The key to dressing for your figure is finding clothing styles that accentuate your body’s positive features. Skirts are a wardrobe staple, but with so many choices it’s hard to know what style best suits your individual body type. So, keep on reading for our guidelines on choosing the perfect skirt that will flatter your figure.
- If you have a boyish or straight frame, opt for pleated skirts.

A pleated skirt can be a great choice for someone with a straight, boyish figure. However, it is important that a pleated skirt fits well as this style should be fitted around the waist, but there should be enough room that the pleats hang as they do on a hanger and are not being pulled or stretched across the body. Like fashion blogger Blair Eadie, you can get a trendy yet figure flattering look by going for a pleated midi skirt in wider stripes and team it with a narrower striped top. There are also a variety of pleats, ranging from very close together accordion pleats to further spaced box or inverted pleats that you may go for.
- If you wish to highlight your sexy legs, opt for miniskirts.
Surprisingly, a mini skirt can hide a multitude of flaws especially if it is a fuller cut, but it cannot hide your legs. So, this is the best choice for someone who wants to take the focus away from other parts of their body such as their stomach or arms and highlight their legs. Like fashion blogger Doina Ciobanu, think of teaming your pastel pink miniskirt with an edgy leather jacket that will give a casual chic statement. However, it is important that the silhouette is balanced out with more coverage on top as to not be too revealing.
- If you’re pear-shaped, A-line skirts look perfect for you.
An A-line skirt is the most universally flattering skirt shape as it has a fitted waist and gradually flares out, hitting just at the knee creating an A shape. Generally, A-line skirts are usually made out of a stiff fabric to maintain the shape, such as denim, canvas, leather, tweed, or brocade. Like fashion blogger Lydia Millen, think of an A-line skirt that’s an excellent fit for someone with a pear shaped figure.
- If you’re tall, think of maxi skirts that will give you a good proportion.
A maxi skirt is a long skirt that comes below the ankle. However, it is important to maintain balance as there is a lot of fabric with a maxi, its best to pair it with a fairly fitted top. Maxi skirts come in a variety of fabrics, often in beautiful prints. Like fashion blogger twins Jennifer and Desiree Selmanovic, think of maxi skirts in graphic patterns that can be a great choice for an easy day to night look.
- If you have a slim, toned figure, opt for pencil skirts.
A pencil skirt is a classic shape that is cut close to the body and hits at the knee, usually with a slit up the back that works well for someone with a slim, toned figure. Though pencil skirts are synonymous with ‘power dressing’ as they are often part of a skirt suit, you can still wear them on your casual street style like fashion blogger Danielle Bernstein did, wearing her zipped pencil skirt with sneakers and a turtleneck top.
- If you wish to highlight your waist, opt for a midi skirt in a fuller style.
A midi skirt in a fuller shape work best for someone who is tall, as the length can be difficult on someone of shorter stature. This style provides a good opportunity to highlight the waist by tucking in the top and adding a belt. Paired with a tucked in button down shirt or crop top and wedges, this look is perfect for a weekend brunch or casual dinner with friends. Finding your best assets and showcasing them will help you feel and look great. So, pick the perfect skirts that flatter your figure and make a fashion statement effortlessly.