Ever see a garment you like on someone else, but don’t exactly know what the style was called? You want to search for something similar, but you have no idea what to tell a salesperson or what to plug into an online search? What are those sleeves called? What style of jeans are those?
Don’t fret it! Over the next few months, you can vastly improve your fashion knowledge by tuning in each Monday for this new series. We are going to explore fashion terms and trends from A to Z. Never again will you miss out on a must have piece merely because you didn’t know what terms to use.
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Let’s jump right in and kick this off with A for A line skirt.
An A line skirt is one that has a wider hem and gradually flares from the waist and a fitted hip. The key is “gradual”. If it makes a huge sudden flare, you’ve got a fit and flare skirt. Think of the A line as a triangle shape.
What’s the big deal about an A line? It’s classic! It will always be around. You may see it in some trendy colors or prints, but the cut will always be classic.
It has been said that an A line skirt is universally flattering, and while it does work well for some pear shapes, there are a few things to consider.
The weight of the fabric, the length, and the width of the hem will be the determining factors on whether or not it is truly flattering. Petites will want to wear this type of skirt in a shorter length, especially if it’s a wider skirt with lots of fabric. Heavy fabric and pleats can add bulk when you don’t want it, but smoother, more fitted A lines can emphasize a large tummy since it will be more fitted in that area.
The skirt below is a smooth cut but heavy material. It makes it a little harder to camouflage a larger tummy.
Related: 5 Ways to Easily Camouflage Wide Hips
The key to wearing an A line skirt is to always wear a more fitted top and tuck it in. If you don’t tuck, you will appear shapeless, as the bottom of a blouse will likely fall where the skirt starts its gradual flare. Make sure to tuck and highlight the waist, or in the alternative, wear a blouse like the one below that is fitted at the waist. You can also wear some tops out over an A line skirt if you belt them.
Shop A line skirts:
I couldn’t start such a series without discussing the trendiest “A’ of the season- animal prints.
Animal prints include leopard, cheetah, jaguar, snakeskin/python and zebra prints. There are other reptilian textures too like croc and lizard. The leopard, python and zebra are the trendiest right now.
You will find the term leopard used interchangeably for cheetah and even jaguar prints, but there are some defining qualities to each according to Stitch Fix.
Leopard prints have a black rosette spot with a clean center.
Cheetah print has a solid black center.
Jaguar spots have thick edges with spots in the center.
I give up! I searched each and got varying results. Regardless of which one you wear or what you call it, it’s a classic print that’s been around for a while. Animal prints in general have been around for years, but they are classics that are getting more and more attention as trends. You can’t go wrong with an animal print and it will always be in style.
There are so many ways to wear animal prints. The subject deserves its own post. Start small with accessories or shoes or go full blown with a leopard print or zebra coat. If you don’t like traditional animal prints, try one in a fun color.
Shop animal prints
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