If you caught the post last month’s post, Ways to Wear a Denim Skirt, you know I’m a big fan of this wardrobe item. I was surprised to hear from readers that many don’t own a denim skirt and have a hard time figuring out what would work for them. So… here are 4 tips for Finding the Perfect Denim Skirt:

One:: Consider Color.

There are denim skirts today in every color imaginable - white, pink, orange, blue, etc. What is going to work for you and your needs? If this is your first foray into denim skirt, stick with the classic blue denim. From there, consider a color of blue denim that will go with most of your closet. A good way to gauge that, is consider your favorite pair of blue jeans and look for a skirt in a similar hue. Before purchasing, think of your current closet and envision all the outfits you could create with the addition of just this skirt. If it works with a lot of the tops already in your closet that’s a good sign.

Two:: Consider Length.

Today you can buy mini skirts to midi skirts and everything in between. When shopping for a denim skirt, and really any skirt, consider where it hits on your leg. Typically we want material to end on a flattering portion of our leg, because that is where the eye will be drawn. When the material ends at a bigger portion of our body, it tends to make that area look even bigger. (This is often why people find midi skirts unflattering but can’t say why - calves are the largest part on the lower portion of our leg.) Personally, I like a skirt that comes a little above the knee or just below it. I find that the most flattering length on my long legs.

Three:: Consider the Fading and Distressed Level.

The pre-worn denim skirts that have sections that appear to be faded with use, despite being new, are very common. These can be very flattering, but they can also make us look bigger than we are. Take a look at where the fading falls on your body and what section it tends to highlight. If the fading lands on a area you’d like to downplay, opt for something else. The same goes for distressed sections. Consider what they will look like after some wearing and wash. Will you want the distressed patch to continue to enlarge in that area? That’s what inevitably happens over time, so you should prepare for it.

Four:: Consider the Fabric.

Some denim skirts are made with a lot of stretch, others have very little - just like our blue jeans. If you like the stretch, find a denim skirt that will give you that same level of comfort. If you tend to avoid the stretch because the material stretches out and leaves things mis-shappen, look for fabric that has less give and will keep its shape as you tug on it.

Need a little more guidance? Here are my 15 favorite denim skirts.