Pre-Fall 2012 trends: mini skirts

Jul 20, 2012
LadyLUX • Fashion

You may think that once summer is over it’s time to put away the skirts, but the boys from Proenza Schouler beg to differ. In fact, for them it’s quite the opposite. Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough’s Pre-Fall and Fall 2012 collections featured an abundance of skirts, especially the mini kind. The perfect transition piece, the mini skirt works right now with sheer T-shirts and tanks tops and, when autumn settles in, opt for heavier silhouettes to provide protection from the weather. As in Proenza Schouler’s collection, think oversized knitwear and boxy menswear jackets to balance proportions. Replace your shorts this season with mini skirts for chic-casual ensembles!

Brilliantly yellow, 3.1 Phillip Lim’s pleated overlay skirt is a burst of energy. The skirt embodies a ‘60s chicness meets downtown cool with a classic style and double welted pockets. If it’s on the bright side for you, mellow out the yellow with a feminine nude blouse. To amp up the mango color, style with a dark shade such as black or navy.

Every girl needs a staple leather skirt and Helmut Lang’s is nothing short of perfection. The grey skirt features an overlap for an asymmetrical look. The raw finish has a deconstructed appeal. Go downtown chic with the leather mini combining with a black activewear tank layered with a perforated pullover. Add on a long trench coat for cooler days.

Surprisingly, metallic shades make for great staple pieces that aren’t boring. Marc by Marc Jacobs’ verushka metallic skirt in a light toffee bronze glimmers from lamé threads and a foil finish. The shade can be paired with florals, chambray shirts, striped knits and even bold colors.

Straight from Hernandez and McCollough themselves, Proenza Schouler’s silk brocade skirt features an Asian-inspired print. The skirt can be combined with a delicate camisole for summer time. For Fall, layer on a full-length wool coat.

Mary Katrantzou’s expandit print tulip skirt is extraordinary in a kaleidoscope of greens featuring aquamarine, absinthe and grass. Create a street-scene-worthy moment by marrying the skirt with an equally bright vest, layers of jewelry and sky-high ankle booties.

An easy go-to option with an active-inspired twist, See by Chloe’s zip-front skirt is just plain cool. The two-tone dark grey is contrasted with black panels. For the most effortless looks, try a white or black long-sleeve shirt or knit. To dress it up, opt for some unexpected sequins in pastel colors.

Stella McCartney goes cerulean blue with her wool mini skirt. The tailored skirt is impeccably structured and sophisticated. For a complete ensemble, style with the matching jacket with oversized collar. The skirt could also easily be worn as a separate with bulky knits or see-through tunics.