style guide

Emily Neill: Skirts

When it comes to wardrobe malfunctions, skirts aren't the most obvious culprit. But like any other item of clothing, if you don't know what style works for your shape, you could end up looking heavier than you really are. Read on for my tips on finding the right skirt for your body type. As these before-and-after photos will prove, the skirt you thought would look worst on you just might be your best look. --Emily Neill

Lily Before

Here, Lily models what she considers a good skirt for masking her bigger bum and thighs. But while she's definitely covered up, she's also completely shapeless. Plus, her denim jacket cuts her off right at the belly, drawing attention to another problem area.

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Lily After

Lily looks so much slimmer in this straight pencil skirt, paired with a waist-defining top that makes the most of her curvier silhouette. With just the slightest suggestion of the curve of her hips and a nice display of calf, Lily looks less covered up, more svelte and totally put together.


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Yvette Before

In this work outfit, Yvette follows Lily's lead by covering up her frame with a long, shapeless skirt. This emphasizes none of her assets (good curves) and all of her trouble zones (thicker waist and hips).


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Yvette After

With its A-line shape and ruffled hem, this skirt balance out Yvette's hips and accents her waist. Combined with a fitted shirt and jacket on top to smooth out problem areas, we see an emphasis on good -- i.e. well-proportioned -- curves.


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Beth Before

Here, we see precisely why bias-cut skirts never work for the big-hipped. Beth, a classic pear, is always struggling to find ways to cover up her bottom. Bias-cut skirts are her worst enemy in this department -- the fabric clings to hips and emphasizes them.


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Beth After

Because the first layer of this tiered skirt is just the right length, it effectively masks Beth's hips (beware the tier that hits in the wrong place!). Additionally, an A-line cut balances wider hips. Now her delicate top can really shine.


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Amy Before

Keep in mind that bias-cuts can be tricky on most body types. (The same can be said for spring's hot tulip skirt.) Even Amy, who has a classic hourglass shape, looks uncomfortable and lumpy. Biases work best on gals with small hips who need to create more curves.


Amy After

A skirt with even the slightest A-line creates a long, lean, overall flattering look on hourglass figures.


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Sara Before

A-lines are not for everyone! Sara complains about her too-square boyish figure, which is definitely not enhanced by this wide A-line flouncy skirt -- it makes her look wider and triangular.


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