For some reason this skirt shape has been on my mind for the last several days. Honestly, I’m having trouble conjuring up a picture of someone it wouldn’t look good on.
Consider the different figure types and the silhouettes we create with our clothing:
- Type A = shoulders narrower than hips, works because of the skirt’s modified A-line.
Personally, if this were my type (and if I gain 20 lbs, it is), I would pair this skirt with a raglan-sleeve sweater. - Type I = shoulders and hips equally wide, waist slightly or not defined.
Even though the model clearly has a defined waist, the sweater pictured has a strong vertical. Works for I (not I, but the I silhouette … you know what I mean!) - Type O = shoulders sloped and equal to hips, waist filled in.
Best: a skirt that is long enough to narrow a bit at the knee before flaring out again. Again, a soft shoulder of some type, by-passing the waist. - Type V = shoulders wider than hips.
With a skirt that flares at the hem, a fitted waist looks very feminine! - Type X = shoulders straight and equal to hips.
In order to dodge the frump factor, waist must always be at least somewhat defined. - Type 8 = shoulders sloped and equal to, or slightly smaller than, hips; waist defined.
The skirt should narrow before flaring. Alternative: strengthen the shoulder, define the waist, and go for a Type X silhouette.
I’m certain there are personality types who would not wear a skirt like this. Speak up. What would you wear it with?
I would not wear it.
Well, actually, scratch that. I would have probably worn something like that when I was in college. If I lived somewhere colder, snowier, and less urban than Chicago, and had a job with a somewhat-dressed-up-but-not-too-strict dress code, I would totally wear a skirt like that one. I would choose a more closely fitted sweater, though. And a colorful scarf and imitation shearling boots, flat or low-heeled of course. And it would be pretty fabulous. But for some reason I really can’t see myself wearing that outfit in Chicago; I just wouldn’t feel like myself in it. Interesting how our environments can shape our clothing personalities…
I think what I really like about the skirt is the waist/hip area: it provides waist definition and appears to have ample room for hips that might be wider than average. That is probably what makes it so universally flattering.
I would totally wear that skirt – I think it’s beautiful, and I love long, non-fussy skirts for everyday wear. As a SAHM, they make me look like I took some effort getting dressed, unlike sweats. I do live in a rural small town, so I’d be extremely chic in that here.
Me. I wouldn’t wear it!
But here’s the primary reason. I’m definitely a V. But I’m also way short. Just shy of 5?. So my best bet is a pencil skirt. (I do have one with box pleats all around the bottom. But to look reasonable they begin at the knee. Very retro 50’s inspired.)
I can also wear a short a-line. But if it’s long, a straight skirt is much better for me.
Comment by Wendy — October 26, 2006 @ 5:50 pm
I can see your point. Height is something I forget about. 🙂