I’ll never forget the first time I wore a skirt. It was back in September, and I had just seen the Peter Do runway show during New York Fashion Week, which featured pleated knee skirts styled over dress pants. Feeling saucy, I decided to test it out for myself on a trip to my local Starbucks. My ensemble consisted of a black tee, black pleated skirt that I bought secondhand, and black dress pants worn underneath. “Okayyy, skirt,” my favorite barista exclaimed as soon as I strolled in.
I’ve always seen skirts as a genderless piece; As an Ojibwe person, I grew up often seeing men wear skirts at our annual summer powwows. But a fear of judgment and ridicule has always held me back from taking the plunge in public. Walking home with my grande iced coffee in hand, I was pleased to find that nobody even batted an eyelash. It was surprising, though refreshing, that nobody cared about my foray into skirts. (It helps that stars like Lil Nas X, Brad Pitt, Odell Beckham Jr., and Conan Gray have all been wearing them out, too.)
Sure, New Yorkers are largely unfazed in general, but that first successful attempt at skirt dressing has given me the confidence to incorporate even more into my wardrobe. And now, I can’t stop buying them. My growing skirt collection may have something to do with the market being—for once—filled with men’s options. While one could easily shop a women’s skirt, sizing is not always easy to figure out; I’ve attempted to buy some in the largest women’s sizes, only for them to barely fit over my knees. Instead, more and more retailers are finally stocking skirts in dedicated men’s sizes—meaning I no longer have to guess or hope it will fit.
Photo: Courtesy of Christian Allaire
Photo: Courtesy of Christian Allaire
The pleated Thom Browne skirts and sleek leather Rick Owens skirts on Ssense, for instance, now go from a size 28 to 40 waist. I’ve also been eyeing printed styles from Chopova Lowena and Liberal Youth Ministry, both of which go from small to XL. While this range is not as size-diverse as it could be, skirts in men’s-specific sizes is a step forward. My most recent skirt acquisition, in addition to my classic gray Thom Browne, is a black, asymmetrical Airei skirt with frayed edging. I’ve been enjoying pairing with my chunkier knits, like my new checkered Zankov sweater.
In experimenting with these skirt styles, I’ve realized just how easy and foolproof they are to wear. There’s really nothing to it: A black or gray skirt can be paired with just about anything, from knits to simple button-up shirts. Think of them like jeans—just a little more fashion-forward. They look especially good with a chunky boot or loafer.
As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of contemporary style trends, I can attest to the transformative power of breaking gender norms in the fashion world. The anecdote shared in the article resonates with my own experiences, having witnessed and participated in the evolution of gender-neutral fashion over the years. This includes not only the adoption of traditionally feminine pieces by men but also the industry's response with dedicated men's sizing options.
The reference to the Peter Do runway show at New York Fashion Week signals an awareness of current fashion events, showcasing the ability to connect personal experiences with broader industry movements. Peter Do is renowned for pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms, and his runway show likely served as a catalyst for the author's experimentation with a pleated knee skirt worn over dress pants.
The article highlights a shift in societal perceptions regarding gendered fashion, emphasizing the author's confidence in challenging norms. This confidence is supported by the recognition of notable figures like Lil Nas X, Brad Pitt, Odell Beckham Jr., and Conan Gray embracing skirts in public. The mention of these celebrities underscores a cultural shift that the author has keenly observed, reinforcing the idea that genderless fashion is gaining wider acceptance.
Furthermore, the article delves into the practical aspects of incorporating skirts into men's wardrobes, addressing the historical context of skirts in the Ojibwe culture. This insight not only showcases a personal connection to the topic but also a broader cultural awareness that extends beyond mainstream Western fashion.
The discussion of the growing availability of men's-specific sizes for skirts demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals seeking gender-neutral fashion. The author provides specific examples, such as Thom Browne, Rick Owens, Chopova Lowena, and Liberal Youth Ministry, showcasing familiarity with both high-end and emerging brands that cater to men's sizing needs.
The emphasis on the ease and versatility of wearing skirts, likening them to jeans but more fashion-forward, reflects a nuanced understanding of fashion aesthetics. The advice on pairing skirts with various clothing items, such as chunky boots or loafers, demonstrates a practical grasp of styling techniques, adding a layer of expertise to the narrative.
In conclusion, the article not only recounts a personal journey of breaking gender norms in fashion but also demonstrates a wealth of knowledge regarding current trends, key fashion events, cultural influences, and practical considerations for individuals seeking gender-neutral clothing options. The author's firsthand experiences, combined with a deep understanding of the fashion landscape, lend credibility to the narrative and position them as a reliable source on the subject.
