The Many Advantages of the Common Work Skirt
When I was in high school, I had to wear a uniform.
My only options were a knee-length navy or gray skirt, and while then I thought it was boring, it also provided many opportunities to be creative.
Thus is one of the many advantages of this wardrobe staple that often gets overlooked – the work skirt.
Let me explain. At the time, I could dress it up with a silky blouse and jacket or dress it down with a collared short-sleeved shirt. Twenty years later, it still fulfills my same versatile needs, but now as a working professional. We often take for granted this indispensable piece of clothing that gives us so many occasions to express ourselves.
But it’s certainly nothing new; it has been doing it for centuries.
The skirt itself has undergone significant transformation over time from the free-flowing togas of ancient Greece to the modern miniskirts of today, a skirt reflects the social, cultural, and economic changes of its era. In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, it has often been a symbol of status, wealth, and power.
In addition, in many cultures, the skirt has also been seen as a symbol of femininity, modesty, and elegance. For example, in the Victorian era, a woman’s skirt was long and flowing, which represented the societal values of modesty and chastity.
When it comes to business, a work skirt is often the number one choice for the office because it offers both a chic, polished, professional appearance and practicality, whether you’re in the conference room in meetings all day, at a client lunch, or attending to customers. The right work shirt can make a dramatic difference not just to your work attire, but it can impact your entire day because when you look good, you automatically feel good, and are therefore more productive.
A work skirt can check both boxes of either business casual or formal attire for any corporate environment or event. In other countries, such as the United States, the work skirt has played a significant role in shaping women’s fashion, with more than 70% of all women owning at least one in their wardrobe.
Here Are Five Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing the Right Work Skirt:
- Is it durable? A work skirt should be made of lightweight material. Look for skirts that are a blend of polyester, viscose, and elastane fabric, which are known to make them easy to care for.
Â
- How does it fit? Ask yourself if it is too big or too tight. You want to find a skirt that is the right size and tailored to your body. Look for a work skirt that features a multi-pleat design that can enhance a woman’s natural curves.
Â
- What are the features on the skirt? Look for work skirts that come with belt loops and a reinforced center-back zip, which provides ventilation, and a stretchable material will offer comfort and support moving with your body, whether you are walking or sitting.
Â
- Is it easy to care for? It’s best to find a work skirt that does not require dry cleaning, but instead is Teflon stain-resistant, which makes it last longer, requires minimal ironing, is machine-washable, and also can be easily altered, if necessary.
Â
- What color should I choose? When it comes to the work skirt, choices are often taupe, navy, or black, yet it’s important to choose the one that suits you and that you will feel your best in.
Â
In conclusion, the work skirt is so much more than just a work skirt in your closet. It is the epitome of just the right blend between professional and stylish and gives a woman the perfect opportunity to express herself freely at the office.