How to Choose a Stylish Skirt

A skirt is one of the cornerstones of any woman's wardrobe. It can transform its wearer beyond recognition, turning a mousy office worker into a femme fatale and vice versa. That is precisely why choosing this particular item of clothing throws up so many difficulties and doubts. Many women own skirts they have never worn and never intend to wear — the consequences of a poor choice.

You can buy a skirt in our online shop by following the latest fashion trends. There is no guarantee, however, that it will suit your figure and fit into the look you have in mind. A safer bet is to start from the classic silhouettes, which we shall look at in more detail.

Popular Skirt Silhouettes

• The bell skirt. As the name suggests, this skirt resembles a bell, flaring out from the waist towards the hem. It first appeared several centuries ago, when it was worn over a large number of petticoats. Practical and comfortable, it remains popular today. The length can reach the floor, though knee-length versions also exist.

• The tulip skirt. This silhouette was born from a bold experiment in the last century. The hem of an ordinary full skirt was folded under and stitched inwards, creating an attractive shape reminiscent of this spring flower. It is made chiefly from soft fabrics that drape well over the figure. If you are after a women's summer skirt, this is precisely the silhouette to turn to.

• The pencil skirt. These skirts can be considered classics, if only because they can be found in the majority of women's wardrobes. Most often they are knee-length and slightly tapered towards the bottom. The slit may be at the front or at the sides. You may also come across trims in the form of pleats, embroidery or flounces, which give the pencil skirt a more informal feel.

• The barrel skirt. This skirt always has a lining. It is the difference in width between the lining and the outer fabric that creates the silhouette, giving the garment its barrel-like shape. These are usually short styles that pair well with a blouse, vest top or other top. That is why young women are so fond of them.
  The full-circle skirt. The popularity of this silhouette comes down to how simple it is to make and the variety of styles available, from ultra-mini to floor-length. In its simplest form it is a circle of fabric with an opening for the waist. One or several panels of fabric may be used. The skirts may feature a belt or zip, but most often designers settle for a simple elastic waistband.

• The half-circle skirt. A less flared version of the previous silhouette, forming a semicircle when laid out flat. It has at least one seam, but most often a wrap design is used. The silhouette works well not only for colourful summer styles but also for evening outfits made from luxurious fabrics. There are no restrictions on length — there are even models with a train.

From all of the above we can rightly conclude that there are no bad silhouettes — each has its own features and advantages. But you cannot simply grab the first skirt you find and put it on any random woman. The result will be tasteless, or even downright vulgar. Why does this happen? The reason is that everyone has a different figure, and this must be taken into account when choosing outfits. Let us take a closer look at which skirts suit women with different body types.

Choosing a Skirt by Body Type

Women's figures are unique, yet there are common traits and informal names for the different body types.

• Pear. Wide hips and substantial legs combined with a slim waist and narrow shoulders. Women with this figure are advised to avoid overly tight, short skirts, as these visually enlarge the lower part of the figure. Mid-length pencil skirts or loose tulip skirts work well.

• Apple. The figure's centre of gravity sits around the waist, with a broad bust and a protruding tummy. Women with this figure usually have slender legs, and these are what should be emphasised. Beltless pencil skirts or styles with asymmetric hems are ideal for this.

• Rectangle. Shoulder width is almost the same as hip width, and the bottom tends to be flat. These women are advised to choose styles with a belt that emphasises the waist. As for silhouettes, the full-circle or half-circle skirt will suit.

• Hourglass. The most balanced figure, distinguished by a slim waist. Women with this figure and shapely legs can carry off almost any silhouette and style. They look especially striking in pencil skirts that sit just below the knee.

• Inverted triangle. The upper part of the figure dominates the lower, with shoulders noticeably wider than the hips. A well-chosen skirt can visually balance the upper and lower halves of the figure. The following silhouettes work well for this: bell, tulip and full-circle.

For your new purchase to fit well, you need to choose the right size. When buying a skirt online, measure your waist and hip circumference. Compare the result with the sizes given in the manufacturer's chart. The skirt should be neither too tight nor too loose.

For a true woman, refreshing her wardrobe is a complex and costly process. You have to settle on the silhouette, colour and length of the skirt and choose the right fabric. To avoid overpaying in dubious boutiques, it is best to deal with trusted online shops. There you can buy a women's skirt to suit your taste and your budget without spending a fortune.