STATEMENT SKIRT SZN – Merritt Beck

Considering how much I’ve been utilizing the rooftop in my building, it’s about time I shot a look up here! Having rooftop access wasn’t the main draw for me to this apartment initially, but it’s become the amenity I’ve come to cherish the most – especially after such a cold winter. If I have a free hour and it’s sunny, I’ll go up to read and sunbathe for a bit in between my workout and getting ready for the day! I’ve taken my laptop up in the afternoon just for a change of scenery from sitting at my desk all day. I’ve had friends over multiple times for rooftop mahjong nights! In my old apartment in the West Village I had zero amenities, but was just a few blocks from the West Side Highway and Hudson River Park. While laying out at the park was fun on occasion, it required more of a commitment. I’d have to fully pack a bag, make a plan for whether I’d bring Reeses or decide how long to be gone, and then there’s the undesirable aspect of having to use a public restroom. There’s something sooooo nice about just popping upstairs – I can pop up for just 30 minutes if I wanted to! Zero commitment and easy access to run downstairs for something I forgot, check on Reeses or use the bathroom. I feel so lucky to live here and plan to take full advantage of the rooftop as long as it’s warm enough to use it!

Speaking of things I cherish, this Dries Van Noten skirt was a purchase I made earlier on in the season and have gotten way more use out of it than I thought I would. The color palette is incredibly interesting and eye-catching, but thanks to the black + cream it is also versatile and easy to style! No matter whether I’ve dressed it down for lunch or dressed it up for an event or dinner, I ALWAYS receive compliments when I wear it. It’s just one of those striking styles that people can’t resist! Naturally, a piece this good doesn’t stay in stock. It promptly sold out, and not just in this colorway! It does still happen to be available in this print and a shorter style in this print, if you’re hoping to recreate the look. I also saw Zara made a look for less featuring similar colors but an entirely different print if you’re on a budget! There’s also a pencil skirt by Dries in the same turquoise + orange combo I’m wearing here!

This skirt is an item I likely would not have purchased if I still lived in Texas – it’s just too hot to wear with the risk of sweating without wearing a full slip skirt underneath. But thanks to the cooler climate up here I’ve had plenty of opportunities to pull it out! I wore it most recently to dinner with my friend Jess paired with this blazer and my favorite Khaite top! It’s been so easy to mix and match with my favorite staples.

If you’re in the market for a statement skirt, here are some other ideas to wet your whistle: