Advantages of bell skirts, options for their lengths and popular styles

If you have nothing to wear and are looking for something original, but at the same time stylish and versatile, a bell skirt is exactly the wardrobe item that will help you create a lot of interesting and not boring looks.

The bell skirt, which came into modern fashion since the 17th century, is one of those things that over the many years of its existence have not lost relevance, thanks to the amazing ability to make the silhouette feminine and graceful.

The bell skirt is created specifically for those women who strive to appear more sophisticated and elegant by smoothing out the disharmony of proportions that may be inherent in certain body types.

Fashionable bell skirts 2019-2020 today can be seen in many collections of famous designers.

They will please those who love a noble midi length, a bell skirt will be interesting for women choosing a maxi, and those with an ideal figure will like short bell skirts.

Thanks to the peculiarities of the cut of the bell skirt, the fair sex will help to hide minor figure flaws, if any, bringing closer the hourglass silhouette that is so desirable for all women.

A stylish bell skirt will be able to emphasize the thinness of the waist, veil too large hips or visually make them larger, creating not only an ideal image, but also a stunning mood for a woman who will be delighted with herself.

The universal qualities of a bell skirt will be appreciated by young girls with a fragile and slender figure.

Feminine ladies who choose a business or romantic style of clothing will also not refuse a bell skirt.

A bell skirt will also be a godsend for sophisticated ladies who, wearing maxi-length bell skirts, will captivate and enchant with their appearance.

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Features of the style

The product has a simple cut - it expands from the waist down, forming the shape of an inverted glass. This style appeared back in the 17th century; in those days, women wore bell skirts with a crinoline. They were high-waisted and floor-length. Such skirts were worn by women of any class. In the 60s of the last century, the style underwent changes: the product became shorter, down to the knees.

After the changes, people loved the bell skirt even more, because it became more comfortable. In addition, the style skillfully hides figure flaws and emphasizes its advantages. The product visually highlights the waistline, is comfortable, practical, matches with any style, and also enlivens a business look, suitable for a romantic outfit, going to the theater or for a walk.

The bell skirt has many advantages:

• ideal for a summer look, as it does not fit close to the body, so it is not hot;
• emphasizes the waist and hides imperfections in the hips;
• versatile and practical, can become an element of a basic wardrobe;
• does not restrict movement, it is comfortable in any situation;
• due to the fact that there are no large folds on it, any print looks beautiful.

A bell skirt is a great item for women who choose practical and elegant clothes. Both girls who prefer maxi and lovers of noble mini can choose a suitable model.

How much fabric will you need?

• Calculate the radius of the construction using the formula: K x (OT/2 + 1 cm). For example: 0.9 x (78/2 + 1) = 0.9 x (39 + 1) = 0.9x40 = 36 cm.
• Lay A to the right, the resulting value and put the designation T. A rounded line is drawn down from T. The value of OT/2+ cm for fit is plotted along the line. For a specific example - 78 cm/2 + 1 cm = 39 + 1 = 40 cm.
• Point T1 is placed. From point A through T1 there is a downward line. CI is measured from T and T1. In this case - 70 cm.
• The designations H and H1 are indicated.
• Check the hip line. For items T and T1, put the skirts down 18 cm, set the designations B and B1, draw the main line, measure it. The line length is no more than 52 cm in a particular case.
• Draw a bottom line from point H to point H1.
• Raises the waist and bottom.

Draw the center line of the pattern, setting aside the distance upward, depending on the type of bell:

• Large - waist - 1.5 cm, bottom - 3 cm;
• Average - 1.25 and 2.5 cm;
• Small - 1 and 2 cm, respectively.

When cutting, you should pay attention to cutting the product obliquely.

Bell skirt pattern

Popular models

Fashion has affected this model as well. Now similar products are produced in different lengths, styles, colors, with pockets, belts or multi-layered. High-waisted bell skirts are popular. They look good on tall girls with slender legs. It is worth noting that for short women, in combination with high-heeled shoes, this style will add height. This model balances the figure. If the waist of the product is high and the belt is not narrow, the top should be tight-fitting; ruffles or wide sleeves will look ridiculous.

