips with the color Faux (not sure they make it anymore, but Spice is similar), and softly colored them in.

For the booties, I dusted off my tried and true Stuart Weitzman clinger booties. They are so comfortable and surprisingly go with everything from cut off shorts to skirts. The booties are pricey, though (I got them on sale last year, score!), but here are some other lookalikes and don’t forget you can always shop the real thing at a resale shop - I’ve linked a bunch of pairs below - the trick is finding your size!

PS If you’re wondering how Awk City it is to take pictures when you’re not a model and not really even a fashion blogger, but just a girl who likes dressing up, it’s pretty awk. Like, where do I put my hands? How do I smile? Let me just gaze longingly into the distance (see above). ANYWAY. I’m pumped about this outfit, and while I don’t really have Valentine’s plans (who wants to go to a grossly overpriced dinner in the freezing cold?!), I might just wear this at home that night, because why TF not. No, but in all seriousness, this was just a really fun exercise into getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and being pleasantly surprised by the added confidence they just might bring. Thank you, little red skirt, for the life lessons, lol.

PPS - I’ll be posting some additional pics and talking about editing photos on the YBC® App, so be sure you’ve downloaded and opted in.