Skorts date back as far as the 1890s in the early days of fashion, but they were most prominent in the 1990s and into the early 2000s. Girls and women of all ages were sporting Y2K fashion in the form of skorts as a great piece of clothing for a game of tennis, shopping at the mall, or just lounging around the house.
It wasn’t until recently that skorts came back into the spotlight, with everyone from young girls to older women getting sporting this nostalgic fashion choice.
Top Anthony's Resort Wear Solid UPF50+ Ruffle Sleeveless Knit Top
Bottom Anthony's Resort Wear Heart Explosion UPF50+ Pull-On Skort
Are Skorts in Style Today?
Just like many of the trends from the '70s, '80s, and '90s that have reemerged over the last decade, skorts are back in style - and with good reason. Skorts are designed to be cute and playful like a skirt, with the protection and flexibility that comes with a pair of traditional shorts.
Skorts gained growing popularity in the 1970s, fueled by the women's movement, but they really came into vogue in the late '90s and early aughts. Their popularity waned slightly in the late 2000s, but the 2010s saw the resurgence of athleisure skorts, a trend that continues through today. Skorts are still showing up heavily in women's fashion in the 2020s, and we don't see that trend lessening anytime soon. Perhaps that's because they're as stylish as they are practical!
Not sure how to wear a skort? If you're interested in sporting some skort fashion (or other trending styles) but you're not sure where to get started, let us take the lead!
Skorts Then vs Now
The skorts that you probably remember from the 90s and 2000s or even earlier did not disguise the fact that they were more than just standard skirts, with the front of the garment looking like a skirt and the rear showing the individual legs. While all skorts, including this type, have become especially popular over the last 3-5 years thanks largely to popular social media influencers, many of today’s skorts are designed to look like a true skirt from the outside with the added convenience and comfort (chafing begone!) of secret shorts underneath.
Skorts and their place in society as a women’s clothing staple have changed much over the decades in some of the following ways:
1890s: Skorts were introduced as an activewear option for women who engaged in activities such as bicycling. At the time, pants were still considered socially unacceptable for women, so skorts provided an ideal solution.
1930s: Spanish tennis player Lilí Álvarez caused a scandal when she showed up to Wimbledon wearing a skort designed by Elsa Schiaparelli in 1931.
1970s: The rise of the women's movement saw a resurgence in the popularity of skorts as a more liberating alternative to traditional skirts and dresses. Skorts, while still popular with tennis players and other athletes like Billie Jean King, became more in vogue off the court.
1990s: With the advent of "grunge" in the early 90s came the popularity of flannel skorts. By the late ‘90s, skorts were at the forefront of fashion as an everyday staple.
2000s: Skorts’ popularity carried over into the early aughts with the invention of the “miniskort”.
2020s: Two decades after their height of popularity, skorts are back in style as a popular everyday staple for younger generations.
How to Wear a Skort for Women Over 50
Skorts are most definitely in style, and that includes skorts for women over 50 as well as younger generations. It’s time to take advantage of them!
You may be inclined to wear skorts in 2024 and beyond to complete a sporty look (as if you’re ready to go win a match on the tennis court), but there are dozens of accessories and tops that can balance the skort and make it more playful. Here are four tips and tricks for styling skort fashion:
Pair with a Sleek Black T-Shirt and Tennis Shoes
If you’re looking for a simple look to pair with a vibrant printed skort, throw on a black t-shirt with a pair of tennis shoes. This is a great street-style look that maximizes comfort without taking away from the appearance.
If you want to keep things casual, don’t worry about accessories. But if you want to elevate your look (or go from a daytime style to a nightlife one) you can add statement jewelry like rings, necklaces, or earrings. A small handbag can also help you add some spunk to this look.
Wear it With a Blouse, Heels, and Gold Jewelry
Skorts may be mostly associated with outfits for activity, but they’re not limited to that! You can easily dress up a black skort with a flowy blouse, pair of heels, and gold jewelry and accessories. This makes a great option for date night or dinner parties with friends. You may even consider this outfit for a night out on your resort vacation.
Consider a Sweater and Ankle Boots
Skorts are perfect for springtime and summer weather, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pack them up for the winter. If you’re looking for a fun outfit to wear to a family party, or a get-together with your closest friends, pair a classic scalloped skort with a lightweight sweater and a pair of ankle boots.
Relax in Style with a Tank Top
You can sport a skort when you’re out on the town, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sit back and relax on the couch in one, too. If you’re looking for a casual outfit to wear on a cozy lazy day in your living room, throw on a pull-on skort with a tank top and your favorite pair of slippers. And if you’re in the mood to leave the house, just swap the slippers for a simple pair of sandals.
Sport Skorts in Style and Have Fun Along the Way!
When it comes to styling skorts, it’s important to keep one thing in mind: versatility. Skorts are designed to be playful and functional, which means they can be styled for many different events and occasions. Don’t be afraid to sport your skort wherever you’re headed and have fun with different top and accessory choices.
Top (Left) IBKUL Pink Naomi Speckled UPF50+ Sun Shirt • Bottom (Left) IBKUL Mesh Pleated UPF50+ Tennis Skort
Top (Right) Ana Clare Lux Solid Split Neck Sleeveless Top • Bottom (Left) Ana Clare Sylvan Logan Skort
Some of Our Favorite Skorts:
Shop for Skorts at Anthony’s
Searching for pleated skirts and skorts to keep up with the latest fashion trends? Anthony’s has a variety of options to add to your warm weather summer wardrobe.
From solid skorts and bermuda shorts to pull-on printed skorts, we have a style for everyone. We work with brands that create stylish resort pieces with comfort in mind. No matter what style you choose, we have a fit for you.
Ready to get the look? Find a fashionable skort now! Shop our skirts, shorts and skorts today.
