There hasn’t been this much talk about skirts in the cultural zeitgeist since Mary Quant emancipated the mods of King’s Road all those years ago. But don’t call this a new youthquake just yet, with the leading skirt trends prevailing this autumn taking a more secretarial format. Still, they aren’t immune from making a statement.

From Chanel’s drop-waist jersey styles to Calvin Klein’s CBK-esque pencil shapes, these are pieces that act as a proverbial blank canvas for designers to decorate to their heart’s content. Whether it's Matthieu Blazy realising them in chintzy tweed or Miuccia Prada embroidering them with sequin paillettes, skirts are serving as the ultimate form of creative expression. (As Prada herself said about party skirts, “The skirt is like a T-shirt, so I put all my ideas there.”)

This season, however, it’s not just simply about adding high-octane feathers or decorative embellishments. Indeed, the most dominant trend on the recent autumn/winter 2026 runways was none other than patterned skirts. This ran the gamut from Versace’s face skirt, which featured Andy Warhol-inspired screen prints of famous figures like Bianca Jagger and Grace Jones, to Ralph Lauren’s new frontier landscapes and Dries Van Noten’s patchwork styles comprised of perennially coordinated chaos.

These skirts do more than propose you take a short break from jeans this season or encourage you to rethink how you style your basics. Instead, they prove that prints do far more than any colour or frill could ever do in making an impact. Better still, these printed skirt trends ask us to embrace our inner printmaxxers, styling them up with more magpie items like zebra-printed boots and vintage band tees.

As for investing in the trend? That’s the easy part. From brands like London wunderkind Ashley Williams and New York phenomenon Tyler McGillivary backing the trend—not to mention labels like Evil Girl Collective making pieces like a Freudian Slip with, you guessed it, Sigmund Freud’s face plastered on it—there’s so many styles to covet. Scroll through to see the key printed skirt trends of autumn 2026.

The 5 Key Printed Skirt Trends for Autumn 2026

1. Faces

Style Notes: Who needs a collection from the Gagosian when you could walk around looking like the National Portrait Gallery? Fashion’s chicest dressers like their art wearable, swinging from their hips instead of hanging on their walls. Versace’s face skirts are the most ubiquitous version of this trend and will go down in history as a collector’s item from Dario Vitale’s first and only collection as creative director. But the Chanel midi from Matthieu Blazy’s debut Manhattan-inspired Métiers d'art collection, which features riffs on the movie poster for the 1931 film Tonight or Never, is also an incredibly covetable option.

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2. Patchwork

Style Notes: Quiet luxury had a great run, but there’s no further proof that this once-beloved way of dressing has been put out to pasture than in the patchwork skirt trend. This print will speak to anyone who suffers from decision fatigue—hello, Libras with executive dysfunction—as you don’t have to choose from a myriad of different patterns. By embracing different textures and tones, as Dries Van Noten has throughout his entire career, you’re left with something that’s a pastiche of clashing textiles, fabrics and colours.

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3. Florals

Style Notes: Florals have had quite the enigmatic rebrand this year, as fashion people ditch ditsy prints in favour of something a little more mature. From the Claude Monet-esque watercolour botanicals spotted in Jonathan Anderson’s latest creations for Dior, to the chinoiserie-style flowers stitched onto Conner Ives-inspired fur-trim jackets, this motif is once again in bloom. For autumn, things take a slightly vampy turn, either rendered in a more seasonally appropriate colour palette of rich siennas and burnt umbers or blown up into exaggerated proportions that nod to the falling leaves and wilting blossoms.

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4. Polka-Dots

Style Notes: For those who have taken quite a liking to the Sloane Ranger styles of hit television programs like Rivals and The Gentlemen, the news that polka-dots are still trending for autumn should be enough to help you hold out until the next season of both shows. A staple in the wardrobes of the Princess of Wales, both Kate and Diana, this trend is inherently elegant with posh and feminine undertones that make it hard to dispute its appeal. And with options available to shop from Valentino to Khaite and Jacquemus, it seems that the well-heeled women across every style capital think the same.

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5. Checks

Style Notes: The Scots amongst us will be rolling their eyes at the fact that kilt-inspired checked skirts make an appearance every winter, but there is no denying their popularity. At Acne, they took a preppy tone with schoolyard blues and pleats through the leg. At Louis Vuitton, they feature as textured minis with mirror embellishments. At Chanel, they were rendered in glitzy chainmail made for evenings out.

