Best skirts for Body Type A

These are the best skirts for Valerie, a Body type A woman:

• Circle and semicircle: no waistband, in a fluid material. Both points are very important, unless you want to acquire tent-like proportions.
• A-line: no waistband, or a small waistband worn at natural to low waist.
• Wrap: soft diagonal drape across the belly and hips at low waist.
• Straight: small or no waistband, worn at natural or low waist, with tops that hit high hip (a longer line is created that way).

What Body type As should look for in their skirts:

• Fluid fabrics, that can drape but not cling (lightweight knits, for instance, would cling), or firm, but not stiff. Matt, not shiny.
• Hemmed to knee length, or just above the ankle for medium height to tall women.
• Detailing should be avoided. Anything creating a focus of attention is best reserved for her tops. That means no appliqués (unless tonal, or in the same colour, or few, or placed diagonally, if you insist on them), horizontal or oversized patterns.
• Monochromatic or tonal color combinations to create a balanced silhouette.

Other names for Body type As are: inverted triangle, pear shape, or A shape. 

Best skirts for Body type As: Circle Skirt by Caroline Grant. This outfit creates an unbroken line from head to toe through a tonal combination of colours. The circle skirt in a fluid fabric is visually light, so it does not add volume to a Body type A's lower body. Additionally, all detailing and accessories are concentrated on the upper body, including the envelope purse, worn under the arm.

Modcloth It's School Skirt / Toast Sartene Top / MaxMara Weekend Cosmos Leather Blazer / Mat & Nat Nirvana Ikat Handbag / Charles by Charles David Cory Boots /  Burberry Modal and Cashmere Scarf / Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Tortoise Link Necklace / Alexis Bittar O'Keeffe Matte Gold Scarab Brooch .

Best skirts for Body type As: A-line Skirt by Caroline Grant. Although there is a plaid in the skirt, it is very subtle and helps to draw the line up and down, towards the polka dot top and the boots. Additionally, the line of the legs is made slimmer (a concern with Body Type As), with the vertical lines created by the laces.

Hobbs Selina Top / MaxMara Weekend Cosmos Blazer / Jigsaw Tartan Skirt / Burberry Orchard in Jacquard Handbag / Hispanitas Cordones Boots / Aspinal of London Driving Gloves / Linea Bow Deatil Trilby Hat / Lily and Lionel Python Scarf / Rossana Fani Isabella Necklace / Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Red Tango / Revlon Nail Lacquer in Scarlet Chinois.

Best skirts for Body type As: Wrap Skirt by Caroline Grant. Body type As can afford some contrast between top and wrap (when the jacket is off), as the solid coffee black of the skirt minimizes hips and the silk blouse has a lot of visual interest, between the colour (toffee)  and the detailing (the bow). Nude hosiery or the exact match to the shoes and skirt (the darker brown: you may need to carry a shoe with you to find a pair).

Vero Moda Nia Skirt / Salvatore Ferragamo Hazelnut Quilted Leather Jacket / Burberry Orchard in Jacquard Handbag / Chie Mihara Nerito Shoes / Black Lily Spar Jennifer Scarf / Modcloth To You Cloche Hat / Alexis Bittar Geometric Bangle Bracelet / Alexis Bittar Tartan Bangle Bracelet / Anton Heunis Marvelous Maharaja Earrings / Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Scarlet Siren / Nars Nail Lacquer in Dovima.

Best skirts for Body type As: Straight Skirt by Caroline Grant. A tonal combination of navies is set off by different nude tones. The line of the leg is made longer by the nude high-heeled peep-toe pumps, that go with nude hose.

MaxMara Fedra Skirt / Hobbs NW3 Double Collar Top / Lavenham Southport Jacket / Marc by Marc Jacobs Front Pocket Hobo Handbag / Söfft Gijon Shoes / Jules B. Wool Pam Beanie Hat / Faliero Sarti Sand Scarf / Grandoe Kitty Touch Leather Gloves / Kate Spade Three-Strand Necklace / Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Red Tango / Nars Nail Lacquer in Dovima.

MORE?
Follow the label Body type A to see their best dresses, trousers...

This post contains no affiliated links.
This post was first published August 12th 2012. It has been edited and re-posted May 13th 2016.

Best skirts for Body type Bs. Part 2

What  to look for:

• Fluid fabrics, that drape, but not stiff or firm: silk, lightweight wools. The idea is to skim their curves, neither accentuating them (they decide the context for that), nor hiding them).
• Construction: clean lines that, again, skim their curves. Darts to ease full hips.
• Monochromatic or tonal color combinations to create a longer, leaner silhouette.
• Hemmed at knee length, to show off shapely legs.
• Their waist must be always the focal point: never forgo shaping at the waist with a sash, obi or cummerbound (contoured) belt.

