How to Choose a Spring Skirt to Minimize Hips

Making the most of your figure often means minimizing flaws. Little imperfections such as wider hips can easily be masked when you select the right skirt. Make this spring the season you feel the most at ease with yourself by shopping for skirts that accentuate your positive features.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Look for A-line skirts for spring to help minimize the appearance of your hips. The A-line provides a clean line from waist to hem, drawing the eye away from the hips and rear.
2. Avoid compensating for larger hips by wearing full or gathered skirts. Though the additional material may seem to camouflage your imperfections, it actually creates emphasis in the areas you wish to minimize such as the hips, thighs and rear.
3. Accentuate your positive features by selecting a hem length that is proportionate to your form. Depending on your height, selecting a skirt with a hem at the knee or just below it can help lengthen the lower half of the body, drawing attention away from the hips.
4. Choose spring skirts in patterns and solids, being sure to avoid designs that visually widen the body, such as horizontal stripes. Vertical or diagonal stripes, on the other hand, will help elongate your lower body while minimizing your hips and rear.
5. Achieve the look of a full skirt without emphasizing your hips by selecting one with a drop-yoke construction. Here, the full skirt is attached to a panel of fabric that fits the waist and hips, allowing the bulk of the fabric to fall in attractive folds below the hip line.
6. Choose a jacket or blouse that doesn't cut you off at your hips. A sweater or jacket that extends below the hips, with a nipped waist, is more appropriate for addressing this figure flaw, as hip-length jackets will tend to exacerbate the problem.
7. Choose a skirt in a darker color than the rest of your spring ensemble to help minimize your hips. Though the lightness of spring calls for a lighter palette, darker colors such as gray or navy blue will also look stylish throughout the season.
8. Keep it simple when it comes to accessories, closures and buttons if you want to draw attention away from your hips. A wide, hip-slung belt will only emphasize the width of your hips.

Tips & Warnings

• Supportive undergarments such as girdles and body shapers can be your secret weapon. Even skirts that are designed for slimmer hips can be worn if the proper undergarment is chosen beforehand.