As the temperature begins to cool off, and the autumn breeze starts to blow, there is a pretty piece that every wardrobe needs to flow into fall fashion. The pleated skirt is a great addition to just about any closet. Whether you want to pair it with a blazer, tee, and bangles, or go for a cropped top and hoop earrings, this skirt gives an outfit the perfect feminine flair.

Green Pleated Forever 21 Skirt
Courtesy: Rielle from Chictopia

Hot Pink Pleated Hallelu Skirt
Courtesy: EatSleepWear from Chictopia

Courtesy: unknown

Christian Siriano Skirt
Courtesy: style.com

Welcome Fall and the lovely clothes you will bring!

As summer winds down and fall clothes start to come out, one style I have noticed that's still quite popular is the half-skirt (they're pretty much maxi skirts with huge cut, pictures are below). Or at least I call it the half-skirt, but it comes in an array of styles, colors, and sometimes designs. Except I have noticed something about this popular skirt. It's not a one-size-fits-all-figures, meaning, although it may come in your size, it might not be the perfect fit for your figure. At first, I didn't believe this was true. Testing this theory out, I went to Forever21 and tried on a black half skirt in my size and was not pleased with the outcome. I also may have prematurely bought a pink skirt with ripples which has added more curves to my already curvy body.

However, at the end of the day, these skirts are still gorgeous and if you have found a way to style them in a way that you love, then by all means, go for it! But in my "shopping" research that I seem to conduct every weekend, I've just taken note that the half-skirt might not be the best for every figure....and that is okay. We have so many other styles to choose from! I've posted some pictures of the different skirts...which I think will all be perfect for fall.

The maxi dress and skirt transcends bounds. The style can be worn day or night, work or pleasure. It’s hard to believe that fall is right around the corner and since the fashion industry is always a season ahead, our favorite retailers are already beginning to transition into cool weather clothes. The maxi dress, living up to its cult following, can be worn during all seasons of the year. To dress it up, you can add a cute clutch or some statement jewelry and to wear it casually just toss on your favorite sandals and accessorize with a tote. For cooler weather, toss on your favorite leather jacket, scarf and booties and voila you have an instant winter outfit.

Skirt: Dip Dye Maxi Skirt, topshop.com, $72; Bag: Travel Bright Bag, modcloth.com, $62.99; Top: Crop Tee, topshop.com, $16; Shoes: Summer Wedge in Orange Combo, 2bstores.com, $39.95

Dress: Layered Maxi Dress in Dusty Lavendar, forever21.com, $32.80; Sandals: Sheer TBar Riveted Sandals, romwe.com, $69; Bag: Pieces Ohela Leather Satchel, asos.com, $82.85 (sale); Necklace: Rock 'N Rose Zoya Vintage Raw Crystal Necklace, motelrocks.com, £21

Skirt: Jovonna London Stone Pleated Tasha Skirt, pretaportobello.com, £65; Tank: Rag and Bone Scoop Neck Tank, int.youheshe.com, £67; Heels: Naomi Black Suedette Demi Platform Wedges, boohoo.com, $60; Bag: Leather Stud Crossbody Bag, topshop.com, $136; Necklace: Juicy Couture Luxe Rocks Pave Link Necklace, zappos.com, $148

Clockwise from top left: H&M Jacket, hm.com, $49.95; Oasis Leather Stitch Detail Jacket in Black, johnlewis.com, £168; Perry Black Suedette Platform Shoe Boots, boohoo.com, $60; Rocket Dog Sayla Bootie, dsw.com, $49.95; Light Wash Crop Denim Jacket, dorothyperkins.com, £35; Blink Whitneyy in Bronze; heels.com, $74.99

So you’ve finally invested in an ever so elegant maxi skirt. But now you face the question of what exactly to wear with this hot new fashion find. A plain tee is too loose and overwhelming for an already flowy skirt, a sweater or button up doesn’t match quite right either, and a body suit or bustier top makes the ensemble look like a one piece maxi dress. The answer then, is the cropped top bandeau. Showing just a little bit of skin when the rest of you is covered is both tasteful and trendy without seeming overly risqué.

Paris Hilton in a bright maxi skirt and jeweled bandeau.
Courtesy: Getty Images

Courtesy: Getty Images

The crop-maxi duo on the Emilio Pucci S/S 2012 runway.
Courtesy: Getty Images

In addition to its trendiness, this outfit is highly versatile. Wear the maxi-crop ensemble to a daytime lunch or out to a party at night. Pair it with flats or gladiator sandals for a laid back, boho vibe to keep it casual. Finish off the look with colorful chunky jewelry and a pretty french braid in your hair. Or, opt for elegance by emphasizing the  length of the skirt with a pair of platform wedges and simple silver or gold bangles. Wind your hair up into a loose, perfectly messy bun, or blow it out straight for a chic, classy look.

If maxi skirts and dresses weren’t fabulous enough to begin with, slits are now being added to these creations. At first we saw one slit but now we are seeing double. In this case, two is definitely better than one!

Courtesy: custardlily

L to R: Blu Moon 2 Slit, singer22.com, $165; Sparkle & Fade Chiffon Maxi Skirt, urbanoutfitters.com, $89; findersKEEPERS One More Chance Skirt, shopbop.com, $170; Ecote Double Slit Skirt, urbanoutfitters.com, $69

Double slits are a sexy version of this covered style. However, some versions are a bit sexier than others. The slits start at either the upper thigh, which is a bit more scandalous, or the mid thigh, which is subtler. I would save the higher slit for an evening out to avoid revealing too much in the daylight.

The greatest thing of all is that you can easily transfer this look to fall with the help of tailored jackets and booties.

Courtesy: vanessajackman.blogspot.com

Another thing I love about this trend is the ability to dress it up or down. You can see a woman rocking this style on the street or your favorite celeb wearing it on the red carpet.

Courtesy: Getty Image