Not in the mood for a suit today? Don't forget the fantastic world of skirts! Perfect to complete a look, but how do you know which one fits your figure? There are many different styles of skirts and it can be difficult to know which one to choose, especially if you have to buy a black skirt for work and find yourself faced with a wide selection of polyester horrors! No fear! All it takes is a good look in the mirror and a little logic to have a wardrobe full of skirts in no time.
Steps
Step 1. Identify the different types of skirts available
There are so many to choose from that it is best to know at least the basic shapes. Here is a list of considered standard skirts that you can find on the market:
- School uniform skirt - has a short cut, often has folds and can also be used for sports.
- Miniskirt and micro skirt.
- Balloon skirt - wide at the edges and puffy like a bubble.
- Longuette - has a straight, tubular and tight fit.
- Full skirt - fitted at the waist, but opens at the bottom.
- Sarong - a skirt to tie at the waist.
- Flared skirt - widens downwards, in fact it has a vaguely triangular shape and can be of any length.
- Handkerchief skirt - asymmetrical, goes down with points of different lengths from the diagonal cut.
- Mermaid skirt - fitted at the waist, swells at the hips, then tapers at the knees and finally widens again, descending to the feet like a mermaid's tail.
- Flounced skirt - is puffy and loose, has several layers of fabric and usually comes below the knee.
Step 2. Choose a skirt that fits your figure
The following guide is generic, there may be specific differences depending on your body shape:
- If you are short: the best skirts for short women are longuette and flared ones; they must not be too stiff otherwise the figure will look more stocky. The length should be approximately knee length. If it is too long or too short you will look even shorter than you really are, even if you have nice legs. Pareo skirts and skirts with front closure are the most suitable, as long as they have a soft line. The side slits help to lengthen the legs, as well as the vertical details and decorations. Instead, avoid hem details, mid-calf skirts, patch pockets and girlish skirts.
- Wide Waist: If your waist isn't very thin, wear skirts that draw attention to your legs. Long or short it makes no difference. Avoid embellished or half-seamed ones that instead make the eye fall right on your sweet spot.
- Curved figure: Slightly tapered, flared and sarong skirts are fine. Choose them with a flat front, side or back zip. It must be low-rise or without a belt if you have a wide waistline (the opposite if you want to highlight it instead), with flat seams with little play and a soft fabric that caresses the curves. As with the short figure, a side slit helps to divert attention to the legs and not the curves. The skirts to avoid are straight ones, with rigid fabrics, pleats, patch pockets and any horizontal design. Don't wear overly tight ones either.
- Prominent Belly: Wear straight, flared skirts that rest smoothly on the body. Do not wear belts, eliminate all tight, tight, structured elements; avoid creases, diagonal cuts, illusory geometries on the front and front pockets. Dark and solid colored fabrics are preferable. No to sarongs.
- Tomboy Style: Almost any style will work, but if you are worried about having too thin legs, wear long skirts with a slit or buttons on the front to increase the sensuality. Pleats are good for slender hips, as well as any type of pockets, designs, belts and wide waistbands. A slim waistline should be enhanced with a high belt.
- Big figure in the lower half: it is highlighted by flared, wide and draped skirts. If you have this type of build, the good news is that, in general, skirts will fit you better than pants. A fitted, knee-length skirt is fine if it's not too snug, but avoid belts. The details should be vertical and the fabrics dark. Avoid pockets, full-length pleats, diagonal seams or cuts, Lycra, hem embellishments, flares and horizontal embellishments. Do not wear skirts that are too tight and with folds on the hips.
- Flat Bottom: Lycra, fitted skirts and diagonal cuts are not for you.
- Long Waist, Short Legs: Choose straight skirts to lengthen your legs. The best length tends to be between mid-thigh and above the knee. A belt of the same color can shorten the upper body. Wear short tops and jackets, match the stockings to the skirt and rely on vertical decorations that give a sense of length.
- Short Waist, Long Legs: Wear straight low-rise skirts. Those that wrap the hips, without a waistband and miniskirts are fine. Long shirts or shirts can make legs appear shorter, while soft fabrics hide the excessively high waistline. Avoid any detail that interrupts the line of the top piece if it covers the skirt a little, such as pleating, belts that break, high ones and horizontal details near the waist.
- Thick thighs: it is advisable to wear full and draped skirts or skirts with soft folds. Avoid tight skirts and lycra-blends.
- Chunky ankles: If you don't have thin ankles, it's best to wear long, wide skirts and over-the-ankle boots. Any skirt with hem detailing, embellishments or flares in the lower half draws attention to the ankles, so avoid.
Step 3. Learn the importance of hemming
The length of the skirt should emphasize your figure. The ideal way to figure out which length works best for you is to check the skirts you already own (or try on a pair at a store). Notice where the hem falls. According to 'InStyle', it must rest on the thinnest part of the legs, usually mid-thigh or just above the knee. Find three lengths that suit you and keep them in mind when shopping for skirts. You can do it easily if you are honest with yourself: we are all attracted to fashion in one way or another, we just have to admit it!