The style with pockets is very convenient. The length of such a product can be any, but the pockets look best on mini ones. They are often hidden, hidden in the side seams. Models with pleats are feminine and create a light, carefree look. The soft drape helps to increase volume in the hips, and large, wide pleats will make your figure look slimmer. Models with elastic are chosen by women who prefer comfort. They are practical and highlight the waistline well.

High waist

With pockets

With pleats

With elastic band

Taking measurements

• OT (waist circumference). Measurement is taken at the narrow waistline;
• OB (hip circumference). Measurement across the widest part of the thigh;
• DI (product length).

For example, OT - 78 cm, OB - 104 cm, CI - 70 cm.

Taking measurements

Length options

The popular length of a skirt of this cut is knee-length. This style is suitable for any figure and age, but it is important to take into account some nuances. In addition, maxi and mini options are popular.

The mini is mid-thigh length. This short skirt is more recommended for women with slender legs. It is suitable for romantic, casual or sporty style. Pairs with both shoes and sneakers. Mini is recommended to be worn on dates, holiday events, and walks.

Midi - length just below the knee. This is a universal option for both a romantic and business look. Pairs with any shoes and blouses. This length adds a little height and is suitable for women with any figure. Midi are practical as they do not restrict movement. They are suitable for work, study, leisure, special occasions.

A long floor-length skirt hides full legs. It can be worn both on a date and to the office. Typically, the maxi length reaches the ankles, but does not hide them. Pairs well with heels. It is important to choose the right top for such a product.

Knee length

Maxi

Mini

Historical excursion

Men and women of Ancient Egypt, according to archaeologists, wore fabric on their hips, secured with a rope belt - petticoats, on top of which they wore an apron. Persian warriors, who had this voluminous item of clothing, intercepted it between their legs for convenience when riding.

In sixteenth-century Europe, the skirt became a separate item, and its wearing became the prerogative of women. Yupa was a piece of underwear worn by Russian residents until the 18th century. The modern name appeared here only in 1701, with the light hand of Peter the Great.

Fashion, as you know, is very fickle. The length and shape of clothing changed , for example, European noble ladies of the 15th century wore trains, the length of which depended on the lady’s position in society. The Renaissance added splendor not only to architecture, but also to women's wardrobe. Multi-tiered skirts appear, the basis of which is a frame made of horsehair or metal. Eighteenth-century French women had difficulty getting through doors due to the new-fangled trend of oval crinolines.

The role of women in the twentieth century has changed significantly, and as a result, fashion has also changed. Clothes have become simpler and more comfortable.

Manufacturing materials

In order for the product to keep its shape and look attractive, you need to sew it from a suitable material. Most often they are made from linen, cotton, jeans or leather. These are universal fabrics suitable for any season. Their features:

1. The jeans are practical and hold their shape well. Items made from this material most often come in mini or midi lengths. Denim bell skirts go with any outfit.
2. The skin “breathes” well and does not lose its shape for a long time. Items made from this material go well with a light top. A leather bell skirt is more suitable for young girls.
3. Wool provides excellent warmth in cold weather, keeps its shape, is practical and comfortable. Skirts made from it are often made in maxi or midi lengths.
4. Jacquard is a fairly dense material, most suitable for elegant maxi length styles. Skirts made from it look sophisticated and elegant.
5. Neoprene. This is a soft, pleasant to the touch synthetic material. It has bright colors and holds its shape well, so it looks impressive.

In summer, such skirts are most often worn from cotton or linen. These natural materials provide good air exchange, they are lightweight, but hold their shape well. Models made of guipure, silk, and chiffon are also popular. These are light, flowing fabrics, they create soft folds, providing a bell shape.

Linen

Cotton

Jeans

Leather

Wool

Jacquard

Neoprene

Guipure

Silk

Chiffon

Fabric selection

For beginner seamstresses, the best choice is a plain material. The fabric should not be loose - satin, linen, denim, leather.

