Skirts are a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. When choosing a skirt, we often consider designs that flatter our body shape, personal style, and fashion trends. However, there are countless skirt styles that can actually have the opposite effect, aging us beyond our years. Here are 3 types of skirts to reconsider before making a purchase, to avoid unintentionally adding a few years to your appearance.
Lace fabric can be unforgiving and aging, taking away from a youthful and modern look. Particularly, dark-colored lace or lace with large, intricate patterns can create a heavy and overwhelming appearance, better suited for more mature individuals. Form-fitting lace skirts can also accentuate problem areas. Women with a larger midsection or broad shoulders should avoid this style. Lace skirts may also be challenging to accessorize and can restrict comfort due to the lack of stretch in the fabric.
Tulle Skirts
Tulle skirts are often perceived as graceful and elegant, but this is not always the case. Tulle skirts can add unwanted bulk to your frame, making you appear larger and less graceful. Additionally, if not designed properly, tulle skirts can reveal the true shape of the wearer, failing to enhance natural beauty and potentially aging the wearer.
Short Floral Skirts
While short floral skirts can give a vibrant and dynamic look, an overly bright and busy pattern can be distracting and take away from the overall elegance of an outfit. Additionally, a length that falls above the knee can draw attention to leg imperfections. For those with uneven body proportions, short floral skirts can further emphasize this imbalance. When not styled correctly, short floral skirts can also age you.
Puffball Skirts
Puffball skirts offer a unique and eye-catching silhouette, but their ability to flatter the figure is questionable. Your frame can appear larger, making your legs look shorter, and highlighting any imperfections like thick thighs or curved legs. For pear-shaped women, in particular, this style should be avoided.
Frequently asked questions
The 4 skirt styles that can age you and should be avoided for a more youthful appearance are: Pleated skirts, which can add bulk and give the appearance of a larger waist; Midi skirts that hit at the mid-calf, as they can make your legs look shorter and wider; Maxi skirts with busy patterns, which can overwhelm your frame and appear frumpy; and, lastly, the A-line skirts that are too tight, as they can restrict movement and highlight any imperfections.
To style a pleated skirt without adding bulk, opt for a longer, slimmer silhouette. Choose a pleated midi or maxi skirt that ends just above the ankle, and pair it with a fitted top or a cropped blouse to define your waist. Avoid pleated mini skirts as they can emphasize the hips and thighs, making them appear larger.
If you want to elongate your legs and create a more flattering silhouette, opt for a skirt that ends just above or below the knee. A slight A-line or pencil skirt style will give the illusion of longer, leaner legs. Choose a solid color or a subtle pattern, and avoid busy prints that can shorten the leg line.
To avoid looking frumpy in a maxi skirt, go for a streamlined, fitted style. Choose a maxi skirt with a high slit or a wrap-around design that shows a bit of leg. Pair it with a simple, fitted top and define your waist with a belt. Avoid overly flowy or baggy maxi skirts, and steer clear of heavy, busy patterns.
If you’re looking for a comfortable alternative to a tight A-line skirt, go for a slightly flared or circle skirt style. These skirts offer more movement and can be just as flattering. Choose a skirt that ends at the most narrow part of your leg, usually just above or below the knee. A high-waisted style can also elongate your silhouette and provide a comfortable fit.