Tips on How To Wear A Pettiskirt

If you are a style-savvy mom, you have probably already heard about the pettiskirt craze. A pettiskirt is basically a very full, frilly skirt, usually made of layers of chiffon or another light material that can achieve the desired light, frothy appearance. Inspired by petticoats of the past, underskirts that made women's dresses stand out, a pettiskirt is actually designed to be worn without anything on top of it.

The typical pettiskirt is made of chiffon or an equally light fabric, with yards of fabric pleated and stitched into dozens of frothy ruffles. These skirts are very full, so you should not be able to see through them, despite them being made of chiffon and other equally light fabrics. It is common for pettiskirts to be made with elasticized waists, so that they will fit a range of waist sizes.

Pettiskirts are typically thought of as clothing for little girls, such as infants, toddlers, and kindergarten girls. But in fact, pettiskirts have become so popular that even preteens and adults are wearing them. They are often found in many botique clothing stores.

Because a pettiskirt is such a new and different look, many mothers are unsure of how to pull it off on their children. Here are a few suggestions for how to put together an appropriate outfit for your daughter... or even yourself!

Pair it with a tank top. Because pettiskirts are so frilly and frothy, they look great contrasted with a slimming tank top. You will also want to provide a contrast to the colors in the pettiskirt: for instance, a black tank top looks great with bold colors, such as a hot pink or a blue pettiskirt. This type of outfit looks especially good on skinny, straight-bodied young girls.

Don a T-shirt. Yes, these skirts can easily be dressed up or down. For the cool teen, a T-shirt paired with a pettiskirt might be just the thing. This is also a perfect outfit for the girl who is slightly tomboyish but isn't yet ready to give up pretty things altogether.

Wear leggings underneath. Again, contrast is king. With leggings, you can show off the fullness of the pettiskirt by flaunting the slimness of your or your daughter's legs. A slightly contrasting color and pattern will set off the look nicely.

Add a jacket. Nothing looks quite so cute with a pettiskirt as a jean jacket casually donned over a tank top. A cropped jacket adds to the cool factor considerably. Complete the outfit with leggings and boots, and you've got yourself one chic little girl!

Pull on a sweater. A sweater also makes for a great look when paired with a pettiskirt, especially with a nice pair of leggings to keep your or your little one's legs warm. Because these skirts are as girly as they are trendy, a sweater makes the outfit look totally sweet.

If you browse pictures of pettiskirts on the Internet, you'll see that all of these outfit ideas make for very different looks. Perhaps the best thing about pettiskirts, after their delightful frilliness that is, is that they are such versatile additions to any wardrobe. With a tank top, leggings, and a cropped jean jacket they recall the 1980s, but with a modern twist; with a sweater and a ponytail they are more classic, like the poodle skirts from the 1950s and 1960s.

No matter what you pair a pettiskirt with, it is sure to be a source of delight for you as well as your daughter. By investing in a couple of pettiskirts and letting your imagination run wild, you will create outfits you never dreamed would look so good.
About the Author

Kaila West is a writer on a number of topics including clothing and accessories. Wear a pettiskirt the right way, and visit EverythingButThePrincess.com for more info!