Stylish Summer Skirts For Less
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 2LOOK #2: FULL SKIRT
If you thought full skirts make you look heavier, it's not necessarily true. If you have large thighs, a full skirt adds movement to your lower half while hiding your thighs.
Norwood has paired this look with a tank top. It creates a nice balance with the full skirt.
H & M tropical printed cotton skirt, $14.90
Print is screen-printed on the fabric
It's unlined--more lightweight and casual
Steve & Barry's white racer-back tank top, $7.98
Also 100 percent cotton, but not combed.
Fantas-Eyes brown leather belt, $8
Glued edges
Motego Bay thong sandals, $5.99
Less pliable sole
Splurge on look #2, "A-line" skirt, Grand total: $1369
Michael Kors cotton brocade floral printed a-line skirt, $1275
High-end fabric is a matelassé cotton in a custom designer print
Is also lined with layers, with a tailored waistline and faux pockets for detail
American apparel racer back tank top #6308, $26
Tank looks basic, but is 100 percent cotton and combed for extra softness
Relic brown leather belt, $20
Higher quality leather
J. Crew gold thong sandals, $48
Comfortable leather sole.
This is a great look for those who might be pear-shaped. It helps accentuate the small waistline while hiding the wider hips.
Steal on look #3: Grand total: $179.44
Again here, Norwood accentuates the waistline with the belt. It's a great way to give a visual focus to your good area.
Victoria Secret full appliqué peasant skirt, $30
Made out of cotton broadcloth, a thinner fabric
Plastic sequins and palettes
Express white embroidered button down shirt, $39.50
Lighter-weight cotton voile can wrinkle more easily
White-on-white embroidery isn't substantial; no darts
American Eagle turquoise buckle leather belt, $19.95
Raw leather, unfinished edges.
Aldo cotton canvas espadrilles, $69.99
Aldo "calipatria" necklace, $20
Looks like huge, chunky turquoise, but it's plastic!
Splurge on look #3: Grand total: $803
Club Monaco appliqué skirt, $199
This skirt is pricier: because of the details, such as rick-rack appliqués and real metal pailettes
Skirt is made of heavyweight cotton canvas and has a lining
Chicos silver embroidered button down shirt with beading, $88
Embroidered with silver threads and beads.
Substantial cotton fabric, with a bit of stretch, creates a more tailored shape, as do the darts at the bust and back.
Lai belt, $170
High quality leather with stitched sides and finished edges
Tory Burch espadrilles, $248
Comfortable soles, high quality linen.
Ex Ex by Claudia Agudelo turquoise necklace, $98
Real, shot-through turquoise.