Pleats, ruffles, wraps–the new wave of spring skirts has officially hit the market and you’re dying to get your hands on the style du jour. But what about that little bit of backside you’ve got? Or the leg-to-torso ratio you just can’t figure out? Follow our tips to find the most flattering skirt for however you’re built.
IF YOU’RE PEAR-SHAPED: TRY A PLEATED MIDI SKIRT
Fitted at the waist and swingy through the hips does your body good. An A-line silhouette highlights your little waist and also drapes nicely over your hips and thighs to minimize their width. Team it with heels and a tailored shirt to keep the overall look crisp.
IF YOU’RE APPLE-SHAPED: TRY A SKATER SKIRT
If you’re slim through the legs (seriously, those calves) but tend to carry weight around your middle, look to a high-waisted flared skirt with a short hemline. The waistband will hit at the smallest part of your torso and cover your midsection, while the shorter length (at the knee or above) will show off your best assets them gams.
IF YOU’RE AN HOURGLASS: TRY A DENIM PENCIL SKIRT
If you’re curvy with a well-defined middle, go for a pencil skirt. A snug fit will accentuate your shape by smoothing out your hips and thighs rather than bulking them up with excess fabric. (We guarantee you’ll look ten pounds lighter.) This season especially, get on board with the denim pencil–it’s sticking around.
IF YOU’RE BOYISH: TRY A WRAP SKIRT
Creating curves is your MO, and lucky for you the sultry wrap skirt happens to be primed for this season. The style works because it defines your waist and uses an asymmetrical hem to create the illusion of hips.
IF YOU’RE PETITE: TRY AN A-LINE MINI
You don’t have to shop in the petite department. Just use above-the-knee skirts to add the illusion of height. Denim, suede and even seersucker miniskirts happen to be very trendy at the moment, so go ahead and show some skin (while staying within ladylike territory, of course).
IF YOU’RE TALL: TRY A PENCIL MIDI SKIRT
You can basically wear whatever you want. But if you want your legs to look even more miles-long, opt for a skinny midi skirt. It fits slim through the hips, but instead of cutting you off at the knees, it elongates everything down to the mid-calf. Killer (kitten) heels required.