Shopping Girls know that skirts are flirty and great for Summer weather and activities. Contrary to the belief of some, skirts are also practical choices in many cases; hence why women throughout history have enjoyed the benefits of this apparel option.

 

Skirts are also incredibly flattering, as long as you pay attention to the proportions and balance in your overall look. The easiest way to do this is to design your outfit into thirds, then go with 2/3 on the top or bottom, and 1/3 on the other. A classic example of this is the knee-length dress, resulting in a general 2/3 proportion on the top (the dress), and 1/3 proportion on the bottom (your lower legs and feet).

 

The proportion can be adjusted by wearing shoes that match your skin tone, if you feel that your legs are a bit short. Hats, scarves, and hair accessories are also a good way to balance proportions and tie your outfit together; it avoids the appearance that your head is an afterthought stuck on top of the rest of your outfit.

 

This does not mean, for example, that a particular apparel item must equal 1/3 or 2/3 of the length of your body, although those pieces can also be used in the equation. But you want to achieve a harmonious look in those proportions. As long as the color, shape, and style of the pieces used relate closely, you will achieve this effect. And, of course, there are other themes and tricks one can go by when designing an outfit, such as adhering to one overall color, which results in a very chic or dramatic effect.

 

Skirts come in so many shapes, styles, and lengths, that it can be overwhelming trying to choose the ideal ones for your Summer needs. The thing is, anything goes! It is so important for a Shopping Girl to dress in a way that feels authentic to her. Your likes and dislikes will guide you in this. Whatever skirt style or length you like, you can wear! All you need to do is to take into consideration the entirety of your outfit, and you should consider the effect you wish to have in the environment where you plan to be.

 

For example, if you are traveling in a hot, humid region, and plan to visit certain historical sites with religious relevance, you may be expected to dress with more coverage than a tank top and Daisy-Duke shorts. An easy solution is to carry a light, airy, maxi-length crinkle skirt in a thin cotton material. If it features an elastic waistband, so much the better. Just pull it on, toss an equally Summery scarf around your shoulders, and you are ready to go.

Crinkle skirts are great for Summer because, well, they are crinkled. You don’t need to be concerned with wrinkles. You can simply twist the skirt up into a knot and stash it in your beach bag to wear after a day at the shore when you go to dinner. The crinkling in the fabric gives these skirts a beautiful, Summery flow of movement that is cool and comfortable. A maxi-length crinkle skirt can also serve as a shoulder-baring short dress by just pulling it up under your shoulders. Roll up that Summery scarf you are also carrying to make a sash belt, tie it at your waist or hips, and you are good to go.

 

Another plus of the cotton crinkle skirt is that, with its length and flare, you can use it as a beach towel to sit on until you’re done at the shore. Maxi skirts and dresses are great Summer choices in mosquito-riddled areas. The skirt keeps you covered and less accessible to the little monsters while still permitting air circulation to keep you cool. The movement of the hem deflects them as well, rather like waving your hand to shoo them away. Maxis protect your legs from hot seating surfaces at outdoor events. You can adjust the position and length of the skirt for your comfort by raising, lowering, or rolling up the waist. You can even create impromptu “shorts” out of a long skirt by pulling it up between your legs and fastening it with a safety pin or two; a good trick for bicycling or wading in the surf.

 

 

Crinkle skirts are great for creating retro vintage look vibes of many kinds, and will always work with a romantic or Summery casual style. For Shopping Girls who aren’t super-comfortable wearing skirts, or prefer a boyish style of dressing, give crinkle skirts a try by layering with your other gear. You will be surprised at how great they can look while still retaining an edge in your outfit. Indeed, adding a crinkle skirt to your wardrobe may be just the thing you need to bring it into the Summer season, without having to worry about buying anything else.

 

Crinkle skirts also come in silk, and these are wonderful too, but keep in mind that silk fabric isn’t a good option for a humid climate. However, if it isn’t too humid, and the silk is light, a crinkle skirt is one of the best ways to wear silk during the Summer, because the design inherently is loose and the crinkles help to keep the silk from being clingy.

 

 

Besides long, crinkly skirts, there are many other great Summer options, which we’ll explore in later posts!