Besides floral prints, one of the most feminine trends for spring is the full skirt. Most women can wear a full skirt, but the proportions can be tricky. I’ve talked about the midi length skirt before, and the same rules apply for fuller skirts whether they hit at mid-calf or at the knee. I really liked Simply Beloved’s history on the fuller skirt, dating back to the 1940’s and Christian Dior, but I wanted to add a few more tips I think she missed.

Here are my four tips for how to wear a full skirt this spring.

1. Mind your proportions and define your waist.

By far the most important rule is to make sure that you pair your full skirt with a fitted top, crop top or tightly tucked in top. If you wear a billowy top with a full shirt, you will look frumpy and bigger than you actually are. The whole goal with a full shirt is to show off an hourglass silhouette and a tiny waist, so a fitted top is a must. Pictured: Tibi Skirt

2. Heels or pointy-toed shoes are best.

The full skirt trend features wearing the skirts a bit longer, hitting below the knee or mid-calf. Since a lot of your legs will be hidden, it helps to choose high heels for height and to lengthen the leg. I like strappy heels as the first choice to wear with longer skirts because then you see a bit more skin on the foot.

Pointed toe flats or pumps are also an excellent choice because they elongate your leg line. I would avoid clunky boots (well, boots in general), rounded or square-toed flats, and most other flat shoes. They will look frumpy and don’t add height or lengthening that you need when you wear a fuller skirt. Pictured: Love and Liberty Skirt

3. Keep the accessories clean and simple.

The skirt is the star of this look, so keep your jewelry and accessories simple. I like the idea of very minimal jewelry, like stud earrings, simple chain necklaces, and very subtle bracelets. A scarf or large piece of jewelry will throw off the balance of the skirt. Keep your handbags on the smaller side as well. Clutches would be perfect, but a smaller shoulder or cross body bag would work too. Pictured: JOA Skirt

4. Prints are OK. Maybe.

Prints can work very well on fuller skirts, assuming you aren’t very petite. If you are petite, you will need to choose solid skirts or a very small and subtle print. A large print will overwhelm your smaller frame. If you choose a printed skirt, just make sure to keep your top very fitted and in a solid color. Showing off your arms would also help balance the printed skirt. A printed top can work if your skirt is solid and you choose a subtle or classic print for the top. Just mind your proportions and fit. Pictured: Dolce and Gabbana Skirt

Have you tried the full skirt trend yet? Don’t be afraid! If you follow these tips, you can’t go wrong and the full skirt is a great way to transition to spring while feeling ultra feminine.