Midi hemlines have dominated the skirt scene for years, but times are a-changing. Last year, as the world started to open up again, we saw a meteoric rise—no pun intended—in mini hemlines as fashion devotees reclaimed glamour and reintroduced impracticality into their wardrobes. But what does the future hold for skirts this season? Well, if the spring/summer 2024 runways are anything to go by (spoiler: they are), then maxi hemlines are set to be all the rage.
This isn't the first time maxi skirts have been on the style agenda. As Who What Wear UK's Editor in Chief, Hannah Almassi, observed last year, "key brands such as Calvin Klein and Acne [are] backing the cut. There is a Y2K lilt to these hemlines descending, with simple tube styles that fit closer to the ankles being more present than, say, a hippy, tiered cut."
Her insight is further reinforced by Instagram dwellers, who have been sporting maxi-skirt outfits since, well, September, when designers debuted their collections. Coincidence? There's no such thing. And the obsession is showing no sign of showing down as we head back into cooler weather. So how does one assemble maxi-skirt outfits nowadays? I've taken some of the finest looks from my favourite influencers, who illustrate this perfectly.
From slinky maxis to cosy knitted silhouettes, scroll on to see seven maxi-skirt outfits I love and rate for the weeks and months ahead.
1. THE BASIC MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: If in doubt, go back to basics. What could be simpler than a tube skirt? Maxi hemlines make this skirt style look so much more premium. Wear it now with a thin roll-neck top, and a thicker iteration for autumn.
Shop the look:
A sound investment if you’re into layering.
Simple and so easy to style.
The wrap-around ankle straps give these sandals something extra.
2. THE KNITTED MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: Skirts with an A-line or circle shape aren’t just fun for twirling in; they also create a beautiful silhouette—one that’s made all the more impactful in a maxi length. Bouclé-weave styles feel particularly on-trend, tapping into the minimal aesthetic. Just add a tweed blazer and clogs for an easy transitional ensemble.
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A jacket style that will genuinely never date.
A very elegant option.
This will be a key shoe trend for the coming months.
3. THE DENIM MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: The thing I love most about denim is how easy it makes it to assemble an outfit, so why not consider buying into a skirt with a maxi hemline? If you’re petite and worried about being swathed in fabric, look for denim maxi skirts with either front or side splits.
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Hoodies are having a moment right now.
The frayed hem on this skirt gives it a cool lived-in appearance.
A staple boot shape.
4. THE COLUMN MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: Layered with a sweater vest, loafers, and untucked shirt, this is how fashion girls style their maxi skirts in the transitional period. Look for column-style skirts like Brittany's for a modern take on the trend.
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So many of our editors have their eye on this versatile knit.
The ultimate maxi skirt.
The penny loafer style never dates.
5. THE PLEATED MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: Pleated skirts never truly go out of style, but after falling quiet over the past couple of years, they've definitely cemented their must-have status this year. And yes, there are plenty of maxi options out there, too—I love how Franny gives hers a downtime spin with retro-feeling trainers.
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A modern take on the denim jacket.
A skirt that you can wear just as easily to the office as you can for dinners out.
Vans trainers are having something of a resurgence.
6. THE SILK MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: Between the 90's and maxi trends that were evident on recent runways, it was inevitable that silk skirts would become a fixture of our 2024 wardrobes. Make like Monikh and pair yours with a shrunken cardigan silhouette as the temperatures drop over the next few weeks.
Shop the look:
A classy way to inject some warmth into your wardrobe.
Such a beautiful shade.
Not sure how to wear head-to-toe colour? Try a tonal colour like this chocolate brown style.
7. THE LEATHER MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: When I think of leather skirts, mini hemlines always spring to mind, but designers are already a step ahead, serving up full-length iterations. I like how Lucy has styled hers with a crop knit, which gives some respite from the thickness of the fabric.
Shop the look:
I can already tell how versatile this would be.
It’s not often that you come across maxi leather skirts, but I really rate this one.
Such classics.
Next Up: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss
Opening Image:@nlmarilyn
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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