The Complete Guide to Skirt Types
From mini to maxi skirts, we take a closer look at the most popular skirt styles and show you what to consider when choosing and styling each shape.
A-line Skirt
The 60s were the decade of breaking conventions. In fashion, the A-line replaced the so-called flower crown shape of the 50s in skirts and dresses. The slightly flared shape is not only the epitome of freedom, but also flatters the silhouette. Typical of the 60s are A-line mini skirts with buckles. If you want to conceal wider thighs or hips, choose a midi length. This creates a harmonious silhouette. If the skirt is tailored, the effect is even more pronounced.
Style guideline:
Pay attention to proportions! Combine the A-line skirt with close-fitting tops to emphasise the waist. Choose shoes with heels to elongate the legs. Knee-length or calf-length is ideal. A narrow waist belt creates a clear separation between the skirt and top.
Suitable shoes:
Ankle boots, mules, pumps
Asymmetric Skirt
It's clear: asymmetry engages the senses and catches the eye. Asymmetrical skirt shapes, which are longer on the left or right or at the back or front and shorter on the other side, redefine shapes and silhouettes. The asymmetrical hem gently flatters the body, the fabric falls gracefully and the style looks particularly stylish. The same styling rules apply as for all other skirts – except that the skirt itself is already eye-catching and therefore goes particularly well with simple tops.
Style guideline:
Asymmetrical skirts suit virtually everyone. With asymmetrical midi lengths, you should add height to the look with heels.
Suitable shoes:
Heeled ankle boots, kitten heels, pumps
Balloon Skirt
In the 1980s, Christian Lacroix sent the balloon skirt down the runway for the first time. Many ball gowns and wedding dresses were tailored with the typical gathered bottom, which creates the balloon-like structure. Styling plays an important role with balloon skirts: it's all about striking the right balance with proportions. Tight tops or short leather jackets are ideal for wide-fitting styles. A keen sense of fashion is definitely required to achieve a successful overall look!
Style guideline:
No-go! Puff sleeves and balloon skirts together.
Suitable shoes:
Ankle boots, ballerina flats, platform shoes, wedges
Pencil Skirt
This figure-hugging style clearly emphasises the waist and hips. The pencil skirt is a true classic and looks great on women with curves. High heels are an absolute must here, as they make the legs look even longer. The pencil skirt is not only suitable for the office, but also for everyday wear: paired with a casual T-shirt or a loose-fitting blouse, it creates a look that is both sexy and modern. The pencil skirt suits women of all sizes. Tip: Patterned fabrics or colours add excitement.
Style guideline:
High heels are an absolute must.
Suitable shoes:
Ankle boots with heels, peep toes, ankle boots, loafers (for a casual look)
Cargo Skirt
Special feature: large patch pockets on one or both sides. Cargo skirts are usually made of cotton or denim and have a sporty look with their slim to straight cut. A cotton belt usually complements the design. There are few cuts that are so clearly associated with leisure wear in terms of style. Ideal for relaxed outfits, the cargo skirt looks best with a simple T-shirt and trainers.
Style guideline:
Style casual looks – don't dress them up!
Suitable shoes:
Trainers, sturdy boots, flip-flops
Pleated Skirt
This skirt style makes the upper body appear slimmer, allowing you to conceal any problem areas from the hips to the calves. It is available in different lengths, with the following rule of thumb: tall women – or anyone who doesn't like to show their calves – are better off choosing the longer version. Shorter pleated skirts tend to flatter petite women. Whether tulip or balloon skirts – pleats can have a concealing effect in many different ways. While the balloon skirt conjures up curvy hips, the tulip skirt focuses more on the hips and emphasises the legs.
Style guideline:
Choose the length to suit your stature and the style to suit your problem areas.
Suitable shoes:
sandals, ballerina flats, ankle boots, boots, all high shoe
Godet Skirt
Behind the French name lies a skirt style that is figure-hugging around the hips and extended towards the hem with wedge-shaped fabric inserts (known as godets). The godets create a slightly asymmetrical impression and give the cut its typical swing. Godet skirts create a feminine silhouette – regardless of whether your figure is curvy or slim. The focus is on the waist and hips – it looks stunning with tight turtlenecks, tucked-in blouses or short tops.
Style guideline:
Don't wear long knitted jumpers over them – they take away from the charm of the cut.
Matching shoes:
Heeled shoes to emphasise the feminine attitude
Culotte Skirt
Effortless, stylish and incredibly practical – the culotte skirt combines the comfort of trousers with the feminine flair of a skirt. Popular among feminists in the 1970s and revived today as culottes, this style features wide, flowing legs that create the illusion of a skirt while offering maximum freedom of movement. Culotte skirts are available in midi or maxi length and are perfect for both casual and elegant looks. For an elevated style, pair culottes with a silk blouse and flat lace-up shoes. For an easy everyday look, go for a simple tee and slip-ons. Want something trendier? Try a crop top with a longline blazer for a modern, edgy vibe.
Style Guideline:
Matching sets are trending – co-ord looks with top and culottes in the same print are a must!
Best Shoes to Wear:
Ankle boots, knee-high boots, sneakers, pumps, strappy sandals
Maxi Skirt
Women with curvy figures can thank the long skirt, as this style is particularly good at concealing wide hips and bottoms. The fabric, which is usually floor-length and flowing, elongates the legs and makes them look long and slim – without having to show them off. Maxi skirts offer plenty of legroom, making them one of the most comfortable types of skirt. For a beautiful silhouette, combine exclusively with tight tops such as tank tops or T-shirts (the very brave can choose bralettes). Either flat or high shoes can be worn with them. Tip: Chunky boots create a break in style that makes the look fresher and more lively.
