Trend: Skirts-over-trousers
The new trend that emerged in the Spring 2023 shows - skirts-over-trousers - sees fashion heading toward a genderless direction, becoming a whole lot more accessible. Over the last few years, I’ve honed myself to only wear what I like - irrespective of which section it has been categorised into or who may deem it attractive. What is it that makes a shirt “mens” if it is me who identifies as a woman on whom it graces? I personally would love to see retail end shopping by gender altogether, but that’s a whole other discussion for another time!
Those who know me, know I Stan for midi skirts. They’re a staple! But, mini skirts? Absolutely not. I couldn’t possibly expose my unshaved knees like that as a mid-30s gal who has no business de-fuzzing herself into a dolphin state anymore. Yet since seeing stylish beings of all genders rocking skirts of any such lengths, this 2023 approach makes the idea of a mini a lot less intimidating.
I know what you’re thinking: The trend was bad then, it can’t possibly be good now. Yet the throwback styling has solidified a comeback, and this time around the rendition is a lot more polished and editorial. Skirts over trousers are no longer best kept in the archive with the teenybopper stars of the early 2000s, and my curiosity is happy to delve a little deeper.
The majority of my inspiration comes from streetstyle ideas, those served up recently as well as looking back over the last decade. This trend can be and has been done very well if you bypass the Disney Channel fashion era that’s etched into our millennial scars.
Image: imaxtree
“I know what you’re thinking: The trend was bad then, it can’t possibly be good now. Yet the throwback styling has solidified a comeback, and this time around the rendition is a lot more polished and editorial.”
Image 1: style du monde
Image2: @abeu.2000
The Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear show by Kenneth Nicholson took on a fuller high-waisted gauze skirt with matching pastel green wide linen trousers. Whilst Chopova Lowena has her duo-print skirts styled over printed trousers with printed tees more-is-more approach. A style that has been demonstrated by Lowena in various earlier seasons and has also been taken into the Fall 2023 Ready-To-Wear via darker, monochrome leather form.
Image 1: Chopova Lowena SS23 - photo: Filippo Fior / gorunway.com
Image 2: courtesy of Chopova Lowena AW23 via vogue runway
Image 3: daniele oberrauch / gorunway.com
Chopova wasn’t the only designer continuing this trend into their Fall 2023 collections. Rachel Comey adopted the skirt > trouser with contrasting loose knitwear paired atop bold block colour. A profile which was similarly presented by Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood Fall 2023 Ready-To-Wear in a clash of relaxed floral damask and signature tartan prints.
Image1: Jody Rogac / courtesy of Rachel Comey (via vogue runway)
Image 2: Andreas Kronthaler Salvatore Dragone / gorunway.com (via vogue runway)
Looking ahead to Resort 2024, Cecile Bahnsen is an unexpected designer to join the trend in a more modest silhouette compared with the exaggerated feminine shapes and fabrics her collections are known for. A monochromatic navy trucker-style jacket and slimline wrap skirt take an androgynous direction styled with tailored trousers and trainers. Whilst Anna Sui
harks back to the teenybopper Disney roots and has bubblegum pink knitwear alongside low-rise denim, complete with flower-beaded choker and hair clips.
Image1: courtesy of Cecile Bahnsen via vogue runway
Image 2: Ana Sui - Joshua Jordan / courtesy of Anna Sui (via vogue runway)
Being a millennial who was far too occupied in ‘Grebo Corner’ with my emo peers from 2002-2005, the nearest I ever got to the OG trend was a hoodie tied over my baggy puddle-sodden jeans. So, of course, I am happily trying this one out for myself, aged 35. As the fickle chameleon that I am, there’s inspo for my personal style to suit every day of the week!
One great thing about this trend is it allows you to shop your own wardrobe and consider wearing existing pieces in a new way. Any era, any colourway, any shape; it’s just one item over another completely of your preference. It’s not a micro-trend that requires short-term purchases; it’s just two items you already own but wouldn’t usually wear simultaneously.
If you do want to experiment with some ‘new-to-you” pieces, all can be easily sourced second-hand, as with most trends that come back around. Search “y2k” in any preloved resale app and you may even find the Ashley Tisdale sequin number to rock over some low-rise bootcut jeans should your heart desire!