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The second I saw Michelle Monaghan's new outfit, I immediately thought of Princess Diana. (Maybe it's because photos of Prince George's first day at boarding school were all over my Instagram feed today.) Tweed pencil skirts were a staple of the late princess's wardrobe, but lately, they seem to have been overshadowed by the floaty midi skirts and column maxis dominating the trend cycle.

Monaghan wore Ann Taylor's Collared Jacket in Tweed ($97) and matching Pocket A-Line Skirt in Tweed ($97) to the classic American brand's pre-NYFW event. It reminded me of Princess Diana's outfit from December 1995, when she visited the English National Ballet School in London. Both women even styled their brightly colored tweed skirts with simple black pointy-toe pumps. It's yet another example of the timelessness of Princess Diana's style—even 30 years later, her outfits remain fully relevant. Scroll down to see Michelle Monaghan's latest look, and shop her exact jacket and skirt while they're still in stock.

On Michelle Monaghan: Ann Taylor Collared Jacket in Tweed ($97) and matching Pocket A-Line Skirt in Tweed ($97)

Shop Michelle Monaghan's Exact Outfit

Shop Tweed Pencil Skirts

From Versace's face skirt to Chanel's drop-waist styles, we're currently living in through a party skirt redux. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the key autumn skirt trends. Though skirts rarely receive the attention that jeans, loafers or leather jackets do come this time of year, sleeping on their possibilities would be a shame.

Skirts offer a break from the occasional mundanity of trousers. And, depending on the trend you explore, they transcend simply being another style of bottoms. They become sculptural elements, a route for creative expression and a more interesting way to jazz up the silhouette you’d wear in any of your go-to autumn outfits. Plus, with winter ahead, time feels limited for making the most of a skirt—at least without tights.

Do skirts really change that much year-to-year? I’d argue both yes and no, if you’ll allow me. The same motifs, prints and fabrics do often show face when autumn arrives (plaid, leather, wool… you get the gist). But it always surprises me the number of innovative ways designers find to make them feel fresh. How else would florals continuously hold their place as an emblem of spring if it weren’t for this type of creativity? Speaking of which, autumn is co-opting the spring hallmark this season.

More specifically, brocade florals, which feel distinctly primed for autumn. These textured skirts flitted and floated down the autumn/winter 2026 runways at Balmain, Kallmeyer, Saint Laurent, Chanel and Dries Van Noten. Floral brocade also hints at the other skirt trends for this season, as many of them err one of two ways. The first being bohemian with that notably witchy edge that only materialises this time of year. (Just look at Fendi's all-black lace skirts and Simone Rocha's lace pencil skirts).

On the other side of the trend spectrum sit sharper silhouettes and cleaner edges, from Miu Miu’s knee-length pencil skirts, revamped and modernised from the early 2010s, and the trickle of zipper-laden skirts found at Hermès and Eckhaus Latta. The rest, such as asymmetric hemlines and boldly embellished surfaces, all manage to fit neatly somewhere in the middle.

So yes, while you will see familiar elements, you’ll also notice unique details that set these autumn skirt trends apart from previous years. And there is clearly plenty to experiment with. Scroll on for the six key autumn skirt trends that will no doubt dictate what we wear throughout the season.

The 7 Key Autumn 2026 Skirt Trends

1. Blooming Brocade

Style Notes: Groundbreaking? Yes, actually. Whilst spring and summer are most often preceded by a haze of flower prints of all types and sizes, autumn is seeing a resurgence of this motif, in a way that feels more fitting for shorter days and colder temperatures. Specifically, florals are appearing in brocade textures and materials, which provides each flower with more tactility and depth. The colour combinations are also richer, as are the patterns, which are reminiscent of carpet and textile bags found within this year’s bohemian autumn dressing attire. That said, brocade still has a slightly more polished finish to it. Think less quilted and more opulent.

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2. Zip It

Style Notes: What can one do to revitalise the humble zipper? Quite a lot, it turns out. This isn’t a reinvention of the wheel, per se, but many designers have chosen to take this common functional element and push it into the spotlight rather than hide it within this year's classic autumn outfits. Whilst 2025 saw knitted zip-ups, 2026 has moved to zippered skirts. There’s something that feels slightly risky about a full-zip skirt. The metal teeth already give it an edge, but having one run down the centre or sides of a skirt feels like living a little more boldly (even if it purely exists for decorative purposes). If this inspires you, look no further than Victoria Beckham’s take, which pushes the trend further with fully sheer knee-length skirts featuring full-length zippers.

