Like cargo pants, cargo skirts (also called utility skirts) are having their fashion moment. Parachute skirts are a related trend. Cargo skirts are still more of a fringe trend than cargo pants. And since pants tend to be more popular than skirts, it might stay that way. 

Cargo skirts come in all sorts of lengths, fabrics, colours, silhouettes, and in denim too. Some have the added front slit, and some are a nod to the mini trend. Their cargo pockets can be flat, subtle and minimal, or make more of a statement. Some are straight and slim, and others A-line, flared and more voluminous.

Here are some examples.

Personally, I like the idea of a midi-length cargo skirt. I wore a white A-line midi version in the ‘80s that hitched up with a tab on one side. Fun skirt! So far, the silhouettes that appeal to me are in colours that don’t appeal to me, and vice versa. But if the right one came along, I’d bite. I’d wear one in blue or white denim too.

Cargo skirts might take a minute to style. Many have been styled with cropped tops, which are of course not the only option! You’d have to figure out a top pairing if you don’t want to wear something tucked, semi-tucked, or fitted. I’d choose something short, fluid, and welted that blousons over the waistband. Or I’d wear a short boxy shirt, or semi-tuck a roomy blouse.

How about you? Are you a skirt person, and if so, do cargo skirts tickle your fancy? Or are you sticking to cargo and utility pants?

Research has shown that clothing impacts our psychological processes through a phenomenon called enclothed cognition. I believe that style has the power to go even further, making a tangible positive impact on our lives in general. 

Style can relieve your anxiety, lift your spirits, boost your confidence, provide you with armour for a tough day, allow you to flex creative muscles, and boost your productivity. It can enhance your ego, posture, body image and body language.

There is no single magic formula. Strive to wear what makes you feel authentic, strong, self-assured, comfortable, attractive and happy. Do that and you will be well on your way to feeling the empowering impact of your style on yourself and others.

These items might tickle your fancy. They are fairly lightweight, and good in transitional or milder weather. Some can be worn in Summer with inside air conditioning, and many can be layered. I was impressed with the clever design of some White House Black Market tops in particular. 

Be sure to browse the colour and size options. Some of the items are deeply discounted.

