The longuette skirt is a classic item of clothing suitable for virtually every woman's wardrobe. To make the most of this garment, keep a few simple rules in mind as you prepare the look to wear with your skirt.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Skirt
Step 1. Choose the size that fits your body size
It may seem obvious, but when choosing a pencil skirt, make sure it is the right size. Although most clothing brands make skirts to standard measurements, it's best to try them on before buying one.
- If the skirt is too loose, it could create excessive volume around the waist. In this way, the waistline would be wider and you would risk having a somewhat stocky appearance.
- On the other hand, if the skirt is too tight, it could form bulges along the thighs, belly and lower back. Too narrow a pencil skirt will also make it difficult to walk.
- If you don't know where to start, look for a skirt whose belt is approximately 5 cm above your navel. It should wrap around the widest part of your hips without feeling tight, taper and end at a point below this area, but not directly over it.
Step 2. Experiment with different lengths and different heights
Depending on the length of the lower hem and the height of the belt, you will notice a slightly different effect on your overall appearance. Although there are some general guidelines to take into consideration, the best way to determine the length and height suitable for your figure is to try on a variety of skirts of different styles and evaluate which one you prefer by looking in the mirror.
- If you want to look taller or slimmer, consider a short skirt with a high waist. By moving the skirt towards the upper part of the body, you will create the illusion of longer legs and a more tapered waist.
- On the contrary, a woman who is already tall can opt for a longuette that reaches the knee or just below. Another possibility could be to highlight naturally slender legs with a short skirt. However, a little extra length, when tall enough to afford it, can create a sophisticated look.
Step 3. Play with colors, textures and patterns
Nowadays, midi skirts are produced in a wide range of fabrics and prints. If you want a versatile enough garment you can stick to a classic style, but if you are feeling bold, choosing something more original can be a great way to add a touch of sparkle to your look.
- With a black skirt you will be on the safe side, so stay on that genre, if you are looking only for an item of clothing that is easy to match. Bold colors and prints can be tricky for an elegant look, while a black midi can make it easier to switch from formal to casual to seductive.
- Also pay attention to how colors, patterns and textures affect your overall appearance. The further you move away from the standard black skirt, the more attention you will attract on the lower part of the body.
Step 4. Take your curves into account
The longuette is suitable for almost any body size, but if you are particularly curvy on the hips it is best to pay attention to the way you wear it. In fact, by wrapping the thighs, the longuette tends to emphasize the curves of the lower part of the body: in this way you can be sexier and such an effect may not be appropriate for every occasion.
- To distract attention from the lower part of your body, opt for a black, solid color skirt, combined with a textured or patterned top. In this way, the visual stimulus in the upper part of the body should draw the eye upwards.
- Also pay attention to the hem of the skirt. Make sure it doesn't end on the widest part of your thighs, otherwise the excess volume will look even more noticeable than usual. Skirts that end just above - or just below - the knees are usually a better choice, since these are the tightest points on the leg.
Step 5. Try a skirt with a slit or pleats
In case you've tried a standard midi and didn't like the way it fell on your curves, don't give up. Try another one with a slit on the back or darts sewn inside. Each of these two options will slightly change the shape of the skirt in a way that you may find more eye-catching.
- To make your hips and legs look slimmer, consider wearing a skirt with two pleats on the front: they are able to thin the waist and entice the eye to walk the body from the bottom up, instead of side to side. other.
- To reconcile a narrow waist and wide thighs, you could consider a longuette with a slit, measuring between 5 and 8 cm, in the center of the back hem. The slit will give more freedom of movement to the legs and at the same time keep the belt tight in the right place to maintain the proper fit. In addition, the slits can give the skirt a more sensual and provocative air.
Part 2 of 3: Building the Look
Step 1. Maintain a smooth silhouette
The longuette is a close-fitting and tight-fitting item of clothing, therefore the wrong underwear will risk producing unwanted lines or folds. For this reason, to build the perfect look it is best to start with undergarments.
- In most cases, any type of underwear will do if the skirt fits well. However, for particularly tight midi you can consider seamless briefs or a thong to eliminate unwanted lines.
- To hide unwanted skin folds, you can also opt for modeling lingerie. A waistband or a waistband should be able to give structure to the lower abdomen and upper thighs, thus making the entire area appear smoother and slimmer.
Step 2. Balance the volume
The longuette hugs the curves of the lower part of the body, then add volume to the upper part, if you want to keep the overall look balanced.
- A loose sweater can be suitable for this purpose. The secret is to choose one that is structured to fall softly on the body, rather than one that is simply oversized, large or boxy.
- The neckline is another element to take into consideration. Choosing a sweater with a deep V-neckline or a gathered one will make the upper half of your body appear more shapely and voluminous.
- You can achieve the same result with colors. Wearing a light or bright color on the top will create the impression of greater volume, even if the shirt is snug.
Step 3. Establish a focal point for your outfit
It can be represented by the longuette, or you can decide to shift the focus to another element. It is usually preferable to keep only one focal point, to prevent the overall appearance from being too full.
- Keep this in mind when choosing colors and patterns. In case your skirt is a bold pattern, choose a simpler top. On the contrary, if the skirt is of a sober style, you can add a little spice to your outfit with a sweater with more vibrant colors and patterns.
