Skirt Styles for Every Body Type

There are a variety of skirt styles from which to choose, but as it is with fashion, choosing the right one to complement your body type is an art form.

Skirts cut about one to two inches above the knee are flattering to all women, but especially so to those with shorter, stockier legs. Shorter women that choose longer skirts, such as those cut below the knee or to mid-shin, appear stockier because, with the exception of the ankle, this cut obscures the shapeliest parts of one’s leg.

Printed skirts worn with solid tops are not only fun and frisky, but can also give the appearance of being thinner, especially if the print is a thin vertical or diagonal striped pattern.

The mini skirt is a short skirt cut to about mid-thigh. Sometimes they are even shorter. They are best worn by taller persons with thin bodies and fewer curves. When worn with solid colored tights, they appear less risqué and can be worn to a variety of functions. Many offices and schools have policies that prohibit skirts or shorts worn more than two inches above the knee. This would exclude the mini as an option.

The maxi skirt is a floor length skirt that can be either high or low waisted. They tend to be fashioned from softer materials that don’t wrinkle as easily, such as polyester-cotton blends. Maxi skirts can be plain or patterned, but are typically seen in bold, bright patterns work with solid color tops. They work well on a variety of body types but are most attractive on tall individuals who are not high waisted, and those that are thinner. Not only can the maxi be very stylish, but it is an excellent choice for those that want to indulge in fun, summery apparel, but may be battling varicose veins, scars, eczema, or other skin irritations. They are not typically as flattering on high waisted, shorter women, as they give the appearance of being even shorter than one actually is.

Pleated skirts tend to be narrower at the waist and flared out at the hips, hanging loosely over the legs. While the length may vary, they were historically cut just below the knee. Today, the pleat is making a comeback in mini-fashion and is often worn by the teen to early twenty set. Some maxi-skirts are also pleated. Pleated skirt material is typically noted by straight accordion folds, though some pleats are wrinkled, adding to their casual appeal. Pleats are a throwback to another era in skirts wearing and not as popular today. The shorter, curvier owner will be best flattered in a pleated maxi, such as the one featured above, because the long pleats help give the appearance of a longer leg.

The pencil skirt is a very flattering style, especially on taller women with curvy hips. The skirt is form fitted with a narrower waistline and cut inward toward the knee to frame the body. The skirt is cut to just above the knee and is often worn in office settings. It is flattering when worn with button down blouses that can be tucked in and with stylish, form fitting jackets and heeled shoes. The most flattering pencil skirts are plain, dark colors, which when combined with the cut of the skirt, helps the owner to achieve a more streamlined, thinner appearance.