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Note! Experienced needlewomen prefer silk or chiffon, knitwear. If you need your skirt to be warm, you can opt for a soft wool blend and sew a thin lining fabric to it.

Plain fabric

When sewing a product, it is better to choose plain fabrics, although the presence of checks and small patterns will not affect the appearance of the product.

When choosing a material, do not forget that cotton shrinks when washed; before sewing, you need to wet, dry and iron the material.

Satin bell skirt

Color options

This skirt style is so versatile that it looks good in any color. Nowadays, both neutral colors and bright colors with various patterns and prints are in fashion. A black bell skirt is a classic option. It can become an element of office style, as it looks perfect with a white blouse. For a casual look, you can wear a brighter shirt or top.

A white bell skirt is an element of a summer wardrobe. It compliments tanned legs. It can be combined with a top of any color: a white top will create a light, feminine look, and a black top will create a contrasting and eye-catching look. A gray skirt is ideal for the office, school or party. This is a neutral color that can be used to create any look.

Bright colors such as blue, yellow, red, green are more suitable for young girls. This is a summer color option. It is advisable to choose a light top for such skirts. The striped model is not for everyone. Horizontal lines can make your figure appear wider and lower. They are more appropriate for mini lengths and emphasize the slenderness of the legs. Vertical stripes are used for floor-length products. Contrasting ones look especially good: black and white, light blue, red and beige. For such a bottom, you need to choose a plain top. For a leopard bell skirt, the top should be neutral and dim.

Bell skirts are increasingly seen in fashion shows. Wide transverse stripes - red or blue on a white background - have now become the current colors. They look good on a mini length, but are more suitable for young girls. Colors with polka dots, checks, floral prints or abstract patterns are also popular.

How to make a pleated skirt

If you want to further emphasize your figure, in particular your waist and hips, you can sew a bell skirt with pleats. They can diverge both from the waist and from the hips, most often they are made in counter. If there is not one, but several folds, then you need to ensure that their appearance and number are the same on the back and front.

The pattern of a bell skirt with pleats is created on the basis of a classic pattern (see above), but you need to remember that such a model will require more fabric.

Cutting a skirt with one front counter pleat:

• Make a pattern of fabric according to the required dimensions, as described earlier.
• Fold the cut along the grain thread and bend along the fold a strip of width equal to the desired depth of the fold. Baste the resulting fold line.
• Place the pattern on the fabric so that one edge coincides with the basting line.
• Trace with chalk, not forgetting the seam allowances, and cut out.
• Sew the seam, sew in a zipper.
• Iron and baste the fold.
• Sew on the belt and finish the bottom of the product.

All that remains is to remove the basting from the fold and iron it thoroughly again.

The model with several folds is cut in the same way. The basic pattern is taken as a basis.

Cutting a model with several folds:

• Cut the finished pattern into as many pieces, their number depends on how many folds there will be. To do this, mark points at equal distances along the arc of the waist and bottom and connect them. Cut along the resulting lines.
• Place the wedges on the fabric so that the distance between them is the same, equal to the depth of the folds, and the cut lines run parallel to each other.
• Trace with chalk, making seam allowances.
• Cut, lay and baste folds.
• Sew the side seams, insert a zipper, sew on a waistband and finish the bottom.

Iron the resulting folds, remove the basting - and the skirt is ready.

Who is it suitable for?

A bell skirt hides the hips and emphasizes the waist, making the figure more proportional. This style looks especially good on girls with slender legs. They can choose the length of the product mini.

Women with different body types need to choose the right style:

• for those who are overweight, midi length, high waist and a wide belt are more suitable;
• If you have a pear body type, a fluffy knee-length skirt will hide your imperfections;
• women with an “inverted triangle” build should choose high-waisted models, and the top should be plain and tight-fitting;
• It is better for short girls to wear mini skirts; such skirts visually lengthen their legs.

