Dresses have been our friends for so long, we have almost forgotten about wearing separates. “What has happened to the skirt and top?” we hear you say. As it happens, we will be making the skirt our wardrobe staple this autumn and winter. This season’s skirt shapes offer some interesting ‘twists’, so which one will you pick?
It’s a wrap
Carven and Kenzo had them on the catwalk and now they are in the shops. Many of the designs are a single wrap across with the top layer longer. This gives you the opportunity to show off gorgeous knees. The best fabric for a wrap is medium to heavy weight to ensure it doesn’t ride up and hinder your modesty. Flimsier fabrics may not stay where they should! So far, we have seen wrap skirts at Whistles, George at Asda and Topshop.
The pencil
The perfect pencil skirt creates a sleek and sexy look. If you have curves they are so very flattering (not good though if you don’t have a waist line). Wear them on the knee or mid-calf. They are great for the office with a jacket or coloured cardigan. For a modern twist on a timeless classic wear with a printed shirt and biker boots with opaque tights.
Peek-a-boo pleats
Pleats are definitely having a 2013 moment. Not only are they great fun to wear, bringing a bit of femininity and fun into your life, but this time around we have ‘contra’ pleats. For the uninitiated, this means one colour or print on top to reveal a contrasting shade underneath. If you like a bit of drama, you will love them. Ted Baker has a stylish one in cream and black. If you can’t do a full pleated skirt, then how about a couple of inverted pleats – a box pleat reversed, so the depth of the pleat is on the inside? These styles can add bulk, so be sure to wear a tighter top to balance your proportions.
Once you have found your perfect skirt shapes you can build your autumn and winter wardrobe around them.