The Spring Skirt: A Dissection of its Evolution from the 60s to Now

The spring skirt. How could one possibly begin to define it? Over the years, the definition of the classic spring skirt has evolved into different lengths, patterns, and more. This article is an analysis of the evolution of the classic spring skirt from the 60s all the way to now, because let’s face it, it can be really hard to keep up with what’s trending. 

While skirts can be worn all year round, when the spring rolls around, skirts transition from an occasional piece of fashion to a closet staple. The spring skirt becomes the focus of an outfit: the other clothing included is styled around the skirt. The spring skirt is different from any of its counterparts in two ways: it immediately catches the eye and it makes a statement on its own.

Spring skirts in the 60s were typically knee length. They often featured some kind of pleating and were styled with masculine layering: a button down shirt underneath a vest or a blazer overtop a blouse. Much of this styling has begun to make a comeback recently. Nowadays, people pair miniskirts with Doc Martens, and other, bolder accessories to contrast the softness of a skirt. Perhaps an even more popular style in the 60s, were skirt suits: a pencil skirt that covered the knee paired with a matching top that had buttons or frayed ends to really emphasize that the outfit, though the same color, was two separate pieces of clothing. Christian Dior made the pencil skirt popular in the late 50s. The skirt was originally worn to more formal events. However, today,  pencil skirts have been broadened to fit any occasion. Prints were also popular in skirt suits, ranging from plaid to pinstripe. This gave women of the 60s many opportunities to individualize their outfits. In the later 60s, there was an influx of brighter colors in skirts and coinciding tops. This reflected the beginning of the second wave of feminism, which emphasized female expression. .

In the 70s, mini skirts were still popular, but the addition of leather mini skirts became even more popularized. Additionally, the masculine layering was still very popular, but people began expanding their horizons to maxi skirts. Maxi skirts ranged in even more patterns and colors than miniskirts did, giving women even more opportunities to really individualize their style. Maxi skirts also ranged in cut: some were tiered, others were ruffled, and some even featured pathwork. For every kind of style, there was a skirt for someone. Peasant skirts were floral patterned and ruffled while tiered skirts were typically a solid color. Hippies gravitated towards the bolder colors and funky patterns like paisley and patchwork. For those looking for a more neutral look, denim maxi skirts were also very popular. Most skirts were high waisted, and the pleated ones typically also featured a belt. The 70s redefined skirts as a clothing item for everyone with every style, and has had a massive impact on the spring skirts we see today.

In the 80s, skirt suits were still very popular, but they were now peplum. There was also a resurgence of pleated skirts, but they were typically maxi–so a bit longer than the ones in the 60s. The 80s popularized a lot of business-wear for women, so pencil skirts with belts were also a huge trend. Additionally, the 80s skirts moved away from patterns and focused on simple, classic, solid colors that could be paired with a more statement, funkily patterned blouse. The 80s sweater, a defining article of clothing for the decade, could be seen paired with a knee-length black pencil skirt. Overall, the spring skirt became less popular in the 80s because pantsuits and workout clothes became the norm, however the spring skirt still had a presence. One of the most prominent skirt designs of the 80s was when Jean-Paul Gaultier created a skirt for men. Since then, men in skirts has had a huge presence: in high fashion, in celebrity couture, and (especially in recent years) in everyday wear.

In the 90s, the denim skirt had a resurgence in popularity. Unlike denim skirts from the 70s, these ones varied in all different kinds of lengths. Accessorizing a skirt with a belt continued to have a strong presence, and buttons on skirts became a hot commodity. A lot of skirts would have buttons going down the side, and for denim skirts the popular ones had button flys. Much like the 80s, skirts were not as popular because of the influx of pants, specifically jeans. However, denim overall was a very popular fabric in the 90s, so most of the skirts reflected that. Additionally, pencil skirts were still popular, but now were categorized as part of a preppier look. Clueless and F.R.I.E.N.D.S popularized the plaid mini-skirt, which combined popular lengths and patterns from past decades. These skirts varied in color, but the more popular ones were red, navy, and black and could be seen paired with a cardigan, tights, and sometimes even knee high socks or boots.

The mini-skirt got an entirely new definition during the 2000s. Previously, the mini-skirt was a few inches above the knees, but in the 2000s it shortened and became known as the micro mini-skirt. Chunky statement belts would be paired with skirts of all kinds of fabric: leather, denim, silk, and more. For skirts with belt loops, people would often attach a chain that would hang down and provide a nice silhouette paired with a crop top. Popular red carpet stylings of the micro mini-skirt would be styled with a pair of jeans; a lot bolder of styling but nonetheless an important one. The denim micro mini-skirt was by far the most culturally significant skirt of this time, and would typically be paired with a tank top and lots of jewelry. Today, popular brands like Free People have reintroduced the micro mini-skirt in a variety of fabrics and colors: purple corduroy, khaki, and black leather. 

The 2010s moved to empire line skirts in multitude of patterns and colors. As “hipster” fashion became more popularized, skirts combined the styles of several decades. Polka-dot mini-skirts were especially popular, as well as longer, floral print skirts. As seen in popular shows of the time period like New Girl, many skirts opted for a business casual styling with a blouse or a long sleeved basic. Ripped and fun patterned tights were also popularly styled with a mini skirt. 

Today, though not even halfway through the decade, the spring skirt is a reflection of the decades that preceded. The long, 70s skirts are popular, the micro mini-skirt is popular, and the funky patterns are popular. The spring skirt has seen a lot of evolution throughout the decades, but its cultural significance will always be very prominent. Furthermore, while skirts were initially very feminine, women of the 60s redefined skirts for all future generations by contrasting more masculine accessories, tops, and more. As the style continues to evolve and revert to previous trends, it's interesting to examine the ways in which the skirt has impacted the past generations and all the generations to come.