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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With a multi-layered approach to her artistry, just as she did on that winter day in December 2013 with the infamous digital drop of her self-titled album, she changed the game again on February 1, 2023, when she announced her world tour in support of Renaissance, her seventh studio album. Her cultural impact set the internet ablaze, with everyone trying to gather their coins, barter for presale codes, and figure out which cities to attend. The group chats were lit, and the Beyhive was stressed trying to get their hands on tickets.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
Unfortunately, I was in that number. As the concert dates passed by and the one in my city drawing near all roads led to disappointment. With time ticking on the day of the Miami show and less than two hours to spare, my wallet bit the bullet, and I purchased three last-minute tickets, costing roughly $700.00 a piece (including fees) for me, my 9-year-old and 16-year-old nieces in Section 121 at the Hard Rock Stadium. With 10 minutes before showtime, we eagerly awaited the Queen to take the stage. A sea of metallic fringes, cowboy hats, disco fans, and western boots were in full effect and filled the entire stadium.
As the lights dimmed, a flood of emotions instantly overtook my body. It continued with each note she belted, along with nearly 50,000 roaring fans. The reverberating sound of the music through the stadium transported me from one era of my life to the next. As a teen girl in her bedroom daydreaming about her first love to blossoming into an unapologetic Black woman who is still on a road of self-discovery while learning to lean into the power anthem of "You won't break my soul." For over two hours, and with each set, I felt joy, love, peace, and a commanderie with fellow concertgoers. It was therapeutic as I danced like no one was watching and sang as if I were alone in my bathroom mirror.
There were no bars held, and I realized at that moment, "Nobody can judge me but me." The "Renaissance World Tour" proved to be so vast, and my Black girl joy was re-invigorated. It was magnetic and liberating, and I had to attend again, but this time, I needed to be up close and personal; I needed to be on the floor. In the days that passed, I watched more social media clips in different cities and asked myself if I would really splurge again to attend another Renaissance show.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
After all, this would be my thirteenth time (maybe more because I lost count) seeing Beyoncé live, whether she was on tour with Destiny's Child, as a solo artist, or doing a live appearance. I contemplated for a while, but it worked itself out on its own. I was gifted two tickets and the next thing I knew, I was off to LA to attend another Renaissance show with floor seats at SoFi Stadium during Beyonce's 42nd birthday weekend! This time, things were different: no kids were allowed. It was adults only this go round.
Although the energy at the Miami and Los Angeles shows was empowering, infectious, and a celebration of life, happiness, and identity, they each provided their own unique experience. However, both concerts were what I needed for my well-being, leaving me with sore feet from dancing the night away, on vocal rest for the next few days from screaming at the top of my lungs, and on an indefinite high on life.
My introduction and love for Beyoncé began in 1996, while my older sister lived in Houston, TX, right before Bey hit the scene in 1998 with "No, No, No" as a budding R&B member. Her evolution twenty-seven years later as an international superstar and into womanhood has been an incredible journey to witness. As Mrs. Carter reminds each of us in the audience every night before the curtain closes, "I want you to remember this moment, where you're standing, who you came with, and take it with you. I hope you feel inspired."
I truly felt inspired, so thank you, Queen Bey. You awakened my inner child, and I will definitely remember these moments and take them with me.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
