For some people, skirts are the hardest clothing categories to shop for simply because sizes vary wildly across retailers, plus the perfect fit is hard to come by. Some may prefer miniskirts to show off their legs or high-waist bottoms to feel more supported, while others gravitate towards midi skirts for their more office-ready silhouette.
The good news is, there is a skirt for every style, occasion and body type. You don't have to follow the exact guidelines below (tall girls can certainly wear A-line skirts too!), but hopefully, our handy advice serves as a jumping-off point for your skirt-searching journey.
— Additional reporting by Marina-Liao
If you're tiny, avoid long hemlines or fit-and-flare skirts that overwhelm your small frame. Instead, look for shorter skirts to show off your legs. Minis are your best friends, whether you prefer a good ol' denim skirt or something fresh and trendy, like a ruffled gingham design. Wear these with button-downs, tees, tanks, and even sweaters come Fall — the options are endless.
Wear this Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Mini Skirt ($39, originally $55) with a same-colored top for a monochrome look.
This H&M Denim Skirt ($20) will stretch to a comfortable level, allowing you to move easily.
This Fleur Du Mal James Lace Slip Skirt ($295) is date-night ready.
This Banana Republic Factory Houndstooth A-Line Mini Skirt ($52, originally $65) has a supportive and flattering silhouette.
If you love cute, feminine skirts, let us introduce you to Miu Miu's embellished cady mini ($1,012, originally $1,445).
For the price, this formfitting Topshop Bengaline Ruched Mini Skirt ($49) is a steal.
You can easily pull off any style of skirt, but maxis look particularly stunning on your lean frame. Wear a simple chiffon number, a flowy boho bottom, or something a little more statement-making, like this pleated bow design. Here's what you don't have to worry about: maxis overwhelming your figure.
A cool, summery blue print makes this Alice + Olivia skirt ($243, originally $485) pleasing to the eye.
This Banjanan Discovery Skirt ($450) has us dreaming of a vacation.
Now this ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Silk Maxi Skirt ($150, originally $375) is a steal. It has a casual luxe appeal for effortless elegance.
This Staud Poppy Dot Flocked Tulle Skirt ($235) will instantly make your look dressier.
Show off your curves by wearing skirts that highlight your hourglass figure. Pencil skirts should be your go-to as they nip in the waist and hug the hips, falling more loosely over your knees and calves. Luckily, there are tons of styles out there that don't give off corporate office vibes (if that's not what you're aiming for). We suggest a cheery floral print for Summer.
As soon as we spotted this Club Monaco Button-Front Pencil Skirt ($119, originally $170), it was game over. We're buying it immediately.
Can we get a "roar" for this Max Mara leopard print skirt ($266, originally $665)?
This Rag & Bone Simone Zip-Front Skirt ($83, originally $275) has a classic and timeless appeal.
If you need a skirt to wear with everything, we found this do-it-all Enza Costa Sweater Rib Pencil Skirt ($145).
This Veronica Beard Vail Skirt ($277, originally $395) is one of the most versatile bottoms you'll have in your closet.
Your bottom half is slightly wider than your top half. To create a balance from head to toe, wear a skirt that cinches in at the waist and then flares out at the bottom. An A-line skirt, whether short or long, will help you achieve this look. You can even add a belt to really draw attention to the narrowest part of your figure.
This COS Wool A-Line Skirt ($115) shows how chic winter dressing can get.
Who wouldn't want this 3.1 Phillip Lim Biker Skirt ($450)? You can dress them up with heeled boots or down with chunky platform shoes.
This Express High Waisted Satin Maxi Slip Skirt ($44, originally $88) will instantly elevate your look.
Your frame is straight up and down with fewer curves — and that's OK! You'll do best in skirts that have ruffles or asymmetrical details — anything that creates the illusion of curves or a wider bottom. Fuller skirts will also draw attention to your lower half.
This sweet Alice + Olivia
Jayla Asymmetrical Skirt ($80, originally $265) is a hit.
You can show a hint of leg with this Uniqlo Printed Hem Skirt ($20, originally $50).
This amazing Club Monaco Midi Wrap Skirt ($99, originally $175) is almost sold out, so we wouldn't wait on it if we were you.
This Alice + Olivia Maeve Hi Lo Slip Skirt ($186, originally $265) will look great with a pair of black boots or sleek mules.
Style this Helmut Lang Asymmetrical Slip Skirt ($135, originally $450) with neutral-colored tops and accessories.
Most of your weight is concentrated in the middle, while you have narrower hips and strong legs. To create a more defined waistline, opt for high-waisted skirts that flow away from the body. The skirts you choose should hit just below the knees.
This Abercrombie & Fitch Satin Wrap Mini Skirt ($20, originally $49) is perfect for date night.
If you always stick to neutral colors, we suggest getting this Tibi High Waisted A-Line Skirt ($447, originally $745).
Does this Peter Pilotto skirt ($383, originally $1,275) remind anyone else of watermelon?
Match this Pamplemousse phoebe skirt ($26, originally $45) with a beige sweater or t-shirt for a cool monochrome look.
Get all glammed up in this Express High Waisted Satin Hi-Lo Flounce Maxi Skirt ($75, originally $90).
There's no need to cover up your athletic body, you worked hard for it! Practically any skirt style works for you, but one that goes above the knees will show off your strong calves. If you do want to go longer, opt for a good midi and pair with a simple strappy heel. The important thing to remember is to skip wearing chunky wedges or thick-soled shoes with your skirts.
We love the feminine elegance of this Tory Burch Tech Twill Pleated Tennis Skirt ($168).
We're thinking about all the ways to rock this Chloé skirt ($1,875, originally 3,750).
This ASOS Elasticated Waist Flippy Mini Skirt ($19) will look great with sneakers or combat boots.
If you're not completely loving a mini skirt, this Zimmermann high-low option ($336, originally $480) gives a little more coverage in the back.