Given the choice between skinny jeans and a skirt, I’ll always take the skirt. No matter how many times I tried, wearing skinny, nearly painted-on jeans always made me feel incredibly uncomfortable and not very feminine. More Jim Morrison than Audrey Hepburn.
So anyway, when the latest skirt trend this autumn came in the form of the tulip, I was excited. What a lovely name, if not for anything else. But what is a tulip skirt? Its a skirt which is obviously shaped like the famous flower from Holland. Cinched at the waist, ballooning slightly outwards in the middle, tapering down.
Now many fashion bloggers have attested that this style is NOT for the average woman (read: over size 4), as it has a tendency to make the hips larger. But I beg to differ. In fact, there are a multitude of styles of tulip skirts out there, and provided you find the right one that suits your body type, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one in your wardrobe.
To get an idea of this, check out Styleshop. Here you’ll see what I’m talking about. If you’re happy with your legs, you could try the fun mid-thigh soft, wooly version by Urban Outfitters, a steal at $48. For a more glam look, Banana Republic has a longer, purple one in taffeta perfect for the holidays, or if you feel like a splurge, Marc Jacob’s silky heart-print with black belt could be ideal.
But before you buy, its always a good idea to try on first. So browse through your neighborhood shops and see what style suits you best. And don’t forget these great tips I found at eHow:
1. Choose a tulip skirt with top pleats. If you are looking to create the illusion of having more curvaceous hips, buy a tulip skirt with pleats at the top, near the hips.
2. Buy a tulip skirt that flares at the bottom if you are top-heavy. A tulip skirt with a flirty flare on the bottom will help balance out the overall shape of women who have larger upper bodies.
3. Search for a tulip skirt with a slightly flared hem at the bottom for work. A tulip skirt that is fitted throughout, but flares ever-so-slightly at the bottom will add a dash of fun to your work wardrobe while still looking professional
4. Decide on a long tulip skirt with soft pleats. A long tulip skirt with soft pleats running vertically will add romantic charm to your wardrobe.