• DR2 By Daniel Rainn Release Pleated Kimono: '70s Kimono Fabness. If you need a long flowing LIGHTWEIGHT topper with a bit of structure - try this one. The pleating creates definition and interest. Great over a sheath dress too. The mix of lilac with earth tones is unique.
• BCBGeneration Double Breasted 3/4 Modern Trench Coat: A modern classic unlined trench coat with removable hood. Great price! The inside of the coat is black. Comes in a watery light blue.
• AVEC LES FILLES A-Line OS Rain Parka: A teal rain parka with plenty of room for layers. The adjustable drawstring at the waist creates a nice bit of structure if that's your cup of tea. Or loosen the drawstring for a straighter cut. Versatile long length.
• LIVERPOOL LOS ANGELES Liverpool Clean Coated Denim Moto Jacket: A coated denim jacket in a moto silhouette in a warm shade of caramel is a rare find - and here it is. Comfy with stretch. Might run big.
• PAIGE Aveline Denim Jacket: A classic denim jacket WITHOUT stretch, but the rayon content in the fabric creates a soft finish.
• BLANKNYC Faux Leather Bomber Jacket with Removable Hood: A bone bomber with a removable hood has a sporty '70s vibe. $50 and good quality. Soft, polished, and quite short. A good way to dress down more formal pieces too. Comes in toffee.
• Nordstrom Cotton Chambray Button-Up Shirt: If you're after a simple and good quality chambray shirt, this is a good one. It can create an on-trend column of denim. Size down.
• AVEC LES FILLES Floral Jacquard Tuxedo Jacket: A dressy and long well-made blazer for a long torso. $65.
• White House Black Market Floral-Print Tie-Neck Blouse: This is one of the cleverest sheer blouses I've seen, and it's mine. The on-trend spaced floral is awfully pretty, and the lantern sleeves are elegant. It has a matching camisole in the SAME floral pattern to combat the sheerness of the fabric. Ample coverage and works well with bra straps. The camisole has adjustable straps so you can create a higher neckline. It's GORGEOUS. All sheer patterned blouses should come with matching patterned camisoles. Fluid fit, and you might need to size down.
• White House Black Market 3/4 Sleeve Reversible Mesh Top: If you enjoy form-fitting mesh tops with V-necks, this one is REVERSIBLE. A colourful floral on one side, and a simple graphic black and white one on the other. Click the link to see the second pattern. The side ruching is forgiving on the midsection. A great layer for under jackets and vests too.
• White House Black Market Bateau-Neck Silk-Blend Burnout Blouse: This is a clever design. The blouse is made of TWO layers of the same sheer patterned fabric to make it more opaque and interesting.
• White House Black Market Black + White Dolman Sweater: This is gorgeous if you like V-necks and wear black and white. The gentle fluid fit is flattering, and wonderfully tempered with a welt. It's the type of top that can look good over wide bottoms or a flared skirt.
• White House Black Market WHBM Logo Sweater: The logo pattern on this sweater is swirly and graphic, and is unrecognizable as a logo. It packs a punch and is great layered under a blazer.
• White House Black Market Tie-Waist Poplin Shirt: If you enjoy wrap shirts and rich pastel lilacs, this is worth a look. The waist tie is dramatic so consider yourself warned. It looks best tied in a bow because the ties are long. Fab over a skirt, and comes in white and dark green.
• M&S Collection Cotton Rich High Neck Utility Jacket: Rose Pink Utility Jacket Fabness. The cargo pockets and drawstring make a statement, so make sure you like those details.
• M&S Collection Denim Jacket with Stretch: Lemon Stretch Denim Jacket Fabness. A rare find! Comes in olive and a rare salmon pink. Fitted, soft and a classic with a colourful edge.
• M&S Collection Cotton Rich Textured Crew Neck Jumper: A lime cotton-rich sweater that works well on a crisp Spring day. Fluid, not too long, comfy, soft, and comes in cream and light blue. I'm ordering the lime.
• Gap Urbanite Top: A shirt made of technical fabric that feels soft and silky. Drapes and layers well. Comes in colours.
• H&M Quilted Jacket: Click the link to see the architectural fit of this bone puffer. It's roomy, and has a swingy silhouette. Super cute and on-trend. The hood is not removable.

See the collection page to see pictures of the items alongside the descriptions.

Front slits on trousers and jeans have come through as a fringe trend for a couple of seasons. My guess is that the design detail will not go mainstream. Some slits are long and make quite the statement, whereas others are short and subtle. The slits are in the front of bottoms thereby showcasing ankles and part of the lower leg. Ankle and leg skin can be bare, or covered with socks and boots. The slits can be centered or off-centered, and on wide or narrow silhouettes. Here are some slit or split hem examples on jeans and pants.

I like front slits on jeans and pants if they are subtle, not too high, and the hems of the bottoms are not too wide. About 25 years ago, I wore high-front slits on a pair of wide pants. They were great as long as I stood still. When I moved they swooshed in an uncomfortable way, and sitting down was worse. The slits parted when seated and the fabric dangled on either side of my lower leg. I don’t want to wear that silhouette again. That said, I have an old pair of jeans with buttons down the bottom of their centre fronts. They create a subtle front slit that I don’t notice. I love that detailing! I wear them with boots to keep warm. But I could wear them with loafers or oxfords to expose my ankles when it’s warmer.

You’ll find front slits on all sorts of skirts and dresses, and the trend is completely mainstream. Some slits are centered, and some off-centered. Some slits are high and make a statement, and others are subtle. Here are some examples:

I like a well-positioned front slit on a pair of jeans or pants, but do not want them on my skirts and dresses because they expose more than I am comfortable exposing. I also don’t enjoy how front slits fall open when I’m seated. It’s a deal-breaker unless I can sew up the slit in an effective way. I successfully did that with an old 3.1. Phillip Lim skirt, which made all the difference. That said, I will happily wear a midi or midaxi shirtdress that has a very subtle short front slit because of the button-front styling. There is no leg exposure, and the slit does not fall open when seated. The devil is in the detail.

Over to you. What do you think of front slits on pants, jeans, skirts and dresses?