Skirt Styles : What They Do for Us

OOTD:

Jeans, chambray shirt, grey sweater, wedge shoes.

I've recently been helping a friend find the holes in her wardrobe (figure out what she needs), and it led us to skirts.  She'd really like to rock a skirt, but isn't sure what style would be best.  We've all been there, right?  So let's talk about skirt styles and what they will do for your body.

I'm not going to label which body types go with which skirt, because it truly depends on what you want the skirt to do for you.  For example:  You've got a pear shape, meaning you're bottom heavy.   Most fashion sites will tell you to wear a skirt that de-emphasizes your hips, such as Straight or A-Line.  But what if you like your hips?  What if that's something you want to show off?  Then maybe you want to choose a Pencil or Fit and Flare skirt.  Make sense?  So here we go.

SKIRT STYLES:

Pencil - Classic, typically high waisted and to the knee, slightly tapered.  Wear this skirt if you want to emphasize your hips without adding volume.

Bandage - Similar to pencil, but shorter, tighter, and with more stretch.  Wear this skirt if you want to emphasize your hips, butt, and legs.

Straight - As the name implies, this skirt goes straight down from the hip.  Wear this skirt if you want to de-emphasize your hips.  It's a great alternative to the pencil skirt.

A-Line - Made in the shape of an A, it is often considered the most universally flattering.  Wear this skirt if you want to de-emphasize your hips.

Flare - Slightly more volume than the A-Line.  Wear this skirt if you want to add curves to your lower half.

Circle - Forms a circle when laid flat.  Wear this to add volume to your lower half.

Full - Typically gathered or pleated at the waist.  Wear this to add volume to your lower half giving your more of a hip.

Had to get my nerdliness in with a Star Trek skirt.

Fit and Flare - Fitted through the hip, flaring out at the bottom.  It has a similar look to the A-Line, but will emphasize the hips.

SKIRT LENGTHS:

Mini - Well above the knee.  Probably best left to the younger crowd and for parties, and use caution as it will cut your leg off at the widest point.  But it can also be a good option for shorter women in order to elongate the legs, making them look taller.

Knee - To the top, middle, or just below the knee.  Often the most universally flattering because it cuts your leg at the narrowest part.

Midi - Traditionally known as a "Tea Length," this skirt falls half way between the knee and ankle.  It's a very difficult length to pull off as it cuts the leg at the second widest part and can make you look shorter than you are.  But it will be GREAT for you if you have super skinny legs that you want to add some shape to.

Maxi - Falls between the ankle and floor.  Be careful as these can quickly add volume to the lower half if you don't get a slim design.  So if you're top heavy or "banana" shaped, the volume will help create curves.

There ya go, loves!  Did I miss anything?  Let me know what you think and if these tips help you!

<3, Mandy