Whether you’re celebrating or mourning the retirement of shorts as fall rapidly approaches, everyone should be well-equipped to handle an amazing skirt (or seven) that transitions into cooler weather. Not all women’s bodies are created equal, and with so many shapes and sizes, our guide will help you narrow down the winning options for yours.
Curvy
You’ve got a natural hourglass to show off and sometimes the border between way-chic and too-sexy can be dangerously thin. Tailored skirts in a structured fabric work best. Look for side panels, well-placed darting, or a higher waist to show off your lower half. Don’t shy away from a mini, but look for draping or an asymmetrical hemline to avoid being over-the-top sexy.
Get Kim Kardashian’s look with Zara’s Draped Skirt in Orange, $79.90. Available at Zara.
Boyish
Your long and lean frame shouldn’t feel shapeless. Play up your hips with body hugging fabrics, or add oomph and dimension to your shape with a swing skirt or a pretty print. If opting for a plain skirt, look for piping or routing to enhance your curves. Other fun details like zippers, big bows and pockets will draw attention to hips and thighs in the right way.
Get Olivia Palermo’s look with Michael Kors’ Fringe Suede Skirt in Indigo, $300. Available at Michael Kors.
Apple
Your main focus is narrowing down your waistline. A skirt that is fitted at the waist and flares out will show off your characteristically slim legs while whittling down your waistline. To balance your top half, add width on the bottom with a bright coloured A-line skirt.
Get Jennifer Hudson’s look with Aritzia’s Talula Tai Skirt in Teardrop Intarsia, $60. Available at Aritzia.
Petite
Opt for a tapered skirt. Nude heels are a surefire way to elongate shorter legs when paired with a high-waisted mini. Mid-thigh hems and slingbacks are another awesome trick to keep you looking tall. Don’t be afraid to use a tailor to hem a great skirt into a length that is more flattering.
Get Rachel Bilson’s look with Jessica Simpson’s Heather Crossover Lace Trimmed Skirt in Grey Speckled Combo, $84. Available at The Bay.
Pear
Prepare to let A-line skirts put you on the A-list. A-lines disguise hips and thighs, while heavier, non-clingy fabrics ensure that your skirt isn’t grabbing in the wrong places. Stick to choices that fall at the knee, or just above it. Pair your skirt with a shirt that stays at or above the waistline.
Get Kelly Osbourne’s look with French Connection’s Luna Legend Flared Skirt in Mid Grey Melange, $158. Available at French Connection.
Plus
Like any other shape, the wrong fabrics or cuts highlight everything you don’t want to pay attention to. Look for A-line skirts that hit around the knee to add great proportion to your body. Dark, solid colours slim down your lower-half and do amazing things to accentuate a waistline. Avoid gathered waistlines, or high-waisted skirts which can add fullness around your middle. Don’t shy away from a mini that falls an inch or two above the knee.
Get Amber Riley’s look with Faith 21’s Pleated A-Line Skirt in Black, $24.80. Available at Forever 21.
