Denim Skirts Are More Than a Trend For Me

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While keeping up with trends is an essential part of my job as a fashion and beauty editor, I do the opposite when it comes to my personal style. I wasn't outrightly taught to stay away from the trend cycle. Still, when I started discovering my sartorial identity as a teenager, I always loved purchasing pieces that I didn't see on others, and I've maintained this approach to shopping ever since. And as much as my style has evolved, this mindset is still a part of its foundation.

Though I don't let fads inform my purchases, it is intriguing to see the ones that come on the fashion scene, whether it's for two minutes or two years. A trend that's particularly piqued my interest? The resurgence of denim skirts. Although I consider them a wardrobe staple, the quintessential bottom is becoming "a thing" again amongst the fashion sect and TikTok-driven consumer, coming in different iterations from the classic maxi to innovative designs with features like deconstructed patchwork and denim separated by tulle. Of course, celebrities like Rihanna and Bella Hadid are seen donning the bottom, affirming its place as a new-and-improved trend. For me, denim skirts are more than a fleeting obsession — they're a piece of my identity.

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For those who don't know, I'm a church girl. I was born and raised in the Pentecostal church, but not just any kind. I grew up in one that values standards, especially concerning clothing, with one that my parents upheld firmly: girls can't wear pants. So, of course, I always had a denim skirt in my closet. It's not only the easiest thing to style, but it's also a piece that I knew was safe, not as a means of protection, but something I could wear that would make it impossible for someone to criticize my dressing.

As I came into my own (especially style-wise), I still stick to wearing skirts and dresses, but in more creative silhouettes. I grew up seeing the boring old denim skirt that kisses the floor; the ones the mothers wore for Wednesday night prayer with dad sneakers and the denim jacket to match (church kids, you know what I'm talking about). Having seen the same thing for years, I wanted my style to emulate anything but that, not because I don't appreciate my church upbringing, but because I wanted to make modesty look good. And if you're an OG supporter, you know that value is one of the main reasons why I started this blog.

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With innovation at the top of mind, it's been refreshing and liberating to see denim skirts get the love they've been receiving, especially for my inner child. If you've grown up in a similar religious structure, you'd understand that certain standards could translate as strict rules, ushering in feelings of constraint rather than freedom to express yourself. Seeing more clever and boundary-pushing interpretations of denim skirts from the streets to the runway allowed me to find that freedom not only in my style but also in my mindset towards dressing — letting me know that not wearing certain pieces didn't have to be confining. After all, fashion is not only the physical piece you're wearing, but it's artistic and expressive of who the wearer is, ever-evolving, most of all. And no true creative or fashion lover is exempt, even if all you can wear is a denim skirt.

Shop the Vibe:

Jersey: The Pray Apparel

Skirt: AKIRA

Shoes: Miss Lola

Bag: NDG Paris

Sunglasses: Banbe Sunglasses

 "Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man."

Proverbs 3:3-4 {AMP}

Much love and peace,

-Nay.