What to avoid:

Although when Body type Bs put on weight, they do it all round, they should pay special attention to:

• Cut on the bias pieces (diagonally cut) in narrow silhouettes that will accentuate any weight carried on the thighs. It's not a matter of loosing a bit of weight, ladies, the skirt will stick to your saddlebags, if any, ALWAYS. Opt instead for an A-line or circle cut to get the benefits of a bias cut (softly adapting to your curves, a lot of movement and fluidity) and none of the disadvantages.
• Excessive material at the waist or around the hips, like in a dirdl, or any pleats in medium to thick wools or in thin wools not stiched down to the low hip, or flounces.
• Thick materials like bouclé or mohair wool, that create unwanted additional volume.
• Open darts. These are NOT flattering for curvy bodies because they add unnecessary volume on the lower body, when it is essentially well balanced with the upper body.

In particular
Petites:

• Watch out for proportions: high-waisted items will make your torso look excessively short, unless you pair it with a slash-, boat- turtle-necks.
• Combining a busy bottom with a busy top, because we are looking to create an AUL.
• Full skirts and excessive fabric add volume and detract from your height.

Tall:

• Tiered and horizontal detailing breaks up the line of your silhouette.
• Strategic colour blocking that creates horizontal lines, not vertical.

MORE?
Best skirts for Body type Bs. Part 1.
Follow the label Body type B below for their best trousers, dresses, etc.

Best skirts for Body type Bs Part 1

Let´s remember first the ideal for Body type Bs:

To make their waist the focal point and keep their body line long.

The way to achieve Body Type Bs ideal is...

• Choosing monochromatic and tonal colour combinations.
• With silhouettes that highlight their waist, worn at knee length,  among others.
• Going for soft fabrics with drape that skim over their curves.
• Avoiding hiding their natural contours.

With that in mind... What are Body type B's best skirts?

PENCIL. Small waistband at natural waist, slightly tapered at the hem to keep the curvy (as opposed to creating a straight line) silhouette.

Best skirts for Body type B: Pencil skirt by Caroline Grant. [Style: Modern Classic].

Oasis Applique Flower Top / L.K.Bennett Kate Blazer / Coast Lucillia Pencil Skirt / Kate Spade Gathered Bow Belt / Loeffler Randall Natalie Cap Flats / Marni Handbag / Wallis Square Cuff Bracelet / Bakers Round Bracelet / Anton Heunis Charlie's Angels Earrings / Yves Saint Laurent Sunglasses / Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Scarlet Siren.

TROUSER-SKIRT. Back or side zipper in midweight wool, cotton poplin, denim or soft suede. Worn at low waist, and cut straight to A-line (see below).

Best skirts for Body type B: Trouser-skirt by Caroline Grant. [Background: Red Pelargonium by Anna Knights]. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

People Tree Bridget Culottes / Miss Sixty Hot Mari Denim Jacket / Gucci Silk Georgette Top / Lulu Guinness Eva Handbag / Sofft Franca Sandals / Herself Bird of Paradise Scarf / Asch GrossBardt Multi-stone Earrings / Hermès Collier de Chien Bracelets / M.A.C 'Hey Sailor!' Limited Edition Lipstick in Racer Red.

A-LINE. Best for medium to Tall women, or with heels for the rest (at least a kitten heel to elevate your rear view).

Best skirts for Body type B: A-line skirt by Caroline Grant. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Hobbs Hinton Jacket / Hobbs Marion Skirt / Wallis Stone Frill Top / Kate Spade Abstract Signature Handbag / Pretty Ballerina Kitten Heel Leopard Pumps / Cilea Brooch / Trina Turk Resin Ball Ring / Revlon Lipstick in Fuchsia / Revlon Nail lacquer in Cherries in the Snow.

CIRCLE. No waistband, or a small waistband worn just below natural waist and at low waist. You can tuck in a blouser in a soft material and add a belt around the waist. Again, same caveats.

Best skirts for Body type B: Circle skirt by Caroline Grant. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

 Modcloth It's School Skirt (with the waistband taken off) / Oasis Frill Top / Mexx Cardigan / Hobbs NW3 Kite Sandals / Sophie Hulme Tote / Kate Spade Bangle Bracelet / Janeo Rhodium and Gold Cuff Bracelet / Kate Spade Earrings / Stratton  Compact (vintage) / Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Scarlet Siren.

WRAP. Soft diagonal drape across the belly and hips at low waist.

Best skirts for Body type B: Wrap skirt by Caroline Grant. [Style: Modern Classic].

Twenty8Twelve Ebony Skirt / Diane von Furstenberg Blouse / Manolo Blahnik Slingback Sandals / Aspinal of London Handbag / Trina Turk Earrings / Erickson Beamon Ring / Revlon Lipstick in Fuchsia / Revlon Nail lacquer in Cherries in the Snow.

Other names for Body type Bs are "hourglass" or even "bombshell".

This post contains no affiliated links.
This post first appeared on The Red Lipstick: Own Your Style, on 27th August 2012. It has now been edited.

