A Lesson In Skirts

Above you see a guide to many different types of skirts. As someone who has taken an interest in fashion, take a moment to familiarize yourself with those skirts.

The first think you must get through your mind now is this: modesty can be sexy. You may not think of a knee length skirt as one that will help your femme fatale image, but trust me, it will.

A knee length skirt is going to accent your curves by providing a color-block from your waist to your knee. That makes the skirt length a sort of color-by-number for the bottom half of your hourglass figure. For girls who lack definition in the waist or who have bigger thighs, welcome to your new best look.

Now as I mentioned in passing, not only is the skirt around knee length, but it is also waist high. Your natural waist that is. You know, belly-button hieght. A cinched waist exposes your natural hour glass shape which was a very popular look during the 1940s.

So now you know you're looking for an about knee length, waist-high skirt. The trouble is which style. I'm going to go through the above photos one skirt at a time to let you know what to wear, and what to get out of your closet: Straight Skirt: This is a yes, but with strings attached. If you're wearing this skirt it should be part of a suit and just above knee length. If you choose to wear one without a jacket, you want to aim for a little longer than knee length and bear in mind that you will look more late 20s early 30s than the era I usually dress within.

Pencil Skirt: (Wardrobe Staple) Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. YES! (just remember what I said about watching your length).

A-line Skirt: (Wardrobe Staple) This is another YES! You can't go wrong with an a-line in any fabric. They are also one of the more comfortable and less fussy skirts. All the movement benefits of a lose fit without the fear of a Marilyn Monroe style blow-out!

Pegged Skirt: This is a great classic. I only own one, it is bright blue. I love it very much. It has the down side of making you look more hippy, which is bad for girls like me who are all about the base. However, if you are Dolly Parton weighted, this is a must have choice for you!

Slit Skirt: This is another yes. When we talk about fabrics I will get more into this style. For not just know that this skirt goes in the fancy/slinky category of your wardrobe.

Cowl Skirt:I happen to love this skirt. No it was not AS common, but it can be found in the past. I don't currently own any, but will be looking for one to featre in the "Thrifty Thursday Find" section of my site.

8-Panel Gore Skirt: Pass it by. I find these do not often a flattering look make.

Godet Skirt: This is kind of a maybe. As pictured above I wouldn't waste the closet space. But I do have a suit, which has a skirt, which has two godets (those little flappy pieces at the bottom) in the back and they flare out when I walk. It certainly makes a statement. When used in a tighter fitting skirt than that pictured about I believe it is worth while as a fun piece, but not a wardrobe staple.

Flounce Skirt: The way it is pictured above: NO. If the flounce is at the end of a pencil skirt and is flouncing around your knees? Buy it you flirty woman! It's to die for.

Trumpet Skirt: A more sleek version of the flounce skirt, if you can find a knee-length trumpet skirt as a part of a day suit then I envy you mightily.

Pleat Skirt: You must own one. If it is a wool plaid, you get double point. I also recommend a second summery chiffon one as well.

Prairie Skirt: Nope.

Layered Skirt: Nope.

Tulle Skirt: This is another questionable piece. Tulle skirts were not commonly worn, BUT having one in the guise of a round or circle skirt is a good idea (especially if you are a dancer). This is a modern twist on a classic look. And in keeping with my mantra that this fashion style is a lifestyle choice, it is important to remember that we live in the future where we can benefit from all the eras of fashion and do what makes us feel happy and beautiful.

Round Skirt: (Wardrobe staple): This style of skirt is cut as a circle so that it falls in a very full manner around your lower body. If you are a dancer especially a swing dancer you should have many of these!!

Handkerchief Skirt: No way.

Wrap Skirt: Nope BUT keep this look in mind because we will revisit it when we get to dresses.

Pareo Skirt: Also nope, except as a beach wrap.

Sarong Skirt: Same as above! Unless it's a beach wrap, don't bother.

You'll notice I marked some types as "Wardrobe Staples". These are the skirts to own in multiple colors and fabric types, especially your chosen neutrals. The others you should consider as statement pieces or special occasion pieces. Buy them with a purpose in mind such as "I will wear it to the dance exchange I already bought a pass for", or "This would be perfect for my date on Saturday night. Make sure it has rewear value too. It needs to go with more than one thing in your closet so it can be seemlessly integrated into what you already own. Skirts are fun, so have fun with them. Play with colors and frabrics and DO NOT be afraid of adding a belt. It's always better with a belt. Happy shopping!

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