How to Choose the Right Skirt for Your Figure

Co-authored by Alison Deyette

Last Updated: May 30, 2021 References

Skirts are a great wardrobe option that are feminine, dressy, and attractive. However, different skirts look better on different body types. Think about your figure and choose a type of skirt, such as a pencil or A-line skirt, that would be flattering for you. From there, pick the type of fabric and color you want for your skirt. Compile the rest of your outfit with a flattering top and attractive accessories.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing the Type of Skirt

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Go for a pencil skirt if you have curves. If you have an hourglass figure, you should show off your curves with a pencil skirt. A pencil skirt is form-fitted and wraps around your body to flatter your natural curves.^{[1]
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Choose an A-line skirt for a more slender figure. If you have a petite figure, an A-line skirt can be particularly flattering. A-line skirts flare out slightly, creating the illusion of curves and hips.^{[2]
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- Some body types look better in a shorter or longer style, so experiment a little with different lengths until you find a length you like.
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Select a longer A-line skirt for a pear figure. An A-line skirt also works for a pear figure, as it highlights your waist and flares over the hips. This can make the hips look smaller. Longer skirts work well for pear shapes, as the longer length slims down the lower body. Pick on that falls a little past your knees.^{[3]
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Pick a high-waisted skirt for an apple figure. If you're shaped like an apple, a high-waisted skirt with flounce and flare at the bottom works great. The waistband emphasizes the smallest part of torso, creating a slimming effect, and the extra flounce will conceal the stomach.^{[4]
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- Those with apple figures often have long, slim legs. If you want to draw attention to your legs, opt for a shorter high-waisted skirt.
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Try a trumpet skirt if you have wide hips. A trumpet skirt wraps around the hips and flares outward at the ends. If you have big hips, this is particularly flattering. The tight fit on top shows off your hips while the flare at the bottom balances your hips and lower body.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Selecting the Fabric and Colors

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Go for solid-colored skirts if you have an hourglass figure. If you have an hourglass figure, your curves should be the highlight of your outfit. Instead of going for heavily patterned skirts, go for something in a solid color. This way, the skirt will flatter your curves rather than providing a distraction from them.^{[6]
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- For example, wear a solid black pencil skirt to the office.
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Use lightweight fabrics if you have a slimmer figure. If you're slimmer, you do not want a skirt that's too heavily weighted as it will cling to your body. Lightweight fabrics, like lace and silk, will lift slightly and make your hips look a little bigger.^{[7]
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- For example, try wearing a lightweight silk A-line skirt for a summer day.
- You can also look for lighter cotton options, muslins, knit skirts, or rayon skirts.
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Try heavier fabrics for an apple figure. If you have an apple shape, heavier fabrics wrap around your body to create an hourglass effect. Fabrics that are weighted appear slimmer and straighter, which can help highlight the shape of your legs.^{[8]
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Research source} Try things like denim, rayon challis, heavy types of satin, and flannel.^{[9]
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- Embellishments like bows and sequins can help weigh down fabric and add some feminine flare. They're a great choice for an apple figure.
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Choose darker colors if you're pear shaped. If you're pear shaped, you'll want to balance out your upper and lower body. A darker skirt can help, as it will slim down your hips. If you're pear shaped, opt for a skirt a few shades darker than your top.^{[10]
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- For example, wear a dark gray pleated A-line skirt with a simple white t-shirt.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Compiling the Rest of Your Outfit

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Wear a belt if you have a slim figure. Cinching a belt around the waist line of your skirt helps accentuate your figure. If you have a slimmer figure, a belt can help create more curves.^{[11]
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- For example, wear an A-line skirt with an attractive, colorful belt cinched around the waist. Tuck your shirt in to make the belt visible.
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Choose colorful tops if you have an apple or pear figure. With apple and pear figures, you'll want to create balance between your slimmer upper body and wider lower body. Stick to patterned tops paired with solid skirts to flatter your figure.^{[12]
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- For example, try a cute, floral-patterned top or wild leopard-print blouse, paired with a high-waisted solid-colored skirt.
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Opt for chunky jewelry if you have slimmer hips. With slim hips, accessories can help you balance out your upper and lower body. Chunky jewelry can help add weight to your upper body.^{[13]
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- For example, throw on a clunky beaded necklace with a lightweight A-line skirt.
EXPERT TIP

Alison Deyette
Professional Stylist
Alison Deyette is a Style Expert and TV Host with over 20 years of experience in fashion, style, and television. She has styled and directed photoshoots around the world for a variety of magazines, including Good Housekeeping, People StyleWatch, and Mode. Alison was also named one of the top stylists in Los Angeles by Variety magazine.

Alison Deyette
Professional Stylist

Expert Trick: One great way to keep the eyes up top is to wear statement jewelry like a bolder necklace or drop earrings.
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Throw on a cardigan if you're pear shaped. Cardigans can be a great accessories to help balance your top and bottom if you have a pear figure. When wearing a skirt, throw a cardigan over a t-shirt and tank top for a cute, flattering look.^{[14]
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- If it's too warm out for a cardigan, try something similar but lighter, such as a vest.
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Pick shirts with ruffles and embellishments if you're petite. Built-in accessories can be a great way to add more volume to your lower body. If you have a petite frame, look for shirts with bows, pleats, and ruffles to create some dimension and create the illusion of curves.^{[15]
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Community Q&A

Question

What kind of skirt will be best for a lady with knock- knees?

Community Answer

Wear a longer skirt if you want to conceal your knees. Tights can also help.
Question

Which type of skirt would look good on a body with thigh fat?

Community Answer

Long maxi skirts can hide thick thighs. Experiment with different types of long skirts and you'll find one that fits you best.
Question

Wondering why a pleated skirt doesn't work for a thick middle, but a circle skirt is good for all body types?

Community Answer

The weight of the pleats means a pleated skirt has a more up-and-down shape, while a circle skirt is light enough to naturally flounce outwards. A fuller circle skirt would flatter a thick waist more, as it would pad the hips, thereby make the waist look more proportionate.