Style Essentials 5: The Pencil Skirt

What is a pencil skirt?

Pencil skirts are very similar in construction to straight skirts, but they narrow slightly towards the hem, resulting in a slim and narrow shape. That narrowness means that they need a vent or slit at the back (less commonly at the sides) or a pleat, to allow movement.
I often see straight skirts and even A-line skirts announced as pencil skirts, but the silhouette they create is completely different, much more body-conscious, even curvaceous.
Pencil skirts are absolute style essential for Body type Bs and Cs, while Body type As will benefit more from choosing a straight or slight A-line skirt (See below).

Pencil Skirt by Caroline Grant. White on top and bottom creates an AUL and makes the emerald green shine.
A thin belt could be added to the skirt, but rather tone on tone: you already have a necklace on.
The flounces over the shoulders in the blouse are discreet enough for those with wide shoulders, although they will not be the most flattering for people who carry weight on the upper arms. The slight vertical line does not add volume and at the same time compensates for the high waist in terms of giving a longer length to the torso.
The black and white necklace makes the accessory less predictable or matchy-matchy than other options (metallic or white).

L'WREN SCOTT High-Waisted Pencil Skirt / Green Falbala Round Neck Puff Sleeve Chiffon Top / Reiss Liotta Stitch Detail Leather Jacket / Nine West Women's Kimery Dress Pump Shoes / Caroline Charles Handbag / Monies NecklaceKate Spade New York Stud Earrings / River Island Paper Braid Fedora Hat / Tom Ford Lipstick in Scarlet Rouge / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Carnal Red.

Styling tips for Body type B

The ideal for Body type Bs when dressing is to make their waist the focal point. Also, they will look their best not hiding their natural contours and keeping their body line long (optimally, by using monochromatic and tonal colour combinations).
Pencil skirts are actually Body type Bs best bet in skirts, with some requirements:

1. No waistband or a small contoured one (a straight waistband will stick out) hitting at natural waist.
2. A high-waisted style with no waistband or one you can add a thin belt to, but taking care not to make the torso look shorter: choose a crew , ballerina or boat neckline top instead of a V or U neckline. Check your proportions in the mirror!
3. Worn at knee length, just below or just above.
4. Medium-weight fabrics with drape that skim over their curves. Light-weight fabrics will show everything underneath, so take that into account when choosing underwear (full coverage is the best option). Heavy weight materials will add volume, so proceed with care.
5. Slightly tapered at the hem to keep the curvy (as opposed to creating a straight line) silhouette.
6. Always choose a back slit skirt. Check that it does not go too further up and reveal everything when you lean forwards.

Styling tips for Body type Cs

One of the tips to achieve Body type C's best silhouette is to create definition at the waist and elongating their torso, especially if they are short-waisted or carry a significant amount of weight there. The second is to soften their shoulder line.
Pencil skirts can help with that if you choose one with a cut and pattern that help create the illusion of a balanced, curvier silhouette.
That means:

1. A style that can be worn at the low waist.
2. No waistband.
3. Fabrics in any weight, although clingy ones may reveal too much and make your bottom flat. In contrast with Body type Bs, a bouclé wool would be a good option for them.
   
4. A hem hitting just below the knee to accentuate your legs.
5. A slightly tapered hemline (to maintain the illusion of a curvier silhouette).

Styling tips for Body type A

Their best option is not a pencil skirt but a straight one with a small or no waistband, worn at natural or low waist. A top hitting at high hip, will help creating a longer body line.

MORE?
Check the labels Body type A, Body type B and Body type C. They are easy to understand silhouettes that will help you navigate the blog.

This post contains no affiliated links.

How to style a full skirt

DOs

The right top, jacket or coat

• Volume is a key factor: any top worn over a full skirt should be fitted. Bulk plus bulk makes YOU look bulky.
• Proportions are also very important. Unless you have a long torso, any neckline in V or U will make you look short-waisted. Go instead for a ballet neck or a crew or a turtleneck.
• Cardigans or jackets need to be cropped, i.e. hit at waist level (or just above or below), because you will be all volume if that is not the case.
• Monochromatic or tonal combinations between a jacket or cardigan and are the best option to create a long, unbroken line, especially with full skirt. Additionally (or alternatively), you can also create that same line between the skirt and the shoes, wearing knee-high boots in the same shade of the skirt, or shoes and tights in the same shade of the skirt.

Full Skirt with Fitted Top by Caroline Grant. I have created a silhouette that provides a very long unbroken line from the shoulders down to the tip of the shoes in shades of gray. Notice that the different textures and subtle prints contribute to add character to gray, while the coral makes both really pop. Nude or pearl gray tights (not darker, tights should ideally never be darker than the shoes).
The ballet neck (from side to side) in the sweater provides a nice counterbalance to the fullness of the skirt.
A snake print in shades of gray is always an elegant option for pumps.
Urban Decay's  Naked eyeshadow palette (the original one) is full of interesting nude shades plus a couple of accent ones that allow you to experiment with natural or more striking eye makeup styles.

