The versatile alternative to a dress that deserves a little more attention.
When we have a dinner, a party, or an event coming up, what's the first thing we look for?
A dress.
Nothing wrong with that. I love a beautiful dress. But I think we tend to overlook an equally elegant and often much more versatile option: the skirt.
Think about it. A dress is essentially a complete outfit. Of course, you can change the shoes, jewelry, or jacket, but the overall look often stays pretty similar.
A skirt, on the other hand, gives you so many more possibilities. Change the top, the shoes, or the proportions, and suddenly you have a completely different ensemble.
And if we're going to spend money on something beautiful, we might as well get some good use out of it!
One Skirt, Different Occasions
Let's take this red A-line midi skirt, for example:
(click on the pictures to shop the looks!)
For running errands: With a relaxed sweater and sneakers
(click on the pictures to shop the looks!)
For evening: With a fitted top, high boots, and statement earrings
(click on the pictures to shop the looks!)
For work: Blazers and more professional looking shoes (pumps, mary janes, kitten heels)
(click on the pictures to shop the looks!)
So you see, same skirt, 3 very different looks.
And this doesn't apply only to this specific skirt. A lot of skirt styles can easily move between casual and dressier occasions depending on what you pair it with.
The trick is to stop thinking of a skirt as belonging to one particular occasion.
Here are some of my favorites that recently caught my eye!
Click image to shop - Gave you some body/fit recs!
The Proportions Matter
Now, before you start buying every skirt you see, let's talk about fit.
Not all skirts will flatter every silhouette in the same way, and the length, waist placement, and volume can make a big difference.
A few things I always pay attention to when styling clients:
A-line skirts: Great for creating waist definition and accommodating fuller hips, depending on the fabric and cut. Works usually on every body type.
Straight/pencil skirts: A clean, streamlined option but works better for leaner hips unless you are comfortable showing your curves.
Full or pleated skirts: They can be fabulous, but consider where the volume starts. Pleats that open right at the hips create a different effect from those that fall flatter through that area. Usually better on lean columns, rectangles and inverted triangles body shapes.
And please, don't forget the shoes! No booties or any shoes that cut your ankles. That will make you look shorter.
My Favorite Way to Shop for Skirts
Here's something I recommend doing before buying one.
Ask yourself: Can I create at least three outfits with this skirt using pieces I already own?
Ideally, one casual, one slightly dressed up or for work, and one for an evening out.
If the answer is yes, chances are you'll get plenty of use out of it.
If it only works with one very specific top that you also need to buy, maybe think twice.
And don't be afraid to experiment with contrasts. A feminine satin skirt with a chunky knit. A structured skirt with a relaxed shirt. A dressier skirt with sneakers.
Those combinations often make an outfit feel much more interesting than wearing everything in the same level of dressiness.
A Little More Skirt, A Little Less Dress
I'm not suggesting we abandon dresses. Absolutely not.
But the next time you're shopping for an event, take a look at the skirts before heading straight to the dress section.
You might find something equally fabulous that you'll still be wearing long after the event is over.
And isn't that the kind of shopping we should be doing more of?
Bisous!
Lili