Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Long skirts have made a fabulous comeback and have stormed the catwalks, with superstar fashion houses such as Jil Sander showing brightly colored maxi skirts in spring-summer 2011 shows. The long skirt trend has charged into wardrobes of women looking for a fashion edge, and you can get involved, too. Bottom-curvy figures -- usually referred to as pear shapes -- can wear a variety of skirts because of their small waists. Just pick a style that will flatter your body and add balance to your curvy shape.
Pleated
Pleated skirts are a lovely style for pear-shaped ladies. Pleats skim over lovely curved hips, creating a flowing look to your bottom half. Pleats minimize wider hips and add a shapely balance. Select slim or large pleats. Slim pleats create lots of movement and look playful and flirty. Larger pleats play down wide hips and create a smart, preppy look.
A-line
A-line skirts grip the waist and fit loosely around the hips. This emphasizes a nice, small waist, and will even elongate your legs. Select a cool or subtle color. A darker color will also flatter your shape and play up your upper half. The skirt should skim the knees for feminine, attractive flair.
Maxi Skirts
Maxi skirts are better suited to taller women. If you are 5'2 or shorter, avoid this style. Other pear-shaped ladies should select a loose maxi skirt in a flowy chiffon. Avoid jersey -- these styles will cling to curves, and may enlarge hips and thighs. Jersey, however, can work in black or vertical stripes.
Flared Skirts
The flared skirt is another good look: loose flowing, elegant and fitting the pear shape perfectly. This skirt is a good way to create drama around your waist and keep the eye focused on your upper body. It floats smoothly along your hips and thighs, creating a slim and smooth silhouette.