Karen Millen Graphique Skirt / L.K. Bennett Lyra Top / Hobbs Chiam Jacket / Söfft Moselle Shoes / Marni Woven Leather Handbag / Douglas Rosin Modernist Gold Hoop Earrings (vintage) at 1stdibs.com / Marni Flower Brooch / Urban Decay Palette in Naked / Tom Ford Lipstick in True Coral / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Coral Flame.

Ladylike in Green and Red by Caroline Grant. The dress is from Lindex, one of those shops that produce 95% of their products in polyester, unfortunately, but occasionally do something nice in cotton that seems to have been designed, cut and sown by someone who knows what s/he is doing. Occasionally. This one was in cotton, but they produced so few I never actually got to see it in person until I got a glance at a girl who was wearing it... Sigh...
The competition from China has made that a lot of European and American retail clothes ands shoes shops (H&M, Mango, Esprit and the like) try to compete by relocating to the East (where the labour force is virtually unprotected) and reducing their quality both in materials and cut. The result is the all but wholesale destruction of the industry in Western countries and of most of the know-how, especially about shoes, and a high street full of shops virtually impossible to distinguish one from another. Well, maybe in degrees of shabbiness and vulgarity. It's the reign of polyester out there.
The T-strap shoes are quite ridiculous in their height, but the colour is simply wonderful. Consider the combination of your best green and best red in a spring or summer outfit.

Coast Teri Jacket / Lindex Dress / Tory Burch Everly Pumps / Essentiel Antwerp Drouton Handbag / Trina Turk Cocktail Rings / Etro Hammered Brass Earrings / Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave / Nars Nail Lacquer in Dovima.

The shoes and handbag

• Dainty, ladylike shoes like with kitten heels are natural allies of full skirts. Details like bows are a good idea, but keeping lines clean.
• Pointy flats are also a good option, but with just above or just below the knee lengths, not longer.
• Booties are a less traditional option but great for mid season and winter, in the same colour as your hosiery. Choose a pair with a nice cut in the upper part: avoid those that create a straight line across your ankle and go for a pair that create a nice V.
• Handheld or over the shoulder bags work best with the volume a full skirt provides. 

Black and Grey by Caroline Grant. This is one example of new materials used in fashion nowadays: a mix of neoprene and wool. The end result is undoubtedly warm, although bulky, so you need a very small waist (in relation to the body), to be able to wear something like this. The thin belt also helps to accentuate the smallness of the waist. As the skirt flows from the waist and has a waistline, it is better to choose a turtle neck top, to keep the torso from looking short.
The turtle neck top keeps the torso from looking short. Choose either short or three-quarter sleeves (consider a nice bracelet or two, in that case) to keep you from being too covered up.
The booties or shoe boots, by Clarks, are great, with a wonderfully balanced heel and a nice platform and cut to keep the line of the leg nice and long with black tights. You can still find them on eBay. In any case, booties and a leather jacket are a good balance for the femininity of the skirt and bow belt.

J.W. Anderson Pleated Bonded Neoprene and Wool Skirt / Reiss Bryony Leather Jacket / Ralph Lauren Black Label Cashmere Top / Marissa Bajra Lace Print Fringe Shawl / Hispanitas Handbag / Clarks Asha Booties / Kate Spade Gathered Bow Belt / ZSiska Twist Ring / Miss Selfridge Beret / Tom Ford Lipstick, Nail Lacquer and Compact in Black Orchid.

DONTs

1. Reenactment moment, unless it's Halloween or a ballroom dance contest.
2. Paired with boyfriend jackets or oversized coats: great idea if your objective when getting dressed is to be all volume and hide your form completely. In any of these you would loose all definition at the waist, the main reason you chose the full skirt to begin with. Best avoid.
3. Exposed midriff. Oh my, this is an option only available with those with not even an extra half inch around the waist. Even slim people have to suck in their stomachs continuously while straightening their backs to the limit when they sit down in these... it's quite painful to witness.
4. Socks or mid calf boots. Oh my.

MORE?

• Trends AW2013/14: Full skirts
• Full skirts for formal events
• What are full skirts.

How to choose a full skirt: DOs and DONTs

A flattering length

In the case of full skirts, a short length can look juvenile as not streamlined enough (apart from the fact that you can look like you wearing a tutu), while longer styles are difficult to wear, as you can look decidedly frumpy or be overwhelmed by the amount of material. Just above or just below the knee skirts are the two perfect lengths for anyone but, if you are going for a midi, the hem should still hit the slimmest part of your calf. High heels are a must too,
unless you are very tall and thin.
My recommendation: for a sure bet, keep it just below the knee, with the hem hitting at the slimmest part of it.

