Stylish Summer Skirts For Less

By: Brian Dakss

With Memorial Day behind us, the "unofficial" start of summer is, too, and you might be asking how you wear great looking outfits without sweating to death.

Well, skirts are this season's hottest item. They're great for work and for play, and will keep you cool.

Mandi Norwood, editor in chief of Shop Etc. magazine, offered a mix of reasonably priced examples and more expensive ones in The Early Show's Chic on a Shoestring Wednesday.

The series features two versions for each look: one a splurge, the other a steal. It can be awfully hard to guess the difference!

Norwood also offers tips on picking skirts that flatter your figure.

LOOK #1: THE TEXTURED PENCIL SKIRT

This is great for the "boyish" body type. It creates visual curves.

Steal on look #1: Grand total of $215.98

Norwood has paired a pencil skirt with other big trends: the ruffle front shirt and the metallic belt. Belts are a great way to add curves to your body.

Necessary objects pencil skirt, $58
A simple, straight-edged hem and cotton voile lining are less detailed, but the lacy style looks like you've paid a fortune!

Banana republic long sleeve ruffle front shirt in alfie blue, $68
Thinner cotton -- also cotton voile -- blouse keeps this shirt lightweight. There's less extravagant ruffle detail.

Fantas-eyes woven belt in gold, $9.99
Looks high-end, but is actually pleather!

Aldo "avicia" patent-leather slingbacks in white, $79.99
Faux-wood heel is actually plastic

Splurge on look #1: Grand total of $710

Shoshana eyelet pencil skirt, $240
Imported eyelet lace, grosgrain band, and scalloped lace trim add to the cost of the skirt

Craig Taylor special shirt with ruffled placket in navy, $195
Thicker cotton sateen and heavier weight make this shirt a better quality

Nikki Jaggs "Babylon" woven belt in gold, $35
Actual leather with high-end touches: a precise weave, covered buckle

Stuart Weitzman "slice" pumps, $249
High-grade patent leather, thick, stacked wooden heel

For more looks, go to Page 2