Mini, Midi, Maxi – Trying, Buying and Wearing the Perfect Skirt
From 1947, when Dior’s new look skirt brought these wardrobe staples into focus, skirts have been inseparable from women’s fashion. From Melanie Griffith’s 80s skirt suits in ‘Working Girl’ and Calista Flockhart’s controversial minis in ‘Ally McBeal’ to Alicia Silverstone’s schoolgirl plaids in ‘Clueless’, the skirt has been a versatile tool of expression. The hemlines as well as the form – fitted or flowing – has become a must-watch on runways for deciding upon the trends of the season. Whichever way you see them, your choices are plenty. Whether you prefer the evergreen midi, the 50s circle skirt or the Bohemian maxi, your skirts should have a place of pride in your wardrobe.
Finding new skirts you can wear all the time can help you keep your clothing budget and your wardrobe under control. When looking for new skirts that help in those areas, try denim. There are hundreds of colors, washes and styles you can select. For example, a medium-length skirt is a perfect all-year skirt. Worn with tights and a jacket in winter, it can be a warm, comfortable choice. In the summer, wear it with a t-shirt or blouse made out of a light fabric to beat the heat. There are a lot of ways to accessorize or customize denim skirts to keep them fresh and fun long-term as well. Common embellishments you can find on purchased denim skirts or add yourself include pockets, snaps, embroidery and buttons.
Read on for our favorite styles, picking the best skirt for you and wardrobe solutions for styling a skirt.
1. Fitted vs. Flowing
The debate continues but we say – there’s more than one way to be sexy! Give both of them a try. When wearing fitted, form-fitting, body con styles, use color blocking, cut-outs and prints to change the look according to your body type.
When going fluid, you can either keep it short and girly, or opt for a sophisticated look by incorporating length and volume.
2. Midi, Mini, Maxi
First, a quick guide to the lengths. A ‘Midi’ should be between your ankle (maxi skirt) and the bottom of your knee (mini/knee-length).
The classically sexy mini highlights your legs. Pair body con or bandage skirts with solid shirts and loafers for daytime and a corset (or fitted top) with heels for night. You can go for printed skirts with solid tops, a color-blocking effect with both the top and skirt in different solid colors or even a mixing of prints. The peplum waist is a great new style to try, for fans of the mini/knee-length skirt. Warm weather accessories like leggings, scarves and boots can take a mini from summer to winter easily.
A midi skirt, in general are not heavily printed, but may occasionally be so. Textured, pleated, flared and cinched at the waist are the most sought-after styles. Pointed pumps and mid-high heels will give you a retro-look but for a more casual look, sneakers would also do great. Long or short sleeved, crop tops or shirts, the only rule is to wear them tucked in.
The floor sweeping, boho chic, maxi skirt is comfortable to wear and lengthens the silhouette, which is always flattering. The most classic look to sport a maxi skirt is to wear it with a slim tank top and a jacket. Most of the maxi skirts online like on Showpo can be beautifully accessorized with oversize belts and flat, embellished sandals. For added drama, work a high slit!
3. Invest in Leather
Leather has, since long, become a wardrobe staple. Gone are the days when it was only associated with rock’ n’ roll. Now, it is the favorite of all leading designers. Faux Leather skirts will give you seasonless style. Choose a minimal, well-tailored pencil or a preppy pleated skirt in earthy tones or confectionery hues.
4. Adopt a Signature Style
Look to the celebrities for inspiration. Most style icons dress by the rule – ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Know what works for you and keep your proportions uppermost in mind when shopping for skirts, regardless of trends. Princess Kate is said to follow the rule for both her hairstyle as well as her structured dresses.
5. Style your Skirt
Looking for some fresh ideas for wearing your skirts? Try these:
Pick a long sheer skirt with slits and pair with a tank top or belted tee and a jacket.
Pair fitted skirts with draped blouses for effortless style.
Make your outfit an eclectic mix of prints and textures inspired by Leighton Meester on ‘Gossip Girl’.
Go bold with asymmetrical hemlines. Look for handkerchief and other creative lengths.
Jennifer Anniston’s monotone pencil skirts in ‘Bounty Hunter’ had only tonal differences between the top and the skirt.
Go Indian style with embroidered and embellished luxurious skirts.
