How to buy the right skirt

Skirts are a timeless classic in women’s fashion and as with other types of clothing, skirts come in all shapes and sizes.  Do your research beforehand so you can find that one skirt that’s just right for you!

Types Of Skirts

What kind of skirt is right for you? That depends, of course, on what you’re looking for. Some factors which you will want to take into consideration include the kind of skirt, the colors and details of the skirt, its size and measurements, and the price.

A-line skirts

At first the name might sound a bit confusing, but once you know what it is, it’s easy to remember. An A-line skirt is usually about knee-length and flares out slightly, to resemble the letter A (wider at the bottom than at the top.) These skirts are flattering on many different body types and quite versatile, as they can be either casual or dressy.

a-line skirts

Full skirts

As the name implies, these skirts are long – usually floor length, but sometimes ankle length – and roomy. Full skirts are especially good for fall and cool winter days, and many people consider them the most comfortable variety of skirt. Make sure, however, that your skirt isn’t too long for you to walk in.

Full skirts

Miniskirts

 Love them or hate them, miniskirts are here to stay. As the name implies, these skirts are short – generally speaking, shorter than knee length. Some skirts, often called micro minis, are even shorter. These skirts are almost always casual. When wearing miniskirts, be careful; you’ll want to make sure your shirt isn’t too low cut so the outfit does not look tacky. Keep in mind, too, that miniskirts are inappropriate for several environments, such as the workplace or highly formal events.

Mini skirts

Pencil skirts

 These skirts are more formal than some of the other types. They are usually knee-length or slightly shorter and are extremely close fitting around the hips and thighs. Pencil skirts are often worn with suits or jackets.

Pencil skirts

Wrap skirts

As the name implies, this kind of skirt wraps around itself and usually stays on with a knot tied somewhere in the fabric. Wrap skirts, often made of cotton and usually casual, are a nice offbeat option. Just make sure to tie them tight enough.

Wrap skirts

Jean skirts

These aren’t a separate category, exactly, but are worth a separate mention. As the name implies, jean skirts are made from denim and, as with jeans, are usually casual. You can find them in just as many kinds of denim as jeans. Some jean skirts are embellished with rhinestones, embroidery, or other accents.

Jean skirts

Color, Pattern, and Detail

 You can find skirts in any color imaginable. Once again, this depends on personal preferences. Skirts in neutral colors such as white, black, gray or brown are classics particularly suited to the workplace or any other place where you want to look professional and polished. Skirts in bright colors are eye popping and sure to get attention. Patterned or printed skirts are also quite popular. In particular, look for floral prints, stripes, polka dots, geometric designs, or paisley. These, of course, are not the only patterns you can find for skirts. If you can imagine it, you can probably find it somewhere on the market.

Colors and prints aren’t the only things that set skirts apart. Just like any other item of clothing, there are lots of different details you can find on them. Here are just a few examples.

Pleated Skirts

Pleats can be found on many different kind of skirts, from miniskirts to longer career skirts. Some may be completely pleated, while others might have just a few small pleats at the bottom.

pleated skirts

Tiered Skirts

Tiered skirts are an appealing casual option. While the kind of tiered skirt you’re probably most familiar with is the tiered full skirt, also known as a prairie skirt, you can find tiered knee length skirts and even miniskirts as well. Tiers help add shape to skirts, creating an attractive silhouette.

tiered skirts

Finding a Skirt That Fits

 A skirt that looks perfect on paper, or on the rack, is nevertheless no good if it doesn’t fit you right. Nobody wants to wear an uncomfortably tight skirt or a skirt that’s so big that it falls down and makes you trip constantly. If possible, try a skirt on before buying it. By doing this, you’ll know exactly how it looks on your body. However, sometimes you won’t be able to do this. For instance, online shopping makes this impossible because you have to rely on external sizing. Sizes are a good place to start, but can sometimes be misleading. Different manufacturers have different ideas of what constitutes a size 8, for instance, or a Small. For that reason, you’ll want to take your measurements. That way, you’ll know more precisely how that skirt will fit. The measurements you’ll find most often for skirts are waist, hips, length, and circumference. Waist is the measurement around the top; hip is the measurement around where one’s hips would fall; length is the measurement from top to bottom; and circumference is the measurement around, as with a circle. Take these measurements on your own body and then find items of clothing that either match or, more likely, are a bit bigger.

Cost of Skirts

Before starting your skirt shopping, figure out how much you are willing to spend. This depends on your personal budget, of course. Expect to spend more on formal skirts or skirts from well known designers. Don’t be fooled, however into thinking that more expensive automatically equals better. Saving money isn’t a bad thing and is a lot easier than you may think.

Shop around for the best priced skirts

The price you find first might not be the best price available. If possible, look for clearance sales or other promotions. You’ll often be amazed at the kind of savings you can find. Sometimes you can find good quality skirts, for instance, from discount retailers or outlets. What matters is the skirt itself, not where it came from. That said, there is something to be said for focusing on brands that are well known for quality apparel. You can seek these out with the search tool above. Don’t be afraid, too, to splurge a little! A well made skirt will last you years and, if it is a classic style, will never go out of fashion. The right skirt can take you from the street to the workplace to a party just by matching it with different tops. Something like that is well worth the extra expense.

Don’t be discouraged in your hunt for the perfect skirt! The research might seem daunting at first, but it is worth it. Once you find the right one, you’ll know it: the skirt will look great on and get compliments from everyone you meet. That kind of attention more than makes up for the time and effort you spend to find it.