10 Appropriate skirts for your daughter

That age-old hemline debate — how short is too short — rages on every year as parents, teachers and administrators deal with the fashion trends that affect girls’ clothing. This fall, however, the fashion forecast will please many as we say a firm goodbye to the micro-mini. Here are 10 skirt styles that are sure to end the short-versus-long debate between parents and daughters.

1.Plaid

Plaid fashion is traditionally trendy for fall, and this year is no exception. Look for plaid in dresses, tops, skirts and jackets. See what your daughter thinks of plaid skirts, like those from
BCX, which hit just above the knee and incorporate pockets for small essentials.

2.Denim

A perennial winner, fall 2009 denim skirts from labels like 7 for All Mankind and Tommy Hilfiger are back again. Most lengths are perfect for pairing with fun, bright leggings or a trendy
mustard-colored shirt and accessories. For some of the season’s best longer denim skirts that flatter most figures, try Diesel or Gap.

3.Prints

After seasons of solid bottoms, fall 2009 puts the print into leggings, skirts and pants. Pair printed skirts with solid tops, and your daughter will be the go-to gal for trends this year. From
floral to graphic to geometric, prints are a fun way for girls to express themselves.

4.Dirndl

The dirndl skirt (a full skirt with a gathered waistband) has come a long way since its origins in traditional German costume.  Lots of prominent designers have included dirndl skirts in their
collections recently.  The look is very flattering, feminine and easy to incorporate into her wardrobe.

5.Tulip

Tulip skirts are similar to pencil skirts except for two main differences: They’re wider in the hips and are often a couple inches shorter than pencil skirts. In other words, the tulip skirt
looks like an upside down tulip. They are usually hemmed a few inches above the knees and look great with a short-waisted or thin, knit top that you can tuck into the skirt.

6.Maxi

Long, flowy maxi dresses have been dominating for a few seasons now, so it was inevitable that the maxi skirt would follow! You can update this style and give it an edge with a tee or cropped vest,
go bohemian, just keep it basic with a simple tank or give it a fashion-forward kick with a more embellished style.

7.Pleated

The key to the pulling off the pleated silhouette is to keep it polished, not preppy, by pairing the skirt with a close-fitting top to balance out the extra volume the skirt brings. Some skirts
have pleats throughout (check out the navy pleats from the Theory ’09 collection), and others have just a touch at the hemline.

8.Ruffles

If you like feminine, romantic fashion, you’re in luck: Ruffles are back in the spotlight with tiered ruffled skirts, peplum waists with multiple layers of frills, over-the-bust frills and garments
made entirely of ruffles. The ruffled skirt with a bright blouse will make her stand out this fall.

9.Tie-Dye

Tie-dye has always been associated with hippies and people who haven’t seen a good shower since ’98. But recently, the trend has been popping up in every magazine from InStyle
to Life and Style. So what girl wouldn’t want to add some colorful fun to her wardrobe with a little tie-dye here and there?

10.Bubbles and Poof

Dresses and skirts are sporting bubble hems — wide bands of elastic that hug the thighs allowing for the rest of the skirt to poof above. Paired with today’s colors of turquoise and fuchsia, the
newest in teen fashion might have you wondering if she’s time-traveled back to your high-school days (minus the big hair and shoulder pads, of course).

Whatever the style, choose the one that give confidence and suits her body style and personality best.