Full Skirts: Dowdy by Caroline Grant. Although none of these items in itself wrong (although the midi skirt will be really difficult to wear for most), it's the combination that is wrong, and it would remind people of a nun out of uniform. It would definitely be a 70s reenactment moment, what with the blue eyeshadow and soft pink lipstick makeup. Just terrible.

Monsoon Midi Sirt / Orla Kiley Crêpe Blouse / Long Tall Sally Crew-neck Cardigan / Hispanitas Handbag / L.K. Bennett Taylor Wedge Shoes / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Rose Aphrodite / MAC Eyeshadow in Stars N' Rockets.

The right fabric

• As always, my recommendation is to buy the best natural material you can afford.
• Choose a material that will drape. Although undoubtedly edgy, leather and other heavy materials are not a good option unless you are thin and tall. Same goes for neoprene, which is quite a frightful thing to see or wear, let me tell you, and only fit for the slimmest and tallest.
• Avoid dated styling details like dated florals, full skirts, especially in the ladylike version, are already retro enough.

Full Skirts: Too Girly by Caroline Grant. There is nothing wrong with this outfit if you are under 30, it's fun and flirty (polka dots plus stripes in sunny yellow, navy and gray) and right on trend with the peplum top and jacket. The proportion and the volume, however, make it less than optimal for over 30s.

JCrew Pleated Polka-Dot Skirt / Topshop Sleeveless Boucle Peplum Top / BQueen Texture Jacket / MARC by Marc Jacobs Baxter Handbag / Tory Burch Printed Beverly Pumps / Etro Earrings / Witchery Enamel Bangle Set / NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Scarlet Chinois.

The right cut

• Choose a shape that fits close to your hips and then gradually fuller for the most flattering all-round silhouette.
• Avoid excessive pleating.
• Avoid dated styling details like ruffle hems.
• Avoid all-flounce or all-ruffle skirts or girly prints, you are stepping into girl territory. No tutus (not even Carrie Bradshaw can pull this one off, sorry). If it would look good on an infant, DO leave it on the rack.

Full Skirts: Right on by Caroline Grant. Although sometimes Orla Kiely's dresses lack hanger appeal, they are immensely flattering when worn, always ladylike and often quite demure, although very versatile in terms of accessorizing. A dress like this can be accessorized up and down and is a definite staple. 

Orla Kiely Heavy Wool Dress / Hobbs Unlimited Shrunken Tuxedo Jacket / Hobbs Harriet Handbag / Söfft Annabeth Shoes / Pucci Silk Twill Scarf / Daniela Swaebe Dragon Agate Earrings / Anton Heunis Ring / Tory Burch Opera-length Gloves / Dickins & Jones Flower Trim Cloche Hat / Tom Ford Lipstick, Nail Lacquer and Compact in Black Orchid.

In the changing room

Move around in your full skirt in front of the mirror and decide:

• Does the material hang well? What silhouette does it create for me?
• The age factor: do I look dowdy or girly or like a grown-up woman?
• Check that the waistline is not too tight, it will crease immediately and it will be hard to make it recover its shape, if ever.
• Check the hemline: it has to be perfectly straight. "Ant roads" (as my mother calls such imperfect hemlines) are not an option. Don't reward lazy brands with your money.  
• Do I have things that go with this item or do I have to buy everything that will go with it?
• Check the shop's return policy and whether it includes alterations, if you are going to need them.

MORE?

• Trends AW2013/14: Full skirts
• Full skirts for formal events
• What are full skirts.

There are no affiliated links in this post.
This is the fourth post in the series dedicated to Full Skirts.

What are full skirts?

A full skirt is one that employs a lot of material and achieves a very full silhouette, optimally, balanced with a small waist.
This can be achieved with different cuts:

With a circle or semicircle skirt, consisting of one or two (semi-)circular pieces cut to accommodate the waist and the zipper.

Full skirts 1: Semi-circle by Caroline Grant. A dress in a very fluid material and a semi-circle skirt is a nice spring or summer investment to dress up or down. In this case, you could wear it to a christening or a morning wedding that is not too dressy, as the shoes and the jewellery are occassion-worthy but the jacket and dress are formal but not too formal.

Hobbs Wessex Dress / Rebecca Bouclé Jacket / Badgley Mischka Gayla Shoes / Endless Santi Handbag / Valentino Lace Folded Scarf / Asos Metal Chain Bow Belt / Erickson Beamon In the Mood for Love Ring / Erickson Beamon In the Mood for Love Earrings / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Corail Légende / Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in Corail Divin.

By adding godets, triangular pieces inserted in the body of the skirt that extend the length of the hem and expand the width of the skirt towards the hem.

Full skirts 2: Godets by Caroline Grant. The end result of  godets is that most of the volume the pieces created is taken away from the upper hip and created towards the hem.
The sandals are Söfft, one of my favourite shoe brands, as they are as stylish as comfortable with their padded insoles. Every season, Söfft makes many models of pumps that are office worthy, although they are never really dressy, as most of their heels have a wood finish and very seldom leather-covered.