The hems should be straight, with no unevenness in front or back. If not, try another one
Step 4. Choose a 50s style skirt
Try half-wheel or bell-shaped skirts, as they are suitable for almost any figure - especially the bell-shaped one. The fashionable girls of the 50s owe their looks to these soft and flirty lines that make the skirt perfect for both work and going out. In addition, these types of skirts are suitable for almost any body figure - they make slim women look more curvy and soften the curves of plumper ones. You will only have to worry about the length and the fabric.
- If the skirt is too long you will look like a grandmother, if it is too short you will look like something out of the 60s or 90s inspired by the rock scene. This style is perfect if you have nice hips that you want to show off, but if you are the quiet type, you will find yourself the center of attention as soon as you move! Typically, the perfect length is knee length or just above, because the curve of the hem helps the calf by 'cutting' the knee.
- If you are a fan of vintage, this is a great skirt to look for at vintage clothing stores. You can find fabulous 50s cotton skirts, perfect for parties, in quirky and unique fabrics. Don't forget the evening look: you should find semi-sheer, layered and maybe sequined fabrics. And remember: for a perfect 50s shape, cinch your waist with a wide belt and wear a petticoat!
Step 5. If you have abundant curves, choose the pencil skirt carefully
A perfect way to look sexy without finding out too much is to choose a pin-up style bodycon skirt. Find the one that fits you best and you will immediately notice the result. Pay attention to linen and fabric. Obviously you will have to wear tight-fitting, non-ruffle underwear, choosing a fabric of a certain thickness. This way you will cover the curves without exposing them.
- Make sure you buy the right size skirt. Between the fabric and the skin you need to be able to slip a finger comfortably.
- If you like your waistline, get inspired by the high-waisted marine style that is now out of fashion.
Step 6. Put on the mini skirt with confidence
It's fun, essential for a 60s party. But when it comes to safety, it doesn't matter what size you wear. If you are thin, any type of skirt will do and you may particularly like that flirtatious style that occasionally comes back to the fore. If you have a little bit of curves, a straight miniskirt in a bit stiff fabric (like non-stretch denim) may be the best choice.
Step 7. Choose the flared line if you have an hourglass or slender figure
The flared skirt is a bit reminiscent of the 70s style, but it is simple and no frills, which makes it perfect for casual work wear. Be careful, though, as it can make you look plumper.
Step 8. Choose the goblet skirt if you have an hourglass, pear or slender figure as it creates soft curves
The goblet skirt usually flutters and has a gathered hem at the bottom. If the fabric is right, it will softly caress the figure, shaping it like an hourglass (especially if you eliminate the flares). If you have wide hips, this model should be avoided because it highlights the curves by drawing attention to the critical points.
Step 9. The tulip skirt is good for showing curves
It belongs to a style that was very popular in the 80s and now you will find it made with the latest fashion fabrics. Depending on the length it can be a great solution to make your figure stand out by exaggerating it - an illusion that Escher himself would be proud of. These tulip skirts have a wide band at the base (which distinguishes them from balloon skirts) so it is not good for very thin people: it is created for those with a lot of curves and otherwise you would not be sexy at all!
Step 10. Choose the balloon skirt if you do not have problems with large hips, tummy and big butt
A nightmare for those who lived through the 80s, but the balloon skirt can also be considered fun! For example, if you have to wear it for a theme party, pay attention to the length. Often the waist is very high despite the proportions and therefore everyone will end up seeing what you carry underneath! If you buy one but end up hating it quickly, you can turn it into a cute handbag by sewing the sides of the waist together and attaching a handle.
Step 11. Pair a straight cut skirt with a plain white tee for a clean look
Similar to the midi, but wider, the straight skirt can be very glamorous. It is not always suitable for the evening look, but it is still gorgeous for a slim person.
Step 12. Wear a full skirt if curves aren't your thing
Choose a stretch fabric skirt, pair it with boots and a denim jacket for an incredible look. If, on the other hand, you have some curves, choose a fabric that does not stick too much or even a silk gypsy-style skirt. Make sure you do not mark your hips too much and never choose an excessively long garment because no one likes to trip and fall.
Step 13. Match the mermaid skirt to the 'mullet' cut
They are both protagonists of the roaring 80s, loved by those who dress up and obviously a little over the top. If you take a look at the 1950s evening look you will see some mermaid dresses, even if they don't suit everyone. If it is too tight you will look like a mermaid tied by the knees and, in addition to being uncomfortable, it will ruin your evening. However, this style can balance hip width just like tight pants.
Advice
If you feel confident enough to wear any kind of skirt, no one will care (except your mother). Then find the model you prefer and flaunt it without worries! This applies to those looking for vintage garments; sometimes the fabrics are in such good condition that it is a shame to part with them even at the cost of wearing palazzo pajamas at a wedding. Don't forget: you can always fix the skirt with needle and thread. There are millions of online tutorials for learning how to make skirts from scratch
Warnings
- Don't wear too extravagant skirts unless you want to attract a lot of… "flies".
- If you go wrong with a type of skirt don't make a big deal out of it. Give it to a friend who can feel good about it and find one that suits you. Go shopping with her so you don't make the same mistake twice.
