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The humble skirt is one of fashion’s most versatile pieces, yet finding the best skirt style for your body shape can feel like a challenge. From flared midis to sleek pencils, not all silhouettes work equally on every frame. But here’s the good news, there’s a perfect skirt for every body type, and when you find yours, it can transform how you look and feel. Whether you want to accentuate curves, elongate your legs, or create balance, the right skirt does the work for you.

Here’s how to find the best skirt style to flatter your shape plus tips on how to style it like a pro.

1. Hourglass Body Shape

Defining Features: Balanced bust and hips, defined waist

Best Skirt Style: High-waisted pencil skirts and wrap skirts

Why it works: The hourglass figure already has natural symmetry, so the goal is to emphasise the waist while following your curves. A high-waisted pencil skirt hugs in all the right places, showing off the waist and hips without adding bulk. Wrap skirts are also great—they highlight the waist and add a soft, flowing line.

Style tip: Tuck in your blouse or wear a cropped top to avoid hiding your waist.

2. Pear Body Shape

Defining Features: Hips wider than shoulders, smaller bust

Best Skirt Style: A-line skirts and fit-and-flare midis

Why it works: A-line and flared skirts gently skim over the hips and thighs, creating a more balanced look with the upper body. These skirts draw the eye upward and down in equal measure, offering a flattering silhouette without clinging to the lower half.

Style tip: Pair with a structured or embellished top to balance out the proportions and bring focus upward.

3. Apple Body Shape

Defining Features: Fuller midsection, slimmer legs, less-defined waist

Best Skirt Style: Flowy maxi skirts and bias-cut skirts

Why it works: Apple shapes benefit from skirts that don’t cling to the waist but rather flow down smoothly from the hips. A soft maxi skirt that sits at the narrowest part of your torso—just under the bust or slightly above your natural waist—creates length and shape. Bias-cut skirts are also ideal because they drape without clinging.

Style tip: Go for skirts with a side zip or elastic back to avoid bulk at the front. Keep tops simple and streamlined.

4. Rectangle Body Shape

Defining Features: Shoulders, waist, and hips roughly the same width

Best Skirt Style: Tulip skirts, pleated skirts, and layered ruffles

Why it works: For straight or athletic body types, the goal is to add curves and definition. Tulip skirts and skirts with peplum or ruffle details help create the illusion of a curvier hip. Pleated skirts also add dimension, especially when paired with a belt to give the waist some shape.

Style tip: Play with bold prints or colours on your skirt to add visual interest and shape.

5. Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Defining Features: Broad shoulders, narrower hips

Best Skirt Style: Circle skirts and trumpet skirts

Why it works: With broader shoulders, the key is to create volume and balance on the lower half. Circle skirts add fullness to your lower body, helping to bring harmony to your frame. Trumpet or mermaid-style skirts that flare at the hem also work beautifully to counterbalance the upper body.

Style tip: Keep tops sleek and subtle—avoid heavy embellishments or padded shoulders that widen your frame.

6. Petite Body Frame

Defining Features: Shorter stature, delicate frame

Best Skirt Style: Mini skirts and high-waisted A-line skirts

Why it works: Petite bodies benefit from styles that elongate the legs and avoid overwhelming the frame. Mini skirts show off more leg, naturally making you look taller. High-waisted skirts give the illusion of longer legs, especially when paired with heels or pointed flats.

Style tip: Go monochrome or tonal for a lengthening effect. Avoid maxi skirts that pool around the ankles—they can shorten your look.

7. Tall Body Frame

Defining Features: Long legs, elongated torso

Best Skirt Style: Maxi skirts and dramatic midis

Why it works: Tall bodies can pull off dramatic lengths and proportions with ease. Floor-grazing maxis and voluminous midis enhance your stature while adding fluidity and movement. You can also play with bold patterns and wide pleats that others may find overwhelming.

Style tip: Try belted styles to break up your height and define your waist.

The best skirt style isn’t about hiding, it’s about highlighting. When you dress to your body shape, you don’t just look great, you feel more confident, too. Whether you’re curvy, lean, tall or petite, there’s a skirt out there designed to complement exactly who you are. Use this guide to navigate the endless options and make skirt shopping something to look forward to.