Fashion People in London and Paris Agree—These 6 Skirt Styles Define Timeless Elegance
The summer switch-up has arrived, and I’ve already begun turning over my wardrobe. Light linen trousers have replaced wool tailoring and heavy knits have been packed away and replaced with reliable tank tops and cotton blouses. Dresses, of course, come to the fore when we think of summer, but there’s one garment that deserves a special mention, and that’s the skirt.
Skirts are ever present in our wardrobes, worn throughout the seasons with a simple swap of tights to bare legs and back again as the months roll past. But for summer 2024, they’re set to reach new heights. With every swipe through Instagram or stroll through the city, I spot countless fashion people styling skirts for the warmer days. Mini, midi, maxi—skirts offer an array of possibilities in length, cut, colour and detail, meaning no matter your personal style, there's probably a skirt trend out there for you. A few are more trend-based, like micro-mini styles or contemporary cut-out iterations, but I’m most interested in the mainstay styles that continually show up each and every year in our forever wardrobes.
The brilliance of skirts is in their versatility. With a naturally elegant appeal, most will accompany your outfit from day trips to evenings out with the simple swap of a trainer for a heeled mule. And styling is a wonder of possibilities, with options like a tank top, tailored waistcoat, boho blouse, satin shirt and plenty more. With floaty A-line styles, slinky satin slips and bare-legged minis returning, I've hunted down the best of each style, so if you're ready to embrace skirts this season, it just got easier. From fresh high-street styles to elevated designer pieces, there's a style and pricepoint to suit all below.
Keep scrolling to explore the best skirts ready for the summer season.
1. A-Line Skirt
Style Notes: Whilst summer has only just begun, I've already seen that this style of skirt is a main player this season. Featuring a wide, floaty skirt, the a-line silhouette in maxi and midi lengths is set to be a mainstay for the next few months.
Shop A-Line Skirts:
From the dropped waist to the intricate pleating, there's a lot to love about this dress.
The smocked waist detail adds to the expensive feel of this piece.
2. Linen Maxi Skirt
Style Notes: Linens pieces are back doing what they do best: looking chic and keeping us cool. Whilst trousers and shorts are a popular choice, a classic maxi-length skirt is one to considered for an elegant yet summer-ready feel.
Shop Linen Maxi Skirts:
I can picture this wrap skirt with a simple top for the city, or a bikini top for holidays.
3. Miniskirt
Style Notes: From pretty styles to simple pencil skirts, mini lengths are ready to embrace bare-legged season. As a style, mini's are spotted all year round, but as the sun comes out we're destined to find ourselves styling them up on the hottest days.
Shop Miniskirts:
A classic black skirt will feature in your outfit rotations for years to come.
Even a simple tank top will look seriously elevated with this skirt.
4. Denim Maxi Skirt
Style Notes: Denim skirts have been a wardrobe staple for many years, but the maxi length is what adds to its 2024 appeal. Long, midi or maxi length styles pair with everything from sandals to trainers to simple ballet flats, ready to work hard in your wardrobe.
Shop Denim Maxi Skirts:
Agolde knows all about excellent denim pieces.
5. Slip Skirt
Style Notes: The satin finish of a slip skirt adds to the innate elegance, so whether it hits at the knee or the ankle that sophisticated edge is retained. A day-to-night wonder, simply swap out your classic T-shirt for a sophisticated blouse for an after hours appeal.
Shop Slip Skirts:
This comes in array of shades and prints, but this animal style feels very 2024.
6. Crochet Skirt
Style Notes: Though the most seasonal of all the skirts above, the crochet skirt is one we're going to be seeing a lot of from now on. When it comes to beachside dressing, a simple sarong may do the trick, but an intricate crochet or macrame style will always up the ante.
Shop Crochet Skirts:
Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.
During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.
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