There is a skirt length and style right for every body. Skirts can be formal or casual, depending upon fabrics and details. Shopping for skirts is easier if you know more about the types of skirts, names of skirt styles, and the sort of fit you should expect. Once you know more about the types of skirts you can figure out which skirt silhouettes fit and flatter your body best.
Slim Skirts
Slim skirts fit close to the body. Options for slim skirts include a traditional straight skirt that falls in a line from the hip, a pencil skirt that narrows from the hip line toward the knee, or a tulip skirt with gathers or pleating at the hips but a slim line at the knee. Straight skirts can be quite short or as long as mid calf; however, you will need a walking slit. Choose the straight skirt length most flattering to your legs. A small flounce, ruffle or pleated detail at the hem can soften the line of a classic straight skirt. Most pencil skirts end around the knee, either just above or just below and can be flattering to both slim and curvier figures. Tulip skirts are ideal for straight figures, as they add visual weight and curves to the lower body.
Fuller Skirts
There are many styles of full skirts. Pleated skirts, particularly with pleats starting at the hip or lower are easy to wear and flattering. Large, deep pleats look the most modern. Gored skirts and a-line skirts fit neatly at the waist and hip, then flare from there. Half circle or circle skirts have a lot of fullness at the hem, but retain a flattering fit at the hip and waist. These skirt styles suit a variety of body types and can work well for casual or dressier occasions. Dirndl or peasant skirts gather a significant amount of fabric at the hip or waist and add visual bulk at the waist.
Bias Cut Skirts
Skirts cut on the bias, or diagonal grain of the fabric, cling and flow with the body. These skirts are soft, move easily, and can be styled in a number of ways. Choose a simple bias cut skirt for casual wear, but consider a longer bias skirt with a flounce for a more dressed up skirt style. Bias cut skirts work best in soft fabrics, but these can range from wool jersey to silk satin. While bias cut garments are very flattering to many figures, they do cling so good undergarments are critical.




