Photo of model leaning on stairs wearing tan skirt and grey sweatshirt with a red and yellow striped tie. He is wearing a checkered cap and overhead headphones. He is raising his middle fingers to the camera.

Several years ago, a male addiction started within the fashion industry that would continue for a generation of people and influence for many more to come: Jorts. The way denim used to fit onto the leg while showcasing skin worked effortlessly, creating layers for the bottom half of the body that put priority on the shoes and socks of the wearer. What was once prioritised purely for clean blue denim, has now transitioned to more washed through denim, as well as other materials like cotton trousers, linen trousers and more. The move from bum-grazing shorts to knee high length has been one of thigh-coverage for men, bringing fashion-forward thinking to menswear while still tapping into feminine influences. However, we have reached a new height of fashion intersectionality - the skirt and trouser combo.

There aren't any specific rules on how to blend the two together. Some examples on social media like Tiktok and Instagram include vastly different textures, like a classical gingham red patch midi skirt with acid washed jeans by Lani (@okay._.kalani on Tiktok), complimenting with the matching blue 22 sports shirt and platform shoe. Another wearer of the new trend includes Edward Park (@theedwardpark on Tiktok and Instagram), wearing a black utility mini skirt and combining that with some black flared pants with a straight seam through the middle. Connecting the skirt and trouser combo was an off-shoulder ruffled black shirt, clothing the black out look for the fall season. Maz (@mazzasrevenge) in his most recent post labelled ‘if mfs of all generations don’t stop and stare when you wake past, fit not fly’, wore a long black pleated skirt and trouser combo, with additional accessories connected on including two belts and a cufflink with glasses reminiscent of Balenciaga.

Model wearing a combination of black trousers and skirt with a big metal circle buckle. They are pairing it with a long-sleeves shirt, their shoulders are naked and visible.

As the season gets colder every year, more fit-check videos come out of youth wearing this combination. By adapting the popular style of a skirt and modifying it in a similar way that imitates the look and feel of Jorts, we are seeing an increase in the intersectionality between two genders that are creating new silhouettes for the wearer. On a cultural and social level, we are seeing more influencers and celebrities wearing skirts on the red carpets, including Usher, Jaden Smith and Wisdm. Fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Thom Browne have revolutionised the usage of the skirt, with Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton wave integrating streetwear classics with the modification of the skirt to innovate menswear while Thom Browne interrogates smart-wear and suits. With these brands working closely to normalise skirts as a form of layering for quite some time, we are now seeing that reflect as a new and growing trend online.

Does it have a long way to go to become more socially acceptable? Absolutely. With Usher posting his red-carpet event at the BOF 500 Gala in light of the super bowl announcement of his half-time performance, he wore a custom made Louis Vuitton look, consisting of a fitted black varsity jacket with a matching kilt, glistening reflective black shoes and high rise white socks in a Louis Vuitton design. The internet went into uproar for his choice, with tabloids, fashion blogs and the general public documenting his ‘controversial’ look. Instagrammers wrote in his comments mixed reviews; “Usually this man can do no wrong but this is all wrong” said one, while another commented on it being emasculating. Though there were some comments of encouragement on his innovative design, much of the hate pushed through the algorithm, reminding us all that masculinity within fashion is still a very touchy subject.

Usher poses for the cameras at The Business of Fashion red carpet wearing a Louis Vuitton black skirt and blazer. He is wearing a white shirt underneath and a black and white beanie. He paired the outfit with white long socks and black leather shoes.

The Evolution of fashion is an ever-changing narrative, often challenging societal norms and pushing boundaries. The emergence of the skirt and trouser combo as a trend in menswear is a testament to the fashion industry’s commitment to breaking down gender and fostering creative expression without limitations. However, as with any shift in fashion paradigms, there are challenges to overcome. The scrutiny and criticism demonstrate that perceptions of masculinity and fashion are still evolving. As this trend continues to gain traction and as we become more open-minded, we look forward to a future where fashion lacks fragility, and individuality is celebrated above all else.

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