3 Ways To Style A Statement Midi Skirt This Season
The midi skirt transcends time and can be worn for any occasion. It took me years and a lot of confidence to try this sort of skirt, much less advocate for them in public. Any editorial ad will lead you to believe that only size zeros can pull this trend off, but that's completely untrue. The curvier, the better in my opinion. The longer hem, combined with the cinched waist, creates a clean line that highlights curves and elongates the legs. This silhouette does more than exude professionalism; it creates the perfect illusion of any shape.
The leather midi is having a major moment, which sounds great in theory but in practice, can present complications. Leather can be a difficult thing to style and relies heavily on tailoring. It works well with softer fabrics like wool or nylon, adding a touch of femininity and an inviting aspect in contrast to the harsh texture. The dichotomy of the fabrics translates beautifully. You can also play with the fit; a loose midi creates a different feel than a fitted midi.
The versatility of the leather midi skirt makes it a key piece in a woman's wardrobe. As with most trends, the trick lies in the styling. Even though the options are endless, there are a few key tips to help master this trend.
Play with the color.
The best way to style any "loud" piece of clothing is by pairing it with neutrals. This will help to tone down the look and add everyday ease to it. You can also pair it with muted complementary colors. Complementary colors are located on the opposite side of the color wheel, therefore they provide high contrast towards any outfit. Using muted hues will keep the outfit from being too "loud" (unless you like it like that, then yasss honey!).
If you want to step it up, make it monochromatic. Shades, tones, and tints of one color can provide a subtle combination and create a harmonious, stylish look.
Add a chunky sweater or cardigan.
A tried and true way is to pair this skirt with your favorite chunky top. With a fitted skirt, pair with a tucked-in bell-sleeved sweater. This helps to create volume at the top to match the volume of your hips and contrast the cinched waist. A look like this can take you from business meetings to drinks with the girls, instantly.
If you prefer a looser fit, then pair with a cropped (or higher hemmed) top to create a bit of depth. Since the skirt gradually widens towards the hem, adding a shorter or more-fitted top will help elongate the torso. This is a relaxed and comfy look, great for a day with the girls or brunch with the in-laws.
Dress it down.
Don't be fooled - midi skirts are perfect for the girl that loves sneakers. Quite possibly one of the coolest street trends in 2019 was to pair any outfit with white sneakers. It's the perfect way to capsulize any outfit, and a street trend I've been practicing for years. If you want to add some depth, opt for a skirt with a slit. It gives you the illusion of heels without having to actually wear them. It's the perfect "girlboss-on-the-go" look that can't be beaten.
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- How To Wear A Midi Skirt 10 Ways - The Effortless Chic ›
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- 8 Stylish Tops To Wear With Midi Skirts All Year Long | HuffPost Life ›
- 12 WAYS TO STYLE A MIDI-SKIRT - YouTube ›
Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Sheila Rashid's Androgynous Approach To Unisex Clothing Is A Lesson In Embracing Individuality
The ItGirl 100 List is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
For Sheila Rashid, it all started with some free-hand drawings and a few strokes of paint.
The Chicago-based clothing designer and creative director of Sheila Rashid Brand recalls using her spare time in high school to hand paint designs on t-shirts and distressed hoodies, distributing them to classmates as walking billboards for her art.
Rashid sought to pursue fashion design at Columbia College in Chicago but eventually took the self-taught route to build upon her knack for crafting one-of-a-kind, androgynous pieces.
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Thanks to the mentorship of local designers taking her under their wings, Rashid was able to gain valuable experience in putting together collections and creating patterns; equipping her with them with the necessary skills to pursue her own collections.
After two years of living in New York, Rashid returned home to the Chi and uncovered the unique flair she could offer the city. “I moved to New York after that because I wanted to be in the fashion capital world,” she tells xoNecole. “That's when I really got a leg up. I found myself when I moved back to Chicago after moving to New York.”
For the Midwest native, inspiration comes from her time around creative peers and the city’s notorious winters — known to be a main character in many Chicagoans stories. “It's a different perspective and mindset when I'm making stuff because of the weather here,” she explains. “When we get summer, it’s ‘Summertime Chi’ — it's amazing. It's beautiful. Still, I find myself always making clothes that cater to the winter.”
"I moved to New York after that because I wanted to be in the fashion capital world. That's when I really got a leg up. I found myself when I moved back to Chicago after moving to New York.”
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Many designers have a signature aesthetic or theme in their creations. In Rashid’s design story, dancing between the lines of femininity and masculinity is how she’s been able to distinguish herself within the industry. Her androgynous clothing has garnered the eye of celebrities like Zendaya, Chance the Rapper, WNBA star Sydney Colson, and more — showing her range and approach to designs with inclusivity in mind.
“I think I do reflect my own style,” she says. “When I do make pieces, I'm very tomboyish, androgynous. My work is unisex because I feel like everybody can wear it. I cater to everybody and that's how I try to approach my clothes.” From denim to overalls, and color-drenched outerwear, Rashid has mastered the structure of statement pieces that tell a story.
“Each collection, I never know what's going to be the thing I'm going to focus on. I try to reflect my own style and have fun with the storytelling,” she shares. “I look at it more like it's my art in this small way of expressing myself, so it's not that calculated.”
"My work is unisex because I feel like everybody can wear it. I cater to everybody and that's how I try to approach my clothes."
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Still, if you were able to add up all the moments within Rashid’s 20-year career in design, one theme that has multiplied her into becoming an “ItGirl” is her confidence to take up space within the fashion industry as a queer, Black woman. “Being an ItGirl is about being yourself, loving what you do, finding your niche, and mastering that,” she says.
No matter where you are on your ItGirl journey, Rashid says to always remain persistent and never hesitate to share your art with the world. “Don’t give up. Even if it's something small, finish it and don't be afraid to put it out,” she says, “It's about tackling your own fear of feeling like you have to please everybody, but just please yourself, and that's good enough.”
To learn more about the ItGirl 100 List, view the full list here.
Featured image Courtesy