- Be careful, because the focal point of the body will correspond to the most prominent part. If you want to draw attention to the curves in the lower part of the body or make your legs appear more shapely than usual, opt for a patterned skirt. Instead, if you want to divert attention from that point, choose a colorful patterned blouse.
Step 4. You can tuck the blouse inside the skirt or leave it outside
Regardless of the type of shirt you wear, you can choose whether to wear it inside or outside. Each of the two options will have a different result, so you should make your choice based on the general effect you want to create.
- It is usually preferable to tuck the blouse inside the skirt to produce a more orderly and sophisticated effect. This option, drawing attention to the waist, also makes the legs appear longer and the waist more tapered. However, it also helps to shorten the bust and, if you are short or short, this could be an undesirable effect.
- On the other hand, letting the blouse fall softly on the body will give you a relaxed and friendly look and will help elongate the bust. However it could make the waist appear wider than normal and, if the shirt is too long, it could also make the legs look strangely short.
Step 5. Accompany the pencil skirt with the correct belt
If you decide to tuck the blouse inside the skirt, consider enhancing the upper part of the skirt with a belt. Generally, choose one that is a darker color than the shirt and midi, to make the waist look even more tapered.
You can wear a belt even if the shirt is not tucked inside the skirt. In this case, opt for a thinner one and wear it directly over the shirt at the height of the narrowest part of the waist. If you are wearing a loose fit shirt, this might be a particularly good choice as it will help you maintain a curvy look
Part 3 of 3: Creating a Specific Look
Step 1. Wear it to the office
The longuette is a perfect garment for any occasion, but it best expresses its potential when worn in the workplace, for example in the office or at a business meeting. Pair a longuette in a soft hue with other timeless pieces for a classic and sophisticated look.
- Choose a neutral, solid color for the skirt. Black is a classic choice, but navy blue, brown, tan, gray or cream can also work. If you want a patterned skirt at all costs, choose a subdued motif like pinstripe or houndstooth.
- Pair it with a classic shirt with a buttoned collar or a pretty blouse. For a feminine but mature look, consider a wrinkled shirt or one with an attractive print, if you want to add a touch of panache to the ensemble. To finish off the look, slip it inside the skirt.
- Choose a rather simple pair of shoes and accessories. Closed heels are the most classic choice, but the right pair of ballet flats can also work. If you are wearing jewelry, stick to simple elements that are not too bright.
Step 2. Wear it to an evening of fun
Thanks to its wraparound effect on the hips, the longuette is a sufficiently sensual item of clothing to be worn on a date or an evening with friends. Accompany it with other feminine garments to make it more fashionable and make the most of its potential.
- Virtually any color or pattern can do, if accompanied by the right clothing. However, to increase your sex appeal, consider wearing a high-waisted midi skirt that can narrow the waist, or one with a slight slit on the back or side.
- You can indulge yourself and choose the blouse you want, starting from a simpler one up to one with glitter. Evening is the perfect time to play with bold prints, bright colors, short hems and other provocative elements.
- A pair of high-heeled shoes with décolleté or straps is usually the type of footwear suitable for an evening look, but if you can't wear heels, you can replace them with a nice pair of flat shoes.
- The evening look also allows you to be daring with shiny jewels. However, if they are not your thing, you could wear a bold and trendy accessory with a particular design or with a bright matte stone.
Step 3. Maintain a casual look
The right kind of midi can also be made less demanding to suit a relaxed but trendy daytime look to wear on the weekend. Pair it with other casual-style clothing to balance the overall look.
- You can make a black midi casual, even if during the day it is the ideal time to switch from black to a lighter or brighter color. Patterns can work too, but avoid shiny or glittery materials.
- For the upper body, opt for tight but comfortable clothing: a soft pullover, a T-shirt, a denim shirt and other similar items are the perfect choice.
- Shoes and accessories should remain pretty basic. Flat shoes and sandals are some of the best options, and in case the rest of your outfit lacks patterned patterns, you can spice it up with a pair of patterned shoes. Accessories (like hats, scarves, and belts) and simple, non-shiny jewelry can help you keep the tone right.
Step 4. Make it a garment suitable for winter
It is not necessary to put the longuette in the wardrobe as soon as the cold arrives: if you keep your legs and arms covered, you can continue to wear it with practically any type of look (professional, evening or casual).
- Cover your legs with the right nylons. Plain plain nylons are often the best choice for a professional look. They can also be fine for an evening look, but you can also create some movement by wearing black stockings or with a glittery texture. For a casual style, colored or patterned socks are usually more suitable.
- To cover the arms you can choose a long-sleeved shirt or your favorite, or even keep a short-sleeved shirt, wearing a jacket over it. Consider a matching cardigan or blazer for a formal look. Instead, for an evening of fun, opt for a leather jacket, a special blazer or a shimmering shrug. Make your casual, everyday look warmer with a pullover or denim jacket.
- Also remember to wear appropriate shoes for the season. Cold weather is suitable for boots: a pair with heels are an excellent choice for the office or for the evening, while low boots are ideal if you want a more comfortable shoe.
