Overskirts are layers of fabric that add fullness or detail to a skirt. They come in different types, including those that cover the hips, those that cover most of the skirt, and those that reveal the skirt. Peplums are short overskirts that accentuate the hips and became popular in the 1940s. Overskirts have been fashionable for centuries and are sometimes worn with pants or leggings today.
An overskirt is a layer of fabric that is placed on top of another layer, usually to add fullness or detail. The main types of overskirts are those that cover the hips, those that cover most of the skirt and those that are designed to reveal the skirt. The overskirt has been fashionable from time to time for centuries and in several cultures. Some examples include boisterous skirts, 1940s peplums and 1950s poodle skirts.
Peplums are short overskirts that accentuate the hips. They can be attached directly to a skirt or to a jacket that has been cinched at the waist; the overskirt section then flares out from the waist covering the hips. It is often shorter in the front and extends a little lower in the back. The jackets are sometimes called peplum jackets and are usually paired with a fitted straight skirt; This type of women’s suit became popular in the 1940s.
Some overskirts are designed to hide most of the skirt. They are often made of heavier materials and go under lighter skirts, such as petticoats. The goal of layering the skirts in this way is to add fullness, thus accentuating the proportionally smaller waist and balancing out the curve of the breasts. In the 1950s, felt or wool “poodle skirts” were often worn over petticoats or slips.
Long skirts have also been worn throughout history. These types of dust jackets covered everything and were generally used to protect material from what was underneath, almost like an apron. They were typically made of sturdy materials, such as twill or canvas, and were more for function than fashion.
Perhaps the most popular and often worn overskirt is one designed to reveal at least part of the skirt. This type can be parted in the front, parted on the sides, or gathered and covered in certain places. This group also includes pure skirts; While they may be the same length as the jersey, they are meant to enhance and show rather than cover.
Fashions like the mantuan dress and bustling skirt wore a revealing style. Parts of the overskirt were gathered up and tucked back at the hips to reveal the skirt, usually embroidered or embellished in some way. The briefs could be quite elaborate, coordinating with the colors of the trim on the dress or showing detailed lace trim. Since this peplum was partially pulled back, the fabric needed to drape well; Silk, satin, and chiffon were commonly used for this look.
Today, overskirts are sometimes worn with pants or leggings. Skirts with two layers are usually attached to each other rather than having two separate pieces. Sometimes as a short skirt it is attached to leggings, too, to create a style called a folded skirt.
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