SKIRTED UP

Skirts are quite a no-nonsense garment. A piece of fabric with an elastic waistband, they don't involve much effort at all save waking up in the morning and slipping one on. In the warm and sticky summer, the loose and flowing nature of skirts can go a long way in helping keep your cool.

Low on the radar for a couple of seasons, skits are back in action again. Perhaps the summers are warmer, the people trendier, or the culture more open-minded. Whatever the reason, if you love the comfort of skirts (who doesn't!) but have no idea how to sport one, we are here to help.

Showtime
The question of the “acceptable” hemline is still up for debate. Ultimately, it depends more on the company you keep and the places you will venture out to more than the current trends. If you're going to a friend's house or a private party in a restaurant or recreation club, you can probably get away with shorter lengths. Out and about in the city, it's prudent to wear floor-length skirts. “Maxi skirts” made of jersey cotton or pleated chiffon are quite hot right now.

For those of you who dislike using skirts as brooms, there's good news for you: the hottest hemline right now is the “midi-length”, which stops somewhere between your calves and your ankles, a la the 1950s. You can safely wear them without getting too many stares but staying on trend.

Wrap it up
Sarong-style skirts are great options for Bangladesh, because they really complement the whole “deshi fusion” look. Because a lot of times women feel comfortable wearing loose tops, the structured design of a sarong leads to an overall more appealing silhouette than a combination of loose top-loose skirt. Sarongs also look great with short kurtas and a long beaded necklace. Most importantly, sarongs were always meant for countries blessed with tropical summers. So, as the saying goes, if you've got it (i.e. the endless summers), why not flaunt it (i.e. the sarong)?

To print or not to print
Will you wear a printed skirt, or a skirt in a single colour? The question is more serious than you think. Wearing a printed top and a printed skirt is possibly one of the worst ideas you will ever have, unless you are a very seasoned fashionista and know exactly how to work it. If you wear a printed skirt, let the skirt be the star of the show and choose a top with minimum fuss. If you wear a monotone skirt, you can either keep the top simple and pile on some accessories like a pretty scarf or necklace; or you can wear a printed top.

Draw the lines
To look like a million bucks in skirts, it's all about the silhouette. If you're thinking of wearing a fitted maxi skirt, you can tuck in a loose top and add a scarf. If your skirt is flowing and all over the place, wear a top that is more fitting. Tops look best tucked into skirts with a thick belt to finish the look. If possible, wear heels with your long skirt to really put the whole look together, but also make sure the skirt manages to cover your feet. Those wearing shorter skirts can choose flats or heels depending on their comfort level and the occasion. And to those wearing sarongs, take advantage of the boho chic inspirations and own the messy, unkempt vibe!

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Riba, Elven
Wardrobe and location: Doors
Makeup: Farzana Shakil
Styling: Tabassum Anila Hridi