The Grown-Up and Graceful Skirt Fashion People are Wearing With Sandals and Flats This Summer

An image of fashion people wearing a selection of the best maxi skirts.
(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Whether worn high or low, hemlines have pioneered fashion movements for centuries and have been used to convey liberation in women's wear. (And even in rare cases, economic positions, like the hemline index, supposedly indicates.) While we've been riding the wave of micro miniskirts for the past few seasons, many style insiders like myself are currently gravitating towards the best maxi skirts. Yes, ankle grazing skirts are in the spotlight once more. This time, they're set to become even more coveted than their minuscule counterpart.

You see, we’ve come a long way from Oscar de la Renta’s designs from the 1960s. In turn, shedding the association that maxi skirts have with occasion wear and holidaying. Nowadays, design vary from the denim midi with a slit, to elaborate slinky styles adorned with sequins and the especially popular voluminous cotton skirt that so many influencers have sported this summer.

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Totême, COS and Faithfull The Brand (to name a few), have introduced a slew of extended hemlines to their arsenal in all manner of fabrications, from linen to silk. The current shapes are offerings that also fit into trend categories—from Y2K-inspired low-slung styles to pencil skirts and baggy cargo maxis, so you’re able to demonstrate two fashion-forward styles in one piece.

If you’re looking to celebrate this timeless trend, the style offerings are aplenty. Keep on reading to shop the 17 best maxi skirts editors have bookmarked and ways to style the maxi skirt throughout summer and beyond.

Shop the 17 Best Maxi Skirts of 2025

What Tops Look Best with Maxi Skirts?

Now that you've found the best maxi skirt to suit your needs and personal style, the next thing is to find the top that complements it best. The solution is all about balance. Since your legs are covered up, consider exposing your arms and shoulders by wearing a bandeau style or halter neck top—two of the biggest summer top trends for 2025.

Of course, that's only appropriate for some settings. If you're a bit more of a modest dresser or are looking for an office-approved shirt, consider a boxy white t-shirt as the structure of the piece pairs well with the shape of most maxi skirts.

Can Petite Women Wear Maxi Skirts?

Of course! Petite women can certainly wear maxi skirts; it's just a matter of choosing the one that works with a shorter frame, not against it. Many shorter girls will know the pitfalls of trying a style on in store or ordering it online, only to see it bunched in a puddle of fabric on the floor because the length is just far too long. To begin, we'd recommend shopping brands like Reformation and Anthropologie that offer specific petite-oriented size ranges. The maxi skirt trend works fabulously for petite women as the style's clean lines help draw the eyes down the body. An elongated silhouette equals the appearance of a longer frame. It's just simple, styling science.

Maxi Skirt Styling Ideas

@femmeblk wearing a long vest with a white skirt

(Image credit: @femmeblk)

The white voluminous skirt is the biggest hit of the season—and as Lydia proves here, can be elegantly styled in a polished summer look with a longline vest and tote bag.

@abimarvel wearing a brown maxi skirt and top with mules

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Abi expertly demonstrates tonal styling with a voluminous maxi skirt and sleek pointed-toe mules.

@ _jessicaskye wearing a white linen column skirt with bandeau top

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

The perfect example of chic holiday styling—this all-white linen look is perfect for hot summer days.

@isabellecoheen wearing a column skirt and off-shoulder top

(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

Slinky black pairings are always a good idea.

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.

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