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3. Bohemian Chic

Style Notes: Bohemian fashion trends are maintaining their longevity—right in time for the season when you expect this particular style. The free-spirited, gauzy looks of summer are transforming into garments that feel a little more earthy, grounded and a touch witchy. This pertains to skirts, too. You can look to Zimmermann's spliced scarf handkerchief-hem skirt, which looks as if you took a variety of finds from your grandmother's closet and sewed them together. Or, take Chloé's approach in combining a classic autumn pattern (plaid) and rendering it in a tiered manner for a distinctly boho finish. Just peruse through your favourite boho brands, and you'll find there is much to choose from for your wardrobe.

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4. Uneven Cut Gems

Style Notes: Hovering more closely to the camp of sculptural and artistic are asymmetric skirts, which were abundant at this season’s shows. No length was left behind, as micro minis, midis and maxi skirts all arrived with unbalanced hemlines (intentionally so, of course). Some, such as Ann Demeulemeester's leant more into the ruffles and lace, giving it a categorisation akin to boho. Others, like those from Alaïa and Erdem, felt sculptural and polished, ready for a day at the office. We've seen asymmetric cardigans before, and even disconnected bobs in the world of hairstyling, yet despite the visual discordance, the skirts—and any garment with this lack of equilibrium—render beautifully.

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5. Long Live Lace

Style Notes: If you looked at the lace-trim skirt trend and thought “I want more,” this is your season. Rather than humbly remaining at the hems, lace has become the skirt this autumn. Bohemian in some respects and romantic in others, lace skirts for autumn are unsurprising, given the summer we had and the wash of Wuthering Heights-inspired pieces that followed this year’s film adaptation. Zimmermann's sheer lace skirts and Aje's lace tiers are a clear indication of its continuation into the season. But even full lace is remarkably versatile and available in so many variations outside of this. Simone Rocha's pencil skirt looked less romantic and more like a modern-day woman. Fendi's all-black lace had a goth edge. Saint Laurent even had a glimmering, "wet" finish to its lace skirts.

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6. Excellent Add Ons

Style Notes: Minimalism has reigned over a good portion of trends through the last decade. If it wasn’t the trend itself, it was the puppeteer behind what was booming in popularity; just look at the quiet luxury aesthetic, the move from chunky sneakers to low-profile, minimalist trainers and the obsession with brands like The Row and Celine. There’s a reason it’s so popular, but it was refreshing to see a turn toward the maximal and alternative once more. Trends do come in cycles, and the embellished skirts of autumn 2026 are telling. They’re not necessarily brash or in-your-face, but they are vibrant and artistic. Thoughtfully placed feathers hung from skirts on Mithridate's runway; Ujoh had zippers and tassels on its maxi skirts and Louis Vuitton featured mini skirts with painting elements and ceramic-like tiles.

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7. A Fine Point

Style Notes: It has come to my attention that pencil skirts haunt many of us who wore them through the '90s or 2010s, so you wouldn’t be out of touch to question their return. Their prevalence on the runways is what gives me the most faith—and who is rendering them. Leave it to Miuccia Prada to consistently create the pieces you’d secretly want to borrow from your little sister through Miu Miu, pencil skirt included. The shape is simple and well tailored, making it easy to dress up or slip into more unexpected outfits. Veronica Leoni at Calvin Klein also opted for simplicity, as did Lacoste and Tory Burch. Chanel took its iconic tweed route, funnelling its skirts into narrower proportions. One thing was obvious: the pencil has potential.

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Just when I thought summer skirts had officially run their course as we inch closer towards fall, fashion people found a way to make a new style bubble up in the zeitgist right before the sun sets on the season. Enter the two-tone skirt: a subtle-but-impactful micro-trend that’s quietly taken over some of the chicest wardrobes I follow, from Hailey Bieber to tastemakers summering in the South of France.

Rather than relying on bold prints or statement silhouettes, the two-tone skirt micro-trend is all about contrast. Think bold satin bias-cut slips finished with contrasting lace trim, sheer lace underlays peeking out in an unexpected shade, or clean color-blocking that makes even the simplest midi feel infinitely more interesting. It’s less of a specific skirt style and more of a clever styling detail—and exactly the kind of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it trend fashion people love. Wear it with a t-shirt, a tank-top, or even a cropped trench for chillier days between the seasons.

Below, shop the two-tone skirts making me reconsider putting away my summer wardrobe for good at the end of August.

