How to Style Skirts

Skirts are a great way to show off your legs. They are also more comfortable than pants. Plus, they can be layered with leggings or tights to keep you warm in winter.

Flared minis, knife-pleated midi shapes and below-the-knee pencil silhouettes have catapulted skirts from fashion’s wings into the main stage. The multiplicity of the new season’s styles is working as catnip to shoppers.

A-line

The A-line skirt is a modest wardrobe staple that looks professional, neat and groomed on nearly every body type. It flatters slim, small-hipped women and balances out larger hips and thighs by cinching in at the waistline and then gently flaring out to the hemline, which can be as low as the knee or as high as the thigh. This shape is also popular with top-heavy figures because it de-emphasizes the upper body, suggesting more of an hourglass figure.

While this style of skirt is a classic, it gained modern popularity in the 1950s as part of French designer Christian Dior’s (1905-1957) New Look fashion trend. Unlike the full, flowing Edwardian era styles, this A-line skirt is narrower at the waist and flares out gradually to the hemline, which can be anywhere from the knee to the ankle. When choosing an a-line skirt, you should pay attention to the fabric, as heavier fabrics can add bulk and make the skirt seem boxy and frumpy. Also, petite women should avoid a longer a-line skirt because it can shorten the legs and look boxy on them.

Pencil

Whether your look is polished or casual, a pencil skirt can be styled to suit. Choose a fabric that flatters your body type, and pair it with accessories that speak to your personal taste. For a polished look, choose a fitted blouse in a neutral color and tuck it into the waistband of your skirt. If you’re going for a casual vibe, leave the blouse untucked and add a belt to define your waist.

If you’re looking for a pencil skirt that will make you feel confident and sleek, this wrap-style option from Allegra K is a perfect choice. The front knot and asymmetrical hem offer a fun twist on the silhouette, and the cotton-linen blend is infused with plenty of stretch so you can move comfortably.

This skirt is a must-have for any wardrobe, and its wide color selection means you’re sure to find one that suits your personality. Its slim fit will also compliment most body types, and the stretchy bandage fabric hugs your curves without feeling tight or restrictive. Plus, you don’t have to worry about finding a belt to go with the skirt, since it comes with one included.

Circle

Whether you’re trying to evoke 1950s nostalgia Skirts or just want something a little more playful, a circle skirt is a classic. They’re easy to wear with a fitted tee and sandals for a summer look or tights and boots for the fall or winter.

This type of skirt uses a full circle pattern and you can calculate it with this website: Full Circle Skirt Calculator — this handy tool takes your waist size and desired hem length to give you separate FRONT and BACK pattern pieces. It also helps you determine how much fabric you need.

To draft the pattern, draw a rectangle on paper that is 4 1/4 inches wide and 1 inch deep. Then use a tape measure pinned to the corner of the paper to mark points at 4 1/4″ from the top and side edges of the rectangle (the radius of your waist circle). Connect the dots to draw a curved line that is 4 1/4″ long. This is the pattern piece for your skirt. You’ll need to cut the length as desired and add seam allowance.

Tulip

Tulip skirts are a fun option that can give your outfit a flirty and feminine vibe. They work best for girls with curves as they cinch the waist and hips in the most flattering way. They also look good on pear or hourglass shaped ladies. They are best paired with a slim-fitting top that tucks in the skirt or a crop top for a casual look.

A long tulip skirt can be worn with a striped tee for a casual outing with friends. Pair it with a neutral clutch and some heeled sandals to complete the look. A tulip skirt also works well for brunch with the gal pals. Just make sure to wear it with a light-colored, flowy top.

Another great option is a wrap skirt. Similar to the tulip skirt, they have a high-low hemline that goes from the front to the back. They are also ideal for work as they can Skirts be paired with conservative blouses in dark colors or even a suiting fabric like silk. You can even create a trendy casual look by pairing them with airy sleeveless tops and sneakers.

Hemline

While the fashion press may obsess over skirt length, there is no longer only one fashionable hemline at any given time. Skirts can be fashioned in many different styles and lengths, and you’ll want to select the length that best suits your body shape and style.

Hemlines can also be asymmetrical or even playful. The handkerchief hemline resembles the corner points of a traditional handkerchief hanging down, while the hi-low hemline tucks in at the front and then flares out at the back. A v-hemline is another type of asymmetrical hemline that can be both casual and flirty.

When stitching your hemline, it’s important to use the correct needle and thread color to match the fabric. Insert your needle into the hem’s top edge, starting from the underside and going up through the top of the hem’s top fold. Next, sew a tiny stitch directly above where you inserted the thread, making sure to pick up only a small amount of fabric (we’re talking just one or two threads). This will ensure that your hemline is perfectly straight.