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 2023 runways are anything to go by (spoiler: they are), then maxi hemlines are set to be all the rage.
It’s been a while since maxi skirts were on the style agenda, but as Who What Wear UK’s editor in chief, Hannah Almassi, noted in our bumper trend report, “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. 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 those that are best to buy second-hand, scroll on to see seven maxi-skirt outfits I love and rate for spring.
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 then switch in a racer-back vest for summer.
A sound investment if you’re into layering.
Simple and so easy to style.
Strappy sandals can be hard to walk in, but these are so comfy.
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 spring ensemble.
A jacket style that will genuinely never date.
This looks so expensive.
This will be a key shoe trend for 2023.
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.
Hoodies are having a moment right now.
The frayed hem on this skirt gives it a cool lived-in appearance.
A staple boot shape.
Style Notes: Layered with a sweater vest, loafers, and untucked shirt, this is how fashion girls style their maxi skirts in the colder months. Look for column-style skirts like Brittany’s for a modern take on the trend.
So many of our editors own this versatile knit.
The ultimate maxi skirt.
The penny loafer style never dates.
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.
That’s a lot of coat for the money.
A skirt that you can wear just as easily to the office as you can for dinners out.
New Balance trainers have never been more in-demand than they are now.
Style Notes: Between the 90’s and maxi trends that were evident on the S/S 23 runways, it was inevitable that silk skirts would make a reappearance for the season ahead. Make like Monikh and pair yours with an shrunken cardigan silhouette now, then basic jersey tops once temperatures heat up.
A classy way to inject some colour into your wardrobe.
Our team is obsessed with this Omnes number.
Not sure how to wear head-to-toe colour?Try a tonal colour like this chocolate brown style.
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 top, which gives some respite from the thickness of the fabric.
The perfect cropped knit. I love the contrasting hem detail.
It’s not often that you come across maxi leather skirts, but I really rate this one.
