Two in one: I wore the same Akari skirt pants for a week

One item, five ways.

I’ve tried the skirt-over-pants look a few times now, playing around with dresses and skirts and layering them over different types of pants. I first noticed it on a few creators and ever since, I’ve dedicated a whole Pinterest board to skirt-over-pants outfit inspiration.

Try as I might, pairing the right skirt and pants is an art form I haven’t quite mastered. You have to weigh up length, texture and colour, which isn’t always easy. I struggle with making so many decisions, which is why I love the Akari Skirt Pants by Melbourne-based label, Girl Clumsy so much.

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A one-woman show, designer Lisa Guo first started Girl Clumsy after years of selling pre-loved vintage clothing online. Inspired by her love for layering and versatile pieces, she came up with the Akari Skirt Pants. Featuring mid-rise trousers and a detachable layered mini skirt, the clever style opens you up to endless outfit combinations.

Whether you’re packing light for a trip away or looking to streamline your wardrobe, there are endless drawcards about a two-in-one item of clothing. To see how Lisa optimises the skirt-pants combo, we challenged her to wear only them during her recent working holiday to Japan.

Monday: At work

Monday’s office look is inspired by ’90s Prada runways – chic and effortless. I’m wearing the suit pants on their own, paired with a grey V-neck cashmere sweater from Uniqlo layered over a white shirt. I designed the Akari Skirt Pants with versatility in mind, so they can easily be worn separately. The pants feature a sleek, waistband-free finish for a flattering fit.

I hate the feeling of a tight waistband when I’m sitting down, so these are perfect for hours of working on my laptop. My pointy flats, a two dollars find at Camberwell Market, are such a steal! They give the illusion of heels but are so comfortable. Plus, I love that I can just take the jumper off and head straight to a wine bar with the girls.

Tuesday: A solo day out

A rainy afternoon at Tokyo’s National Art Center for some inspiration. I’ve slipped into the Akari Skirt Pants paired with my go-to white button-up with puffed sleeves, my idea of an elevated classic. The suit pants feel formal enough to pay homage to all the creativity around me, while the layered skirt adds just the right touch of fun. Also, I’m wearing the same shirt from the office look because we love re-wearing the same pieces! Today’s colour palette is muted to let the art shine. I finished the look with Margiela Tabis ballet flats I bought on Depop for ultimate comfort. It’s easy but cool.

Wednesday: Out for coffee

A coffee and pastry run is one of those simple, comforting rituals that always brightens my day. Whether I’m with my girlfriends, my partner or running solo, there’s something so intimate about it. Today’s stop is Ogawa Coffee Laboratory in Tokyo and I’d say it’s one of the best lattes I’ve ever had (already on my third visit).

For today’s look, I went with some subtle layering, styling the Akari Skirt Pants with a semi-sheer long-sleeve over a soft grey tank. My latest vintage find is a pair of buttery yellow Prada loafers which helped tie the look together. Plus, some silver statement jewellery, of course. I never go anywhere without it.

Saturday: Date night

Date night calls for the full Akari set: the two-tie mini skirt and matching zip-up vest. The vest features a double-ended zip and a cinched-in waist for a perfect fit. When designing all my pieces, my number one priority was to make sure they were flattering and comfortable, so that anyone who wears them feels their most confident.

This set is my go-to – it’s easy to throw on for dinner when I don’t want to think too hard about what to wear, but I know it’ll always look good. The stretch-suiting fabric is buttery soft and contains five per cent elastane, making it comfy enough to enjoy a full meal without feeling restricted. And I finished the look off with Vivienne Westwood kitten heels (thrifted, of course)!

Sunday: A local vintage market

Lazy Sunday mornings are best spent scrummaging through markets, so I was excited to be at the OI Racecourse Market in Tokyo. Before launching Girl Clumsy, I used to resell vintage clothing as @noir333 on Depop since 2018, so I naturally gravitate to op shops and markets, no matter where I am.

Ninety per cent of my wardrobe is secondhand and pre-loved, and it’s a testament to the superior quality and thoughtful construction found in vintage pieces. For a day like this, I’m wearing the Akari Skirt Pants with a thrifted Adidas zip-up, paired with Margiela tabi flats I got from Depop. The Skirt Pants’ breathable, buttery-soft fabric makes all the difference, letting me browse the stalls endlessly without feeling restricted.

Keep up with Lisa and Girl Clumsy here.