Fashion Elements: Skirts

If you know me, you know skirts are truly a staple in my closet. In this post, get to know the proper terminology for some of the most fashionable skirts out there.

A skirt can also refer to the bottom half (skirt) portion of a dress, not just necessarily a separate skirt.

A-Line Skirt

This is a full skirt, but not created with gathers or pleats. Each pattern piece is drafted by flaring out from waist to hem to create the full, A-Line look.

Modern version of an A-Line skirt is being called a skater skirt right now.

Note also the "A" shape it creates on the model.

---

Temperley London 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

---

Tea Length Skirt

I included this skirt solely for the length.  Think of fancy ladies who go for high tea, or aka "ladies who lunch". These ladies would often be seen in a Tea Length Skirt. The hem sits at the mid calf region.

This is a beautiful length, creeping back into our closets...cross my fingers. 

---

Temperley London 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

---

Tiered Skirt

Similar in appearance to the layered skirt (below) some may say, but there is one major factor that sets the two apart. In the tiered skirt, each horizontal panel of fabric is sewn together to create a seam that makes up a skirt. While, in the layered skirt, each horizontal panel is actually a separate detached piece.

Think of a peasant skirt from the 90's, I know you had one.

---

Temperley London 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

---

Layered Skirt

Briefly mentioned this one above, as its similar in appearance to a Tiered Skirt. 

A Layered Skirt has layers that are separate and distinct, hence creating layers. I think of several skirts on top of each other.

BCBG is really into the layered skirt design.

---

Alice + Olivia Spring 2014 retrieved from NY Mag.

---

Car-wash Skirt

Dont confuse this with fringe from the 1920's flapper era. Car-wash strands are larger and wider.

The Alexander McQueen example is fantastic in showing the width and repetition of strands you would find in a car wash.

This one is extremely exciting to wear, swish...swish!

---

Alexander McQueen Spring 2014 retrieved from NY Mag.

---

Happy Sewing!
Written by Sheila Wong Studios