See the Micro-Trend

Two-tone skirts on the style set

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It's been 20 years since Miuccia Prada explained her philosophy on skirts. Fast forward to the present day, and her words are still ringing loudly in our ears: "For me, the skirt is like a T-shirt. So I put all my ideas there". She goes on to explain that an eccentric skirt "doesn't change that much about you" because it's "waist down". To me, it makes perfect sense: the closer to your face an item of clothing or accessory is, the more of a commitment it feels. It’s the same logic behind telling my hairdresser to keep a deep root when I get my hair coloured so I can be "spiritually brunette".

I have a penchant for a low-effort, high-payoff outfit, and this is why I love skirts so much. When in the thick of climate-change-induced heatwaves, the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable, but as fashion folk, if there’s a way to hack the system and stay cool without sacrificing style, then it’s all aboard! A dramatic skirt is the antidote to a potentially boring top. Case in point: Carrie Bradshaw in her tutu, elevating a simple vest to become part of a look that made fashion history. Then there are Salma Hayek’s evening skirts and kitsch little cardigans and bandeaus on red carpets in the '90s, which remain on mood boards to this day.

The word on the street is that it’s a statement-skirt summer, and one of the undisputed It styles of the season is the "party skirt" by Versace, by way of Dario Vitale’s one-and-done collection as creative director. The scandal surrounding the collection lends it some infamy and notoriety, and the skirt is the perfect piece to wear as I lay back on the hill I would die on, which is that multicolour pieces are easier to style than most neutrals. They go with everything, and the party skirt is no different. I have worn this skirt nonstop since it arrived at my door. Throwing on a fabulous, colourful skirt and a top is just as low effort as putting on a T-shirt and jeans. Two items are all it takes; why not choose the more elevated path?

Alana Hadid did for the launch of her trainer collab with ARKK at CPHFW. She paired a bubblegum-pink trainer in a "dad" silhouette with a just-as-pink "princess" skirt and a tied black tee. As if by magic, the huge plumes of her skirt seemed, dare I say, casual—it’s all in the styling! The look reminded me of a Copenhagen version of Claudia Schiffer by Arthur Elgort in 1994 in a knotted Genny cardigan and a billowing taffeta skirt by Atelier Versace. As we veer into autumn, the cardigan will be the fun skirt's Type A bestie: Saffy up top and Eddie below the waist.

My own wardrobe has become incredibly skirt-heavy of late, so I've been tasking myself with making sure they all get a good outing. I accidentally got the girls in a frenzy when I posted a recent instalment of my video series where I show real outfits alongside the real (read: chaotic) background situation in my flat as a mum who works in fashion. In a week of work and school runs, I truly wore a Dries Van Noten skirt covered in tiny loose threads that looks like it could have been made by Cookie Monster if he went to Central Saint Martins, a lime green and white Sunnei skirt with the texture of a cracked meringue, a vintage Escada skirt in bright pink and green houndstooth, a throwback Evisu skirt and the aforementioned Versace number.

The biggest showstopper, however, was a recent addition by BruceGlen that is a sensory utopia, adorned with clear, oversized sequins that reveal rugby stripes underneath. The BruceGlen twins (fashion designers Bruce and Glen Proctor) filled me in on the design story: "We wanted to take the classic stripe and silhouette and infuse them with a little whimsy. We added oversized piettes (what we call bubbles) to create the feeling that you’re surrounded by bubbles as you move. For us, bubbles represent present joy, so the skirt is ultimately a reminder to slow down, embrace the moment and enjoy the now," they told me. Clearly, they exceeded expectations, as this skirt gets the most joyous reactions in public.

The key to a great skirt is to think limitlessly. Nothing is too weird, too textural, too bright, too voluminous. And just because the skirt is a statement, it doesn't mean everything else has to be minimal. You can make it even more interesting by styling it with a top in a contrasting colour, such as red with a lime skirt or baby blue with a deep purple. If you’re more maximalist, experiment with clashing prints or the same print in a different colour. On the flip side, you can join the fun in a more low-key way. One of my favourite skirts is a navy silk asymmetric style with a fully sheer lower panel by Hades. It’s the perfect prelude to an unexpected shoe. To conclude, your outfit is a gallery, and the skirt is the main event. Happy dressing!

Shop the Best Statement Skirts

As much as I love investing in timeless wardrobe staples, there's something about the weeks leading up to fall that always has me looking for one standout piece that makes everything else in my closet feel fresh again. This year, that piece isn't another jacket or pair of boots. It's a statement skirt. Everywhere I scroll, the chicest women I follow seem to be adding eye-catching skirts to their wardrobes, proving that one great bottom can completely transform even the simplest knit, blazer, or tee.

