Style - Get the Look

Apparently elastic waistbands are making a comeback. We saw several variations of the style during Summer 2009, and it appears the comfortable yet chic (open to interpretation) contrasting elastic waistband is here to stay (at least for another season).

From Rihanna doing a post-lunch street pose in an Edun silk-chiffon mini skirt with a contrasting waistband, to Rachel Bilson running errands wearing Express, to Clemence Posey playing pretty with Ed Westwick on the set of Gossip Girl in New York City, flouncy mini skirts with black elastic waistbands are the look du jour. And figuring out why really is a no-brainer: A contrasting waistband defines the waist and adds instant shape to any figure, frilly skirts with ruching and/or tiers balance out a mini length, and elastic waistbands are comfortable (duh).

• As seen on Rihanna, Edun's tiered silk-chiffon mini skirt features a multicoloured grey print. The dull colour of the skirt gives it more edge, and the tier details have raw edges to complement the tough-girl feel. It's 100 percent silk, slips on, and hits mid-thigh. A fantastic piece to wear now and transition into Fall. Edun tiered silk-chiffon mini skirt, $350, Net-A-Porter
• I'm loving Diane von Furstenberg's iteration of the mini skirt with a contrasting elastic waistband. DVF's storm rose mini skirt is more form-fitting than A-line. The feminine number features a watercolour artistic floral print, some serious ruching, and soft silk fabric. Probably the most classic of all three skirts featured her, this DVF mini skirt will wear well and look smart with sheer black stockings and a blazer for Fall. Diane von Furstenberg Storm Rose mini skirt, about $286 CDN, Saks
• The most affordable and budget-friendly, check out this Express mesh tiered mini skirt. I've never been a fan of mesh, however here it's done right. The tiers of this skirt add to the shape, making it appear A-line. This skirt is completely synthetic, so it's definitely not your most comfortable option to wear right now. That being said, once cooler weather arrives, you could wear this Express skirt over tights, however given the mesh material, you might have some issues with static and sticking. Express mesh tiered skirt, on sale $19.50, Express