Granny Goes Glam

I get such a kick out of fabulous fashions that don’t have fabulous names. One of the latest trends coming down the runway is the “granny skirt.” There could not be a more un-fashionable name for this trend!

Granny-style dressing has roots from the ’60s and ’70s, when it was trendy for obviously young fashionistas to dress like grandmas in order to be kitschy. I think this bit of nostalgia and the nod to grandmas makes the granny skirt fit in perfectly with the love affair we are still having with fashions from the past. What I think is amusing about the granny skirt is this skirt hails from about the same era when fashionistas were also wearing miniskirts and hot pants, but the comparison is probably what inspired this skirt length’s name. A granny skirt isn’t exactly a maxi, but it is longer than your basic skirt; it definitely hides your legs and it isn’t fitted. As anything with the word “Granny” attached to it usually means, it’s frumpy and ultra-conservative.

The granny skirts we are seeing for 2012 are whole lot sexier than their 1960s predecessors. This year, the granny skirt drapes over your hips rather than puffs out, so it is more form-fitting than the first time around. For style inspiration, think the “naughtier than she looks" Peggy Olsen from TV’s Mad Men.

Despite its name, this skirt proves a skirt does not have to be short to be sexy. And what is really nice is it’s flattering to most shapes, sizes, and age groups. Normally this style is pretty basic, but this season several designers are also adding detailing like gathers, nips, and tucks.

The trick to avoid looking dowdy in this skirt is to sex it up in a subtle way. What you want to do is pair your granny skirt with an unexpected top, perhaps a sexy sheer blouse or form-fitted, lightweight cashmere sweater or twinset.

The whole “Granny” look is one of my fall 2012 favorites, and it can easily be worked into any fashionista’s budget. Burberry and Marc Jacobs are two high-end designers that are showing this look in a big way, but designers and labels of all price points are also working this trend.

The length this skirt will take you right through the cooler weather that’s ahead, but there are several fabric options that can easily work right now, including luxury textiles like leather and suede.

Again, don’t let the name fool you; this skirt is actually quite versatile, and you can work a retro look with a pair of flats or kitten heels, or go contemporary with a pair of wedges or bow heels. Of course, you can go full on grandma glam with a pair of very cool laced up granny boots.