There's a noticeable shift away from playing it safe with basics. Fashion people are embracing skirts with interesting silhouettes, rich textures, bold prints, dramatic proportions, and thoughtful details that do all the work for an outfit. They're pieces that don't require overthinking. With a few understated essentials, your entire look feels polished, intentional, and incredibly current. It's the easiest way to make everyday dressing feel exciting again without overhauling your entire closet.

The best part is that statement skirts have far more staying power than they might seem. They transition effortlessly from the final warm days of summer into crisp fall weather, pairing just as well with sandals now as they will with timeless loafers, classic boots, and cozy knits in a few weeks. If there's one shopping category worth prioritizing before fall officially arrives, this is it. These standout skirts are already defining the season, and I have a feeling they'll be the pieces everyone wishes they'd bought sooner.

Best Statement-Skirt Outfits for Fall

Get the look: Cardigan + Bra top + Red skirt + Heels

Get the look: Mesh top + Leather skirt + Pointed-toe heels

Get the look: Black top + Printed pencil skirt + Ankle-strap heels

Get the look: T-Shirt + Fringe skirt + Flip-flops

Get the look: Layered T-shirt + Printed skirt + Sweater + Flip-flops

Get the look: Tank + Mesh skirt + Flip-flops

Get the look: Boatneck top + Polka-dot skirt + Block heels

Get the look: Tank + Brown skirt + Flip-flops

Get the look: Sheer top + Printed miniskirt + Heels

Get the look: Crop top + Striped maxi skirt + Pointed-toe heels

Get the look: Oversize button-down shirt + Tank + Sequin skirt + Heels

Get the look: Button-down shirt + Printed silk skirt + Heels

Get the look: T-shirt + Leopard skirt + Bright heels

Get the look: Tank + Printed maxi skirt + Sandals

Get the look: Oversize T-shirt + Fringe skirt + Sandals

The return of fall always brings plenty of denim inspiration, but if you ask me, the most interesting outfits this season don't involve jeans. Fashion people are leaning into pieces that instantly make an outfit feel more intentional, whether that’s a polished pair of tailored pants, an elegant midi skirt, or an easy dress that only gets better with layers. They have the same versatility as your favorite denim, but they deliver a noticeably fresher look.

There's something undeniably appealing about building a fall wardrobe around pieces that don't rely on the usual jeans-and-sweater formula. Rich textures, fluid silhouettes, and elevated tailoring are giving everyday outfits a more directional feel while remaining just as easy to wear. The best part is that these staples transition effortlessly from warm afternoons to crisp evenings with only a few simple styling tweaks.

If your closet could use a refresh this season, I'd start here. Ahead, I’m highlighting the fall pieces that stylish women consistently reach for when they want to look a little cooler than everyone else. From chic skirts and effortless dresses to the pants silhouettes quietly replacing denim, these are the wardrobe heroes you’ll end up wearing on repeat all season long.

Anti-Denim Outfits for Fall 2026

Silk Pants

The non-jeans essential: Silk pants

Silk Maxi Skirt

The non-jeans essential: Silk maxi skirt

Midi Dress

The non-jeans essential: Printed midi dress

Capri Pants

The non-jeans essential: Loose capri pants

Mid-Calf Skirt

The non-jeans essential: Mid-calf skirt

Cargo Pants

The non-jeans essential: Cargo pants

Leather Skirt

The non-jeans essential: Leather skirt

White Trousers

The non-jeans essential: White trousers

Long-Sleeve Minidress

The non-jeans essential: Long-sleeve minidress

Sheer Pants

The non-jeans essential: Sheer bottoms

Linen Pants

The non-jeans essential: Linen pants

Bermuda Shorts

The non-jeans essential: Long and loose shorts

Balloon Pants

The non-jeans essential: Balloon pants

Printed Midi Skirt

The non-jeans essential: Printed midi skirt

Boardwalk Pants

The non-jeans essential: Boardwalk pants

I've officially shifted my energy from the thrills of summer fashion to perfecting my fall wardrobe. So goodbye, bikinis, and hello, funnel-neck jackets. But as I focus my attention on summer-to-fall closet swaps, I'm also sticking to a very strict budget. That's where Zara comes in. Its new arrivals know how to appease my high standards and low funds.

