Women's Skirt Buying Guide

Before you look for the skirts that will flatter your figure, you'll want to be aware of the different skirts that are available. Then, when you have found the skirts that are right for you, you can choose shirts to complete the look.

Types of skirts

• Circle: If you set a circle skirt onto the floor with the waistband in the middle, it would make a full circle. This full skirt is usually rather short, and it's usually made of a lightweight fabric.
• A-line: Narrow at the waist with a slight flare at the bottom, an A-line skirt is almost universally flattering. A-line skirts are usually about knee-length.
• Pencil: Narrow and straight--like its namesake--pencil skirts add or show off curves.
• Trouser: Trouser skirts can be fitted or flared, but they all share the details of a pair of trousers: fly fronts, belt loops and pockets.
• Pleated: The folded fabric of pleated skirts--which may start at the waist or be stitched closed to the hip--lends fullness to the look.
• Tiered: Horizontal bands of fabric are sewn together to create a flared tier. Tiered skirts are usually at least mid-calf length and can be formal or casual, depending on the fabric the skirt is made of.
• Mini: With their mid-thigh length, mini skirts are flattering on women with great legs.
• Maxi: An ankle-length skirt which can be made of summer- or winter-weight fabric, long skirts may not show any leg, but with the right top, these skirts can be very fashionable.
• Bias-cut: A bias-cut skirt is made of fabric which has been cut on the diagonal, giving it a feminine flowing look.
• Asymmetrical: With one side of the hem longer than the other, asymmetrical skirts have a fun feel that's perfect for an evening out.

Find the skirts that work for you

Skirts can be one of the most flattering pieces of clothing, but only if you choose the skirts that are right for your body. Here's what to look for:

Petites

• Look for straight skirts, like pencil skirts, or something slightly flared, like an A-line skirt.
• The length is tricky: your skirt should be just above the knee if you're slender, and it should just cover the kneecap if you're larger on top.
• Vertical details, like stripes or seams, can add to your height.
• Skirts with an off-center slit will make your legs look longer.
• A full-length skirt can create height.
• Avoid skirts with excessive details.

Curvy

• Skirts with a slight flare that just cover the knee will be the best choice.
• Choose skirts with flat fronts and back closures.
• If your curves make you a little bottom-heavy, choose skirts that end at the narrowest part of your knee.
• If your curves make you a little heavier in the middle, skirts without a waistband or with a dropped-waist will de-emphasize the area.
• Avoid skirts with pleats that start at the waist--the pleats may pull open in an unflattering way.

Boyish

• Pencil skirts can give you the illusion of curves.
• The fullness of a tiered skirt, pleated skirt or a circle skirt will add curves to your body in a pretty way.
• The stiffness of a denim skirt can create the look of hips.

Tall

• Women with long legs can carry off mid-length skirts beautifully.
• An asymmetrical skirt can emphasize gorgeous long legs.
• Approach mini skirts with caution: balance your legs with flat shoes and a top that doesn't reveal too much.

What to wear on top

Find the balance

Your skirts should be flattering to your body and show off your style. Create fashionable outfits with skirts by finding a balance. Balancing your skirts with your shirts, jackets or sweaters means two things: balancing the proportions and the styles.

• Proportion: Create a long, lean look with the proportions of your skirt and top. If your skirt is long or full, choose a top that is cropped, such as a jacket with a waistband. If your skirt is short or narrow, choose a top that is long, like a tunic top.
• Style: Avoid looking like you're wearing a costume by balancing the styles of your skirt and top. A plaid skirt worn with a white blouse may look like a school uniform, but when the same skirt is worn with a turtleneck sweater, a chic cool-weather look is born. A long, heavyweight skirt worn with a long-sleeved, heavy top will look too bundled up; switch the top for a pretty chiffon blouse and you're ready for a night out.

Wear it now--and next season

Extend the life of your skirts by creating different outfits. The tops you pair with your skirts can make your skirt wearable over a few seasons. For example:

• A wool A-line skirt worn with a sweater and boots is perfect all winter long. In spring, swap out the sweater for a pretty tee shirt and kitten-heel shoes to keep wearing the skirt.
• A floral skirt is a spring staple with a bright cardigan and heels. The same skirt can be worn all summer with a polo shirt and sandals.
• A denim skirt transitions easily from season to season. Wear your jean skirts with a blouse and heels in fall, a slouchy sweater and boots in the winter, a short-sleeved wrap top and peep-toe pumps in spring and a tank top and sandals in summer.

Caring for your skirts

Like all clothing, you'll want to make sure you follow the instructions on the care label to ensure the longest life for your skirts. Use hangers with clamps or clips to let your skirts hang by their waistbands so hanging won't create wrinkles. Additionally, here are a few tips for caring for skirts that you'll want to be aware of:

• Leather or suede skirts: Wipe your leather skirt with a damp cloth after wearing it; brush your suede skirt with a suede brush. Both types of skirts should be dry cleaned when needed.
• Denim skirts: Turn your denim skirts inside-out for laundering; wash in cold water and dry on low heat.
• Wool skirts: Dry clean your wool skirts as infrequently as possible. Store wool skirts in a cloth garment bag with cedar or some other moth-repellant.
• Pleated skirts: Depending on the fabric, most pleated skirts can be laundered at home, but having pleated skirts professionally cleaned and pressed would assure you had neatly pressed pleats.

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