This Is The Glammed-Up Version Of Zip-Off Cargo Shorts

Zip-off pants seemed like a genius idea in middle school. They were play- and school-appropriate, and essentially seasonless, not to mention, they could double as tubular sleeves when we were playing Robot Wars on the playground. Now, we're wondering if Rosie Assoulin may have been a fan, too. At the debut of the New York designer's spring '15 collection we expected to see red-carpet ready gowns and some serious statement sleeves (which we did), but we also found the zip-off skirt. Essentially, it's the good-in-theory sartorial solution that was finally executed to aplomb.

Specifically, there were three Assoulin designs that featured a detachable hem: a pale gray, printed tank dress; a white and black striped gown; and a red, high/low skirt. Each style had a similar shape — a wide-ruffled, trumpeted skirt — in three tiers that can be removed and adjusted to a mini length, tea length, or full length, should you choose.

And, like those tear-away cargos you wore in seventh grade, these adjustable evening pieces have the impeccably chic, Assoulin seal of approval. In other words: No strange hanging zippers or noticeable knee dividers in sight.