Stylists do not recommend wearing this style for women with a triangle figure. A skirt like this will add even more volume to the bottom and make the silhouette disharmonious.

For full

"Pear"

"Inverted Triangle"

For short people

Constructing a pattern

Draw a 90 degree angle on paper with point A at the vertex. Find the value of K.

K - characterizes the curvature of the upper section of the skirt at the waist. Depending on the expansion of the product along the lower boundary, K is:

• 0.8 - large bell;
• 0.9 - average;
• 1 - small.

Choose the middle bell. The K value is 0.9.

Pattern No. 1

What to wear with

The main advantage of this model is that it goes perfectly with any clothing - from blouses to T-shirts. To prevent the image from looking ridiculous, you should not choose a very fluffy top; you should avoid wide sleeves. Classic blouses, turtlenecks, tops, and jumpers look best with a skirt. To match the bottom of gray, black, dark blue, you should choose a top of white, discreet pastel color. You can wear a short jacket or blazer. Shirts and blouses in dark shades go well with light-colored skirts.

This skirt goes well with any shoes; it is best to choose shoes with heels or platforms. They will favorably emphasize the slimness of your legs. Tall girls can wear ballet flats, flat sandals and even sneakers under it. In the cold season, boots or boots are suitable. Only men's style shoes cannot be combined with such a skirt.

These clothes look attractive, concentrating attention on yourself. You need to be careful when adding accessories to your look so as not to overload it. A small handbag, a light scarf, a modest necklace or brooch is enough.

There are many combinations, but to create a beautiful look, you need to follow the advice of stylists on what to wear with a bell skirt:

• a business look can be created with a dark midi skirt and a white blouse, complemented with a simple necklace;
• for a romantic style you need to choose light, airy blouses with ruffles and flounces;
• an elegant evening look is achieved with a dark bell skirt and a plain turtleneck to match;
• you can create a sporty look by wearing a T-shirt and sneakers;
• button-down shirts will help create a casual style; they are best tucked into a skirt;
• if you tie your shirt in a knot over your stomach and put on sandals, you get a great look for relaxing and everyday walks;
• You can get a beach look if you choose a mini model and a cropped top with a print.

This style is universal and practical, and has not gone out of fashion for many years. It is popular because it looks great on any figure and can be worn by both young girls and older ladies. By choosing the right model, length and color, you can always look stylish and attractive.

Business image

Romantic

Evening

Sports

Casual style

For relaxation and walks

Beach

How to sew a bell skirt

You can sew a skirt with one seam, if the size of the fabric allows, or with two or even four. It will hold well both on the belt with a zipper and on the elastic band.

Required materials and tools

You will need a sewing machine with an overlocker to process the edges of the fabric and join the parts, although some needlewomen prefer to sew by hand.

You will need to prepare for work:

• textile;
• lightning;
• button;
• paper for creating a pattern;
• measuring tape;
• ruler;
• pencil and chalk;
• threads to match the fabric, needles, scissors.

Calculations

The skirt must be cut on the bias - this should be remembered when calculating the required amount of fabric. For a model with one seam, the width of the cut should be equal to the length of the hem arc, and the footage of the fabric should be equal to the height of the future product, with an addition of 10-15 cm for the belt and hem.

To create a bell skirt pattern, you will need to take only two measurements: waist and hip circumference, and also determine the length of the product. The waist is measured at the narrowest point, and the hips, on the contrary, at the widest point.

Next, you need to decide on the desired width of the bottom and select the appropriate coefficient: for a large “bell” it will be 0.8, for a medium one - 0.9, for a small one - 1. This will be needed to determine the radius when constructing the waist line, and then the line bottom on the pattern.

To calculate the length of the waist arc, the following formula is used: coefficient x (half waist circumference + 1 cm). For the size of the hem arc: waist arc length + skirt length.

Example:

Let's assume the length of the product is 60 cm, OT (waist) is 70 cm, OB (hips) is 94 cm, the selected coefficient is 0.9.

It turns out: 0.9 x (70/2 + 1) = 32.4 cm - the length of the waist arc.

