Since women come in various shapes and sizes, Dots Trend Director, Connie Marsh, put together some helpful tips for choosing the skirt that best flatters your body type. In order to make sure that the skirt you choose suits your frame, read on for practical guidelines to looking fierce and feeling great when Spring eventually rolls around!
• Straight silhouette: For tall and slim figures, choose a skirt with tiers and layers that will give your natural, understated curves a necessary boost. To give the illusion of hips, look for skirts with a well-defined waist and add curves with skirts that have layers, ruffles or pleats. Look to accentuate your height with a vibrant-colored maxi skirt that has a floor-skimming hemline.
• Pear Shape: Balance out your proportions with skirts that have small-scale textured fabrics, like tweed, and a shirt that pops on top. Introduce yourself to A-line and pencil skirts – they will become your best friend! Choose a slightly flared skirt style with a flattering hem length that hits at the top of your knee. Opt for a style that sits at your hips, but does not sit too much higher than your waist.
• Curvy / Plus Size: Reveal your curves with a skirt that is tailored and sleek – don’t hide behind baggy clothes! Feel chic and attractive in a skirt with a hemline that hits right at the knee – any longer could make you look dowdy. Steer clear of round patterns; opt instead for skirts with solid or graphic patterns. Don’t be afraid to try out a fabric with a little bit of stretch! A slim but well-fitting pencil skirt with a belt tacked on will flatter your middle with an extra cinch of the waist.
• Athletic Build / Boy-Shape: Feminine colors, patterns and styles are a great way to make the transition from the field to the boardroom. To give your look a softer touch, populate your skirt wardrobe with light and airy colors. Try a snug, fitted style with a wide waistband to add the illusion of curves. Show off toned legs with a mini skirt, perfect for the office when paired with bright-colored tights.
• Short / Petite: Be sure not to minimize your height with a hemline that hits past your knee – steer clear of skirts with mid-calf hemlines, they will only cut your size in half! Petite body types should wear skirts that don’t overpower a smaller frame, so choose one that fits close to the body. Adopt the illusion of longer legs with a skirt that has a shorter hem – one that hits above the knee. Matching your skirt and shoe colors will provide a longer line and an illusion of height perfect for the petite woman.
• For All Body Types: Adding a belt at the waist is universally flattering and creates a feminine, hourglass shape.
Below are some of Connie’s favorite picks to help you get started building your perfect skirt wardrobe.
Dots Ruched Pencil Skirt $16, available at http://dots.com.
Ulla Popken Skirt $29.99, available at http://OneStopPlus.com.
Dots Belted Peasant Maxi Skirt $22, available at http://dots.com.
Connie Marsh is currently Director of Trend Merchandising at Dots, a fast-fashion value boutique chain with over 400 stores headquartered in the Cleveland area. She has had extensive trend forecasting and product development experience with a variety of companies such as May Company, Sears, Kmart and Spiegel Catalog. Prior to Dots, Connie worked for Banana Republic and Gap as a District Visual Merchandising Manager. She has also done several consulting projects including a Trend Editor position at Colorado Homes and Lifestyles magazine. Connie is a graduate of The Ohio State University, earning a B.S. degree in Consumer Services and a minor in Journalism/Public Relations.
