:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/051021-skorts-social-2000-47c932d72d43424cb4da85c8af4ce1da.jpg)
I might be relatively new to fashion reporting, but with almost three decades of life under my belt, I'm old enough to know that, like plot lines in literature, there is rarely any fashion trend that hasn't been done before.
As time goes on, clothing items get recycled and reimagined; the next generation finds new ways to wear them, and, sometimes, they even try to rename them (stop trying to make "flared leggings" happen — they're yoga pants). So when I'm casually scrolling through TikTok and come across a video in which a Gen-Zer is in awe of "skirts that are shorts," aka skorts, I feel the need to show them the light.
In the original clip posted by @talllivingtiny, the young woman fumbles with her camera and, almost breathlessly, declares, "I gotta show you this." She quickly backs away from the camera and exclaims, "Skirts!" before lifting her hemline, adding, with even more enthusiasm, "that are shorts!" She can't believe it. I can't believe it. Neither can fellow Tiktok content creator Stu, otherwise known as @janikon_, who's left almost speechless in his reaction video.
"Oh my God. Oh my God, I'm so old," he says, rubbing his eyes. "Are you… are we …," he adds through sniffles. "Are you saying you were born after skorts, and you think it's new?"
Now, I realize the video is probably (hopefully) a parody of sorts, but to think that there very well might be people reading this who've never seen or worn a skort outfit — that the concept is so new to them that they don't even realize (or haven't googled) these wonderful bottoms have been around since the late 1800s — hurts my soul. Aside from being a wardrobe staple in the '90s, the skort has such a rich history.
The skirt-shorts hybrid was originally designed with the sole purpose of allowing females to ride bicycles more comfortably, and they were far from fashionable. In fact, the shorts half of the first skort weren't really shorts at all. Deirdre Clemente, a professor of history at the University of Las Vegas specializing in the fashion industry, told Atlas Obscura that skorts weren't anything like the traditional shorts we wear today. She described them to the outlet as "more like a skirt with a flat front" and "very baggy."
Despite being considered "athleticwear," the skort caused some controversy, according to The Atlantic. The Victorian era was coming to a close, and the garment not only exposed a woman's ankles (*gasp*), but it inevitably paved the way for less restrictive clothing to come to fruition. Although, to the average '90s and 2000s kid, a skort is a comfy, slightly questionable, and in many cases, what we'd consider a conservative alternative to the traditional skirt, it's actually a very symbolic item of clothing that represented the beginnings of a shift in how women dress.
And I'm pleased to report skorts are experiencing a resurgence, based on outfits I'm seeing fashion influencers wear.
To pay further homage to the skort and all it's glory, I reached out to a few stylists for their best tips on how to style this gem of a throwback. Below, expert tips on bringing back the nostalgia for summer with these seven skort outfit ideas.
Layer on the '90s Fashion Trends
While the skort has a rich history that goes back centuries, there's no denying the innovative bottom was a '90s wardrobe staple. To lean into that nostalgia, Tobi head stylist Joanna Angeles suggested pairing the piece with a baby tee or micro crop top and either sneakers with tube socks or chunky platform sandals.
"I would also take it one step further and add fun, kitschy beaded jewelry, a baguette bag, and glass or clay bubble rings for a '90s throwback vibe," she said.
DIY a Co-Ord Set
Still on a matching set kick? Lara Knight, VP of design denim and bottoms at American Eagle, told InStyle you can DIY your own co-ord skirt set by layering a classic jean jacket paired with a jean skort.
"We're all about double dipping in this iconic material," said Knight.
Make It Nautical
Stitch Fix stylist Krista Gonzalez suggested that one of the most approachable and timeless pairings is the waist-accentuating wrap skort and striped tee, which, when worn together, creates a coastal-living Hamptons vibe.
"Not only is this a great way to kick off summer fashion, but it creates a feminine yet sophisticated look that can incorporate a layering piece — such as a denim jacket — for chilly mornings," Gonzalez said. "Paired with crisp white sneakers, you'll feel stylish and comfortable for a weekend of activities, from running errands to a stroll on the beach."
Pair It with Romantic Pieces
Whether you plan to rendezvous with a special someone or host a happy hour with the girls outside your apartment, Gonzalez said a skort with an asymmetrical hem is sure to make a statement. From there, she recommended styling with "an understated yet romantic silk camisole on top and a pair of square toe block heels to pull it all together."
Embrace Athleisure
Don't forget: Skorts were originally designed for athletic purposes. So, why not incorporate the piece into your activewear wardrobe? For bike rides and morning jobs, Gonzalez advised grabbing a sporty low-maintenance running skort and an athleisure-inspired half-zip to "keep you comfortable (and covered)."
Style It with Other Current Trends
Contemporary fashion is never short on trends, so pick and choose the looks you like and incorporate them into your skort outfit. For spring, Gonzalez suggested experimenting with tops that feature of-the-moment prints, like '60s inspired ditsy florals or tie-dye, and hey, if you're feeling bold, fruit and vegetable fashion is a thing now, too.
Keep It Casual
Classic silhouettes are key if an elevated casual look is what you're after. A fresh white tee tucked into a pinstripe skort, styled with your go-to denim jacket, is a great way to accomplish this, Gonzalez told InStyle. Plus, she said the combination will help you ease your way into the season's hottest trend.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK57xZqqoaGfo3ykuM6tn6Kml2TArLvRrWSfmaOdtrC6jK2pnqaUYry2wMWiq2ahlJqutA%3D%3D