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In the streets, the Parisian metro, daily life, and all around the world, the early 2000s trend of skirts over pants is making a strong comeback.
Fashion trends are resurfacing, and the atmosphere of the 2000s is filling the air, back in style, spotlighted with an upcycling of the dress-over-pants trend. Whether one is a fan of this style or not, it’s hard to ignore this non-trivial fashion choice as an affirmation, a statement, a display of individuality, and even personality.
What are the origins of this throwback? Interestingly, this somewhat eccentric aspect of fashion winds back the clocks to the earliest displays of feminism. Indeed, in 1850, New Yorker Amelia Bloomer, an American women’s rights and temperance movement activist, did not intend to start a revolution but shook up fashion by reinventing the wearing of pants, allowing women to break free from heavy dresses. The idea was to replace uncomfortable petticoats with ankle-gathered pants worn under a loose dress. This revolutionary outfit, known as the “bloomer costume,” joined the rebellion against corsets that confined women’s bodies with petticoats, long dresses, and predefined stereotypes.
Nowadays, what some consider an extravagant outfit essentially involves “replacing” tights under a skirt with pants. Adopted for long days in the city, afternoon shopping sprees, library research, friend get-togethers, or cozy weekends at home, this outfit is synonymous with relaxation or self-affirmation.
In the early 2000s, this striking trend once again disrupted fashion norms, appearing on runways, in celebrity outfits, and everyday attire. At a time when eccentricity was becoming normalized, this style integrated seamlessly into the spirit of an era, and nothing was shocking.
What are the most stylish ways to wear dresses over pants? A variety of options are available for fusion fashion enthusiasts, offering them a wide range of experiment with their wardrobes.
Over Jeans
The classic pairing of dresses over jeans can be personalized according to different types of jeans or dresses with various lengths, sometimes even with layered skirts, and a creative display. Jeans remain a reliable choice for a cool and casual look.
Over Leggings
Conversely, an aged, new, or too-short denim skirt could also highlight the silhouette, depending on the type of skirts or accessories like belts, short jackets, and dynamic colors. Different types of skirts could be paired with leggings: tennis skirts, printed, colorful.
The “Mini”
Switching to miniskirts could accentuate the waist, highlighting the pants and the style without revealing too much.
Matching Fabrics
More discreet, refined, but also stylish, this layering style doesn’t offend classic tastes, maintaining a certain aesthetic. The colors adopted in this case are often sober.
Elegant Style
In lace, satin, or tulle, the aim of these skirts is to sprinkle style with a feminine element, adding charm to an austere daytime outfit.
Some may consider displaying the skirt-pants outfit as a lack of taste and a shapeless display. However, if well-styled, this combination would showcase a personalized and stylish look, bringing cheer to monotonous days.
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