It looked like the pandemic was putting the final nail in the skirt suit coffin, as casual dressing took hold across all cultures and demographics. But to the surprise of many, it seems to be becoming the biggest fashion trend of 2022. The reason: Generations Y and Z have focused their attention on it.
The skirt suit, long considered a classic in women's wardrobe, was no longer considered a must-have by younger generations. A trend that has continued for several decades. But that has changed in 2022. Despite its associations with severe cuts and sophistication that are out of step with the current zeitgeist, the iconic ensemble has been embraced by young, influential influencers and stars.
Will 2022 be the year of the skirt suit?
Skirt suits are making a stunning return to the forefront of the fashion scene after two very influential generations, namely Z and Y, turned their attention to them. Of course, this hasn't gone unnoticed by the big designers either. Many have put the skirt suit at the center of their spring-summer 2022 collections, reinterpreting it in more modern versions.
While tweed remains a must-have in this regard, the skirt appears to have lost a few inches compared to its former heyday. The jackets are either ultra-short cut, fitted, oversized, asymmetrical or sporty.Everything is with accessoriesembellished, including large belts, necklaces and embroidered flowers, and of course in bright colors that correspond to the trends of the season.
The skirt suit is making a comeback among stars and fashion influencers
Dua Lipa, Camila Mendes, Emma Chamberlain and Hailey Bieber are among the Gen Z celebrities who are among the most influential personalities on social media and interpret skirt suits in their own way, combining elegance and modernity with a sexy twist connect.
But don't get this wrong: the skirt suit is hugely popular with 20-somethings and even younger audiences, even in its most iconic version - the tweed.
Selena Gomez arrived at an event in a pale pink “micro-mini” length skirt with side slits. Gomez wore a matching pink, slightly fitted tweed jacket that gave off a chic, vintage Chanel-inspired look.
Eighteen-year-old singer Olivia Rodrigo caused a stir when she visited the White House in July 2021. At the invitation of Joe Biden, the pop star appeared in a tweed skirt suit, and her choice did not go unnoticed. This appearance helped restore the reputation of skirt suits, which were considered firmly anchored in the past. Millennials, like Chiara Ferragni, one of the most influential people in the world, are buying them in droves.
Where to wear the modern version of skirt suits?
While the skirt suit has historically been more appropriate for afternoon tea or fundraising committee meetings, the spring 2022 version can be worn anywhere, from a night out to weekend brunch. For a more modern styling, you can wear bralettes and skirt suitsCrop Topswear, a look that makes the mini skirt suit perfect from day to evening wear.
During the day or for Saturday brunch with friends, you can wear a skirt suit in a less formal fabric such as leather, paired with a casual shoe, sneaker or flat boot.
The history of the skirt suit began with Coco Chanel
Karl Lagerfeld once said: “Chanel left us more than just fashion: she left us her style. And, as she said, it never gets old”. This is most evident in her skirt suits, for which the designer became known. Coco Chanel was 70 years old when she came out of retirement in 1953 and designed skirt suits for the first time. This was particularly revolutionary at a time when women's clothing was often nipped in at the waist and sported large bell-shaped skirts. The woven fabric of Coco's skirt suits appealed primarily to the American market, where women craved the feeling of power that these suits conveyed. Throughout the history of the Chanel brand, many famous women have dressed with the brand, such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana and of course Anna Wintour.
When Karl Lagerfeld took over as Chanel's chief designer, he breathed new life into the brand. His success was mainly due to the way he combined iconic Chanel elements with his own innovative ideas and introduced more modern elements into the designs. The 1980s were, among other things, the era of strong suits, and Lagerfeld was a leader in this regard. His jackets have broad shoulders but maintain the narrow waist, meaning his jackets maintain the feeling of femininity that Chanel is known for.
In 1995, Karl Lagerfeld designed the so-called “micro” suits, meaning they are much smaller than in previous years, the jackets are fitted and the shoulders are narrower. Howall Chanel piecesThe jacket is lined with silk, with beautiful French seams and a gold chain on the inside that weighs down the hem.
Now the skirt suits are back, with a bang and a modern twist.
