How to Style a Skirt: 7 Tips for Styling Skirts

There are dozens of different types of skirts that you can wear to suit the style and season for which you’re dressing:

1. 1. A-line skirt: This skirt fits at the waist and has a slight flare as it travels to the hem, mimicking the shape of a capital letter A. This silhouette has a waist-narrowing effect.
2. 2. Asymmetrical skirt: An asymmetrical skirt features a hemline that is longer on one side than the other. One side of the skirt is usually shorter than the other.
3. 3. Bell skirt: A bell skirt includes a band of fabric at the waistline attached to a gathered circle of fabric that flares out into a bell shape. This silhouette adds volume to your hips and narrows your waist. A bell skirt is a popular choice for formal events, like weddings.
4. 4. Bubble skirt: A bubble skirt is fitted at the waist and flares out near the hips. It tapers in at the hemline to form a bubble shape out of the voluminous fabric, making your hips look wider and fuller.
5. 5. Bustle skirt: Bustle skirts are a modern take on the structural undergarments that women from the Victorian era wore under their dresses. This style features several gathers and tucks at the back of the skirt to create a crinkled, voluminous shape.
6. 6. Broomstick skirt: This skirt mimics the motion of a traditional broom, with a narrow waist and a long, flared shape that swishes as you move. The hem of a broomstick skirt is usually long and hits right at the ankles. A broomstick skirt has pleats, an elastic waistband, and lightweight, breathable fabrics. It is a high-coverage style that deemphasizes your curves and allows for a full range of movement.
7. 7. Circle skirt: A circle skirt is a more flared version of an A-line skirt. When you flatten the fabric of the skirt, it forms a perfect circle. This silhouette has a narrowing effect on your waistline.
8. 8. High-low skirt: A high-low skirt features a short hem in the front and a long hem in the back.
9. 9. Layered skirt: Making a layered skirt involves stitching several different fabric layers together so that each layer peeks out from under the previous to create a voluminous shape.
10. 10. Maxi skirt: A maxi skirt is a category that includes any floor-length skirt. For example, ankle-length skirts like broomstick skirts are also maxi skirts.
11. 11. Mermaid skirt: A mermaid skirt is slim-fitting at the waist and hips and flares out from a seam just above the hem to mimic a fishtail shape. This silhouette hugs your hips and emphasizes your waist. Mermaid skirts are a great option for elegant semi-formal wear or cocktail wear outfits.
12. 12. Midi skirt: A midi skirt is a medium-length skirt with a hem that hits anywhere from below the knee to slightly above the ankle. Midi skirts are often calf-length.
13. 13. Miniskirt: A miniskirt is a short skirt with a hem anywhere above the knees. This ubiquitous bottom is standard party wear.
14. 14. Peasant skirt: Inspired by the garments of historical working-class women, a peasant skirt is a long, high-waisted skirt made with pleats and layers to form a patchwork-like structure. This skirt deemphasizes your curves.
15. 15. Pencil skirt: This skirt is form-fitting from waist to hips to hem, usually featuring a slit in the back to allow for ease of movement. As fitted skirts, pencil skirts will draw attention to the lower part of the body, from waist to hips to knees. This silhouette is especially prominent in office wear.
16. 16. Pleated skirt: A pleated skirt features narrow pleats around the entire skirt for increased movability and comfort. Pleated skirts are typically fitted at the waist. They can be miniskirt length or knee-length and feature different pleat styles.
17. 17. Poodle skirt: A poodle skirt is a classic style from the 1950s in the US. It is a simple knee-length A-line skirt made of felt featuring an appliqué—usually of a poodle. This silhouette has a narrowing effect on the waist and draws attention away from wide hips.
18. 18. Sarong skirt: A sarong skirt is a simple wrap-around skirt that the wearer wraps around their body and ties at one side. It is a popular pool cover-up style.
19. 19. Skater skirt: A skater skirt is a shirt, flared A-line skirt that ends above the knees. This silhouette has a narrowing effect on your waist.
20. 20. Straight skirt: A straight skirt has a rectangle shape with similar measurements from waist to hips to hem, moving in a straight line down the wearer’s body. This silhouette doesn’t emphasize the lower body but can balance broad shoulders.
21. 21. Tiered skirt: A tiered skirt features different fabric circles stitched together as you move down the hem. This style typically flares out toward the bottom, making the waist look narrow and deemphasizing the hips. Tiered skirts come in various lengths, from knee-length to floor-length.
22. 22. Tulip skirt: A tulip skirt has hems that tuck into the skirt’s body, creating an irregular hemline that resembles an upside-down tulip flower.
23. 23. Tutu skirt: A tutu skirt is a tulle skirt with an elastic waistband featuring many flared layers of tulle. This silhouette narrows your waist and deemphasizes your hips.
24. 24. Wrap skirt: A wrap skirt wraps around the wearer’s body, typically secured with a tie strap, drawing attention to your waist.

