Among the outfits that will be shelved momentarily this cold season are short skirts, as they do little to fend off the cold. Therefore, the ideal substitute to take their place is peasant skirts. As the weather gets colder, these skirts keep the legs warm. Peasant skirts are elegant skirts made of cotton that flow to the ankle without hugging the body too much.

The outfit which derives its name from its previous wearers and origin has gained popularity amongst ladies of all walks of life since to some, it seems fit for conservatives. This makes it common amongst ladies who prefer not to expose flesh. 

The skirts can last through the seasons with some ladies preferring them for the hot season because their looseness allows ‘aeration’.

Peasant skirts also come as a relief to plus size women who tight dresses and pants don’t do much justice to.

Though previously preferred by ‘conservative’ ladies, peasant skirts are fast gaining popularity as casual wear.

Most of them come in bright colours or are multi-coloured, making them inappropriate as formal or office wear.

Angie Mukaruriza, a boutique owner in downtown Kigali, says the advantage of the skirts is that they do justice to ladies whose backsides don’t have much flesh. "The flowing skirt sways as the wearer walks distracting passersby from inspecting the backside,” Angie says.

On the appropriate length of the dress, Mukaruriza says it is for the wearer to decide but it doesn’t necessarily have to be ankle length. "When the skirt is too long it may be uncomfortable for most wearers especially when they have errands to run. On the right footwear to go with the skirt, Mukaruriza says, almost anything can go as long as it is not high heeled. "Most people prefer to pair them with slipper like sandals or flat doll-shoes. The daring ones choose canvas shoes; almost any shoe goes well with the dress including boots.”

Other than length, wearers should consider checking to see that their peasant skirts are not see-through. "Some of them, especially the second hand ones are see-through.”

In Kigali a wide variety of the skirts can be found at second hand stores popularly known as Caguwa especially at the Nyabugogo market. They cost between Rwf 1000 and Rwf 4000 depending on the make and designs.