RUFFLED & READY PEASANTS AND OTHER FLARED SKIRTS ARE THIS SEASON'S HOTTEST LOOK.

Byline: Sandra Barrera Staff Writer

Say goodbye to the pencil skirt, with its curve-hugging silhouette.

This season's must-have is the full, flared and almost always tiered or ruffled skirt.

``It's just a really fun, feminine skirt, and it's being interpreted so many different ways,'' says Laura McDowell, a fashion spokeswoman for the T.J. Maxx chain of department stores.

An update on the layered hippie style of the late '60s and early '70s, today's gathered skirt hits anywhere from midthigh to ankle.

``Every 30 years there's a full turnaround in a style,'' says Kevin Jones, museum curator for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. ``People who are sensitive to trends will pick up on those things.''

Fuller skirts began appearing last fall in the vintage marketplace. And since retro is popular, designers started creating their own versions in a variety of colors, prints and patterns.

From January through March, fuller skirts accounted for nearly $4.7 million in sales, a 9.2 percent increase from the same period of last year, according to the market research firm NPD Group.

The trend is expected to continue through the fall with heavier, more opulent fabrics that are available now.

Take the peasant skirt, a mix of embroidered designs, embellished trims and faded floral or tie-dyed prints.

Nordstrom's Southwest fashion manager, Dana Walker, describes this skirt as inspired by a ``global'' look.

``It's very folkloric and handcrafted apparel,'' she says. The skirts feature details like lace, beading and a smattering of sequins for shimmer.

Because bohemian-inspired skirts are so versatile, they can take you from the office to a weekend barbecue with just a change of accessories.

Walker suggests an ankle grazer paired with embellished flat sandals for a more casual look.

For work, a knee-length skirt worn with a fitted blazer in a complimentary fabric and dressy wedge is appropriate.

``The one thing to keep in mind about these skirts is they tend to create a lot of volume on the bottom,'' Walker says, adding, ``You might want to pair these skirts with a tight cardigan or a camisole or a tank top to create that balance.''

A sash or braided leather belt can also prevent a boxy, overwhelming silhouette.

The same goes for the prairie-inspired skirt.

Whereas the peasant skirt is more inspired by artisan culture, the prairie skirt is a throwback to the romance of the American West.

Think multiruffled cotton petticoats in white, ecru and soft pastels.

American Indian and cowboy touches are injected into the latest incarnation of this ultrafeminine skirt that can be paired with a cute camisole or puff-sleeve top.

``They look great when they're juxtaposed against heavy leather belts or turquoise accessories,'' Walker adds, saying it gives it the skirt a Western flavor without taking it over the top.

Bohemian or prairie, the look can be worn literally from head to toe or taken in bits and pieces.

McDowell prefers the latter.

``Me in my mid-30s wearing a peasant skirt to the office,'' she says. ``I'll probably pair with a twin set.''

Here's the look and how to wear it

1. Pastel floral skirt, $39.99. At T.J. Maxx.

2. Mauve embroidered skirt, $19.99. At T.J. Maxx.

3. Fire brown knit skirt, $30. At Nordstrom.

4. Isda & Co. white linen skirt, $150; Franco Sarto jewel-embellished sandal, $68.95. At Nordstrom.

5. Red/orange/gold/black floral print skirt, $19.99. At T.J. Maxx.

6. White V-neck camisole, $44; Free People coral tank, $58; dangling turquoise necklace, $78.90. At Nordstrom.

7. Five-strand turquoise bead bracelet with antique silver medallion, $60. At Nordstrom.

8. Ralph Lauren brown braided-leather belt with buckle, $60. At Nordstrom.

9. Bangle embellished with brown and apricot sequins, $14. At Nordstrom.

10. Ruth green crocheted rayon/spandex tank, $90; turquoise paisley print voile crinkled cotton skirt, $160. At Macy's.

11. Necessary Objects coral knitted silk vest, $48; Theory brown tank, $45; Shine white rayon-blend top with wooden ring buckle, $58; Laundry by Shelli Segal coral/white floral print skirt, $245; N.Y.L.A. silver metallic sandals, $65.95; Cole Haan white leather purse, $195; turquoise wreath pendant necklace, $138; bangle embellished with brown and apricot sequins, $14. At Nordstrom.

CAPTION(S):

12 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) On the cover: Lucky Brand Manufacturing Co. coral linen camisole, $54; Isda & Co. white linen skirt, $150; Ralph Lauren brown braided-leather belt with buckle, $60; turquoise and wood bead necklace, $164. At Nordstrom.

(2 -- 12 -- color) (see box above for description of photos)

David Sprague/Staff Photographer

Box:

Here's the look and how to wear it (see text)