Sorry, Jeans—I'm Replacing You With This Simple, Overlooked Skirt This Summer

The year is 2018, I'm sat in the office at Look magazine (RIP) and the whole fashion team are sat at their desks frantically clicking on the Topshop website (again, RIP). Why? Because the satin midi slip skirt (of which Who What Wear contributor, Monikh Dale, first alerted everyone to) had just dropped in in several new colours and prints. The black, navy and rust had already sold out multiple times, but now there was tie-dye, leopard print and olive green to add the mix. And yes, I bought four of them.

The power of this high street slip skirt was real, and it's the first time I really remember one item being literally everywhere on Instagram. The first 'cult' item, if you will. And it's not all that surprising when the humble satin slip can be the base to many great outfits, across all seasons.

Guess what? I still own, and have worn, those Topshop slip skirts over the last few years, and now everyone is obsessed with the wear-anywhere style once again. So much so, these five outfits have reminded me to dig them back out, pronto and pop my jeans on pause.

5 Chic Slip Skirt Outfits For 2024:

1. Slip Skirt + Knit + Trainers

Francesca wearing slip skirt

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: Combining classics with an interesting shoe is a styling hack to know. A 'just in case' sweater is basically an essential at this time of year, and you can always throw it over your shoulders when the sun comes out.

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2. Slip Skirt + Cardigan + Blazer

Taffy wearing slip skirt

(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

Style Notes: What happens if you add all of the most timeless shades together? You get a minimalist's outfit-of-dreams. Taffy has mastered the art of making a slinky slip look effortlessly premium.

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3. Slip Skirt + Vest Top + Chunky Sandals

Monikh wearing slip skirt

(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: No slip skirt story is complete without a Monikh mention. While no longer in the Topshop hero style, the Who What Wear contributor is still a big fan of the timeless midi skirt. I love how its kept simple with a fuss-free vest top and chunky flip flops.

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4. Slip Skirt + Linen Shirt + Trainers

lena wearing slip skirt

(Image credit: @lenafarl)

Style Notes: Although an integral part of any capsule wardrobe, a linen shirt needn't be kept classic. Go wild like Lena and add a leopard print slip skirt. Add full accessories and it's a summer look to wear on repeat.

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5. Slip Skirt + Off-The-Shoulder Top + Ballet Pumps

Kristin wearing satin skirt

(Image credit: @kristincabat)

Style Notes: For an evening look (where no heels are required) just add an off-the-shoulder top to your favourite maxi slip skirt. Glossy accessories are you need to keep the look elevated.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning. Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people. When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.