The 9 Types of Skirts Everyone Should Own

last updated 26 October 2018

This year, we've seen the formally overlooked skirt reach cult status. From Réalisation's leopard-print number and Topshop's chocolate slip to Zara's zany checked pencil and H&M's colour-block creation, you can barely scroll three posts deep on your Instagram feed without seeing one your favourite influencers wearing a new must-have style.

Fashion's newfound obsession with skirting is something I'm certainly here for. As a self-confessed trouser-phobe, skirts have long served as my separate of choice. And now, like a child in a sweet shop, I have more tasty options to satisfy my shopping appetite than ever before.

Don't be fooled, though—there's so much more to the skirt than the over-generalised mini and midi archetypes would have you believe. From handkerchief to pelmet and everything in between, consider this an encyclopedia of the need-to-know types of skirts out there.

types-of-skirts-270644-1540225694757-main — PLEATED

Style Notes: It all started with Christopher Kane's metallic skirts a few seasons back. Now, the pleated midi is a bonafide style staple. Wear them with white shirting or and oversized jumper for maximum cool points.

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Pleated Skirt

Miss Selfridge

Rust Pleated Skirt

types-of-skirts-270644-1540216764341-image — PENCIL

Style Notes: Pencil skirts have long been dubbed prim, but for 2018, they've been given an edgy overhaul in everything from coloured checks to bright leather.

Skiim

High-Waisted Pencil Leather Pencil Skirt

Zara

Pencil Skirt

types-of-skirts-270644-1540216748699-image — A-LINE

Style Notes: Easily the most flattering style in our roundup, A-line skirts cinch in at the waist and then flow out over the hips and thighs to create (yep, you guessed it) a shape reminiscent of a cape.

Vivetta

A-Line Midi Skirt

H&M

Lace Skirt

types-of-skirts-270644-1540216760487-image — PELMET

Style Notes: Skirts that graze the upper thigh and fit close to the body have long been known as the pelmet skirts. Dating back to the '60s, we suggest wearing your mini with knitted tights and brooch-clasp shoes for a cool throwback look.

Topshop

Pelmet Skirt

Alexachung

Checked Wool-Blend Mini Skirt

types-of-skirts-270644-1540216757002-image — MAXI

Style Notes: Along with disc belts and fringed waistcoats, maxi skirts were big news back in the '00s. Now, they're slowly making a comeback. Instead of billowing silhouettes, we suggest looking for tapered styles for a more modern look.

Missoni

Striped Metallic Maxi Skirt

Zara

Frilled Maxi Skirt

types-of-skirts-270644-1540225750309-main — HANDKERCHIEF HEM

Style Notes: Handkerchief hems made a big impression on 2018's fashion agenda, and it appears they're still going strong for autumn. With so many prints and price points to choose from, you're guaranteed to find one to suit you. If you ask us, you can't go wrong with stripes or foil finishes.

Topshop

Hanky Hem Skirt

LoveShackFancy

Alex Printed Lamé Skirt

types-of-skirts-270644-1540216771854-image — SKATER

Style Notes: Skirts that sit above the knee and feature a kicked-out hem are often referred to as skater skirts. The shape is designed to flatter all frames, making them one of the most popular skirts out there. Wear with ankle boots and a bomber for off-duty cool.

Chloé

Mid-Rise Wool-Blend Skirt

Warehouse

Textured Skater Skirt

types-of-skirts-270644-1540216779316-image — WRAPOVER

Style Notes: Wrap skirts were all the rage this summer, but in slinky satin finishes, they make for perfect party season attire. Just add a colour-pop roll-neck and metallic sandals.

Caroline Constas

Koren Wrap Mini Skirt

Monki

Polka-Dot Wrap Skirt

types-of-skirts-270644-1540216775493-image — SLIP

Style Notes: Having been catapulted into the style spotlight, the slip is undoubtedly autumn/winter 2018's need-to-know style. With the ability to be dressed up or down depending on your accessories, it'll fast become one of the most worn items in your wardrobe.

Vince

Panelled Silk Satin Skirt

Urban Outfitters

Green Satin Bias-Cut Midi Skirt

Like what you see? Why not snap up one of these Instagram-famous skirts too?

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.