Plus-sized mannequins are back in fashion

<p> The most flattering way to encase those hourglass curves is in a high-waisted pencil skirt - just look to Joan Holloway on <em>Mad Men</em> for inspiration and team with fitted cardis and colourful blouses. This navy skirt from Jaeger is perfect for office - and the subtle-yet-sexy splits ensure it can work the night shift, too.&nbsp;</p> <p> Double split hem pencil skirt, &pound;160, <a href="http://www.jaeger.co.uk/Product_Detail?productid=750050C" target="_blank">Jaeger</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a></p>

<p> Add curves to an athletic frame with frills, pleats and embellishments. This maxi will brighten up any look and can be teamed with peasant tops and voluminous blouses to soften an athletic physique.</p> <p> Butterfly by Matthew Williamson pleated maxi-skirt, &pound;40, <a href="http://www.debenhams.com/" target="_blank">Debenhams</a></p> <p> - <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">Shop skirts</a></p>

<p> The playful peplum detail on this bright lace skirt from ASOS adds width to the hips to help balance out broader shoulders on an inverted triangle body shape. Play with texture and colour to add volume to your narrower bottom half.</p> <p> ASOS Midi with lace peplum, &pound;35, <a href="http://www.asos.com/?hrd=1" target="_blank">ASOS</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a></p>

<p> Lengthen a petite frame by showing off your legs in an A-line above-the-knee skirt in a darker hue. The ruffle detail on this mini from Comptoir des Cotonniers is a subtle way to add some curves to smaller frames. Team with a light-coloured blouse or jumper to draw the gaze upwards and give the illusion of longer lines.&nbsp;</p> <p> Melba skirt, &pound;105, <a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/eng/home_EN.aspx" target="_blank">Comptoir des Cotonniers</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a></p>

<p> Tall silhouettes should make the most of their long frames in dramatic maxi styles. A printed skirt, like East's crinkly vintage floral version, draws the eyeline across the body instead of up and down.&nbsp;</p> <p> Floral maxi skirt, &pound;72, <a href="http://www.east.co.uk/" target="_blank">East</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a></p>

<p> This tailored wool skirt from Boden is a great workwear item that suits a variety of body shapes. It hugs curvy hourglass and pear silhouettes (but has a wider hemline than normal pencil skirts to flatter bigger hips), is elongating on petite shapes and also works on taller women - just add a brightly hued top and belt to break up your lines.</p> <p> Flippy wool skirt, &pound;79, <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Skirts/Knee-Length-Skirts/BQ011/Womens-Flippy-Wool-Skirt.html?strShortKey=LNU1&amp;cm_mmc=PriceGrabber-_-Women's%20Clothes-_-Women's%20Knee%20Length%20Skirts-_-BQ011%20Navy%20Pinstripe%20Flippy%20Wool%20Skirt" target="_blank">Boden via AOL Shopping</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a></p>

<p> Knee-length A-line skirt shapes are especially flattering on pear figures. We love this colourful, striped version by Hobbs since it includes pleats and a belt to highlight a tiny waist, while skimming over bigger hips and bums.</p> <p> Paige skirt, &pound;119, <a href="http://www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1017&amp;productid=0112-7635-3487L00&amp;productvarid=0112-7635-3487L00-BLACK%20MULTI-14&amp;refpage=1199" target="_blank">Hobbs</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a></p>

<p> Slim girls should look for skirts with volume and texture - tulip shapes and anything with ruffles and embellishments are particularly flattering. This tiered frill skirt from Jigsaw will add curves to a slim frame and highlight slender legs.&nbsp;</p> <p> Twig print frill tiered skirt, &pound;110, <a href="http://www.jigsaw-online.com/fashion/1001450/J15204/womens/skirts/twig-print-frill-tiered-skirt" target="_blank">Jigsaw</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a></p>

<p> A pencil skirt is a classic wardrobe staple for a reason - it can work with a variety of tops and in a variety of settings, from office to evening out. This metallic leather version by Mary Portas has a reflective surface that will make slimmer frames appear curvier, so slender, athletic and petite shapes can try the silhouette (prevalent this season as it's part of the catwalk craze for all things fetish-inspired). This skirt would also suit hourglasses looking to enhance their naturally voluptuous shape.</p> <p> Leather pencil skirt, &pound;199, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Mary+Portas+Leather+pencil+skirt/160421592,default,pd.html" target="_blank">House of Fraser</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a></p>

<p> An A-line skirt that goes out at the knees is perfect for balancing an apple shape and keeps your waist looking slim. Opt for a boldly printed version which will draw the gaze to your slimmer lower half.</p> <p> High fly skirt, &pound;45, <a href="http://www.whitestuff.com/high-fly-skirt-prod337940_graphite_b/" target="_blank">White Stuff</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a></p>