SKIRTS AT STAKE

The dress has received so much attention in the past couple of seasons that the skirt has become the Jan Brady of fashion. It's always, "Dresses, dresses, dresses."

This season, skirts return to the center of attention in all their sibling rivalry forms. The sexy little mini vies with practical sister knee-length. Curve-hugging pencil tries to top flouncy A-line all the time. And the swing skirt dances around the high-waisted versions that have been showing up on the runways lately.

No matter which sister skirt you choose, you'll always feel tough yet softly feminine. We won't skirt this issue anymore; here's a look at some of the top styles and how to wear them.

CHEATED WITH PLEATED

Of all the skirt sisters, pleated comes off as the most conservative. This classic girl found her way on the runways of Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs, so you know she has a little fire in her belly. To avoid a preppy look, try pairing your pleated skirt with a coat that hits above the knee (fasten only the top button), a classic box clutch updated with a gold chain and patent leather booties. No one will accuse the classic of being stuffy.

SWING SISTER

While this skirt harkens back to the '50s, nary a poodle will adorn its circular pattern now. Designers such as Zac Posen and Tibi updated this easy look for their runway shows. You can, too. Try wearing a cropped jacket or a bright color for a more sophisticated look. Colored tights with a pair of lace-up boots complete this outfit.

THE A-LINE TEAM

A-line can be a bit fickle. She looks good with just about everyone, so she's great to keep in your battery of clothes. But she can become a bit frumpy unless you help her keep up with the fashions. Go for a sexy secretary look with a high-neck blouse that will contrast well with the volume of this skirt and cinch in your waist with a wide belt. Add a pair of vertigo-inducing heels or, to make your legs look a mile long, knee-high boots.

PENCIL ME IN

Ah, the original sexy secretary sister. Rebecca Taylor and Vera Wang draped their models with these looks on the runways, and you should too. The look is easy to pull off -- silk blouse with a big bow, platform Mary Janes and a single piece of jewelry such as a ring or a cuff. The guys at the office won't know what hit them.

HIGH AND WAISTED

You know how naughty pencil skirt can be. Now add a high waist to that look and a little wiggle in your walk and you have one hot sister. High-waisted skirt is the older sister that every teen-age boy fantasizes about. She wears a long and lean silhouette that can haunt a boy for life. Designers such as Diane von Furstenberg and Fendi glommed onto this look on their runways. Go tres ladylike with a silk blouse tucked into that high waistband. A thin belt can add some emphasis to your waistline, while peep-toe pumps round out this siren look.

DON'T FORGET MINI-ME

This sister skirt gives off a laid-back vibe that can be sexy. Indeed, Stella McCartney and Chloé looked back to the '60s for their inspirations, only they added modern elements for chic looks. You can wind down on the weekends with a pair of biker boots, opaque tights and one giant tote. Just don't go for overexposure with this look; a chunky sweater or high-necked blouse will balance your outfit.