Accordingly: 32.4 + 60 = 92.4 cm - the length of the bottom arc.

Pattern

For a bell skirt, it is most convenient to draw the pattern on graph paper, but if you don’t have it, then regular paper will do.

Sequencing:

• Draw (construct) a right angle on paper, mark the vertex with point A. Lay off segments from it on the sides of the angle equal to the resulting radius (in our example it is 32.4), mark with points B and C.
• Connect points B and C with a rounded line so that the desired radius size is maintained along the entire length of the arc.
• Set aside from point B along an arc a segment equal to the half-circumference of the waist + 1-1.5 cm (for a slightly loose fit). The result is point B1.
• Draw a straight line through points A and B1 - it will be the fold line of the canvas.
• From points B and B1 set aside a distance equal to the length of the future product. Mark points D and D1 and connect them with an arc with the calculated radius.
• You should definitely check the correctness of the dimensions along the hip line: set aside 18-20 cm segments from points B and B1, connect them with a smooth line and measure it. It should be equal to the half circumference of the hips + 1 cm.

If the model is supposed to be sewn with an elastic band and not with a fastener, then when creating the pattern you need to add 10-15 cm to the waist circumference.

Cutting

To avoid damage to the fabric, you must make sure that the pattern is laid out on the fabric correctly - the cut must be folded along the grain thread (the warp thread of the fabric always runs along the edge).

Sequencing:

• Place the pattern on the folded cut in half (along the lobar) so that one of its sides coincides with the fold of the fabric.
• Use chalk to trace the pattern.
• Be sure to make seam allowances of 0.5-1 cm.
• Carefully cut out the fabric.

You can sew the side seam and sew in a zipper. After this, sew in a belt and finish the bottom. The seam should be finished with an overlock stitch.

If two seams

The difference in the model with two seams is very small - instead of a fold line on the fabric there will be a cut line, to which you must make a seam allowance when cutting. You definitely need to remember about the correct layout of the pattern on the fabric - in this case, the middle of each part should be located on the bias.

Sequencing:

• Cut out, carefully cut out two panels (front and back).
• Start stitching from the right seam, then iron and finish the seam.
• Make a mark on the left cut for the zipper.
• Sew the seam down to the markings, iron, and overcast.
• Baste and stitch the zipper, make neat stitching.

Before sewing on the belt, you should try on the product - if the waist is too loose, you can tighten the fabric a little by sewing with a large stitch.

Belt

To cut a belt, draw a rectangle with the required dimensions. The width can be chosen at your discretion, and the length should be equal to the waist circumference + an increase of 1-2 cm for the fastener and + 0.5 cm for the seam allowance.

Sequencing:

• The remaining fabric needs to be folded along the grain thread (if the belt piece is ½), put the pattern on it, pin it with pins, outline it with chalk and carefully cut it out.
• Fold the resulting strip lengthwise, wrong side out (in half), and sew the short sides together. To make the corners more neat, some of the allowances in them need to be cut off.
• Turn the piece inside out and iron it, pressing the seam allowances on the long sides inward.
• Insert the skirt along the waist into the belt and baste.
• Sew the waistband using a neat edge stitch.

All that remains is to cut and sew around the buttonhole.

Bottom design

Even if all the calculations were carried out correctly, you should still check the hemline at the fitting and, if necessary, trim it. But it’s better not to do this right away, but first wet the skirt and let it dry. After this, you need to smooth it and level the bottom, cutting off the excess.

To decorate the bottom, you can use an overlocker (if the fabric is knitted), a sewing machine, or manually hem it with a blind seam (0.5 cm hem). If desired, you can stitch the bottom with an edging cord, sew on a frill or lace.

Photo

Pros of a fashion item

Why do women love her so much? Surely for the effect it has on men. The skin creates a sexy and sensual area around its owner. A lady will never look vulgar in a quality item, but she will always be desirable. What other advantages does this thing have?

