Skirts are a great alternative to pants — or shorts — for day wear. A skirt can be more casual than a dress, for moms who aren’t going to an office; a skirt can also be grown up and sophisticated, for business meetings or after-five events. And while a skirt isn’t quite as simple as a dress — you have to pair it with something, after all — one skirt can go with a whole variety of other pieces, for a nice range of looks.

Skirts — just a couple of really great ones — are a simple way to update both your work and weekend wardrobe. But how do you know which skirt to wear and what to pair it with?

Read on and find out!

How long should my skirt be?
The most flattering hemline is one that hits right at the knee, either slightly below the kneecap or slightly above. If you’re petite, opt for a skirt that hits above the kneecap; if you are very tall or have very long legs, you can go for just below the knee, although just above is a great look on tall women.

What style is best for me?
An A-line skirt is universally flattering, but there are lots of other great options. Pencil skirts are huge right now, and can work for a variety of figures; if you’re wider on the bottom, look for a pencil skirt with a higher waistband, one that will create a clearly defined waist. Fit is actually more important that style — your skirt shouldn’t be too tight, but it also shouldn’t overwhelm your hips and thighs with extra fabric.

How do I know what top to wear with a skirt?
As with any outfit, the key here is balance; if you’re wearing a full skirt, choose a slim top, and vice versa. Think also about what you want to highlight and what you want to camouflage. If you have slim shoulders and wider thighs, pair a full skirt with a bateau or ballerina neck top, one that widens the shoulders. If you are curvy, choose tops that flatter your cleavage and then add a belt to define your waist. Mix it up — pair tailored tops with more flowing skirts, or ruffly tops with tailored skirts. A button down shirt and a pencil skirt is boring; a ruffled silk blouse or embellished tee with the same pencil skirt is hip and cool (and still totally work-appropriate).

What about shoes?
Again, think about proportion. A flat shoe with a longer pencil skirt (one that hits below the knee) will make your legs look shorter; opt instead for a slight heel, or a flat with a very pointy toe. Longer A-line skirts are perfect with flats; choose a rounded or square toe, to balance the fullness of the skirt.

How can I make skirts work for me?
Don’t assume that your skirts are either dressy or casual — while some skirts are clearly for after five (anything beaded, for example) and others are for play (those great fold over knit skirts that are like yoga pants), most skirts can go either way. A basic wool or cotton skirt can be dressed up for the office or dressed down for weekends, depending on what you pair it with. Wear your pencil skirt with a graphic tee for a casual dinner out; pair your denim skirt with a silk blouse and pumps for a meeting. Think about how accessories — a funky belt or a pair of great shoes or a dramatic necklace — can change your whole look.

Do you have skirt questions? Or tips and tricks? Share them in the comments!