I Braved The Skirt Over Pants Trend This Week

The last time I wore a skirt over pants I was in elementary school, when I rocked a skort over leggings and bootcut jeans under an Old Navy skirt (also probably at the same time as a tank top over a long-sleeve). Ever since then, though, the style has become socially verboten. 

Until recently, the most relevant fan of the look was Juno MacGuff, the plucky pregnant teen from Diablo Cody's 2007 film Juno, who wore it as makeshift maternity wear. But, like all trends, pants once again began appearing under skirts and dresses. 

Collina Strada has been one of the most vocal proponents of the trend, consistently sending it down the runway since at least spring 2022. Hillary Taymour, the brand's creative director, has personally rocked the look, taking her post-show bow at this past New York Fashion Week in a multicolored lace slip skirt over a pair of plaid pants. Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Palomo Spain also offered their version of the controversial style this season, only furthering its legitimacy. 

It's not just the fashion world that's taken a pro stance in the return of the layered bottoms. Celebrities are also giving it a go. A$AP Rocky arrived on the 2023 Met Gala red carpet in a kilt over jeans, and in July Shakira rocked a monochromatic version at the Fendi couture show.

So, I decided to test drive the trend for myself. I dedicated three days this week to wearing pants under my skirts and dresses. See how it went below.

Day 1

Courtesy of Hannah Jackson

I'm 5' 2"—These Are The Best Jeans I've Found For Petite Women

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As a woman who stands five feet two, I can firmly attest it's been a challenge to find the best petite jeans to fit my short frame. I've often been let down when ordering a pair online (in the hopes it would magically fit me) or when I would take a pair to the dressing room, only to find the jeans far extended past my ankles. Of course, a trip to the tailor is always an option, but when it comes to something as practical and universal as denim, it's neither cost-effective nor efficient to do so each and every time. The key? Pay attention to the inseam length. If you're like me, stick to inseams between 25 and 26 inches and under; if you're five feet three, you can go up to 27 inches. Whether you're searching for a style that is high-waisted, boot cut, flared, or distressed—the perfect pair of jeans awaits. Ahead, shop the 14 best petite jeans for women I've found over the years.

The Mid-Rise: Frame Le Crop mini boot jeans, $228

The High-Waist: Levi's high-waist jeans, $98, $54

The Cropped: Mother The Insider cropped step fray jeans, $218

The Bootcut: Khaite The Vivian jeans in black rinse, $380

The Weekender: Re/Done 70s High Rise Stove Pipe straight-leg jeans, $265

The Slouch: Madewell The Petite Slouchy Boyjean, $138

The Fray: Mango Crop Flare Jeans, $50

The Wide Leg: Wandler Lotus cropped wide-leg jeans, $215, $151

Why It's Worth It: For a boyfriend-style fit, Everlane's '90s slouch jeans help give an easy, relaxed fit. Pair them with a chunky knit sweater and Chelsea boots during the fall, or tank and slides in the summer.

Inseam: 27"

Madewell

The Petite Perfect vintage straight jeans

Why It's Worth It: And because one pair isn't enough, Madewell makes a really good pair of white denim. Its Perfect Vintage straight-leg jean in white is my go-to summer pair. But you can wear them all year long, because the no white after Labor Day rule is not one we like to follow here at Vogue.

Inseam: 26 1/2"

Why It's Worth It: Ask any fashion editor, and you'll find Frame is often at the top of their denim list. Offering supreme style, quality, and a seamless fit, it's no surprise I love Frame's cropped boot-cut jeans. They hit at the perfect mid-rise height, falling neither too low nor too high, right before my ankles. I like to pair these with my Proenza Schouler x Birkenstocks during the summertime and look forward to swapping them out for a pair of lug sole boots in the fall.

Inseam: 26 1/2"

Why It's Worth It: For a reliable pair of petite flare-jeans, try a pair of flared jeans from Mango. It caters to women of all shapes and sizes. Whether you're petite, tall, plus size, or just in between, there's a pair of jeans for you. L especially love this pair, which goes well with heels, boots, and everything in between.

Inseam: 26.77"

Gap

high-rise true skinny jeans

Why It's Worth It: For the best petite jeans for women at the best price point, look no further than Gap. Its denim collection is a fan favorite of our own accessories director, and I've found the brand's skinny jeans a pair I can rely on all year long.

Inseam: 24 1/2"

Why It's Worth It: If you're eyeing something with a vintage feel, Re/Done is a denim line that offers a wide mix of cuts and styles. I especially like this light-wash vintage version. Just remember to pay close attention to inseam lengths, as they do vary by style.

Inseam: 27"

Why it's worth it: Levi's Wedgie jeans have been a wardrobe staple of mine for years. Not only do they hit my ankles perfectly, but they're comfortable for all-day wear. Shop them in a variety of shades, from classic blue and washed black to white and more.

Inseam: 27"

Mother

The Insider cropped step fray jeans

Why it's worth it: Naturally, this pair by Mother says it all in the name. Not only does it put an extra pep in my step when I slip these on, but I love that they have a frayed hem for a bit of extra edge too. Shop it in seven different shades and 12 different sizes.

