Don’t Talk to Me About Trousers—These 8 Skirt Trends Are All I’m Interested in

In 2025, the term “skirts” has been thrown around quite a lot. “They’re a recession indicator”, posits many trend forecasters on social media, equating the reprisal of more conservative lengths to the hemline index—an economic theory suggesting skirt sizes reflect the current state of the market. Still, you need only look to the recent runways and street style set to know that most major skirt trends for 2025 are anything except modest.

London Fashion Week’s autumn/winter 2025 season in February was a display of numerous emerging and established styles, yet none more popular than the wispy pleated skirts layered fur bandeaus and leather jackets seen at Simone Rocha. (Or the styles paired with shirts painted in the style of Scottish Colourist painter Francis Cadell as modelled by Who What Wear UK cover star, Mia Regan,)

Later in the month, Chloé brought a sleazy sensuality to bottoms with diaphanous and sheer floor-grazing skirts in midnight black and slate grey styled next to silk and lace camisoles and fur coats or more structured taffeta-like pieces with built-in peplum layers. Miu Miu embraced the customs of the 1920s by dressing demure skirt shapes in monochromatic colours with woollen jackets or bold shirts accented with gilded brooches.

Holistically across the industry, there was no shortage of patterns from glistening argyle knee-length styles to the ballgown-inspired volumes seen at Saint Laurent. Off the runway, polka dot skirts have continued to prove a dominant trend, as have sequin iterations, drop-waist finishes and bubble hemlines.

I, for one, have long revered skirts as the more sophisticated and playful alternative to jeans. So, seeing the wider mainstream follow suit has indicated that not only is my instinct that skirts offer far more styling options than trousers correct, but that they’re also a gauge for who is ‘in the know’. This year, I’m levelling up my skirt game and steering away from timeless styles to shake me out of my comfort zone.

Currently on my wishlist I have a transparent bias-cut midi skirt in a delicate zebra print from cult-favourite New Zealand label Paris Georgia, a sheer organza number from Rise & Fall and a cream pleated style to pair with burgundy camisoles now we’re in the throes of spring.

But you needn’t worry about feeling all the trending skirts are more “out there”. It’s true, the most popular skirt styles of 2025 are incredibly versatile and easy to style, like the simple cuts at Dôen to the timeless fabrics at Reformation.

Most skirts on the market are classic, meaning you can confidently invest now and know you'll be on trend this season, but have a piece you'll love forever. Whether you like a high hemline or an ankle-skimming style, a super minimalist aesthetic or something a little vibrant, you'll find a skirt to suit in 2025. Scroll on to discover my predictions for the top skirt trends for the year ahead, and my pick of the best styles to tap into them. Just maybe they'll make you forget all about your jeans, too...

The 8 Top Skirt Trends for 2025

1. Minis

Style Notes: If ever there's a time to embrace the high hemline, it's in 2025. Whatever texture, pattern or colour draws your attention, you'll find there's a skirt to match. The best thing about this style is how easy it is to transition the piece depending on the season. In cool weather climates, pair with tights and knee-high boots, before swapping the shoes for ballet flats once the sun returns.

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2. Pleated

Style Notes: Yes, pleats are back. Whatever length you go for, making sure you have a pleated detail will make your skirt that bit more on trend. The aesthetics are surprisingly varied, going from Charli XCX-inspired grungy minis to the East London-approved Chopova Loewena iterations and elegant, preppy styles.

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3. Denim

Style Notes: Denim skirts continue to grow in popularity after making a comeback a few years ago. Mini or mid-length, a denim skirt is the perfect match for the very on-trend knee-high boots or can be dressed down with trainers.

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4. Brown Leather

Style Notes: Leather skirts are a classic wardrobe piece, and in 2025, I predict fashion insiders will be backing brown leather in place of the traditional black. There's something softer and altogether more luxe about chocolate or deep brown leather, and it looks especially luxurious when styled with cream pieces.

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5. Bubble Hems

Style Notes: In 2025, a good rule to follow is: the bigger, the better. Bubble skirts are going to be a big trend this year, whether in ballgown-worthy maxi form or '80s-inspired puffball minis. Pair yours with sleek heels and balance the volume with a structured top for a very cool evening look.

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6. Pencil

Style Notes: On the opposite end of the skirt spectrum is the sleek, straight silhouette of the pencil skirt. This is a minimalist's dream, and can be styled in so many ways. Lean into the elegance by styling it with ballet flats or kitten heels and a blazer, or go more casual with a slouchy knit and trainers.

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7. Embellishments

Style Notes: Sequin skirts have long held their place in fashion history. Yet, in 2025, they're no longer a party season benchwarmer, but playing the field all year round. A hint of sparkle in your look will certainly spark joy, but there is something about a delicate accent or chintzy detail that helps bolster a minimal outfit from wallflower to social butterfly. Just look at Shalom Harlow and Olivia Rodrigo's Todd Oldham's Spring/Summer 1995 look.

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8. Cotton

Style Notes: Cotton skirts have been a wardrobe staple for decades, but I noticed their rise in popularity after Prada's autumn/winter 2025 collection in which the creative directors, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, took inspiration from the white skirts seen in nurse uniforms of the 1950s. Cotton skirts have shed these connotations in due course, with celebrities like Laura Harrier to Alexa Chung and Tracee Ellis Ross planting their own spin on the style.

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