First Skirt

Hi, I'm a guy and really fancy wearing a skirt for a change. The trouble is I'm not sure if I'm brave enough but would really like to give one a go. What I don't know is what type of skirt I could consider wearing. Some have suggested a denim mini which I wouldn't mind trying. I have also wondered about a pencil/straight skirt. I'm 5 feet 9 inches tall with a 32 inch waist and slender legs. I don't think I would like to wear one longer than about 21 inches but would greatly appreciate any advice.

Thank you
Peter.



When trying a skirt for the first time, the denim mini is probably not the best place to begin. Minis are tricky, and there is the issue of the proper shoes. The wrong shoes, plus a short skirt, can make you look dumpy. The most flattering skirt is an A-line, and they come in lots of nice patterns this season. Of course, the pencil is really sharp, with its elongation of the body line, and the potential for a high-waisted belt effect. Remember that pencils are more fitted this year, and look for that important visible break below the pompi in the back.

The hem of a skirt should always end at a narrow part of the leg. For some folks, this is just below the knee, and for others, it's at the curve of the calf. Never have the hem cut the leg at the widest part of your leg.

As mentioned, shoes are critical for supporting a skirt. Be sure to wear the proper shoes when shopping for skirts, or when pinning them at the tailor's. Pants are more forgiving, especially if they are long enough to cover most of the shoe. The skirt shoe cannot have a high profile (covering most of your foot) unless it is a purposeful look, such as a gladiator sandal, a modern bootie, or a caged heel. Low profile shoes are great for skirts, and if the profile is open enough, flats are great with skirts. Some longer skirts, and dressier fabrics, really require heels. Check this out in a mirror, or with photos you can share here for advice, before you decide.

BTW, Hosiery is a really important element in skirt ensembles; more tricky than with pants. Look for opaque, semi-opaque, or patterned hose, or tinted sheers, for an up-to-date look. Micro fishnets are a compatible alternative, too.

Ilie Adds:
my advice:
*no pencil skirt (he won't have the hips to support it)
*no denim (too obvious)
i suggest a slight A-line in a structured/stiff fabric for the
illusion of hips and defined waist. My pink 'nicky' one from JCrew
comes to mind.