The dirndl skirt is a sleeper trend that's been featured (sometimes consecutively) on the biggest, best runways for the last several seasons. If you're struggling with its official name, dirndl skirts were known as "poodle" skirts in the Fifties for the doggie applique attached to many of them. This below-the-knee circle skirt is prim and proper, as well as sweet and youthful when worn with flats. Dress it up with heels and boots for a modern, grown-up vibe that's sure to turn heads for its rare appearance in street style outside of fashion week (in which editors from all over the world have been snapped wearing them). This skirt has the perfect shape and shows just the right amount of leg for your daytime office look and we highly recommend you pick up one or two to rotate in with your pencil skirts and dresses.
Your New Daytime Office Go-To: The Dirndl Skirt
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Striped T
We've all stocked up on horizontal stripes over the last few seasons, and according to Spring 2013 runways, the look is here to stay. How do you make a striped long sleeved T-shirt or sweater a bit more upscale for the office? Take a hint from Burberry Prorsum and add a full dirndl skirt to the mix. A striped shell top with a cardigan or wrap over it works just as well.
Burberry image: IMAXtree
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The Graduate
This look kind of made us wish we were still undergrad girls heading off to class. The pleated dirndl is as much of an academic classic as elbow patches on a sports jacket. Channel your inner intellectual for the next big meeting by wearing something inspired by this look.
Marc Jacobs image: IMAXtree
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In Print
Dries Van Noten took the dirndl to a new modern level by extending the hem and adding a bold graphic print. Here's our tip: if you wear a standout piece like this, keep the top simple. We love the idea of this skirt with a tucked in fitted black turtleneck.
Dries Van Noten image: IMAXtree
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Textured
From the stripes at the bottom to the quilted overall texture, this dirndl skirt is simply amazing. And the mauve and purple color combo is perfect for either spring or fall. If you find a skirt like this for your very own, take it home asap.
Christian Dior image: IMAXtree
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Sheer Perfection
A sheer dirndl like this has a lot of DIY potential if you're handy with a sewing machine. The pattern is easy to come by and so is chiffon or organza at most fabric stores. Pick your favorite color and put it on top of a shirt dress as shown here. It's avant garde, but still completely daytime appropriate.
Jil Sander image: IMAXtree
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The Dress
Here is a gorgeous example of a dirndl skirt that's actually part of a dress. It's perfect for cocktail hour with the right accessories, and with pointed flats and a cardigan or a cropped jacket on top, it can be made office apropos in no time.
Jil Sander image: IMAXtree
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Wild Card
Jonathan Saunders had a holographic, futuristic moment for spring when he paired so many rainbow metallic pieces with leather and patent counterparts on his runway. This patent dirndl skirt is a fantasy piece for sure. But if you can get your hands on one and put it with a classic white button-up, we'd bet you'd gain some serious fashion cred around the water cooler.
Jonathan Saunders image: IMAXtree
