When it comes to summer dressing, skirts are the item that I find myself trying to crack every year. They look so easy—and comfortable for those sticky summer days—and yet somehow I always feel like I’m just not doing them quite right. The proportions seem off, the fit isn’t quite fitting, and try as I might I just can’t tie them together with accompanying pieces to create a cohesive look. This year, I’ve decided to finally crack the skirt code and is it turns out, I’ve been massively overcomplicating the issue.
The beauty of skirts is their simplicity. If you pick the right style, these versatile wardrobe staples can seamlessly integrate into your daily dressing, pairing just as beautifully with the tops and accessories you’d normally style with your jeans or tailored trousers. It all comes down to picking the right skirt.
Helpfully, this year there are a number of skirt styles that are very on trend, and also happen to feel especially timeless. This is largely thanks to the fabrics—linen and crisp cottons are blissfully lightweight and breathable, but also exude the kind of effortless sophistication that we all strive to achieve, even on the stickiest days. This season, voluminous cotton skirts are going to be everywhere—white versions are a great option for sleek minimalists, but you could also embrace bold colours if you’re looking for a sunny dopamine hit. If you like to show off your legs, a mini should be your go to—understatedly cool, a black mini skirt can easily be dressed up or down with a few styling switches.
If, like me, you’re determined to finally embrace skirts this summer, I’ve found eight effortlessly stylish outfits to help get you inspired.
1. Black Linen Skirt + White Shirt + Slides
Style Notes: This is the kind of skirt outfit that could work just as well at the office as it would for weekend meet-ups. A black skirt is so versatile, and a linen option ensures it’s lightweight and breathable enough for summer wear.
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ST. AGNI
Woven Leather Platform Slides
These woven chunky slides are at the top of my summer shoe wish list.
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Bamboo Triple Jump Small Woven Leather Tote
I love how this woven bag subtly ties in with the slides.
2. Mini Skirt + Long-Sleeved Top + Square-Toed Shoes
Style Notes: Mini skirts aren’t going anywhere this summer, meaning now is the time to show off those pins. I love how Lucy makes her mini seem more casual and effortless by styling hers with the slouchy long-sleeved t-shirt, but gives it a fashionable oomph with those Prada lime green shoes.
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& Other Stories
A-Line Mini Skirt
You could also style this with knee high boots in the colder months.
3. White Voluminous Skirt + Tailored Vest + Mary Janes
Style Notes: This look is so classic, but also so on trend as it uses two key items for the season: the tailored vest, and the voluminous white skirt. And just in case that wasn’t timely enough for you, Dawn has also finished it off with flat Mary Janes. Perfection.
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4. Matching Set + Strappy Heels
Style Notes: A skirt set is arguably the easiest skirt outfit, and it always looks so polished. Get inspired by Aimee’s look and opt for a button down shirt or cardigan paired with a matching mini and strappy sandals for a fresh take on the classic outfit combination.
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Reformation
Maila Two Piece
I love that Reformation sells complete sets, making matching separates so much easier. This sophistcated skirt set has a really cool retro vibe.
5. Colourful Skirt + Cardigan + Sandals
Style Notes: Why not embrace bold colours this summer and pair rich hues like Olivia? This is the kind of outfit that would be a highlight of a holiday wardrobe, but could work equally well for summer lunches with friends.
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Sisley
Cardigan With Buttons
Violet purple and red are such an unexpected but brilliant colour combination.
Anthropologie
Triple Starfish Chain Necklace
Follow Olivia’s example and lean into a holiday mood with a starfish-adorned chunky chain necklace.
6. Mini Skirt + T-Shirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Keep things super simple but opting for a monochromatic look—and yes, you can wear black in summer, especially when you’re working with a mini skirt. The ballet flats and top handle bag really upgrade this otherwise understated outfit.
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Massimo Dutti
Ribbed Cotton T-Shirt With Contrast Detail
This looks so much more expensive than it is.
ROGER VIVIER
Gommettine Buckled Patent-Leather Ballet Flats
This would tie in with the contrast trim t-shirt so well.
7. Black Flowing Maxi + Tied Shirt + Mesh Flats
Style Notes: Another take on the shirt and long skirt combo, here Jeanette uses a flowing slip skirt style paired with a tied oversized shirt to create the kind of “oh-I-just-threw-this-on” look we all aspire to wear.
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With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend: Tencel, Navy Blue Stripe
I love how Jeanette has styled her oversized shirt, and this Boyfriend shirt is well-suited to recreating the look.
8. Sparkle Skirt + White Tank
Style Notes: Add a touch of sparkle to summer party dressing with a sequinned skirt. Styling it with a simple fitted white tank keeps the look pared back, although you could easily amp up the glamour with some statement accessories.