The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word BUSTLES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
B
U
S
T
L
E
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Frames for skirts" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case frames for skirts = bustles.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BUSTLES mean?
BUSTLES noun- An excited activity; a stir.
- A cover to protect and hide the back panel of a computer or other office machine.
- A frame worn underneath a woman's skirt, typically only protruding from the rear as opposed to the earlier more circular hoops.
- To move busily and energetically with fussiness (often followed by about).
- To teem or abound (usually followed by with); to exhibit an energetic and active abundance (of a thing).