Skirts that swirl and swish

H EMLINES varied throughout the summer and were very much up and down when it came to the style at the Galway Races this year.
Simple elegance is how the judges saw the Best Dressed Lady Helen Murphy from Cork whose pretty mint green full skirt was the big winning part of the outfit.
Helen’s look was one that was replicated by a number of women at Ballybrit and the full skirt is another vintage-inspired trend that will continue into autumn.
Big skirts whether as part of a dress or as a separate are back in full swing but they might be a tad too much of the 'good girl’ look for some.
Full skirts featured on plenty of high end designer catwalk shows last year but it’s really only now the trend is hitting boutiques and high street stores. Some skirts come with a tulle underskirt for added volume and others have nifty side pockets.
Not all big skirt outfits have to be fashion tributes to Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn; you can certainly embrace big and make it your own.
But a big skirt shouldn’t be an impulse buy and it’s best to try on a number of versions with different separates to find what suits your style and shape best.
If you are contemplating embracing the swish and swirl skirt then decide on wearing a solid colour either on top or bottom and choose a top that makes the most of your waist. Wearing a long top over a big skirt is asking for trouble and screams slouch.
Be careful about the length of skirt you choose too as too long or not long enough will either swamp you or lead you up the aisle as a bridesmaid.