Under Wraps

A wrap skirt crosses over itself and ties or buttons at the side, which means it fits on a heavy lunch day and a light one. The overlap also leaves a little slit that moves when you walk.

I have organised these by fabric: leather, suiting, knit and the dressier ones.

Black and chocolate, one with a twisted front, one with a buckle at the hip. These are the most useful for winter because they block the wind.

I check the inside of the overlap. It should be faced with the same material, not a flash of shiny lining.

Skip any that crease across the hips in the photo; it only gets worse.

A taupe pencil, a brown and black wool with fringe, a cream plaid with a leather trim and a dark grey suiting with a long front slit.

My fitting room test is a long stride. The wrap should open a little and fall straight back.

Pass on a wrap with no inner button or tie. A single outer tie will slip open on the stairs.

Soft grey, black, chocolate and a navy open stitch. Pair them with the matching sweater if you can find it, and it feels like wearing a blanket to work.

Look for a knit with some weight. A heavier rib hangs straight instead of clinging.

Pass on a very loose knit in a long length; it stretches and drops by the end of the day.

An ivory satin, a snake print with a ruched side, a black moon print and a reversible floral wool with a bright edge.

Try them on with flat shoes first. If the slit opens too high walking normally, it will be even higher in heels.

Avoid prints that do not line up where the two sides cross; it is the first thing people see.

Tie the knot at your side, not your front. It keeps the line long and the slit falls neatly over the knee.