Definition

Noun: 1. A decorative outer skirt worn over another skirt or garment: An overskirt is a separate, additional skirt layer designed to be worn on top of a main skirt or dress. Its primary functions are decoration, adding volume, or creating a specific fashion silhouette, rather than providing full coverage itself.

Usage

The word "overskirt" is used to describe a specific item of clothing in historical and fashion contexts. It is a count noun (e.g., an overskirt, two overskirts).

Examples

• The Victorian-era gown featured a luxurious silk overskirt that was draped and pinned back to reveal the elaborate underskirt beneath.
• For the costume, she added a lace overskirt over the plain satin dress to achieve a more period-accurate look.
• The designer's collection showcased several dresses with detachable tulle overskirts, allowing for versatile styling.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: In the 19th century, overskirts like the were fashionable, where the overskirt was bunched up at the back to create a draped effect.
• Modern Fashion: Contemporary designers may use an overskirt as a layering piece to add texture, contrast color, or transform the shape of a simple garment.

Variants and Related Words

• Overskirted (adjective): Describing a garment that has or is worn with an overskirt.
  • The overskirted gown was a highlight of the fashion show.
• Underskirt (noun): The foundational skirt worn beneath the overskirt.
• Peplum (noun): A short overskirt or flared ruffle attached at the waist of a jacket, blouse, or dress. While similar in concept, a peplum is typically an attached part of a top, not a separate skirt.

Synonyms

• Overlayer (general)
• Drapery (when referring to the draped fabric)
• Polonaise (specific historical type of overskirt)

Antonyms

• Underskirt
• Slip (an undergarment)
• Foundation garment

Noun

1. an outer skirt worn over another skirt