From bodycon skirts to pencil skirts, A-line skirts and flowing maxi skirts, there is an almost bewildering selection of skirts in the shops. But, sometimes one that looks so perfect on the model in the shop window doesn’t look quite the same on you. The trick is to choose one which flatters your body shape.

Read on for some styling tips and to find out the best skirts for your body shape.

Best skirts for your body shape

All body types have positive and negative aspects, and the key rules to dressing for your body shape are:

  • Accentuate and draw attention to what you like
  • Camouflage what you don’t, and finally
  • Flaunt your assets (within reason!)

So, what are the five key body shapes and the best skirts for each one:

The hourglass body shape

The hourglass shape is often considered the most desirable and characteristics of this shape are a well-defined, narrow waist and perfectly proportioned hips and bust.

As you get older, you may also begin to put some weight on around the stomach area; in which case you will also have some characteristics of the apple body type as well. Some celebrities with this body shape include Sophia Loren, Dita Von Teese Salma Hayek, and Christina Hendricks.

The aim with the hourglass figure is to accentuate your feminine curves so fitted clothes are always a good idea and you should steer clear of boxy cuts and baggy clothing.

So, you should choose clothes that draw attention to your narrow waist. The perfect skirt for this body type is a high waisted pencil skirt as it will highlight your curves. And for an hourglass, most other skirts will look good too, (except for anything too baggy).

I consider myself an hourglass with a hint of apple, and I love pencil skirts, especially lace pencil skirts! As you may have noticed I am also a big fan of belts, which also serve to draw attention to your waist.

Have a look below for a few examples of the perfect skirt for the hourglass body shape.

Skirts for your body shape

The Apple body shape

As the name suggests, the apple body shape has no defined waist and tends to carry weight on the stomach. The best asset for the apple shape is their lovely slim legs! Some celebrity apples include Oprah Winfrey, Rebel Wilson and Drew Barrymore.

Although, some women are ‘born apples’, many of us tend towards this shape once we hit the big 4-0, but don’t be tempted to try to cover your stomach area with baggy, loose-fitting clothes but instead choose clothes that create the illusion of a waist and accentuate your assets (i.e. those amazing legs!).

You will look good in high-waisted flouncy or pleated skirts that end above the knee as the waistband will be at the smallest part of your body, the flouncy skirt will camouflage the stomach and the shorter length will showcase your legs.

Other tips to styling this body shape include skirts that have side zips, vertical stripes and a shorter hemline to show off your legs! A pencil skirt can also look great with this body shape but make sure it finishes above the knee.

Avoid anything with frills or zippers at the front and if you wear a belt, make sure to wear it higher up to emphasis the slimmest part of your body and not on your stomach area.

Here are a couple of ideas for apple shapes:

Skirts for your body shape

 

The Pear body shape

The key characteristics of the pear body shape are (again as the name suggests), a wider lower body, so your hips are wider than your shoulders, and pears often have noticeable rears and chunky legs. Pears have a tendency to put on weight on their thighs and bums! Celebrities with this body type include Kim Kardashian (hourglass/pear), Jennifer Lopez and America Ferrera.

To camouflage a larger bottom half (if you wish to!), choose skirts in a darker colour than your top and the best skirt for this body type is the A-line skirt, which will highlight the smallest part of your waist and then gently flare out over your hips, minimising the width of your bottom half. Keep bright colours, horizontal stripes and patterns for the top half.

The Rectangle body shape

The rectangle body (often called the “boyish” body type) is again aptly named as, in this case, your body goes straight up and down with no defined waist. Your waist, hip and shoulder measurements are all similar. Many models tend to have this body shape – celebrities include Cameron Diaz, Natalie Portman and Kate Moss and this is one of the easiest body shapes to style.

This body shape doesn’t have a lot of curves, and so the aim in dressing this shape is to create the illusion of curves, by defining the waist and creating curves on the bottom or top.

This body type will look amazing in body-con mini skirts, which will emphasise any curves you do have, and show off your flat stomach and slim legs. .

Patterned skirts are also a good idea, as the print will draw attention to your bottom-half, creating the illusion of curves, as is wearing a belt at the narrowest part of your waist. Peplum skirts are also great on rectangles as they create the illusion of an hourglass shape, as do skirts with ruffles and frills!

Skirts for your body shape

On the other hand, if you like the waistless look then rectangles can also look fantastic with a simple straight skirt.

The Inverted triangle body shape

So I am sure that you can guess that the inverted triangle has a larger upper body, with shoulders being wider that the hips. Your best assets are your slim waist and legs.  Celebrities with this body shape include Demi Moore,  Cindy Crawford and Teri Hatcher.

The aim to styling an inverted triangle is to accentuate your lower body, so it’s a great idea to wear a brightly coloured, printed or horizontally striped skirt (keeping the darker colors for the top!).

Any skirts that create the illusion of a wider bottom half will look good on inverted triangles, so you should consider A-line skirts and any full skirts.

Finally, what if you’re not happy with your legs? Then, a maxi skirt could be the perfect option for you! Depending on your body shape, follow the rules for body shape above but adapted to a maxi skirt.

For example if you’re an hourglass, opt for a high-waisted maxi that cinches your waist or add a belt. If you’re an apple, opt for a flowy style that skims your stomach area, if you’re a pear, choose an A-line style maxi, if you’re a rectangle opt for a body con style maxi skirt that clings to your legs, and patterned skirts will work well for you, and if you’re an inverted triangle, you have the perfect body shape for a maxi skirt which will balance out your larger top half! You can wear pretty much any style!

No matter what body shape you are, as long as you put your mind to it, you can find a skirt that suits your body type. If you want to make your skirts unique, you can also decorate them with some stylish accessories. For example, custom patches. You can customize them at Patches Co. with your favorite pattern. These patches are chic in design and exquisite in quality. Use them to adorn your skirts or other clothing to create your own fashion style!

If you’re not very tall, then pair the maxi skirt with heels, and opt for a slightly shorter version that stops at the ankle!

I hope you enjoyed this feature about The Best Skirts for your Body type, and have a look here for more of our style features.