I've already got my eye on a few fall trends (ahem, royal purple accessories, long-sleeve T-shirts, Bermuda shorts, and balloon trousers), which Zara, thankfully, has prepared for. Outside of my fall wish list, Zara's new-in and new-ish selection includes lots of sheer lace, athletic shorts, mesh flats, satin details, and so much more.

With my tight budget and tendency for perfectionism, I got to work curating a very selective edit of the best Zara fall finds. That means true everyday basics (hello, cropped flare jeans), statement dresses, and designer-looking mules. Scroll on to shop 14 editor-approved Zara finds plus more chic fall items.

Shop the Best Zara Fall Finds of 2026

Shop More Editor-Approved Zara Picks

Fall is one of my favorite seasons to dress for. While I'm not ready to part with summer just yet, I can't say I'm not excited. I've even started making wardrobe preparations for the season transition, and Nordstrom is always my go-to for a closet refresh. This summer, we saw lace-trim detailing, linen trousers, and toe-ring sandals, but what are their fall equivalents? Well, don't worry. I spent all morning finding the summer-to-fall closet swaps that exude the same style and attitude.

Scroll on to shop my list of summer pieces that need to be retired and their chic, fall-coded replacements—all from Nordstrom, of course.

7 Chic Nordstrom Summer-to-Fall Closet Swaps

Retire: Linen Trousers

Swap: Satin Pants

Satin pants are my fall swap for the linen trousers that have been everywhere this summer. This $80 Open Edit pair is how I plan to look rich and lavish come September.

Retire: Toe-Ring Sandals

Swap: Ruched Loafers

I'm not prepared to give up open-toed sandals, but all of the chic loafers at Nordstrom have convinced me, especially the ruched leather and suede versions.

Retire: Short-Sleeve Crewneck

Swap: Long-Sleeve Crewneck

The long-sleeve T-shirt is an effortless swap that will instantly enhance your wardrobe. It's simple, easy, and probably already in your closet. The oversize long-sleeves have an element of nonchalance, but the shirt itself is equally as versatile as its short-sleeve companion.

Retire: Baggy Low-Rise Denim

Swap: Straight-Leg Jeans

Put aside the baggy low-rise jeans until next summer and switch to an elegant, well-tailored pair of straight-leg jeans this fall. They look absolutely beautiful styled with a crisp white button-down and slingback heels.

Retire: Lace-Trim Shorts

Swap: Lace-Trim Skirt

This swap makes total sense to me. You can extend the life of the lace-trim trend with a lace-trim midi skirt. Now, I'm not saying your lace-trim shorts need to be retired for an entire season (you can pair them with a heavyweight knit or rugby polo), but if you're looking for more coverage, try any of the skirts below.

Retire: Windbreaker

Swap: Cashmere Cardigan

As the weather shifts from summer heat to fall winds, a lightweight cashmere cardigan is all you need. Simply tie it around your waist or over your shoulders, and you're ready to receive compliments.

Retire: Polka Dots

Swap: Animal Print

Nothing feels more fall coded than animal-print flats and shoulder bags. Swapping out polka dots for an equally eye-catching print is an easy way to transition your summer wardrobe to fall.

It's a romantic girl summer, full of delicate silk, whimsical embroidery, and flirty lace. So it's no surprise that fashion people are ushering in the most dreamlike skirt taking over the internet.

I'm talking about the tiered ruffle skirt trend that adds a storybook element to everyday life—giving polished slips a run for their money. Most often, the poetic silhouette boasts fluttering edges and ripple details, complemented by drawstring cords and sheer overlays.

This lovesick mood is largely at the hands of the bohemian revival, originally spurred by fashion heavyweights like Isabel Marant and Rachel Zoe in the late 2000s. The boho-chic uniform has now returned, with Chloé's new winter 2026 campaign tapping into its signature etherial, floating designs, embracing elements of freedom and femininity. In other words, the label is keeping the billowy skirt alive.

Ahead, discover a slew of head-turning tiered skirts made for frolicking through the wildflowers—or simply grabbing an iced coffee during your morning commute.

Tessa Faye O'Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She's a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.

In terms of summer items I can’t stop purchasing, one word: linen. For some reason the allure of this easy, breezy fabric has captivated me and inspired my summer wardrobe completely. There’s nothing more appealing than feeling like I’m in a Nancy Meyer’s movie, clad in linen, feeling like the leading lady.

