Mirror, Mirror: The many faces of the fit-and-flare dress

The fit-and-flare frock and her sister, the skater dress, are hot.

Über-flattering and waist-cinching, this style is dominating women's fashion - even more so than my personal fall favorite, the dressy pajama pant - in large part due to the number of textures and colors offered.

Who can argue with looking good?

"It is very becoming, and this one look can tell many of this fall's important trend stories, from menswear to modern," said Nicole Fischelis, fashion director and global trend forecaster for Macy's.

Some of our top fit-and-flare picks: Calvin Klein's belted version in the clearest of power reds. The designer also made a cap-sleeve tweed version trimmed in leather.

New York-based A.L.C. did a very sporty, long-sleeve version with an exaggerated skirt. The computer-generated animal print is part schoolgirl chic, part naughty.

Tracy Reese has several versions of the silhouette, including the darling poppy print that first lady Michelle Obama wore to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

Local designers are making the trend work for their customers, too. Most of Laundrea's deep-hued fall and winter white holiday collection features fit-and-flare dresses, great for parties.

"It's such a playful look," said Aston-based Rachel Godwin Becker, whose dresses are made in New York's garment district. Her Laundrea label is so named because everything is machine washable. "It gives women the opportunity to have a structured, form-fitted look all day long with the comfort of the skirt."

Fit-and-flare dresses are a centuries-old style that started in the Middle Ages but rose to fashion prominence in the 1860s, courtesy of the corset.

The silhouette became fashionable again in the 1950s, thanks to designers like Claire McCardell who did fit and flare with a shirtwaist. Philly's own Grace Kelly had a special affinity for the shape.

The look went in and out of fashion through subsequent decades, including when mini versions became popular with ice skaters in the 1980s.

Then the silhouette hit the spring 2013 runways. In addition to the cocktail, cap-sleeve style, some were athletic with racerback bodices.

In February, shortly after Paris Fashion Week, Marco Zanini, the creative director for French-based brand Rochas, designed a voluminous skirt with a purple cabbage-rose print.

Despite the $12,000 price tag - you read correctly - it became one of the most sought-after looks of the buying season.

Here are some ways you can make this look work for you - from weekend brunches to evening cocktails.