Modern Stretch High-Waist Tube Skirt, $59.50

I know I’ve already mentioned my upcoming birthday (Editor’s note: I’m really sorry – this may or may not be the last time I self-promote), and I’m having a little trouble deciding what to wear. All those dresses are awesome options, but I’m leaning more towards this insanely hot skirt from Express. Reminiscent of the bandage dresses made popular by the Hérve Léger brand, it’s a much tamer (and affordable!) option than those leaves-nothing-to-the-imagination (and no-room-for-dessert) numbers. Made from a figure-friendly (and birthday cake-forgiving) blend of rayon, nylon and spandex, it’s a great option if you’re like me and not willing to fork over a few hundred dollars for Léger’s high-waisted skirt for a trend that might not last ’til your next birthday. At a tenth of the price, it’s certainly more wallet-friendly. And sure, we’ve all been taught to steer clear from horizontal stripes, but when pared with a neutral top, the body-skimming cut of the skirt works with your body and not against it.