Fair+True Dress / Mango Jacket / Söfft Saint Larouse Sandals / Endless Santi Handbag / Topshop Clip Fasten Clutch Handbag / Shared Earth Animal Print Bracelets / Spiral Wood Earrings / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Rose Aphrodite / Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in Sorbet Fraise. 

Through a panelled skirt. Truncated triangular pieces or rectangular ones, sewn together,  or something more interesting in its construction, like in the dress below.

Full skirts 3: Open pleats by Caroline Grant. The coat, which also has a full skirt to accomodate the volume of the skirt, achieves it through open pleats, which are not really the best option for those petite or even medium height. The elbow-length gloves compensate for bare arms and keep cold drafts away. These are Dolce & Gabbana, but Zara makes very reasonable priced pairs every season, and those are the ones I own.
I have chosen a nude eye to set off plum lips: such a strong lip colour needs a very neutral eye, and to get it, I have used the Naked 2 palette by Urban Decay, which is just perfect. 
Nude sheer tights, of course

.

Hobbs Philippa Dress / L.K. Bennett Danisi Double-breasted Coat / Hispanitas Handbag / Hobbs Alana Pumps / Kendra Scott Virginia Earrings / Kendra Scott Electra Bracelets / Tom Ford Lipstick in Bruised Plum / Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette in Nude 2.

With a tiered skirt, resulting in a slightly gathered effect between pieces as they increase in length from the waist down.

Full skirts 4: Tiered by Caroline Grant. This take on a tiered skirt by Karen Millen puts is quite beyond the concept of "peasant skirt", as tiered skirts are often known. Karen Millen does a lot of really dressy pieces every year, incredibly well cut although, unfortunately, the materials are not always top-notch, and the prices are not exactly affordable. Most of her pieces suit Body type Cs (I'm a Body type B and find all dresses with pencil skirts impossible to fill in the upper body, I would need a broader back and shoulders), but this skirt is an exception, as it will suit all body types.
A snake print in shades of gray is always and elegant option for pumps.

Karen Millen Graphique Skirt / L.K. Bennett Lyra Top / Hobbs Chiam Jacket / Söfft Moselle Shoes / Marni Woven Leather Handbag / Douglas Rosin Modernist Gold Hoop Earrings (vintage) at 1stdibs.com / Marni Flower Brooch / Urban Decay Palette in Naked / Tom Ford Lipstick in True Coral / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Coral Flame.

With pleats, although the amount of material around the waist will be considerable. Consider sewing the pleats down partially. Material simply gathered around the waist will be even more bulky, even if the material is very thin, and there is a serious risk of looking like you decided to tie a sack around your waist, even if you are slim...

Full skirts 5: Pleats by Caroline Grant. This is one example of new materials used in fashion nowadays: a mix of neoprene and wool. The end result is undoubtely warm, although bulky, so you need a very small waist (in relation to the body), to be able to wear something like this. The thin belt also helps to accentuate the smallness of the waist. Also, as the skirt flows from the waist and has a waistline, it is better to choose a turtle neck top, to keep the torso from looking short.
To accompany a leather skirt, it is best to choose a handbag is suede or a different level of shine, although the combination of leathers will never be as bad as that of boots plus leather skirt, that is best to avoid altogether.

J.W. Anderson Pleated Bonded Neoprene and Wool Skirt / Reiss Bryony Leather Jacket / Ralph Lauren Black Label Cashmere Top / Marissa Bajra Lace Print Fringe Shawl / Hispanitas Handbag / Clarks Asha Booties / Kate Spade Gathered Bow Belt / ZSiska Twist Ring / Miss Selfridge Beret / Tom Ford Lipstick, Nail Lacquer and Compact in Black Orchid .

MORE?

• Trends AW2013/14: Full skirts
• Full skirts for formal events

There are no affiliated links in this post.
This is the third post in the full skirt series.

Full skirts

A classic style

Why do full skirts keep coming back? Because they are almost universally flattering, as they accentuate the waist, and make it seem small by comparison. The only caveat can be when they achieve excessive bulk, so it is better to keep materials fluid.
It is definitely a very feminine style, so before investing in one, think if you're going to find yourself wearing it often or if it will sit in your wardrobe until you decide to give it away.

A (too) literal recreation would include ALL of the following:

1. Ladylike kitten-heeled shoes.
2. Red lipstick for a bombshell look or soft pink for the ladylike.
3. 1960s accessories: a pair of cat's-eye glasses; a wide, waist-cinching belt (or a skinny one added just for accent); a clutch in a pastel colour; a pair of gloves; a classic headscarf. 
4. Hair and makeup styles from the late 60's: winged eyes and Brigitte Bardot hairstyles, ie. sultry loose hair, a Bouffant, or a messy knot.
   