• In such an outfit, a girl always makes an impression. Be prepared for interested glances;
• The material goes well with fabrics of all popular textures;
• Fits into all lifestyles: office, formal, romantic, everyday;

In such an outfit, a girl always makes an impression. Be prepared for curious looks

The material goes well with fabrics of all popular textures

Fits into all lifestyles: office, formal, romantic, everyday

• A competent cut hides minor flaws in the figure;
• She's practical. A good product will last for many years without losing its appearance or shape;

Advice! Such a thing must be properly looked after. It requires a specific procedure for cleaning, ironing, and storage. This is the only way it will retain its original appearance for a long time. Read the care tips section.

• Allows you to be elegant, feminine and gentle.

We put together ensembles for the cold season

This fabric retains heat quite well, so it is suitable for wearing in cool weather. Let's look at what it can be combined with:

• Take a thick tunic, a voluminous scarf or a collar and complement the look with high, wide boots;
• Denim jackets, leather jackets, trench coats or coats are suitable for outerwear;
• What do you think of the option with a fur cape? Be sure to try it!
• Wear it to the office with short jackets and jackets, formal shirts not untucked;

With a denim jacket

With an oversized sweater

With a crop top and a denim jacket

• To stay warm, wear simple, tight turtlenecks. A gray or beige undertone is considered a win-win;
• What would winter be like without voluminous and fluffy sweaters? They will fit perfectly here.

Important! For a stylish presentation, make sure that the long outerwear completely covers the hem. Choose raincoats and coats that are an order of magnitude longer than the skirt.

Stylish looks

Every girl will be able to choose a unique option with a bell skirt, which will help create delicate and feminine looks for the fair half of the sex. Therefore, stylists added this model to the list of must-haves for every girl’s wardrobe. This model can be combined with any item of clothing. It will be fashionable at all times and seasons, so every girl should have such a skirt in her personal wardrobe to stand out with style, taste and elegance.

Flare

Traditionally, flared models are divided into:

• Classic flare (sun);
• Bell;
• Half sun.

The flared skirt is quite strict. For its pattern, a regular circle is drawn, in which the center is cut out. Women's options (for adult ladies) can look somewhat ridiculous, so, basically, the sun is used only for children's images.

To give the style even more roundness, the fabric is gathered at the waistband in several layers with an elastic band. At the same time, the texture of the material can be any - both pleated and flat. Models of children's skirts made from denim look especially interesting.

Thanks to the wide cut, it is very easy to sew spacious pockets into a flared skirt that will not interfere with walking. Moreover, if you think through their shape correctly, they will be invisible to prying eyes.

Evening bell dress

The beautiful and elegant style of the bell dress is perfect for evening wear. Dresses of this cut can be a particularly good choice for a festive event held in the warm summer, since their characteristic skirt shape will keep the body cool and provide the fashionista with maximum comfort even on the hottest day.

In addition, an evening bell dress looks very original, so it will not leave its owner unnoticed. To create a harmonious and complete holiday look, you need to choose elegant stiletto or high-heeled shoes for this product. Shiny accessories, which can be made from expensive jewelry metals or alloys that imitate gold or silver, will also come in handy.

Pencil

The pencil has no equal in popularity. Thanks to its tapered style and graceful shape, it very favorably emphasizes the seductive curves of the hips. The belt line is high, which allows you to hide your belly and highlight your thin waist. The conical shape of the pencil skirt complements classic business suits, evening dresses and everyday looks.

Despite this description of the tapered style, the pencil is suitable for owners of all body types. For women wearing this model, the main thing is not the measurements of the hips, but the rest of the clothes that complete the look. Cropped sweaters, tops, sweatshirts and spacious blouses frame the outfit well.

In modern microblogs of world fashion stars, skirts made of suiting fabric, viscose and cotton are most often found. It is impossible not to write about the leather or lace “brothers” of the pencil. They look very seductive and advantageous on a date. As additional elements, designers use zippers or blocking with textures. Pockets are categorically unacceptable - they violate the overall architecture of the form.