Summer fashion: 9 stylish skirts to try out this season
Presenting a bunch of fashionable ways to sport this staple with minimum fuss, maximum style
brunch Updated: May 18, 2019 20:46 ISTRemember Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ chic Vivienne Westwood skirt suit for the royal wedding? Or even Alicia Florrick’s classic pencil skirts in the law drama The Good Wife? Skirts never seem to go out of style, right from the first time a denim mini skirt came around in the early 2000s to just this April when Gwen Stefani stepped out in it like it’s always been the relevant fashion choice.
The best part about how skirts exist in fashion is that in the ancient times, skirts or garments that looked like skirts were worn by both women and men. But over the years, it essentially became a girl’s garment. The Victorian era saw elaborate full-length dresses, but skirts and blouses became a trend in the Edwardian times.
Over decades, the silhouettes, hemlines and structures of the skirt have changed in keeping with the shift in cultural as well as economical changes (remember how the hemlines were longer during the great depression?). Trends such as the miniskirt that was invented way back in 1960 or even bohemian peasant skirts that made their first appearance in 1970s still find relevance in today’s wardrobe choices.
So, why are women flaunting them so generously now? “Fashion and feminism are connected. Wearing pants earlier on was about who controlled things at work and at home, which is changing. Women are no longer feeling the need to wear pants to imply they are in charge. The return of the skirt is also indicative of the change of mindset that wearing a skirt means being meek. You can wear a skirt, embrace your femininity and still be the boss!” says celebrity stylist Rishi Raj.
And now that men have started to wear skirts, the interest has revived and they’ve become cooler and mainstream! “Rohit Bal had first put out the idea of men in skirts on the runway, then Ranveer Singh made a statement with it and now Will Smith’s son Jaden Smith is seen wearing a lot of skirts,” adds Rishi.
Here are nine skirts that can up your style quotient in a jiffy and here’s how you can wear them and sizzle in the summer!
The high-low skirt
This is an asymmetrical skirt that’s short in front and longer at the back
4 ways to add subtle drama to your femininity in this number with varying lengths
By Krishna Mehta, fashion designer
1. A sensual high-low skirt with a leather or denim jacket, or a simple shirt looks stylish.
2. For an edgy yet sophisticated summer street style look, pair it with a tank top or a crop top.
3. Wear this skirt with a pair of ankle-length boots to look both feminine and fashionable. If you have a belt that goes with the rest of your ensemble, add it!
4. Don’t keep things too minimal. You’re allowed to go over-the-top with such a fashionable skirt. These skirts are extremely adaptable as far as footwear is concerned, so feel free to wear whatever you love to wear.
The pleated skirt
A basic school staple, this is a skirt detailed with folds and creases
Appear effortlessly chic in this one skirt all year around
By Krishna Mehta, fashion designer
1. Pair pleated skirts with camisoles, tank tops and bodysuits. These look great even with chunky, oversized sweaters if worn with high-waist pleated skirts.
2. A box-shape body type is actually the best for pleated skirts and a pear body type looks great in a soft, pleated skirt that rests on your natural waist. Adding layers to your upper half with accessories would help you balance out wide hips.
3. Remember: a higher waistline looks best for hourglass figures. So, combine it with loose tops to create a nice contrast to your outfit.
The tulle skirt
Crafted in lacy, net-like fabrics and often layered
The dos and don’ts of wearing this skirt
By Jenjum Gadi, fashion designer
1. For a rock chic look, pair this skirt with a studded leather jacket and when you plan to wear this for clubbing, team it with a sexy top or with something with metallic embroidery. Whereas for a more summery look, pick a printed top.
2. Petite or slender-figured women will be able carry it off better. As it has many pleats and layers, women with heavier bottoms should avoid it.
