WAIST, HIPS, and SKIRT TYPES ...... I believe the WAIST & HIP of A DRESS OR SKIRT are the two most important factors for projecting the overall look you want to achieve. There are so many skirt types, but just like the neckline, each one has some consistent characteristics, and will have a particular outcome in relationship to the rest of the garment. If you going for a long lean sexy look, you of course would not wear a big full puffy skirt. If you are trying to give the illusion of a smaller waist and fuller hip, you are going to want a wider skirt and to cinch your waist.
THE STRAIGHT SKIRT ...... The straight skirt can be any length, but will always give a long lean look to the bottom portion of your body. To maintain that long lean look throughout, look for a top (either to the dress or a blouse) that will maintain a lean look .... something fitted to the torso, and monotone in color. If you want to bring focus to your bust, wear one of the type of necklines we discussed in the neckline section, or add ruffles and color at the bodice to give a top heavy look. Any kind of straight stretch skirt that molds to the body is wonderful for showcasing the legs, by accentuating the smooth thigh area that most crossdressers are so lucky to have(I would die to have perfect thighs like Veronica!)
THE A LINE & FLAIR SKIRT ...... The A-line, or Flair skirt, is the one skirt that will automatically add feminine appeal to your body. The shape of these skirts gives an illusion of hips and thighs, but you must learn to balance the top portion of the outfit, so as not to go overboard in one direction or another. If you belt an A- Line or Flair Skirt it will draw attention to the waist, so if you are looking for focus on the hip area, keep the belt the same color as the skirt. If you want to draw more attention to your waist, go for a alternate color. Some Flair Skirts will only flair or ruffle at the hemline. I love these little skirts and call them flirt skirts, because they really move when you walk, and draw plenty of attention to the legs. The flirt skirt is best worn short if you are trying to maintain the look of hips, as a longer skirt with this type of feature will have the same effect as the straight skirt, but cut your leg wherever the hem ends, and look much more austere. I am including any length of Pleated skirt in this section, whether a mini or a more conservative length. Most pleated skirts have an A line or Flared shape.
THE FULL & GATHERED SKIRT ...... The full, or gathered skirt, is most often found in Vintage Garments & Evening Dresses, and can give the body a fantastic va-voom figure. You definitely want to make sure to accentuate the bust when wearing a full figure skirt to balance out the look. To give the dress more puff you can wear a stiff crinoline underneath. I adore the dresses from the 50's & 60's with these full skirts, as they have a very womanly look. If you want to portray the younger schoolgirl look with this type of skirt, opt for a cardigan sweater over a peter pan or high collared blouse .... wear low shoes and ankle socks to complete the look.
THE DROPPED OR LOW WAIST ...... A dropped waist is a dress where the waist rests closer to the hip. This is a great dress for those looking to hide a belly, and will still give a long lean feminine look if you make sure to wear one either in a solid color, or a vertical stripe. In choosing a dress of this style, stay away from large prints and horizontal stripes, as they will make you look wider through the stomach area. Make sure that this dress fits through the bust area. Most dropped waist dresses have a high neckline ,and that, in combination with an ill fitting bustline, will make the dress look dumpy rather than the sleek effect you are looking for.
NO WAIST ...... There are a few dress styles which actually have no waist. They are the straight sheath (not a fitted sheath), and an A-line or babydoll type dress. These dresses are also great when trying to hide a tummy, and perfect if you are going out to eat and want to be comfortable. However be careful, as the cut and length of this dress will make a big difference. These no waist dresses should be worn either above the knee or down to the ankle. If the dress falls on the shin, it will define the top portion of your body as being to heavy, and look more like a mu-mu or tent. On the contrary, the fitted sheath looks great in any length because it calls attention to the waist giving you a "figure". If you are looking for a long version of the straight no waisted dress, I suggest finding one with a slit or slits up the sides to show off your legs.
A FITTED WAIST ON DRESSES, SKIRTS, JACKETS & BLOUSES ...
I know that many girls stay away from clothing that is fitted in the waist, when in fact this feature can benefit the overall appearance. Anytime you pull the waist in further than the hip and bustline, you give an illusion of an hourglass figure. Granted these items may be harder to fit, but if you learn your measurements and ask the measurement of the garment, you will find plenty of things with this style to choose from. In purchasing a fitted garment, make sure to check all measurements ( Bust/ underbust(or chest)/ waist and SHOULDERS. The shoulder measurement is essential when fitting, because if its too tight in the shoulder, it will pull and ride up...thus pulling up the waist and bust in the front, so make sure to measure well.
These pictures depict the wide range of skirt types, and how they can affect the feminine image.
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