Do instead go for just one of the above or, better still, none at all with your full skirt, especially if you already wore this style in the 1960s, it will look like you never abandoned it!

The Literal Take on Full Skirts by Caroline Grant. A too literal recreation of any era is best left for the under 30s. Here the ladylike kitten-heeled shoes, baby pink lipstick, cat's-eye glasses and the retro bag and the square scarf) make for a strong 1960s déjà vu moment.

Hobbs Philippa Dress / Valentino Cashmere-Silk Cardigan / Valentino Handle Handbag / Ivanka Trump Liorah Pumps / Tarino Tarantino Resin Tulip Earrings / Cat's Eyes France Glasses (vintage) at Etsy / DVF Compact / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Corail Légende / Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in Corail Divin.

The Modern Take on Full Skirts by Caroline Grant. The same dress, with edgier leopard-printed shoes, and a modern colour combination, plum and beige. The coat also has a marked A-line, to accomodate the volume of the skirt, although the open pleats are not the best option (I sometimes stitch them down to the point it is more flattering). The elbow-length gloves compensate for bare arms and keep cold drafts away. I have chosen a nude eye to set off plum lips: such a strong lip colour needs a very neutral eye, and to get it, I have used the Naked 2 palette by Urban Decay, which is just perfect. Nude sheer tights, of course.

Hobbs Philippa Dress / L.K. Bennett Danisi Double-breasted Coat / Hispanitas Handbag / Hobbs Alana Pumps / Kendra Scott Virginia Earrings / Kendra Scott Electra Bracelets / Tom Ford Lipstick in Bruised Plum / Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette in Nude 2.

MORE?

• What are full skirts?
• Full skirts for formal events

Best skirts for Body type Cs Part 4: What to avoid

What to avoid:

• Excessive material at the waist or at the high hip level. Full pleats gathered at the waist, like dirndls, or flounces in medium to thick wools, or in thin wools not stitched down to the low hip. Sorry, ladies, but all these make Body type Cs look like a puff ball, visually shortening and widening their torso.

Bad Skirt Options for Body type Cs: Gathered Skirt by Caroline Grant. This puffy skirt is also short and in leather, so it almost impossible that it will be flattering to any mere mortal. In the case of Body type Cs, it will also add tons of volume and shorten their upper body. 

M Missoni Cutout Jacquard Peplum Top / Felder Felder Leather Skater Skirt / Zara Blazer / Rebecca Minkoff Flirty Handbag /  Ecco Lille Flat Shoes in Port / Therapy Knitted Snood / Asos Rosette Turban Hat / Marni Flower Brooch / Oscar de la Renta Seagrass Ring / Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Orchid.

Best skirts for Body type C Part 3: What to look for

What to look for:

• Patterns and prints, medium to large scale. Any geometric pattern should match perfectly at the seams.

Best skirts for Body type C: Pattern and Detailing by Caroline Grant. See how the pattern matches exactly, in perfect symmetry, in this dress? Mismatching stripes, checks, tartan, distract the eye and just plain sloppy tailoring. Say a big NO to any item of clothing and keep your money. The silhouette of the dress is quite simple, although medium sized patterns are best for those who are not petite. The detailing on the hips makes it ideal for Body type Cs. I loved the collaboration between Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and Louis Vuitton, although I could barely afford a single bracelet of it! [Style: Modern Classic].

Karen Millen Graphic Check Dress / Steffen Schraut Multi Grey Herringbone Leather-trimmed Coat/ Aspinal of London Hepburn Handbag / Theory Toscana Minorca Shoes / Yayoi Kusama for Louis Vuitton Infinity Dot Bracelets / Emporio Armani Earrings / Chanel Lipstick in Pirate / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Scarlet Chinois.

Best skirts for Body type Cs Part 2

Pencil. With no waistband and sitting at low waist, hemmed just below the knee to accentuate her legs. Slightly tapered at the hemline to maintain the illusion of a curvier silhouette.

Styling tips for boots with skirts: Suede skirt by Caroline Grant. The best pairing of a statement oversized coat (very laste 1950s) with a raglan sleeve is a pencil skirt. In any case, it will create an inverted triangle silhouette that you will need to evaluate. It will get dated quite fast, also. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Nine West Just Right Boots / Thakoon Addition Coat / Ralph Lauren Collection Suede Skirt / Karen Millen Soft Drape Blouse / Mango Leather Obi Belt / Lita Raies Metallic and Resin Necklace / Alexis Bittar Amaryllis Brooches / Alexis Bittar Sunflower Brooch / Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Red Tango / Revlon Nail Lacquer in Valentine.

Best Skirts for Body type C Part 1

Let´s remember first the ideal for Body type Cs:

To soften the shoulder line, balancing it with their lower body.
Also, to create definition at the waist, elongating their torso.

Skirts can help to achieve the ideal by...

