We Are in an Era of "Fun Skirts"—An Expert Discusses Why This Item Has Become an Unforeseen Wardrobe Essential…

      It has been 20 years since Miuccia Prada shared her thoughts on skirts. Fast forward to today, and her words still resonate: "For me, the skirt is like a T-shirt. So I put all my ideas there." She further explains that an eccentric skirt "doesn't change that much about you" because it's "waist down." This perspective makes sense to me; the closer a clothing item or accessory is to your face, the more significant the commitment feels. It's similar to how I instruct my hairstylist to keep a deep root when coloring my hair, so I can feel "spiritually brunette."

      I have a preference for low-effort, high-impact outfits, which is why I adore skirts. During oppressive heat waves caused by climate change, the last thing you want is discomfort. However, as fashion enthusiasts, if there's a way to stay cool without sacrificing style, we’re all in! A dramatic skirt serves as the perfect antidote to a potentially dull top. A classic example would be Carrie Bradshaw in her tutu, transforming a basic vest into a fashion milestone. Then there's Salma Hayek, who dazzled in evening skirts paired with quirky cardigans and bandeaus on '90s red carpets, looks that still inspire today.

      Currently, it seems to be a summer for statement skirts, with one of the standout styles being the "party skirt" by Versace, crafted under Dario Vitale’s innovative collection as creative director. The controversy surrounding this collection adds to its allure, and this skirt perfectly embodies my belief that multicolored pieces are easier to style than most neutrals. They pair effortlessly with everything, and the party skirt is no exception. Ever since it arrived, I've worn this skirt constantly. Pairing an eye-catching, colorful skirt with a top requires just as little effort as throwing on a T-shirt and jeans. With just two items, why not choose the elevated option?

      Alana Hadid demonstrated this for her trainer collaboration launch with ARKK at CPHFW, wearing a bubblegum-pink "dad" silhouette trainer with a matching pink "princess" skirt and a tied black tee. The voluminous plumes of her skirt appeared surprisingly casual—it's all about the styling! The look reminded me of Claudia Schiffer's 1994 portrayal by Arthur Elgort, featuring a knotted Genny cardigan and a flowing taffeta skirt by Atelier Versace. As we transition into autumn, cardigans are set to become the perfect companion to fun skirts: Saffy on top and Eddie below.

      My own wardrobe has recently shifted to include a significant number of skirts, so I’ve been making an effort to wear them all. I unintentionally sparked excitement among my friends when I shared a recent video installment featuring real outfits alongside the actual chaotic backdrop of my life as a fashion-conscious mom. During a week filled with work and school runs, I donned a Dries Van Noten skirt adorned with tiny loose threads, reminiscent of a creation that might have come from Cookie Monster at Central Saint Martins, alongside a lime green and white Sunnei skirt with a cracked meringue texture, a vintage Escada skirt in bright pink and green houndstooth, a nostalgic Evisu skirt, and the previously mentioned Versace piece.

      Your outfit functions as a gallery, with the skirt taking center stage. However, the most remarkable addition was a recent BruceGlen design that feels like a sensory delight, embellished with large, clear sequins that reveal rugby stripes beneath. The designers, Bruce and Glen Proctor, shared the inspiration: "We wanted to take the classic stripe and silhouette and infuse them with a little whimsy. We added oversized piettes (which we call bubbles) to give the impression of being surrounded by bubbles as you move. For us, bubbles symbolize present joy, making the skirt a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment," they explained. Clearly, they achieved their goal, as this skirt invites the most joyous reactions from people.

      The key to an incredible skirt is to think without limits. No idea is too strange, too textured, too bright, or too voluminous. And just because the skirt makes a statement doesn't mean everything else has to be understated. You can enhance the look by wearing it with a top in a contrasting color, like pairing red with a lime skirt or baby blue with deep purple. If you're more of a maximalist, feel free to mix clashing prints or play with the same print in different colors. Conversely, you can partake in the fun in a more subtle manner. One of my favorite skirts is a navy silk asymmetric piece with a sheer lower panel by Hades, perfect for leading to an unexpected pair of shoes. To sum up, your outfit serves as a gallery, with the skirt as the highlight. Happy dressing!

      Shop the Best Statement Skirts:

      - Dries Van Noten Textured Midi Skirt

      - Prada