I’d like to take a moment to appreciate one of the most underrated yet versatile garments in our wardrobes – the humble skirt.
Dresses have been having a moment for a good few seasons now, and we all know the importance of a great pair of jeans, but let’s not forget about the impact that having a great skirt on rotation can have. Transitioning effortlessly between occasions and seasons, stylish skirts are a real wardrobe MVP, as the recent revival of the denim maxi skirt has proved.
But as well as the denim maxi, there’s another style that his recently hit our Instagram feeds: the skort. I know, last spotted circa 1999, the skirt/short hybrid is a throwback style that’s made a timely comeback. They’re most often mini in length, and technically, are shorts with a cross wrap over the front, so they masquerade as a skirt from the front. This denim style is the chicest I’ve found:
Skorts, much like cargo midi skirts and denim maxis, have completely taken off. After all, separates are always going to be a more versatile buy than a dress – just adding one fabulous skirt to your stash will give you multiple new outfits (not to mention a much better cost per wear ratio.)
Dressier than denim and more fun than trousers, there is a skirt or two out that will fit seamlessly into your wardrobe no matter your personal style. From mini to maxi skirts (and every length in between) and in every fabric and print, the high street is awash with skirts that will elevate your day-to-day style in a flash.
The only downside to adding a skirt to your wardrobe? They do require a little more forethought on how to style them. But once you’ve nailed a few outfit formulas, I can promise you’ll wonder how you ever got by without more skirts.
So, whether you’re a long-time skirt devotee on the hunt for a new addition or looking to add a new element to your wardrobe, here are the 6 skirt styles worth knowing.
The mini skirt
Love it or hate it, the mini skirt is back – and it’s here to stay. I was quite the mini skirt aficionado in my teens and early twenties, but it’s a style that I had sworn off; now that it’s officially back I’ve found myself wondering how (or if) I’ll wear one again.
Whilst I personally won’t be opting for a micro mini skirt a lá the Miu Miu skirt set, (so popular it even has its own Instagram account) I am slowly coming around to the idea of having my pins fully out again. When I do, I’ll be teaming a mini with an open oversized white shirt, a chunky knit or a boxy cut tee. And flats – whether a sandal or a trainer – always flats.
Read more on spring and summer dressing:
- City break packing list: How to nail holiday looks no matter which destination you’re off to next
- Summer going-out outfits: The 6 pieces you need (and how to style them)
- 4 summer occasions you can wear a white dress for
The asymmetric skirt
If you’re someone who doesn’t consider yourself a skirt person, an asymmetric style should definitely be on your radar. A little edgier and less feminine than a lot of other skirt styles, the asymmetric skirt automatically looks like it’s off a designer rack with its unusual proportions – even if it’s from New Look.
It also very quickly adds interest to your outfit so whilst it might be one of the more adventurous styles, it’s actually pretty easy to style. Just keep your top half simple – think t-shirts and rollnecks in the day or a high neck silk top in the evening, allowing your lower half to stay the focal point of your look.
The A-line skirt
Having an A-line skirt in your wardrobe is a game-changer. Flaring out gently from your hips, it does lend itself to ladylike styling but don’t think it’s the only way to wear this style.
The contrast of an A-line skirt with a more minimalist aesthetic is a strong look, so try pairing yours with a tank, a cropped top or a blazer. Chunky shoes, whether sandals in warmer weather or a loafer on cooler days is also a great way to balance out your look.
The column skirt
Not quite a pencil skirt (thankfully, as it brings to my mind an obscenely fitted polyester skirt with matching jacket) the column skirt, or straight skirt is the slinky, fitted midi or maxi skirt that should be high up on your fashion radar.
With a distinct 90s feel to it – Jennifer Aniston’s style from that era should be your muse – it’s an elegant yet effortless style that works just as well for the office as a date, daytime or an evening out.
Keep the rest of your look understated; a matching crop top is an easy style win, but you can keep it worktime appropriate with a collared shirt tucked in, or try a blazer over a roll neck.
The denim skirt
There is something nostalgically retro about denim skirts; they were a mainstay of my wardrobe growing up and their resurgence in popularity has my inner teenager smiling. But whilst I used to opt for bleached denim minis, with as many rips as my parents would allow out the door, the new wave of denim skirts is (thankfully) more sophisticated.
From polished midi and maxi skirts to buttoned down A-line minis, they’d still work for a night out but wouldn’t look out of place in the office either. And whether you opt for a midi, a mini or somewhere in between, just like your trusty jeans there’s almost nothing your denim skirt won’t go with.
From blouses and knee-high boots to a cropped striped tee and strappy heels, it’ll quickly become one of the hardest working items in your wardrobe.
The wrap skirt
Much like a wrap dress, it’s hard to find a more flattering fit when it comes to skirts than the wrap skirt. The crossover style and just-right-fit at your waist combined with the ability to show off an extra flash of leg makes it a must-have for any wardrobe.
Although the style might at first seem rather casual, wrap skirts have had a glow-up and the high street is teeming with designs, from linen to leather, suede to satin.
For an office-appropriate variation, stick to block colours and heavier fabrics, whilst a printed or silk wrap skirt will make a stylish addition to your off-duty and holiday looks. When it comes to styling your wrap skirt, my only caution would be to avoid pairing yours with trainers, which can easily look dated; rather try chunky sandals, knee-high boots or even loafers.
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