A-line or pencil, mini or mid-length—regardless of the style, a skirt won't look good unless the fabric flatters. Here's what counts when you're considering skirts. (Get the details on all of the clothes pictured in this feature. Use this Shop Guide. )

Wide hips or thighs?
Substantial but unbulky fabrics are most slimming: For tailored cuts, pick firmly woven cotton, linen or denim; for drapey skirts, try lightweight wool or rayon.

Boyish build?
Fluid materials make more of your lower half; same goes for tailored styles in weightier, textured fabrics (tweed, corduroy, heavier wool).