How to wear: Full skirts are back with flair...

If Charles James represents a misty lacuna in your otherwise encyclopaedic fashion knowledge, fret not.

America's "first couturier" simply isn't as famous as contemporaries such as Hardy Amies and Norman Hartnell. Yet all three wielded their needles like ice picks as they chipped their way through the still-glacial formality among privileged circles in the late 1940s and 1950s.

Suffice to know that the British-born James had a wonderful way with fabric, draping the marron glacé-smooth taffetas and duchess satins that were so popular with the virtuosity of a renaissance sculptor.

Et voilà. He is finally having his retrospective moment.

The timing couldn't be more perfect. Big skirts are all over the shop this year. However, although there are plenty of them on the rails, they haven't been hugely in evidence on the streets.

The bias slip dress will always have its place, but that doesn't mean full skirts can't have theirs. I love the look of full skirts - on someone else - but reluctantly decided that if you're not built like Sarah Jessica Parker, nor blessed with her Peter Pannish fashion spirit, it is probably best to leave well alone.

I still think that's true of the pastel variety, pretty as they are. But a full skirt in lightweight grey or cream wool, black or midnight blue silk, or something heavier with a bit of Lycra or neoprene in it, would look very chic paired with a cotton shirt, cashmere jumper or drapy T-shirt.

As evening looks go, full skirts are the low-maintenance option. They'd be good at weddings, too, on attendees or the bride. Get the length right - not above the knee, and probably nothing longer than mid-shin - and edit out any that are too full or bunchy round the hips and waist, and you've got a practical alternative to a long dress.

Pair with something cropped and light, with the feel of a cardigan, or a more masculine, mismatched blazer.

As for shoes: dainty and court-like is obvious and straightforward - maybe too obvious. Go for something a little bit heavier, with a dash of modern bolshieness.

Competition

Five lucky couples can win a chance to join Elle Decoration and Brooklyn Mall for a decor workshop with Weylandts and Con Amore in Brooklyn Square, Pretoria, this Saturday.

Elle Decoration editor Laureen Rossouw will answer decor questions, interior designer John Jacob will present a talk, and there will be a table and flower decor demonstration.

To enter, tell us who is the editor of Elle Decoration. Send your answer, name, address and contact details to tellus@thetimes.co.za with Elle Decoration in the subject line. Competition closes at 2pm tomorrow. Transport is not included. Brooklyn Mall will host a decor morning every Saturday for the month of May. For info and booking call 011-784-8112.