Owning black skirt is a tradition, one of which every woman should observe. A simple black skirt can go with any piece of clothing. It can also be worn to almost everywhere. If you own only one black skirt, you are missing the versatility of many styles. There are many styles of skirt which can be useful on different occasions. Pencil skirts, full skirts, short skirts (mini), skirts with bell shaped bottoms, A-line skirts, skirts with pleats, bubble skirts, and a circle skirt.

Skirts, like pants, have also had their share of fad designs. Fad designed skirts have either been a mainstay of fashion, like the leather skirt, or have faded away into fashion history like the poodle skirt. While some fads are still worn regularly, many are worn only to represent a period of time in history, like costumes.

Black skirts come in many different materials which aren't so versatile. A black skirt made with lace or chiffon is probably not ideal for a casual day shopping, but a simple black wool skirt wold be serviceable. That same woolen skirt may also be worn to the office, but you probably wouldn't be comfortable at a formal function wearing one. There are hundreds of different materials that make having more than one black skirt a necessity.

Along with styles, colors and materials, hemlines is another part of a skirt's design which bears thinking about, before buying. Skirts come in a variety of lengths from mini to floor length and while it may seem that some lengths are meant for office, some for formal affairs and some for fun and play, this isn't always the case. Many for length gowns, for instance, should not be worn to a professional office, likewise some mini skirts can be worn to the workplace (think Ally McBeal skirts).

There are some basics about buying a black skirt which is helpful to know. What materials and styles are best for professionals? Which styles can be worn during a daytime shopping spree and then worn to an evening dinner? Which skirts work with both the office and a formal get together? These questions are important to answer, if you are to choose a skirt which can be worn on many occasions.

Off to buy a new black skirt? Check out what styles you can find to narrow your search to your needs.

Pencil skirts are the most versatile of all skirt styles. This type of skirt hangs straight along a woman's hips and to the hem. Hemlines vary from mini to floor length, however, the most common and flexible pencil skirt has its hemline just above, or at, the knee. This skirt style is the most popular suit skirt and looks the most businesslike. A typical business version will be crepe, wool or rayon. Almost all pencil skirts have a slit or pleated back to allow more free movement of the legs.

Full or circle skirts have the material gathered at the waist and are commonly found as swing skirts. Full type skirts are usually a bad choice for fuller hipped figures. Circle skirts are called such because they form a circle with a hole in the middle when laid out completely. Circle skirts are slightly different than full skirts as they can be flat at the top (no gathered waist).

An A-line skirt is the second most common style of skirt, it's also the most flattering for all figures. Typically this type of skirt is a mix of the pencil and circle skirt as it tapers towards the waist and flares slightly as it flows towards the hem.

Pleated skirts are fabric folds along the length of the skirt. Some pleated skirts begin at the waist and go to the hem and some have only the pleats at the waist or hip area.

Tiered skirts have tiers of material sewn horizontally and layered. Some tiered skirts have two layers and some have many tiers. Most tiered skirts are made for semi-formal or formal occasions, but a few styles can be worn casually.

Asymmetrical and bias cut skirts have their 'cut' either diagonally (bias) or to have different lengths (asymmetrical)

Black skirts for the plus size figure can be many beautiful styles. While a pencil skirt may seem out of range, its actually one of the most flattering styles for curvier women. The A-line, pencil and circle skirts are best. Light wools or thin materials are great choices for the heavier bottomed women. If you're heavier on the bottom or have thick waists, like me, you'll want to avoid any pleated skirts or gathered full skirts. Tiered skirts are also not wise unless they have a flat front and the tier is towards the hem. Likewise stay clear of heavy denims and heavy wools. For winter choose worsted wool or a black leather skirt.

Thinner women can choose black skirts in almost every style of skirt except the pencil skirt (unless they want to look even thinner). Thinner materials can accentuate thinner structures, its best to stay clear of flimsy materials. The best styles are the fuller, tiered and circle skirts which add fullness to the curves of the body. Pleats and ruffles are a great choices for the thinner woman, who needs to add some thickness to the hips. Choose heavy black denim skirts, corduroy and leather, or ruffled chiffon.

Tall women can carry any style of skirt except regular waistline micro mini. While a micro mini can show off long legs, it can also make the torso seem smaller. Should you choose to wear minis, find low waist-ed mini skirts or hip waist-ed ones. A long black skirt can be a great way to hold length while adding style.

Smaller and petite women are best served by wearing pencil skirts or flared skirts to the knee. Fuller figured petite women should try skirts that end just below the knee line. Remember that longer lengths make the body look longer as do fuller skirts. Asymmetrical skirts are the perfect choice for a petite woman. Petite women also can sport the black mini skirt with flair.

If you choose a full, tiered or pleated black skirt, it's important to streamline the top. Ruffles, fringe and other adornments will make the outfit too busy. Choose instead lovely simple colors, or if you skirt is plain black, you can spice it up with some floral prints.

Pencil, and flared skirts look great with blazers and are fantastic for the professional woman.

The simple answer to this is : as many as possible. But the basics are the best. 1 basic pencil skirt in black for the office and business meetings as well as semi-formal dinners. A classic chiffon or silk flared skirt for a wedding or other formal event is a must. Lastly a cotton or denim black skirt for office or play.

Black skirts aren't limited to one shade. A black skirt can still have some versatility with small floral prints. Stay away from trendy styles of skirts unless its unimportant to be able to wear the skirt for years and years.