The Return of the Mini Skirt for 2009
Thigh-Grazing Hemlines—in Tuilp Skirts, Tubes and Tiers
Jun 13, 2009
During this time of economic gloom and doom, as money gets shorter, so in the fashion world do skirts! Or at least that’s the case this summer 2009, as mini mania hits the fashion runways with thigh-grazing hemlines for those who have the confidence to wear them.
From pencil skirts, lampshades, to tube and tulip styles, skirts go to new lengths in sculpted shapes, tiers and ruffles, in the most eye-popping of colors.
Mini Skirts for Summer 2009
Showing your legs traditionally heralds the start of summer, but choose the style which works best for your body shape:
Tulip Skirt
The tulip skirt is one of the most flattering. This shape-and-drape style is softly gathered at the waistband, with gentle folds and pleats that create the illusion of a slimmer waist. It cleverly hides any unwanted bulges, especially around the hips.
Tube Skirt
Not for the faint-hearted. The equivalent to squeezing yourself into a tank-top, but on your bottom-half. Wear it high on the waist and see how it hugs curves.
The Lampshade
Not quite as figure friendly as the tulip skirt but ideal for those who need more definition around the waist. Shaped like a lampshade this rounded shape creates a dramatic silhouette and creates the illusion of thinner legs. Adds curves to boyish shapes too.
Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts come into their own this season, in gorgeous fabrics with plenty of detailing. It’s all about texture and color. Go for a figure forming pencil skirt teamed with a white blazer and glossy patent heels for some urban chic.
Tiered Skirt
Tiers or frills on a mini skirt can cleverly disguising thick thighs and chunky upper legs. Slim multi-tiers distract attention away from lumps and bumps and adorn pencil-shaped skirts.
How to Wear Miniskirts
You don’t need legs like a runway model to wear a mini skirt, the secret it balancing out the short hemline with more coverage on the top. One of the chicest ways to wear a mini skirt is not to show too much flesh; team it with a top which does not reveal too much.
A long-sleeved shirt, tunic or jacket can add sophistication. Choose this season’s style carefully if you have ample hips or heavy thighs, as a mini skirt tends to draw attention right to where you want to avoid it.
- If you feel uncomfortable showing too much leg then a simple solution is a pair of opaque tights and matching shoes.
- A mini skirt that sits at the natural waistline is likely to shorten your body further. Fashion guru, Paula Reed, author of Style Clinic (Harper Collins 2009), says positioning the waistband on your hips will keep your torso long.
- For some Left-Bank chic, break the rules by wearing it with a biker jacket and flat boots or shoes.
According to Grazia magazine's feature "It’s Mini Mania " of May 4, 2009, buyers at UK stores Top Shop, Miss Selfridge and Oasis best selling skirt styles so far this season are the tube and lampshade. This summer's dramatic structured designs are likely to be a big hit with women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Expect to see them for Fall Winter 2009 too.
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