IS SKIRT SUIT THE NEW PANTSUIT?
The blazer skirt combo makes a Bollywood comeback, with both making it and international brands fresh, fun and of-the-moment
The recently-concluded Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks announced the triumph of the classic and timeless skirt suit. From Chanel’s reinterpretation of it in a tweed tailcoat-meetspocketed-mini skirt format to Fendi’s head-to-toe leather look seen on model Gigi Hadid, this season-less ensemble looks youthful, fresh and fun. The masculine pantsuit, which enjoyed the spotlight over the last few seasons, has been swapped with the feminine, bourgeois skirt suit seen on the runways of Celine, Michael Kors, Victoria Beckham, and Gabriela Hearst. Back home, it’s been sported by the likes of Sonam K Ahuja, Sonakshi Sinha and Deepika Padukone. While Sonam went tone on tone, Deepika clashed contrasting checks in a Prada ensemble. Also, worth mentioning is Ananya Panday’s recent outing in a check twin-set, which brought to mind the ’90s film Clueless’ yellow tartan skirt suit worn by Cher (essayed by Alicia Silverstone). Stylist Eshaa Amiin says, “Designer Virginie Viard’s reinterpretation of it at Chanel makes this combo far from boring. The interplay of structure and fluidity makes it all the more exciting. Alternatively, one could team an A-line dress with a blazer and make it look like a skirt suit. The Chanel skirt suits in hues of pink and mint have gone cropped and edited for this Fall Winter season. One could team these looks with a pair of striking ankle-length boots. If you are heading out for drinks post work, open the jacket buttons, and make it like a coordinated set.”
Once a perennial staple and considered to be a modern classic all thanks to labels like Celine by Hedi Slimane, the skirt suit has made its presence felt after an undisputed reign of the pantsuit.
Designer Aniket Satam says, “The skirt suit adds a dash of formality without
Manish Mishra
being overtly masculine. It has an element of elegance along with the rigidity of the jacket which makes this combination desirable for many women across the world. The matching coordinated set could be dressed up or down depending on one’s mood or occasion.
However, pairing it with the right pair of shoes could be a challenge as the footwear contributes majorly to the overall look. I’d suggest, finish it off with either a pair of two-toned ballet flats or Mary Janes.”
For a casual outing, pick one in plaid, polka dots or candy stripes and for a formal do, embrace fabrics such as houndstooth, windowpane checks or tartan.
“The skirt suit ups the ante compared to its sister ensemble — the pantsuit as it is sexier and more versatile. Opt for an oversized jacket instead of a blazer, an embroidered bustier instead of a shirt/bralette, or a hand micro pleated skirt instead of simple A-line,” adds designer Saaksha of label Saaksha & Kinni.