1. Choosing cuts and patterns that create the illusion of curviness.
2. Choosing styles that can be worn at low waist (the narrowest point on the torso for Body Type Cs is straight under the bust or some inches below).

With that in mind... What are Body type C's best skirts?

Her best choices are styles that have a flat piece around the hips, elongating the line of her torso (and therefore, slimming it), like torso and broomstick skirts do, but other options are good too.

Torso. A smooth yoke to which soft pleats or gathers are attached, but also tiers (your classic peasant skirt, that is).

Best skirts for Body type C: Torso by Caroline Grant. Maybe you would like to have a closer look at the brooch  by clicking on the link below. It was designed in the 1960s by Norwegian jeweller David Andersen, is silver guilloche (an intricate pattern engraved by machine on the metal) enamel. The skirt is last season's Hobbs, my sister bought in on sale, and it's lovely. The colours are amazing and the materials in an amazing silk twill. [Style: Urban Tweed].

Hobbs Brigitte Skirt / H&M Jacket / American Vintage Massachussetts Tank Top / Hispanitas Handbag / Hispanitas Boots / L.O.V Project Bincy Silk Scarf / David Andersen Large Bird Brooch (vintage) at 1stdibs.com / Anton Heunis Art Deco Renaissance Pendant Necklace / Tom Ford Lipstick in Wild Ginger / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Ginger Fire.

Full Skirts: Styling tips for Body types

Styling tips for Body Types:

• Body type A and Body type B. Full skirts are great for you. Just stay clear of the full volume skirts with gathered pleats at the waist, they add too much volume to all but the very thin.



Best skirts for Body type As by Caroline Grant. This outfit creates an unbroken line from head to toe through a tonal combination of colours. The circle skirt in a fluid fabric is visually light, so it does not add volume to a Body type A's lower body. Additionally, all detailing and accessories are concentrated on the upper body, including the envelope purse, worn under the arm. [Style: Urban Tweed].

Modcloth It's School Skirt / Toast Sartene Top / MaxMara Weekend Cosmos Leather Blazer / Mat & Nat Nirvana Ikat Handbag / Charles by Charles David Cory Boots /  Burberry Modal and Cashmere Scarf / Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Tortoise Link Necklace / Alexis Bittar O'Keeffe Matte Gold Scarab Brooch / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Corail Légende / Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in Corail Divin.



Best skirts for Body type B by Caroline Grant. A circle skirt for Body type Bs should have no waistband, or a small one, worn both just below natural waist and at low waist. A blouse in a soft material can be tuck in and  a belt could be added around the waist. Full skirts are best for medium to tall Body type B women, or with medium to high heels for the rest (or at least a kitten heel to elevate their rear view). [Style: Modern Classic].

Modcloth It's School Skirt / Mexx Floral Print Cardigan / Talula U-Turn Tank Top / Sophie Hulme Leather Tote / Hobbs NW3 Kite Slingback Sandals / Hobbs Arbour Belt / Kate Spade Triple Thread Bangle Bracelet / Janeo Gold & Rhodium Enamel Bangle Bracelet / Kate Spade Small Clip Earrings / Stratton Compact (vintage) on rubylane.com / Estée Lauder Lipstick in Scarlet Siren.          
• Body Type C. Choose style in which the full volume does not start at the waist: try one with a yoke or a pleated style like the broomstick skirt (pleats stitched down to low hip). You will get the benefits of the full skirt (additional curves), without looking top-heavy (if your bust is full) or short waisted (especially if you already are).


Best skirts for Body type Cs by Caroline Grant. Full skirts are a great option for Body type Cs provided there is a smooth part that skims over the hips and then gains volume, as they create curves and hide a sometimes flat bottom. Torso skirts (a skirt with a yoke to which soft pleats or gathers are attached), broomstick skirts ( a skirt in which pleats are stitched down to high hip), circle skirts (cut either in a circle or two semicircles) or flare skirts (for instance, by adding godets, triangular pieces of fabric that add length to the hem) and tiered skirts in light-weight materials like silk, wool or cotton, all work well for Body type Cs [Style: Quirky Menswear].    
Hobbs Brigitte Skirt / H&M Jacket / American Vintage Massachussetts Tank Top / Radley Stables Handbag / Hispanitas Cordones Shoes / David Andersen Large Bird Brooch (vintage) / Anton Heunis Art Deco Renaissance Pendant Necklace / Missoni Zig Zag Ruana Shawl.  

Styling tips for Petite and Tall Women

Both Petites and Tall women should take first into account their Body type. You can read more styling tips for both by clicking on the links below. Also:

• Petites. Beware of girly styles (prints, ruffles, tutu imitations). Also, go for sophisticated, ladylike styles that do not create too much volume or you will be overwhelmed.  Filmy gauzy materials are romantic and proportionate.
• Tall women. You can pull off wider an fuller silhouettes in solids or medium to big patterns.

MORE?

• How to wear a full skirt: Styling tips.
• Full skirts for formal events.