Women's Skirts

Where the hem falls changes a skirt more than anything else about it. Minis stop high on the thigh and hold their shape through cut rather than volume, whether A-line, pleated or drafted close to the body. Knee-length shapes land at or just past the kneecap, where the pencil and the flared A-line both sit, while midis carry down the calf and take on movement instead: bias-cut, wrapped, pleated and column lines that swing or fall straight.

Longer skirts reach the ankle and are drafted around walking, so slits, front openings and panelled seams keep the stride open. Construction shows first at the waistband: high-rise over a fitted yoke, elasticated for volume, or wrapped and tied. Wool suiting and gabardine hold a sharp pleat; denim and leather stiffen the silhouette; silk, satin and fine jersey follow the body and settle on the bias.