When it comes to summer dressing, skirts are the item that I find myself trying to conquer every year. They look so easy—and comfortable for those sticky summer days—and yet somehow I always feel like I'm just not doing them quite right. The proportions seem off, the fit isn't quite fitting and try as I might, I just can't tie them together with accompanying pieces to create a cohesive look. This year, I've decided to finally crack the skirt code, and as it turns out, I've been massively overcomplicating the issue.
The beauty of skirts is their simplicity. If you pick the right style, it can seamlessly integrate into your daily dressing, pairing just as beautifully with the tops and accessories you'd normally style with your jeans or tailored trousers. It all comes down to picking the right skirt.
Helpfully, this year there are a number of skirt styles that are very on trend, and also happen to feel especially timeless. This is largely thanks to the fabrics—linen and crisp cotton are blissfully lightweight and breathable but also exude the kind of effortless sophistication that we all strive to achieve, even on the stickiest days. This season, voluminous cotton skirts are going to be everywhere—white versions are a great option for sleek minimalists, but you could also embrace bold colours if you're looking for a sunny dopamine hit. If you like to show off your legs, a mini should be your go-to—understatedly cool, a black miniskirt can easily be dressed up or down with a few styling switches.
So if, like me, you're determined to finally embrace skirts this summer, I've found eight effortlessly stylish outfits to help inspire you.
1. Black Linen Skirt + White Shirt + Slides
Style Notes: This is the kind of skirt outfit that could work just as well at the office as it would for weekend meet-ups. A black skirt is so versatile, and a linen option ensures it's lightweight and breathable enough for summer wear.
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Such an easy everyday skirt.
Stay on the linen theme with this oversized button-down.
These woven chunky slides are at the top of my summer shoe wish list.
I love how this woven bag subtly ties in with the slides.
2. Miniskirt + Long-Sleeved Top + Square-Toe Shoes
Style Notes: Miniskirts aren't going anywhere this summer, meaning now is the time to show off those pins. I love how Lucy Williams makes her mini seem more casual and effortless by styling hers with the slouchy long-sleeved T-shirt, but gives it a fashionable oomph with those lime green Prada shoes.
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You could also style this with knee-high boots in the colder months.
The perfect slouchy fit.
I've spotted so many influencers in these exact mules. Be warned—they're selling out quickly.
3. White Voluminous Skirt + Tailored Vest + Mary Janes
Style Notes: This look is so classic but also so on-trend as it features two key items for the season: the tailored waistcoat and the voluminous white skirt. And just in case that wasn't timely enough for you, Dawn Tan finished off her look with flat Mary Janes. Perfection.
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This classic waistcoat comes in sizes 6–20.
It may be trending now, but this skirt feels really timeless.
I love the square toe of these Mary Janes.
A summer essential.
I'm obsessed with this bag.
4. Matching Set + Strappy Heels
Style Notes: A matching set is arguably the easiest skirt outfit, and it always looks so polished. Be inspired by Aimee Song's look and opt for a button-down shirt or cardigan paired with matching mini and strappy sandals for a fresh take on the classic outfit combination.
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I love that Reformation sells complete sets, making matching separates so much easier. This sophisticated skirt set has a really cool retro vibe.
I'm a huge fan of a low heel.
The ideal bag to complete this polished look.
A gorgeous shape.
5. Colourful Skirt + Cardigan + Sandals
Style Notes: Why not embrace bold colours this summer and blend rich hues like Olivia Marcus? This is the kind of outfit that would be a highlight of a holiday wardrobe but could work equally well for summer lunches with friends.
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A dreamy red.
Violet and red is such an unexpected but brilliant colour combination.
With an outfit this bold, the shoes can be simple.
Follow Olivia's example and lean into a holiday mood with a starfish-adorned chunky chain necklace.
6. Miniskirt + T-Shirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Keep things super simple by opting for a monochromatic look—and yes, you can wear black in summer, especially when you're working with a miniskirt. The ballet flats and top-handle bag really upgrade this otherwise understated outfit.
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This looks so much more expensive than it is.
Such a versatile mini.
These would tie in with the contrast-trim T-shirt so well.
I love these retro sunglasses.
This has such a Parisian flair.
7. Flowing Black Maxi + Tied Button-Down + Mesh Flats
Style Notes: In another take on the button-down-and-long-skirt combo, here, Jeanette Madsen pairs a flowing slip skirt with an oversized button-down tied at the waist to create the kind of "Oh, I just threw this on" look we all aspire to.
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A slip skirt always comes in handy.
I love how Jeanette has styled her oversized button-down, and this one is well-suited to re-creating the look.
Mesh flats are everywhere at the moment.
This will fit all your summer essentials.
8. Sparklly Skirt + White Tank
Style Notes: Add a touch of sparkle to summer party dressing with a sequinned skirt. Styling it with a simple fitted white tank keeps the look pared back, although you could easily amp up the glamour with some statement accessories.
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A healthy dose of sparkle to liven up your evening dressing.
A true staple.
Pure '90s minimalism.
Because you could always use a little extra sparkle.