Inseam: 26"

Wandler

Lotus cropped wide-leg jeans

Why It's Worth It: Calling all clog connoisseurs: Chances are you might be a fan of wide-leg jeans too. Wandler's Lotus jeans may seem overwhelming at first glance to any petite woman, but because of the cropped silhouette, I promise they will fit your frame seamlessly.

Inseam: 25"

Khaite

The Vivian jeans in black rinse

Why It's Worth It: Khaite may be known for its RTW and handbags, but don't sleep on the brand's denim line. Its Vivian jeans in black rinse are one of my favorite pairs. They give a tailored trouser feel (minus the trousers and tailor) but all-around jeans comfort.

Inseam: 26"

Re/Done

70s high rise Stove Pipe jeans

Why It's Worth It: These tried-and-true blues from Re/Done are made for slipping on for a weekend stroll, heading to lunch, or running errands. Style it with your favorite striped sweater and loafers for a no-fuss weekend formula.

Inseam: 26"

La Ligne The Meredith jeans

Why It's Worth It: If you're like me and already a fan of La Ligne's covet-worthy striped knits, their newest foray into denim will not disappoint. I've been wearing La Ligne's Meredith jean non-stop. The ink-colored jeans have a slight flare and cropped hem, which fit my 5'2" frame easily, despite being ½ inch longer than my usual 27" rule. Style it with a pair of loafers and a blazer for the office or a pair of slides and a white tee for a winning weekend ensemble.

Inseam: 27 1/2"

Why It's Worth It: If you prefer a boyish denim style with a bit more room in your jeans, try Madewell's Slouchy Boyjean which have a slouchy straight-leg silhouette. The denim is more rigid, so note it will take some time to break in.

Inseam: 27 1/2"

DL1961

Enora cigarette high rise ankle jeans

Why It's Worth It: If you're looking for a pair of jeans to wear year-round, DL1961's Enora Cigarette jeans are a must. They are comfortable and have that perfect vintage style wash that feels worn in, but still modern.

Inseam: 29"

Oprah Said These Flattering Jeans Fit Her "Perfectly," And They're On Sale From $45

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The brand is up to 59 percent off at Amazon.

If Oprah loves something, you know it's good; that's why I'm stocking up on fall-ready jeans from the denim brand she says fits her "perfectly" and makes her "look and feel one size smaller." NYDJ is a longtime favorite of the multi-hyphenate, and many of its classic jean styles are currently on sale for up to 59 percent off at Amazon.

To make your autumn wardrobe refresh a breeze, I narrowed down the six best NYDJ denim deals worth snagging. Below, you'll find versatile skinny jeans, fashion-forward flares, and the perfect straight-leg pair. Don't wait to shop the styles that catch your eye while they're still marked down to as low as $45.

Oprah-Worn NYDJ Jeans at Amazon:Ami Skinny Jeans

$109

$45

Buy on Amazon

Say what you will about skinny jeans, but this form-fitting Ami pair will never go out of style. The pants have a flattering, snug silhouette thanks to their super stretchy material; they're made of a soft blend of cotton and elastane which perfectly molds to your body. As if their comfortable, flexible feel isn't reason enough to snag them, the jeans are currently on sale for $45 — an entire 59 percent off their original $109 price tag. If you're still not sold, take it from one shopper who "rarely feels good in jeans" and called the pair "perfect," since they're just so "comfy."

Teresa Trouser Jeans

$119

$67

Buy on Amazon

I simply can't resist adding these Teresa trousers to my cart this season. The now-$67 jeans have the power to instantly elevate any outfit thanks to their statement silhouette; they're built with a high rise waistline and a fashion-forward flared fit. I'm not the only fan of the style, according to its rave Amazon reviews; one customer said the jeans "exceeded their expectations" since their "fit is on point," they "look great," and they're "comfortable." And, a second shopper agreed, calling the pair the "best jeans" they've "ever worn," adding that they "get compliments every time [they] wear them."

Marilyn Straight Denim Jeans

$119

$60

Buy on Amazon

In search of a versatile, reliable style? Then you can't go wrong with the Marilyn jeans which happen to be half-off right now. The classic pair has a straight-leg fit that can easily be dressed up with heels, made casual with sneakers, or worn with practically anything else in your fall outfit rotation. Plus, they're sold in 38 washes at Amazon, so you can find the best match for your wardrobe. According to one reviewer, the pair is "about as perfect as a pair of jeans can get." The same person went on to say they "love the fit, love the feel, and love the way they make [them] look," while someone else advised to "look no further" since these are "the best jeans made."

Be sure to head to Amazon to shop NYDJ jeans while they're still on sale for up to 59 percent off this fall.

Barbara Boot-Cut Jeans

$99

$58

Buy on Amazon

Misses Sheri Slim Jeans

$109

$67

Buy on Amazon

Alina Skinny Jeans

$109

$50

Buy on Amazon

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