As more brands lean into this breathable fabric, I’ve come to invest in a plethora of bottoms that make summer dressing to the office easy and wearable (as you know, my favorite combination). Linen skirts can be dressed down or with a top, while linen shorts can be dressed up for weekends or running errands. Not to mention, the limit does not exist in terms of comfortable pants to throw on that make you feel put together but bearable to wear in the summer heat. There are tons of options, no matter what you’re up against, and all of them are comfortable and chic. I know it’s hard to want to invest in something so seasonal, but I’ve found myself revisiting these pieces year after year, still excited to unearth them for spring and summer - and still matching with the pieces in my closet.

The 5 Linen Pieces I Revisit Year After Year

White Linen Trousers

Can’t talk about linen and not talk about the power of a fresh white linen pant. I did hem these to what I believe is my perfect length, but I love them—and they are NOT see-through!

Linen Skirt

I’ve really come to embrace the power of the skirt, and love the different options across the board this season in linen. White or black are easy basics to fit in with what you already have in your closet.

Tan Linen

If you’re going to have white linen, you need other styles to balance out and can even be pushed into fall. This style is extremely comfortable with a small elastic band, and the khaki is great for work or weekends.

Racer Stripe Pants

Can’t talk about linen without talking about Donni. These striped linen pants have taken shoppers by storm, constantly selling out thanks to their cropped fit (perfect for sandals) and wearable colorways. Buy them when you see them!

Linen Shorts

While these ones exactly may not be perfectly work appropriate, I’m utterly obsessed. Shorts feel effortless and easy whether dressed up or down all summer long.

I never thought I’d be able to say this, but this never-ending UK heatwave has made it officially too hot for my jeans. Usually, you’d find me in denim trousers well into the high summer season, but with temperatures surpassing 30 °C on some days, I’ve been on the hunt for lightweight alternatives that are better suited to the warm weather but also feel just as versatile as my trusty jeans.

My biggest dilemma? Finding chic ways to style these hot-weather alternatives. Jeans often do the styling for themselves, pairing well with even the most basic of staples. However, when it comes to trousers, skirts, shorts and dresses, I find it much more difficult. And, if you’ve found yourself in a similar predicament, never fear, as I’ve been on the hunt for some easy but elegant non-denim outfits to copy from now and well into the early autumn season. And luckily for you, I’ve rounded up the best of the best below.

From classic linen trousers that can be taken from day to night with ease to trending capris that are sure to earn you style points, keep scrolling to discover the 5 outfits I’ll be copying when it's too hot for my jeans.

5 Breezy Alternatives to Wear When It's Too Hot for Your Jeans

1. Linen Shirt + Linen Trousers + Suede Flip-Flops

Style notes: Linen season is here! But it won’t be around for much longer, so I’m determined to get the very most out of it by swapping my jeans out for this breezy fabric. A pair of these pull-on trousers will not only keep you cool but can also be styled in myriad ways, like with a relaxed shirt and suede flip flops for a day around town.

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2. Satin Blouse + Midi Skirt + Ballet Flats

Style notes: A white midi skirt is synonymous with the summer season, and I’m determined to get the most out of mine before temperate drop again. The easiest way to style it? With a satin blouse and leather ballet flats, of course!

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3. Waistcoat + Capri Pants + Heeled Sandals

Style notes: Once considered rather controversial amongst the fashion set, Capri pants are now officially back as the cool alternative to leggings in the summer. And don’t be intimidated by these cropped pants; they can actually be styled in the exact ways your jeans can. Just take a look at this chic waistcoat and heeled sandals ensemble above.

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4. Embroidered Top + Bermuda Shorts + Sandals

Style notes: A much more polished alternative to jeans or jorts, I’ve practically lived in my Bermuda shorts this season. They make for easy styling for the office, but can just as easily be dressed up for more formal occasions as well, as shown above.

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5. Mini Dress + Trending Accessories + Flip-Flops

Style notes: With the ability to be taken from day to night with just a few simple wardrobe swaps, a throw-on dress will be the most hard-working piece in your summer capsule wardrobe by far. Me personally? I’d style mine with leather flip flops and trending accessories, as Ingrid has above.

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We millennials have bought into our fair share of denim-skirt trends over the years, but we don't always embrace them when they cycle back around. But some are simply more timeless than others, including the style Karlie Kloss was just spotted wearing in NYC: a denim midi skirt with jeans-like details such as a zipper or button fly, belt loops, and pockets. It's the perfect skirt to swap jeans for when you want to wear denim but also want to dress your outfit up a bit.

