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One of the strongest trends for 2008 is the swishy skirt in all its' varying lengths, from the positively salacious bum-skimming numbers (for those amongst you blessed with killer pins) to the girlishly sophisticated knee-length (working-girl practical) to the poised shin-length (great for a bit of evening glamour); the question is how does one wear this? What you are looking to do is create an hourglass silhouette, or two triangles on top of one another so keep this shape in your mind while you're getting dressed.
The point of this look is to celebrate what make's women, women – bust, waist, hips – so emphasise accordingly and compensate where you don't have the asset. Draw attention to your slim waist and away from your hips and create the illusion of a bigger bust – you can do this by wearing patterns on top and plain colours on the bottom so the eye is drawn upwards, or make sure you wear a light-coloured top and a darker-coloured skirt (an old optical illusion trick).
The volume of the skirt disguises your bum and thighs perfectly, but you need to beef up your top half to get the balance right...
If you are a size 10 or smaller then make sure you look for voluminous blouses in stiffer fabrics – lightweight cotton blouses with kimono-style sleeves (cool for summer) will hide your lack of bust, or look for boat-neck/straight-neck, lycra-knit tops that will make your bust look bigger than it is (make sure you have a good padded bra on).
If you are a size 12 or larger, the same rules apply and you still want volume to balance the bottom but opt for softer fabrics – chiffon and mesh shirts and stay away from shiny knits which are unforgiving on flesh (stick to good knits and use beading or broach details or a sequine skinny scarf to add evening glam).
You can delight in playing up your curves and accentuating your hourglass physique.
Your shape naturally lends itself to this look, but be sure to keep the volume of fabric to a minimum and choose fabrics that are light and figure-hugging (i.e. a knit top and a lightweight cotton skirt or if you wear a shirt then keep it very tailored) to ensure that you don't to create extra bulk.
Always cinch the waist. A broader belt is a better option in a darker colour – this will give a smaller and longer-looking waistline.
If you're not wearing a belt then make sure that the waistband of the skirt is fairly thick and, again if possible in a darker colour.
Being slightly curvier you can appear shorter than you are so use dark colour pairings which create a slimmer, taller looking silhouette – this doesn't mean you have to wear head-to-toe black, opt for currently hot colours slate grey or navy pairings.
Hoorah! The volume of the skirt balances out your heavier top half, so be sure to keep the top clean and uncluttered.
Just as your pear-shape sisters use optical illusions, you too can – wear darker colours on top and lighter colours on bottom or wear a patterned skirt that draws the eye away from your bust and top half.
Replace the voluminous shirts with sleeveless or cap sleeve versions – the deep v of the shirt is very flattering on broad shoulders drawing the eye down and elongating the torso and creating the two triangles which give the hourglass silhouette. Even more flattering is to layer to create depth – team your shirt with a sexy lace camisole in a dark(er) colour.
Use a belt! It will create the waistline you don't have.
Make sure you invest in a good padded bra that will make the most out of your assets, and as with the pear-shaped lasses, be sure to look for tops that exaggerate the bust – this means higher-necked tops (any sort of T-shirt is great).
Alternatively go for a straight across top that emphasizes your delicate neckline and gives the illusion of a slightly bigger bust...
Also look for skirts with defined waistband details – you may be tiny but use black on the waist and light colours elsewhere, this will create the broader narrower broader effect (hourglass shape).
Finally be careful not to go too full volume with this look – you will look like you are being eaten by the skirt if you do – look for pieces that have the flare effect but in lighter fabrics and also opt for knee-length versions (shin-length will be too much fabric and shorter looks better on slightly more defined legs)
KLûK CGDT created fabulous couture pieces in their show last year and have introduced ready-to-wear versions so investigate for some night-time glam and spoiling.
Stuttaford's "Oaktree" range is exquisite and there are some fabulous cool linen versions of this skirt in summery shades of coral and ivory but with a metallic sheen – really gorgeous. They also have other versions from Banana Republic which are equally fab in silk.
Marion and Lindie does great leather waistbelts that will be wearable for seasons to come.
Truworths and Edgars are always great for light cotton flare skirts that are cheap and cheerful but a styling note is to make sure that you balance the cheap and cheerful with more expensive looking accessories – a great bag and shoes!
Catherine Bowen has loved matching clothes to people since her Barbie days. She now runs her own Personal & Corporate Image Consultancy, which allows her passion to fuel her living. Visit www.dress-sense.co.za for more info.
The good news is that the swishy skirt flatters just about any type of figure!
General tips:
If you're a classic pear:
If you're a curvy sister
If you're a broad-shouldered lass or an apple-shape:
If you're a waife: Enviably you have the sort of straight up and down, "ramp model" figure that designers like to hang rocks on, but you lack in the curve department which creates the hourglass silhouette required for this look. However there are a few clever tricks you can employ:
Last note on where to find the bits and bobs
Happy swishing,
Cat xx
Click here to see the hottest designers who have put their stamp on the swishy skirt.
Catherine Bowen has loved matching clothes to people since her Barbie days. She now runs her own Personal & Corporate Image Consultancy, which allows her passion to fuel her living. Visit www.dress-sense.co.za for more info.
