Can Skirt Suits Be Hip? One Gen Z Writer Tries It

Vogue

5 days ago

Late last year, like Moses at Mount Sinai, Lily-Rose Depp delivered the Chanel skirt suit to Gen Z. In recent months, more celebrities under 30 have embraced the officewear staple. Some are more prim, like Mikey Madison, who finished out her Oscar campaign in a powder blue Patou set, while others have embraced vintage, like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, who flock to ultra-sexy Mugler. Chase Sui Wonders took a youthful approach in a lively colored miniskirt and patterned button-up underneath, while Daisy Edgar-Jones channelled her inner Working Girl in a gray shoulder-padded Calvin Klein Collection two-piece.
While all of these women looked fabulous, I'll admit I was skeptical of incorporating skirt suits into my own wardrobe. Not only is it inconsistent with my more casual jeans-and-tee style, I worried that wearing one would feel less like a confidence boost and more like a girlboss costume. But, guided by my fellow Gen Z and cuspers, I decided to try the look for myself.
Mikey Madison
Raymond Hall
Chase Sui Wonders
Aeon
For my foray, I turned to the doyenne of suiting: Daniella Kallmeyer, who loaned me an inky black blazer and matching skirt. Complete with lightly flared sleeves, a thigh-grazing miniskirt, and a gently nipped waist, it became abundantly clear to me that the first step in rocking a skirt suit is the tailoring. Like with any other piece of clothing, it'll feel dowdy if it's an unflattering cut, but a good fit feels especially critical for the skirt suit, which is so heavily associated with corporatism, conservatism, and office culture. With a shorter hemline, a little waist definition, and a satin-y finish, the look was instantly elevated from workwear to a chic set.
Styling also played an important role in my endeavor. While many of its celebrity fans prefer a stiletto, I knew that I wanted to create some sartorial tension with a funky shoe. I wore my Kallmeyer look to a work event, which demanded a bit more formality than usual, so I added my Tory Burch slingbacks with a pierced peep-toe. Were I to wear it to the office or even out with friends, I would consider adding a knee-high boot, loafers with sheer socks, or even something like a pair of Olsen-approved Tevas. I would also add a white tee or a NSFW top underneath for a more relaxed look.