It would be easy to assume that trousers have killed the everyday skirt. Most women when they think about dressing for practicality and comfort will reach for their favourite pair of jeans.

Elizabeth in her favourite winter style

And with so many different cuts and colours, if you are prepared to wade your way through the numerous brands after trying on and returning many pairs you may find the perfect fit.

But as I have got older more often I will choose a skirt rather than jeans.

I wear different versions with soft wide pleats all year round but made from a variety of patterned fabrics to suit the season.

I like to team these with a blouse or knitwear, thick tights in the winter, bare legs and converse in the summer.

My look is far from frumpy more bohemian with a sprinkling of fun but best of all I am comfortable and feel good.

A skirt can be dressed up or down.

I recently wore a long black Devore tulle version of my favourite skirt to the Victoria Foundation ball, teaming it with a short sleeve bolero jacket with decorative gold buttons.

I felt comfortable yet elegant and now have the luxury of being able to dramatically change my look with a different top and accessories next time I wear it – and I guarantee no one will spot the fact I have worn it before.

One of my clients has a similar daytime uniform with a variety of tweed pencil skirts which she loves. Harris tweed with thick tights and a Barbour for country walks and beautiful Chanel style wool fabrics for work meetings and socialising. And yes you guessed it, a black pencil skirt in a textured tweed with a little sparkle to team with evening tops for special occasions.

Elizabeth wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture for the Victoria Foundation Masquerade Ball

Sally wearing an Elizabeth Bessant couture tweed skirt

If you have not experienced the luxury of wearing a perfectly fitting couture garment before, a skirt is an easy more affordable way to start a collection. You will be able to choose your fabric, shape, length etc to create your own style. And once your made-to-measure custom pattern has been cut, future skirts will cost considerably less. If you choose the right shape and fabric a skirt will give you as much flexibility as trousers or jeans and will be just as comfortable whatever the weather or occasion.