Skirts have become an essential item in almost every lady’s wardrobe. They highlight the soft feminine side of a woman’s personality without underplaying her sex appeal. While it is a popular perception that skirts only suit a slim figure, this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s just about choosing the silhouette that flatters your body type. While only those with perfectly sculpted bodies should attempt wearing a mini or a pencil skirt, a full skirt is much more forgiving.

The fervour for skirts has been gathering steam for some time now, but fall 2005 effortlessly brought the tale to a dramatic flourish in a melange of bold styles. Fabrics, styles and treatments run the gamut from casual to severely formal, laid-back to luxurious. Although knee-length skirts are being spotted on runways, narrow pencil skirts and risqué minis are equally popular.

The House of Dior recently showcased Tilcara skirts inspired by couturier John Galliano's visits to Argentina and Peru while Chanel has launched circle skirts reminiscent of the fifties era. Christian Lacroix’s runway show had soft, flowy skirts teamed with trenches and Armani's attention to detailing in his ruffled skirts trimmed in satin was visible at the Milan Fashion Week; his 15-cm pleated minis are ideal clubwear.

Stores are housing peasant styles and military influences on a range of fabrics such as corduroy, chiffon, tweeds, wool, leather, and more. Interestingly, all the embellishments previously seen on blouses have made their presence felt in skirts. People want something unique, with a racy edge, which has prompted design houses to take a vintage piece and add a new twist on it. The result: this season, skirts are satiated with sequins, beads, embroideries, lace, leather slashes, and fur trimmings.