How to Style Skirts
Skirts are a great way to show off some leg without looking trashy. They’re also incredibly comfortable and look great with a simple T-shirt.
The 20th century saw the skirt evolve into a variety of different styles and lengths. There is a skirt for every body size, height and skin tone.
The Mini Skirt
Mary Quant, the cult London designer who opened her King’s Road boutique Bazaar in 1955, is credited with inventing the mini skirt. But, she acknowledges, it was the streets of London that influenced her to raise hemlines above the knee.
The coquettish sartorial message of the sixties mini expressed the optimism of youth, the Pill and the newfound freedom of women to express themselves. Worn with flat Mary Janes and roll-on girdles, Quant’s daring skirts shook up repressive social codes.
Although fashion designers tried to force skirts back to the calf-length of the Skirts Big Look period that predominated by the mid-seventies, women ignored them and kept wearing minis and microminis. Even rock bands like Blondie adopted them in leather and PVC versions worn by front-woman Debbie Harry.
The Midi Skirt
Midi skirts look a bit like skirt-dresses but come in a range of styles. Some are slim and fitted, elongating your legs. Others are fuller and flattering, adding a little body definition to the waist. The key is to find the right length — too long and you drown in fabric, too short and you end up with a frumpy just-below-the-knee look.
Look for skirts in a dark colour or with interesting details. This makes them stand out against a white shirt and is great for office wear or any formal gathering. If you carry weight around your middle, opt for a high-waisted midi to create the illusion of a narrower waist. Wear with a belt to cinch in your waist even more, and add a pair of heels to draw attention to your eyes.
The Pencil Skirt
One of the most versatile wardrobe staples, a pencil skirt looks polished and sophisticated when paired with a classic blouse and heels. Take a leaf out of French styling and opt for a skirt in a neutral color such as black, navy or grey. This creates the perfect backdrop to allow bolder colors or fabrics to be used without looking garish or overdone.
A good quality pencil skirt will usually have a back vent or kick pleat to help with movement. It should also have a lining as this is much more comfortable and moves better with the body than unlined cotton ones.
For a day out, why not choose a soft and supple leather or eco-leather pencil skirt? Team with a lace or singlet top and metallic heels to achieve a party-ready look. Alternatively, a denim skirt is ideal for casual occasions and will pair perfectly with a button down blouse or a simple cami.
The Tiered Skirt
Tiered skirts are a great way to add an element of femininity and flair to any outfit. They are available in a variety of lengths and fabrics, so you can find the perfect one for any occasion.
To create a tiered skirt, first measure the length you want your skirt to be, from your waist down to the bottom hem. Then, divide this number by the number of tiers you want in your skirt. The width of the first tier should be equal to the waist measurement divided by 1.5, and each subsequent tier will be the waist measurement multiplied by 2.
To sew your skirt together, place the short edges of each tier rectangle right sides together and pin in place. Sew along the pinned edge, using a 1″ seam allowance and leaving a 2″ opening for inserting elastic. Finish the seams and hem as desired.
The Ballet Skirt
Inextricably linked to ballet, a tutu skirt Skirts is a must-have dance accessory. In a wide variety of prints and floaty pastel styles, our collection of tutus is a great way to add a pop of colour to an otherwise simple leotard. We also offer a selection of tutus that are designed to be worn as a dress.
Often referred to as a powder-puff tutu, juliet skirt or romantic tutu, this style is supported by a wired hoop and consists of several layers of tulle netting. This gives the stereotypical ballerina skirt its floaty appearance and is commonly used for romantic ballets, such as George Balanchine’s Western Symphony and Diamonds.
A modern alternative to a traditional tutu, our Jessica Skirt, available in Floaty Georgette or Tech Mesh fabric, offers a comfortable ProForm waistband for younger dancers. Falling to the lower thigh, this skirt is ideal for those debuting and perfect for ballet exam preparation.
The Maxi Skirt
Long maxi skirts are the perfect option for women who want to look chic and elegant. They can be worn as a dress with a fitted top or tucked in and paired with a sweater.
Pleats and ruching add depth and character to a maxi skirt, making it easier to style for work or date night. Look for a lace or crochet maxi skirt to play up its feminine appeal or choose a black maxi skirt for a more dramatic style.
Denim is also having a major moment, so consider trying a long denim skirt for casual wear. You can team yours with sneakers or a pair of heels for an evening out. Or, go for a more casual outfit and style your maxi skirt with a white shirt and sandals.