Kloss, a very well-dressed millennial herself, paired her frayed-hem denim midi skirt with a ruffled button-down shirt layered under a preppy double-breasted blazer. She completed the look with a structured cream shoulder bag and brown suede ballet flats. Her outfit proves that if you pair a denim midi skirt with classic pieces, there's zero chance of it looking dated. Her outfit also might indicate that this particular skirt style is poised for a comeback. It's the perfect summer-to-fall piece, so the timing couldn't be better.

Keep scrolling to see what you need to re-create Kloss's look and shop the internet's best denim midi skirts.

The Trend on Karlie Kloss

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Whilst the heatwave will have you clambering for a pair of delicate broderie anglaise shorts or a lace-trimmed dress, the most stylish dressers around are ditching these quintessential summer motifs for something a little more autumnal. Indeed, checked prints are on the rise, be it the flannel shirts tied around the waists of sensual slip dresses or gingham blouses that cascade over a pair of denim shorts. Plaid fabrics might be synonymous with falling brown leaves, piping hot lattes and rewatches of Gilmore Girls, but when rendered into a thigh-grazing babydoll dress or peasant top, any inclination for pumpkin spice season goes at the window.

Indeed, adopters of the check fashion trend aren’t wearing it in a way that’s pining for the blistering chill, cosy scarves and hot water bottles. Instead, they’re wearing it in a way that feels subversive and vibrant, especially during a time of year defined by picnic blankets strewn over verdant parkland and the checkerboard tablecloths of alfresco lunches.

There’s something quite ‘90s about the trend, courtesy of the fact that checked shirts were a staple in the wardrobes of fashion icons from the decade like Kurt Cobain, Claire Danes and Winona Ryder. However, rather than the more grunge inclinations of these members of the celebrity style set, wearing checks this summer feels far more minimal. This is down to the fact that the check print trend has become such a ubiquitous motif, cropping up in the collections of romantic and understated designers like The Row, Faithful and Posse.

You could even argue that the Olsen Twins are at the helm of this revival, with the duo opening its Spring 2025 collection with Italian supermodel, Mariacarla Boscono, wearing a checked button-down with tailored black trousers and chunky toe-ring sandals. Elsewhere, Dôen, the California-based brand beloved for its use of nostalgic prints and ethereal silhouettes, have helped push the checked summer agenda with its Faye dress, a ‘60s-inspired throw-on mini adored by fashion editors and trend setters.

Still, there are countless check print styles that are currently trending, offering fresh and contemporary takes on the perennial trend. From the saccharine bubble shorts to the transeasonal funnel-neck jacket, scroll on for the chicest ways to wear check prints this summer.

The 5 Key Checked Fashion Trends for Summer 2026

1. Babydoll Dresses

Style Notes: Drop-waist dresses have officially dropped out of the conversation, with the most prevailing dress shape this season arguably the babydoll variety. From Olivia Rodrigo’s floral-adorned Generation78 style to Elsa Hosk’s Sandy Liang version, this silhouette is easy to style and breezy to wear. However, this season, the most covetable option does have to go to the Faithfull Costa dress, which is a style with puffed sleeves and a blue shade that’s inspired by Cadaqués in Spain, as seen here in Cincinnati-cum-Nashville based influencer Hannah Allen.

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2. Balloon Shorts

Style Notes: Another check trend that’s bubbling up is balloon shorts. With inflated proportions and a slight bloomer shape, this cropped style is the latest iteration of the underwear-as-outerwear trend, with the hemline equivalent to the length of knickers. Still, when designed with a dreamy check print, they feel like the perfect thing to throw on and go, be it in city settings or coastal alcoves.

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3. Grunge Shirting

Style Notes: It feels like every few years the check shirt has a revival. A mainstay in off-duty wardrobes in both 1996 and 2016, fast forward a decade and it appears this wardrobe staple is ready for a revival. Last winter, this style went viral thanks to a certain COS version. This summer, it’s gaining intrigue once again, appearing in the collections of Toteme, Matteau and Mango. Not only is this proof of the checked print’s constant appeal, but also evident that investing in the right style will have you reaching for it year-round, even if you are simply tying it around your waist or slinging it over your shoulders as an accessory layer.

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4. Awkward-Length Skirts

Style Notes: Don’t let the name fool you. A skirt that falls just below the knee, which has always commonly been referred to as an awkward length, is one of the most covetable styles of the season. Languidly skimming the area between your ankle and your calf, this in-between shape is an essential look for both Hailey Bieber and Matthieu Blazy. Still, don’t think that wearing a checked skirt is equivalent to wearing a tartan kilt. Ditch the pleats and opt for a more streamlined and pencil style that evokes a Parisian sensibility.

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