Easy A-Line

I love the shape of this A-Line skirt, which is narrower at the top and then flares out at the bottom. The dip-dye coloring paired with the slightly high waist makes for a dramatic effect and a very feminine silhouette. Think of those little figurines that distinguish the ladies' room from the gentlemen's with the flared-out skirt. The figurines fail to factor in gravity, but it's a pretty close portrayal of the shape the A-Line skirt provides. The length, too, is perfect for office purposes, just grazing the knees.

The A-Line skirt is an interesting comparison with the pencil skirt. The pencil skirt is snug throughout, and it is seen as a staple of women's business attire. It is also the skirt of choice for women's suits. The biggest problem I see with women and pencil skirts is fit. The skirt should just hug your curves lightly - the worst is when a pencil skirt is just too snug. I won't elaborate further than saying that is is unpleasant for all, including the wearer. Don't be afraid to buy a size larger than you normally would if the fit is better; after all, you are the only one who will see the size printed on the tag, but everyone will see how well (or not well) it fits you. Buying a size that is too small for you- even if the numerical size is what you usually get - will only highlight how ill-fitting is that size. Also note that a lot of stores have different sizing schemes - don't be discouraged if you suddenly "jump" a couple of sizes when you shop at a new store. The size that I purchase at different stores can range from 4-6 different sizes. As long as you feel great, you're going to look great, so don't worry about what size is printed on the label. Oh, and if you shop at European stores (ie., Mango, Zara, etc.) .... Europeans are really skinny. Just a heads-up.

In contrast with the pencil skirt, the A-Line skirt is much more free-flowing. It's that skirt that we all think about when we're young girls, where we'll twirl and the wind will catch it and flare it out, Sound-of-Music-style. Maybe that's just me. But it is much more relaxed than the pencil skirt, and has a fun kind of "swish" when you walk in it. I wouldn't recommend an A-Line skirt for a skirt suit set, but such a skirt on its own is perfectly appropriate for the workplace, as long as it is long enough. For the work place specifically, I would recommend an A-Line skirt that sits a little higher, somewhere above the hips and around the navel. A slightly higher, defined waistline makes the A-Line skirt look polished and not dowdy. Since the construction of the A-Line provides more attention to the bottom half, try to keep your top relatively simple and clean, or else the outfit might seem too cluttered. A simple cardigan over a tank top or T-shirt works well, but be careful about pairing blazers with this skirt, as it might weigh down the outfit.

Skirt: Express | T-shirt: New York & Company