Style guideline:
Combine exclusively with tight tops to create a beautiful silhouette.
Suitable shoes:
Platform sandals, ballerina flats, high heels, ankle boots, boots
Midi Skirt
The midi skirt is defined as a style that ends between the knee and mid-calf. This alone shows that there are countless variations. Different fabrics, patterns and materials create unique creations. Midi-length skirts, with their often tough yet feminine touch, can be used to style confident looks. One trick is to create contrasts – e.g. with trainers, crop tops or exciting materials such as (faux) leather or velvet.
Style guideline:
The midi skirt shortens the leg – petite women are best off wearing heels.
Suitable shoes:
High heels, stilettos, trainers, knee-high boots
Mini Skirt
What was considered provocative in the 1960s is fortunately no longer the case today. The mini skirt is cult and found many followers early on. At the latest after British model Twiggy modelled it, everyone wanted one. The miniskirt is usually worn at the hips and ends above the knee. It flatters women with a boyish figure, narrow hips and slim, toned legs. However, it is not a question of age: with opaque tights and high heels, the miniskirt looks elegant and modern. Loose-fitting tops take away the teen look.
Style guideline:
Create balance: wear longer or loose-fitting tops and opaque tights.
Suitable shoes:
ankle boots, over-the-knee boots, pumps, loafer
Plissé Skirt
Pleated skirts or Plissé Skirts are constantly conquering the catwalks. Tight pleats all around make this style so fascinating – often in midi length. The pleated skirt is considered very feminine and, depending on the cut, is suitable for different body types. If the pleats start at the waistband, the cut is ideal for women with a stronger upper body who want to emphasise their lower body to balance it out. If the pleats start below the hips and the look is A-line, it is perfect for women with an hourglass silhouette.
Style guideline:
Slim calves are a plus here; otherwise, wear heels to visually lengthen the legs.
Suitable shoes:
Trainers, booties, heeled ankle boots, sandals
Circle Skirt
Fancy a little 50s style? These lively skirts bring life to your wardrobe and conjure up a wonderfully feminine figure. Circle skirts are particularly good at concealing problem areas such as curvy legs and wide hips – even back then, women knew how to cheat without having to stick to a strict diet. But circle skirts are also perfect for those who lack feminine curves: the long, flowing fabric, which becomes wider towards the bottom, creates a beautiful silhouette – adding a few pounds visually. When combining, you should maintain the shaped silhouette and play with tight-fitting tops or blouses. It shouldn't be too loose at the top, otherwise it will be lost. Tip: For an individual look, stilettos can be combined with fine socks on cooler days.
Style guideline:
Maintain the silhouette – e.g. with tight-fitting tops or blouses.
Suitable shoes:
Ballerina flats, Birkenstock sandals, peep toes, ankle boots
Tulip Skirt
The ideal cut for long legs – the cut of the tulip skirt is reminiscent of the flower of the same name. Pleats or gathers below the waistband – often in a high-waisted style – create volume; the skirt narrows again towards the hem. This cut conceals wider hips and small love handles – but slim legs are a must for the look to really shine. It's a real eye-catcher.
Style guideline:
Emphasise the waist – with figure-hugging tops.
Suitable shoes:
Almost any, depending on the outfit; for extra focus on the legs: high heels.
Ruffle Skirt / Tiered Skirt
Immediately evokes romantic associations – the flounce or tiered skirt shines at the end of the hem with flounces that are sewn onto the skirt in tiers. The tiers or flounces can run parallel to the skirt hem or slightly diagonally. In any case, these playful attributes exude a spirit of freedom and hippie aesthetics. Due to their flowing shape, oversized sweatshirts or dropped shoulders are less suitable. Flounce skirts do not have a premium place in business due to their lively attitude – they prefer leather jackets to blazers.
Style guideline:
Fitted tops such as light spaghetti strap tops or bralettes show off the swinging skirt to its best advantage.
Matching shoes:
Flat booties, ankle boots, flip-flops – or simply barefoot.
Wrap Skirt
This skirt style is a real all-rounder that suits every woman. It is ideal for women with wide hips and a larger bottom, as the wrap skirt conceals these areas and falls lightly and loosely. For those with less hips, the skirt adds a few feminine curves. Wrap skirts are available in a wide variety of cuts – mini, knee-length or full-length. The all-rounder effect is not lost; it adapts to every figure. However, you should not buy it too small, otherwise the pleats will disappear. Tip: Depending on the style, make the skirt an eye-catcher – e.g. pair a patterned texture with a plain top.
Style guideline:
Do not buy too small, otherwise the pleats will disappear.
Suitable shoes:
Sandals, ballerina flats, ankle boots, boots, all high shoes
How to find your perfect skirt
Pay attention to length (mini/midi/maxi), line (A-line, pencil, godet, circle), waist height (mid to high waist) and material drape (structured vs. flowing). Balance proportions with your choice of shoes (heels elongate, flats relax), add one or two signature pieces (belt, bag, jewellery) and keep the rest minimal. This creates a modern, effortless look – and unmistakably Ana Alcazar.
