Over the last few years, skirts have been emerging as a strong fashion trend. I believe this is due to the fact that women want to look and feel more feminine and there is nothing like a skirt to help us achieve a feminine look.
Skirts offer great versatility to a woman's wardrobe. You can easily dress them up or down, wear them with boots and tights in winter, strappy shoes in summer or fashion them up with fishnet stockings and peeptoe shoes.
With the variety of skirt styles available these days, it can get a little overwhelming trying to figure out which suits your shape best. Here are some tips to assist you to find your best skirt shape.
Pencil skirt:
The pencil skirt has made a comeback but with a modern twist. The classic pencil skirt has been updated in a high waisted style for a high fashion look.
Although many believe that the pencil skirt suits most shapes, I find that if it is narrowed at the hem, it makes the hips look wider. If you want to create more curve and make your legs look longer, the high waisted pencil skirt could be an ideal style for you. For those who want to de-emphasise their hips, rather select a fishtail shape skirt for a similar effect, but achieving greater balance.
Bubble or tulip skirt:
I can't believe that this trend is back, but indeed it is. If you can pull off this trend, it's a great way to add some fashionable fun to your wardrobe.
The key to successfully wearing this look is selecting the correct shape, fabric, length and volume. The bubble skirt (with the volume at the hem) can work really well for balancing out hips, bums and thighs. Select a skirt that ends either just above or below the knee, made of a soft fabric and moderate volume to avoid adding extra bulk.
The tulip skirt (with volume at the top) is a harder look to get right. Just the right amount of volume at the top can de-emphasise the tummy and hips, but if it is too voluminous, it will make these areas look bigger than they are.
For both the tulip and the bubble skirt it's important that the waistband is well fitted to prevent adding extra bulk to the tummy area. These skirts must be warn with fitted jackets, tops or blouses to prevent your look from lacking shape and definition.
Mini:
This trend never seems to die. Mini skirts are available in a variety of styles and fabrics. This is a great skirt for women who want to show off their legs.
If you like the shape of your legs, but don't want to reveal skin, winter time offers opaque stockings as a fabulous alternative. Although this is a great weekend casual or party look, it might not be appropriate in your professional environment.
Boho skirt:
Boho chic is a high fashion trend at the moment and with it comes lots of voluminous, gathered and layered skirts in boho prints.
This skirt trend looks really great on tall, slim women. If you love the look, but don't fall into that category, select a skirt that has a fitted waistband (not elasticized), in a shapely cut made of a boho printed fabric. This allows you to successfully wear the trend without wearing a cut that doesn't suit your shape.
Fishtail:
The fishtail skirt comes in a variety of styles and lengths. This shapely style hugs the hip and thighs and flairs at the hem.
This shape work wonders to balance the hips, tums and bums. If your tummy is your widest point and you have shapely legs, this shape will work to balance your tummy and emphasise your shapely legs. If you have hips you want to de-emphasise, the hem of this skirt will work to balance out your hips and make you look taller.
A-line:
The a-line skirt fits your waist and hip, then flairs out toward the hem. The fabric this style is made in will affect the way the skirt falls.
This is a fabulous skirt for women who need to balance their bums and thighs. The more balance you need, the stiffer the fabric needs to be. Soft fabric may cling in all the wrong places and not offer the balance you are looking for. Try a variety of skirts in different fabrics until you find the one that suits you best.
Skirt lengths:
The ideal skirt length may vary depending on the skirt style. Obviously a mini is a mini. Generally the ideal length of a skirt is just above, just below the knee or full length. Any skirt that is a ¾ length skirt will shorten your length and make your widest point look wider. If you have lots of ¾ skirts in your wardrobe, either shorten them slightly or wear long knee high boots to keep an elongated look.
What shoes to wear with skirts?
To pull off a skirt successfully does largely depend on wearing the correct shoe.
If you have short legs, it's really important to wear a shoe that elongates your leg i.e. a heeled pump. Avoid closed shoe styles that close around your ankle or shoes with straps cutting across your foot or ankle as they will cut your length. Knee high boots are always a winner for winter.
If you have chunky calves, it is important to select a heel that is solid and balances your calves. Avoid slim heels as they will make your calves look heavier than they are. Try wedges, chunky heels or curvy solid heels.
Flat shoes worn with skirts are usually best for tall women.
The key to finding your perfect shape skirt is to try them on. Don't be afraid to try a variety of styles that you never thought you would wear. You may just be surprised!
Do you have any more skirt tips to add? Pop them in the comment box below.