Finding the right skirt for your body type
Whether you’re heading to work or having a night out with the girls, follow these helpful tips to find a skirt that’s right for your body type.
If you’re pear-shaped: If you have a smaller torso with prominent hips, draw attention to your natural waist with a knee-length A-line skirt and a fitted jacket. The skirt’s fit at the waist and flare at the hips makes this look wearable for any body type, but it is especially great for pear-shaped or petite bodies. Pair a fun top with a solid-colored skirt (or the other way around) for a great look to wear to the office or out and about.
If you’re petite: If you’re on the shorter side, lengthen your legs with a shorter hemline and some heels. Flesh-toned shoes help to elongate your legs. Don’t limit yourself to items labeled “petite”- just be sure to look for above-the-knee skirts or fitted styles like tulip skirts that will help your legs appear longer.
If you’re plus-size: Try a pencil skirt and a fitted shirt to elongate your legs and torso. Be sure to find the right fit in a skirt – you want to be comfortable and cute. If you’re unsure which size to choose, it’s always better to buy a size up and have the item altered to fit. If you want a fun look without a stare-worthy pattern, try a monochromatic tiered pencil skirt. You can also try an A-line skirt to highlight your waist and show off your legs.
If you’re straight-shaped: No hips? No problem. Create the look of curves with body-hugging styles like a body con skirt. These skirts are made of stretchy material that hugs your body in all the right places and comes in a variety of lengths. Have a piece altered if you can’t find one that fits. A-line skirts create a feminine silhouette and add the illusion of hips. Maxi skirts work well for women who are petite and straight shaped. They help you appear taller and highlight the curves you do have.
More from monroe+main blog
Flatter your body with the fit-and-flare dress style
Slip into curves: 9 ways to define your plus-size shape
5 responses to “Finding the right skirt for your body type”
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I have a petite plus size hourglass body type. There aren’t many plus sized clothes adapted for the shorter woman. I appreciate your commitment to helping women get the right fit. I agree that clothes that don’t fit properly are not comfortable and look sloppy. I am trying many different options. Your advice is right on about the empire waist, shorter length skirts, and tunics. The only issue I find with empire waist clothing is sometimes the top is not sized right for larger breasted women so the shoulders pull down. Thanks for your professional advice.
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Thanks for the tips on what to wear for your body type, but nothing here fits my body style. I have broad shoulders and wide in my upper back. My waist and hips are small. Like a football player in full uniform. And worst of all, I am 5’4″. Do you have any suggestions for me?
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We will check into this for you Mary!
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Hi Mary,
It sounds like your shape is a “petite inverted triangle.” You can always search for this body shape on the internet to get more specific tips & advice. We’re going to recommend that you stay with knit tops, which will be more comfortable. You can do blazers, but you might need to have them taken in at the waist for a better fit. We suggest trying to stay with fabrics with lots of stretch in them.
You could also try a woven fabric on top, but might want to stick to sleeveless. That way it will accommodate your broad shoulders and back. Then maybe an easy sweater for warmth and style to dress it up. You still might have to have the top taken in at the waist if you like your clothing a little more fitted.
You can also experiment with your bottom half in shapes and patterns to balance out your top half.
Let us know if these suggestions work for you and thanks for the comment! Take care! 🙂
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I have not always been heavy, but the last 5 years or so, I have gained weight. Thanks for the tips on boot cut jeans, and I never thought of a tiered pencil skirt for my body type. I will try these.
Categories: How to Dress for Your Body Type
Tags: dressing for my shape, fashion, how to dress apple shape, How to Dress For Your Body Shape, How to Dress For Your Body Type, how to dress hour-glass, how to dress pear shape, how to wear a skirt
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