Skirts Were Chicest in the ‘90s—4 Retro Trends Making a Comeback Right Now
From pencil skirts to column styles, click through to discover the four '90s skirt trends making a comeback this spring.
Longer evenings, bursts of colourful blooms and the steady climb in temperatures all play their part in making spring my favourite season. Still, I’d be remiss not to mention another real reason I look forward to this time of year: it marks the return of skirts. After months of relying on denim, there’s something so refreshing about slipping into a great skirt again.
As we settle into spring 2026, I've noticed that the skirts fashion people are reaching for this spring feel sleeker and more refined than before, with a palpable '90s spirit. In fact, several retro silhouettes and prints are coming back right now, all of which channel that sleek minimalism the decade did so well. From nostalgic patterns that feel newly relevant to elongated shapes that are taking off right now, below are the ’90s skirt trends to know for spring 2026.
4 '90s Skirt Trends Taking Off This Spring
1. Plaid Skirts
Style Notes: Set for a revival this season, softly swishing plaid skirts are shaping up to be spring’s most covetable buy. A staple of the '90s wardrobe, the nostalgic print feels fresh once more—bringing structure and playfulness to the chicest outfits of the moment.
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2. Pencil Skirts
Style Notes: Building momentum over the past few seasons, pencil skirts are poised to take off this spring. A cornerstone of the decade’s tailoring, their sleek silhouette creates a polished foundation—easy to dress down with a simple tee or elevate with a refined knit.
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3. Column Skirts
Style Notes: Arguably the coolest way to wear a maxi in 2026, the column skirt is all about clean lines and understated impact. Style with heeled sandals for a more elevated take, or lean into its effortless appeal with ballet flats for everyday wear.
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4. Sleek Miniskirts
Style Notes: Miniskirt season has officially arrived, and this time, it’s all about '90s styling. Think chunky knits and knee-high boots, this throwback two-piece look is only set to gain traction as temperatures continue to rise.
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Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.