Trends & Themes

Denim Skirts

Denim Skirts

Bloomingdale's

L-R: Balmain, Mother

I don’t normally get rid of any clothes – I’m a hoarder and I get really attached to things. I also believe that I’ll eventually wear something again even if it’s been sitting in my wardrobe for ages, years after its last use. There’s a fringed turquoise lace skirt in there somewhere that I bought over 20 years ago and haven’t worn for at least 10 years but I’m hoping I’ll find an occasion for it some time soon. So anyway, I had a beautiful flared denim maxi skirt that I gave away. I had bought it in the late 90s, from Topshop or Miss Selfridge I think. Seeing all this Y2K denim is making me really regret that decision because it would look so amazing with some of my recent buys – a Nensi Dojaka bodysuit I impulse bought in a sale, a cool cropped adidas hoodie, maybe even a corset! Perhaps I didn’t give it away after all and I’ll find it hidden away in my wardrobe. Of course if it’s not there, I hope whoever ended up getting it has enjoyed wearing it.

Denim Skirts

L-R: Ksenia Schnaider, Martine Rose

I’m not actually big on denim – I generally dislike jeans because I feel cold in them, although this Y2K trend did make me reach into the depths of my wardrobe for a flared ultra-low rise pair I bought back in 2002 or so. I’m also not very keen on buying new denim because of the environmental impact when it comes to manufacturing denim. Jeans are one of the least eco-friendly items to manufacture, mainly because of the process of making denim – the cotton produced to make the denim is treated with a lot of pesticides, and consumes a lot of water. Fibres within denim can break down into microplastics. Shopping for second hand denim rather than new is a great way to reduce the environmental cost, while also getting some genuine 90s and Y2K fashion (and likely scoring some branded clothing for much less also).

Tommy Hilfiger (Vintage)

Tommy Hilfiger Denim Skirt

Tommy Hilfiger Denim Skirt at Rokit Vintage

 

 

Denim Skirts

L-R: S.R. Studio. LA. CA. Menswear, Maison Mihara Yasuhiro Menswear

Another thing I remember that was big with denim back in the late 90s was contrast stitching on dark denim, itself a throwback to the 70s. We’ve done that 20 year cycle and contrast stitching is once again with us – love it or hate it. Personally, I’d rather skip it, though I “rocked” a very regrettable pair of flared contrast stitched jeans back in 1999! If you like the look, there’s plenty to choose from, but if the last iteration was anything to go by, don’t expect the trend to last too long, and invest (or not!) accordingly.

Denim Skirts

L-R: MM6 Maison Margiela, Hope For Flowers

Logomania and monogramming are still a big thing, so a lot of denim skirts continue on this trend. Something that seems pretty new is a combination of denim skirts with cargo trousers. Another combination is denim with other fabrics or finishes – this was popular about a decade ago, with the upper part of the skirt being denim and the bottom being printed fabric. The below style by Amiri reminded me of that with its denim upper and pleated fabric bottom, while the JW Anderson skirt features a lacquered contrast panel.

Denim Skirts

L-R: Isabel Marant, Flow the Label

Care for your denim properly so that it lasts you for years – wash on cold with a gentle cycle, and only when necessary. If you can, spot treat stains instead of washing. Running a denim item in the washing machine once every few months is perfectly fine – hang in the sun inside out to kill bacteria  if you wish. Dark denim will last longer than light – stonewashed and light denim has been treated with chemicals to achieve that look, and this reduces its life. Don’t use bleach with your denim.

Here’s some more denim skirts to choose from.

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