Here are some tips to consider when styling a skirt:

1. 1. Add a belt. A stylish belt can breathe life into an otherwise plain ensemble. Longer skirts often look more flattering with wider belts, while shorter ones look great with thin belts.
2. 2. Balance your outfit. Keep your outfit proportions in mind as you style your skirt. Balance out an oversized piece with a fitted piece. Wear a fitted top (like a tank top or tube top) with a baggy or flowy skirt (like a peasant skirt) to accentuate your shape. Conversely, if you’re wearing a more form-fitting skirt, pair it with a loose blouse or ruffled top to help balance your silhouette.
3. 3. Bring a jacket. A light cardigan, blazer, or leather jacket can complement the line of your skirt, especially if you’re wearing a fitted top. Drape your jacket over your shoulders for an effortless look.
4. 4. Make a statement. Make a statement skirt—like a ruffled skirt or bold printed skirt—the focal point of your outfit. Keep the rest of your outfit neutral to avoid a busy look.
5. 5. Pick the right shoes. Select a pair of shoes that flatters your skirt. Many long and short skirts—from broomstick skirts to pleated skirts—will work well with dressy sandals, open-toed high heels, or booties. Short, flared skirts and miniskirts pair well with ankle boots or knee-high boots. Pair a casual denim miniskirt with flat sneakers for a more casual outfit. Tailor your shoe’s heel height to the specific skirt you’re wearing. Choose shoes that add height when wearing skirts that expose more of your legs to elongate your frame.
6. 6. Wear socks with short skirts. Mid-calf or knee-high socks add collegiate charm to shorter-length skirts. Alternatively, pair white or black socks with a plaid skirt and shiny black loafers.
7. 7. Wear tights. Wear your favorite skirts all winter long with the right tights (or leggings). Try beige, brown, or black tights or incorporate complementary colors, such as a grey plaid skirt with navy tights, or an orange corduroy skirt with brown leggings.

There are several ways to style your tops and skirts to avoid having any excess fabric bunch up at your shirt hem. Follow these style tips for inspiration:

1. 1. Knot your shirt. Knot your top in front to gather up any excess fabric while avoiding the potential bulk from a tuck. To knot a button-up blouse, undo the last two or three buttons and tie the ends together into a knot. For a white or graphic tee, grab the front of the shirt and twist, then tie it into a single knot. (Use a hair tie or rubber band to secure the knot.)
2. 2. Try a fitted top. Pair a bodysuit with your skirt for a smoother silhouette that avoids the bulk of tucking. Bodysuits with long sleeves suit cold weather perfectly.
3. 3. Tuck to accentuate. Whether you pair your skirt with a white T-shirt, turtleneck, or blouse, tucking in your top can be a flattering way to accentuate your body shape. A full tuck works for high-waisted skirts, while a French tuck works for low-waisted skirts. Keep in mind that tucking certain shirt types—particularly longer ones—into a skirt may leave you with extra fabric that adds bulk beneath the waistband.
4. 4. Wear a crop top. Pair a crop top with a pencil skirt or maxi skirt to eliminate any bulk in your outfit. Some retail stores will even sell crops and skirts together as a complete set.

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