by Dayna Del Val
There is something alluringly feminine about a dress or skirt that flatters the body and lets a girl move freely. In fact the perfect dress or skirt can turn an ordinary day into something special. As the French fashion designer Madeleine Vionnet said, "The dress must not hang on the body but follow its lines. It must accompany its wearer, and when a woman smiles, the dress must smile with her."
Because they are comfortable and versatile, these basic skirts and dresses are perfect wardrobe staples.
The little black dress. Need we say more about this wardrobe staple? The typical little black dress (LBD) may be designed for the evening, but don't forget about daytime fashion. An LBD made of cotton, linen or dyed denim is also great for just running around.
The jersey dress. Perfect for everything from a backyard barbecue to the office to a night on the town, the Jersey dress is carefree with a wonderful swing and ease. Make sure it fits well and has a cut that flatters your shape so you feel comfortable and confident wearing it.
The professional dress. Whether attending a meeting with the boss or with your child's teacher, a dress with an office-appropriate quality will give you a sense of confidence and control. Think about an earth-toned, muted color with a hemline that hits just around your knees. Add a splash of color with belts, jewelry, shoes or other accessories to turn this versatile garment into a daytime dress.
The pencil skirt. The slim, narrow line of this skirt hugs the body to create a feminine and professional look. In black, navy or khaki, this is an ideal work skirt, but paired with a funky belt and boots, it can easily go straight from the office to a party.
The pleated skirt. Dressed up or down, this skirt has a flirty but appropriate feel. The one rule is to make sure the pleats don't start at the waistline, as wearing a shirt over pleats will add bulge, which no woman wants. Instead, make sure there is a wide band of flat material that covers the length of your hip bones, and that the pleats begin from the bottom of this band. For dressing up, consider a solid, bright color. For casual days, a print can provide fun flair.
The denim skirt. No longer just a micro-mini, the denim skirt runs the gamut in length and style — from a professional pencil skirt to a long, flowing, bohemian design. Make sure there is some stretch to the skirt, regardless of the design. Also make sure it fits your body well so you don't feel weighed down by the heavy denim. Paired with sandals, boots, tights, heels or flats, this skirt can be as versatile as a regular pair of jeans.
Freelance writer Dayna de Val loves skirts — especially a perfectly fitting pencil skirt!
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