Test-Driving the Previously-Dreaded Running Skirt

It's been said that true personal growth only really happens when one steps out of their comfort zone. I wonder if this applies to matters of fashion, because I recently broke from tradition, threw out the rule book, and embraced the unholy union of fashion and fitness: the running skirt.

The following admission may seem a little unusual for a fashion enthusiast such as myself, but: I don't enjoy wearing skirts. This is partly because I can't keep my legs bruise/scrape/sunburn-free for long enough to want to expose them to the public; partly because Vogue has now made me self-conscious about my knees; and partly because most skirts make me feel either a) old and frumpy (too long) or b) like a prostitute (too short).

With this in mind, it's no wonder my initial reaction to the running skirt was one of skepticism. Sure, I thought, that's all well and good if your idea of working out is looking cute and sashay-ing around the gym on your cell phone. But soon enough, I started to warm to the idea. I discovered that many styles came with built-in shorts (whew), came in many different colors, and could be had for the same price as a decent pair of running shorts (Bostonians: a couple different styles and colors are available at the New Balance Factory Store for only $20 each!).

I finally broke down and bought one similar to the style pictured, complete with built-in shorts and slits up each side. It was super-comfortable and had a surprisingly flattering A-line shape that was just the right length. One downside: to someone like me who is accustomed to wearing shorts or sweats to work out, the skirt just felt so formal; like I was headed to a royal palace for a proper jog rather than to dodge bratty little kids and goose poop on the local high school's outdoor track. I shrugged to myself and wore it anyway.

Since the sole purpose of an article of workout clothing is to facilitate intense exercise without making its presence known to the wearer, I hoped that I would soon forget I was even wearing the running skirt. I did. It was light and comfortable and allowed for lots of movement. Now if I can only get over that totally overdressed feeling, I will be a complete convert.

New Balance Bonita Skirt 2.0, $32.95