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Skirts used to remind me of a couple of things — male friends talking about the Greenherald uniform (sorry, plus I’m an alum) or the image of strong wind knocking at the hems. Marilyn Monroe’s fault, obviously! So, after a long while of barely seeing anyone brave a skirt on the streets, it’s great to see them making a comeback. Long skirts, ankle-baring, knee-length — you name it. Many of us have been able to restart wearing skirts during the pandemic, even indoors.
From the land of saris and longer kurtas, it’s a no-brainer that skirts would be a natural derivative of east-western fusion wear. I wonder, are skirts the unsung heroes of our wardrobes? Sure, we love the freedom, privacy, and cool factor a pair of jeans brings, but the skirt has some much sartorial versatility to offer.
Whether it’s mini or maxi, simple or printed, the summer staple can be updated with tights or leggings for winter style, or just topped with any white or black tee to take an outfit to next-level chicness.
Like the short kurta, the skirt fits in the spectrum between Eastern and Western wear. Yet, we are still toeing the hem, and many of us wonder if it would be too bold.
“I love wearing skirts,” says Anika, a 25-year-old student, “but I always feel like I’m getting extra stares, as if I’m wearing something really revealing!”
The enigma and objectification of the wardrobe item is starting to wear off, and the skirt getting its due place among us — an awesome fusion piece that offers a range of versatility, whether you like a little bit of flaunt or you prefer modest fashion.
“I have pictures of my grandmother wearing long skirts with a simple blouse during her younger years,” she added. “But clearly, even I had reservations about donning it!”
Over the pandemic lockdown, the trend of the skirt is making waves across homes.
“Since I’ve been staying at home completely, I’ve been more into experimenting with the items in my wardrobe that I didn’t wear out that much,” says Nabila, a 30-year-old development worker.
“I’d wear skirts at home that I’d bought during my travels, but never wear outside. The long skirts I used to buy from New Market are so comfortable for working and chilling at home. It reminds me of my mum or grandmother relaxing in their kurta and petticoat on hot, humid days,” she added.
So are skirts making their way back into acceptable wear?
“I used to wear skirts before the lockdown to class as well and so did a lot of my friends,” says Anika. “Maybe post-lockdown, society will be less obsessed with how we cover our legs!”
One of the best features of the skirt is versatility and how one can achieve a lot of different looks based on how they feel like pairing it! I’m all about functionality and fusion, and it looks like the wardrobe comeback is embracing that too!
Flowy and cotton
We already named it! Since it’s the summer months, the easiest pairing would be cotton skirt. The fabric works best for our weather, and you will feel like a bohemian princess doing your house work while being extra comfy in the warm months.
Floral
It’s always floral season in Bangladesh, and they’re always pretty and funky. By far, florals are the most popular summer print. You can choose a long skirt or midi, and dress it up with a single coloured silk or chiffon blouse, or dress it down with plain t-shirts and sneakers.
Plaid
Long associated with either the ‘90s grunge scene or dry academic garb, the plaid has made quite the comeback since the last few seasons. They look great as skirts. Go grunge, or go posh, or even low-key with the plain tee.
Fusion prints
Deshi fabric and embroidery on western wear is back! Actually, were they ever really gone? You can’t go wrong with beautiful hand embroidery and block print motifs. Choose a long flowy skirt if you like the bohemian vibe, or a crop skirt for a stylish, unique fusion look.
By Dibarah Mahboob
Model: Manoshi
#fashion