Skirts look classic and when worn according to your figure, they look totally gorgeous.
1) Identify the different types of skirts available.
There are many choices out there and it’s useful to know the basic shapes if you’re not already skirt-conversant. The following are fairly standard skirt types from which other variations can be found:
- Schoolgirl skirt – a very short skirt style, often with pleats, can be used for sports
- Mini and micro-mini – short skirts
- Bubble skirt – bulges at the hem like a bubble
- Pencil skirt – slimline, very slinky
- Flip skirt – fitted from waist but then flares around the hemline
- Sarong – a wraparound skirt
- A-line – shaped pretty much like the letter A, can be any length
- Handkerchief – tends to hang in graduated hem lengths, with a diagonal hem cut
- Fishtail – slim waist, billows around hips, narrow around the knees, flares at the heels, like a mermaid’s tail
- Peasant – billowing, wide, layered style skirt, usually three quarter length.
2) Select a skirt according to your figure type.
The following guide is general and there may be some variations depending on the specifics of your own body shape:
Short figure:
The best skirts for short figures are tapered straight (slim) skirts and A-line skirts but avoid stiff A-lines as they can make you appear squat. Length should be around the knee; if it’s either too long or too short, the skirt can make you appear even shorter although if you have shapely legs, a shorter skirt can make them seem longer.
Suitable styles include button-fronts and wraparound skirts, as long as they are not stiff. And off-center slit can help to elongate the legs. Vertical embellishments or detailing will also help create the feeling of length. Things to avoid include hem detail, mid-calf length skirts, patch pockets, and girly skirts.
Thick waist:
If you have a thick waist, wear skirts that draw attention to your legs and away from the waist. Wear long and full skirts or short skirts. Avoid skirts with any embellishments around the middle, as these will draw attention to the waist.
Curvy figure:
Skirts with subtle tapering are ideal, and A-lines and wraparounds are also suitable. Choose skirts with a flat front, side or back zippers, drop-waists or no waistband if you’ve a thick waist (or keep if you have a waist to show off), flat-textures with little stretch, and soft, fluid fabrics to float over curves. As with the short figure, an off-center slit can help draw attention to the legs and not the curves.
Skirts to avoid include box styles, stiff fabrics, pleats, patch pockets, full styles, and any horizontal patterning. Don’t wear any skirts that are too tight.
Larger stomach:
Wear lightly tapered pencil skirts and A-line skirts that drape. Avoid waistbands or remove them, avoid anything clinging or tight, bias cuts, pleats, wraps, darts in the front, gathered or bulky styles, and front pockets.
Boy-like figure:
Skirts suitable for this type of figure include most styles although if you are concerned that your legs are too skinny, wear a long skirt with a slit or buttons on the front to increase the leg appeal. Pleating is good for slim hips and you can wear slanted pockets, patch pockets, gathering, belts, and thick waistbands. A small waist can be given added attention by the use of a wide belt.
Bottom-heavy figure:
This figure is flattered by a moderate A-line style or loose,softly draped skirts, and wraps, and the good news is that skirts flatter your figure more than pants. A tapered knee-length skirt can work if it’s not too severe, and avoid waistbands.
Details should be vertical, and prefer dark colors. Avoid pockets on the skirt, pleating all the way around, bias cuts or trims, Lycra fabric, hem detail, a lot of flare, or horizontal embellishment. Don’t wear any skirts that are too tight and avoid any skirts that have pleats above the hips.
Flat bottom:
Wear Lycra fabrics, tight skirts, and bias-cut skirts.
BY MISBAAH MANSURI
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