This week’s Fashion on Fifth is about layering skirts over pants and whether the resurrection of our whimsical and questionable childhood outfits are still relevant around campus. Over the past couple of years, there has been a spike in popularity for this type of style on the runway: Chopova Lowena Spring/Summer 2023, Peter Do Spring/Summer 2023, and Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter 2023 are some of the many brands showcasing the return of the trend. 

People wearing dresses and skirts over pants, or skousers (skirts over trousers) as British Vogue called it, is not a 21st century trend. The layering style dates back to traditional Asian and Middle Eastern practices like the traditional Indian kurtas and kurtis and medieval tunics and cloaks worn over hose. 

In the 1920s and up to the 1950s, the popularity of hostess gowns boomed. They were elaborate robes and dresses layered over trousers worn around the house and to host guests. When many of us think of skirts over pants, we are reminded of the early 2000s, young pop stars, and Disney Channel actors wearing sequined skirts and mini dresses over bootcut jeans with Converse on their feet. But is Hannah Montana still in style? Let’s see what the students say.

Maggie Chan she/her — @mags.chan 

Second-year Parsons School of Design fashion design student

Did you know that Maggie’s wearing sweatpants? I didn’t. Maggie is wearing a leather jacket over a black T-shirt and a textured black lace skirt over her sweatpants. That morning, Maggie asked her roommate the age old question, “Can I borrow your skirt?” And thankfully she said yes, because the skirt brings the outfit together; it blends the brown boots, dark gray sweats, and black purse into a cohesive mixture of the different shades. (I, for one, am a fan of mixing browns and blacks). Lace is always fun, especially over pants. And as Maggie walks, “it kind of bounces with the movement,” she said. And what is better than feeling your skirt twirling with the rhythm of your walk?

Alfie Jackson she/her — @kitchen.1987

First-year College of Performing Arts jazz student

One of the perks of wearing a skirt over pants, besides increased coverage and being less drafty, is the ability to layer pieces that bring you happiness. “If I look at something and it makes me happy, I’ll put it on me,” Alfie said. One of the best things about this way of dressing is the layers, which Alfie has mastered. She is wearing two skirts — one white skirt with a face on it (so that she doesn’t have to make eye contact with people) and one green ruffled skirt with a watercolor pattern, as well as pinstripe pants. These layers meet at her feet which wear slim, round-toed flats. In the words of Alfie, “I like my pants and I like my skirt, and why keep them apart?” She’s right, why should you? Indulge in your fashion urges.

Amanda Zheng she/her — @amandalilyz

Second-year Parsons communication design student

Skirts over pants are comfortable and surprisingly practical: they’re loose, good for travel, nostalgic, and they help you adjust to the seasons. Amanda loves fall weather, so in the spring, she takes inspiration from the different seasons. “Now that it’s getting warmer, we can wear less, but I still wanted to layer for the springtime,” Amanda said. Layering skirts gives you the ability to change with fluctuating spring temperatures. Amanda wears a black leather jacket and a black top with a silver circle ring on the neckline. The belt on her blue tartan skirt has a circle buckle which emulates the “O” keyhole of her shirt. She also wears black pants and black patent leather shoes.

Iris Wilde she/her

Second-year Parsons fashion design student

Iris chose to layer over her pants for practicality reasons: it was hot and she wanted to wear pants. The high pop and ultra Y2K styles of actress Ashley Tisdale and infamous popstar Hannah Montana are not the only ways to style dresses or skirts over pants. Iris’ long, sheer white top folded over her gray pants is one more modern example. Pairing something sheer over solid-colored clothing can be an alternate route of showing skin and staying cool. Iris often layers her clothing and says that it allows for more versatility with her closet. If one item doesn’t work by itself, it may flow better paired with something else, maybe something unconventional. 

Isabella Tedesco she/her

First-year Parsons design and technology student

For Isabella, this is her typical style. She wears a light blue pointelle cardigan and a denim skirt with an uneven hemline over a pair of black leggings. Two pairs of under-the-knee socks climb out of her white shoes with colorful beaded laces, like the ones many of us made bracelets with during summer camp. Her leggings are essential to keep her socks from riding down and to stay warm on a day she thought would be chilly. Her colorful outfit and playful textures are reminiscent of the Collina Strada Spring/Summer 2023 collection which featured colorful floral dresses over jeans and tight skirts over trousers. 

The skirt over pants revival has been going strong and can be implemented into a variety of individual styles. If you’re a fan of layering and often get stuck on how to dress for changing weather (as I do), skirts over pants are there for you. Skirts over pants can get you out of a styling rut and encourage you to twirl in your room and connect with your inner child.