3. Avoid wearing too many accessories with this skirt and try to keep the upper part neat, clean and simple.
The fringed skirt
This skirt is one where an ornamental border of threads, tassles or strips of fabric is left hanging freely along the hemline
4 sure-shot ways to steal the show in fringed skirts
By Samantha Chilton, head of design, Koovs.com
1. When wearing fringed skirts, go for cropped fitted tops so the drama of the fringing on the skirt is the main focus.
2. Fringed skirts can be carried off by practically anybody. However, its length and style may differ depending on your body type. Flared, midis and pencil skirts with fringing can look great on people who are bottom heavy. For women who are top
heavy with narrow hips, flared and A-line fringed skirts are super flattering.
3. Add layers by pairing this skirt with blazers for a sophisticated smart look or with denim trucker jackets for an easy, “go anywhere” day time look.
4. The height of the heels doesn’t matter but go for footwear that’s subtle in design so that the focus of the outfit is the fringing on the skirt.
The tie-and-dye skirt
A fusion number where the skirt comes with desi tie- and-dye print
How to carry this quirky short skirt in style
By Amy Billimoria, fashion designer
1. This acid-wash tie and dye short denim skirt is best worn with something white, like a white tee or a shirt, because if you are wearing something with so much of detailing, it had better stand out.
2. Definitely wear gladiator shoes with this because these kind of short skirts look really funky and cool in the summer and keep the accessorising minimalistic.
3. A shapely body, a size 34 probably, is ideal to carry this look. If you are on the heavier body side these skirts are a complete no-no.
4. These look best when high-waisted, so do not wear it lower.
5. Accessorise with good belts and shoes and keep the top simple and go for a solid colour.
The sequined skirt
Gathered into frills, this skirt is jazzed up with sequins and is perfect for a party!
Tips to make the most of the sequined skirt
By Madhu Jain, fashion designer
1. In keeping with the ’60s Latino look of this skirt, a sleeveless, deep V-neck top that shows a bit of décolletage could be quite alluring. Also, a short boat-cut top showing off toned shoulders will work well. For a more formal evening, a basic body-con tucked into the skirt and worn under an embellished bolero cape, the kind worn by Indian royalty over saris in the early 20th century, can transform the outfit immensely.
2. This skirt works for women with a narrow waist, especially because the ruffles add volume to the skirt. And, being tall would be a bonus!
3. A sequined skirt can be made to look ultra-smart, hip and edgy if paired with all accessories in a single shade, creating a monotone look. Think shoes, a belt, bag and a jacket.
The ruffled skirt
Skirts that are gathered into frills and are flouncy numbers
3 things to keep in mind when wearing this miniskirt
By Amy Billimoria, fashion designer
1. This printed mini with a ruffled edge best worn with a strappy or an off-shoulder top in a solid hue. To go funky, team it with a neon yellow.
2. You definitely need a perfect 34-size body to carry it off.
3. The look works for a lunch and if you wear an all-black ensemble and team it up with great shoes and great hair-do then you can carry it off at night as well!
Button-down chequered skirt
This skirt with checks can be kept buttoned or unbuttoned half-way to look more versatile
3 things to keep in mind when wearing this kind of a skirt in summer
By Payal Singhal, fashion designer
1. Pair it with a plain white T-shirt for a chic look or even a white sleeveless T-back would work very well in summer.
2. Team a short chequered skirt with a pullover /sweater in dark tones like black, moss green or Navy when the temperature is low. Whereas, for a formal meeting layering it with a plain white T-shirt and a blazer is also a fun way to wear it.
3. Wear it if you are tall and lean. However, the mini version of the skirt (below knee length) works for all body types if worn with a sweater or a long shirt to give it a fun comfortable vibe!
The paperbag skirt
High-waist skirts with a scrunched waist just like a paperbag
How to make this slouchy-chic style work for you…
By Rishi Raj, celebrity stylist
1. Paperbag waists are unforgiving. They are not for everybody. So, you have to be compact, petite and flat to be able to carry off something like this. You can’t be boxy or curvy and wear a paperbag skirt.
2. Given that paperbag waists are higher and have texture and volume on the top, it’s not recommended to wear things that add bulk to that area like loose long tops.
3. Try to keep the tops and blouses short, in proportion and show off that ruffled little waist in a paperbag skirt.
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From HT Brunch, May 19, 2019
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First Published: May 18, 2019 20:46 IST