When it comes to summer dressing, finding that balance between comfort and elegance is my main priority. From pared-back tank tops to lightweight linen trousers, several sleek basics make their way back into my capsule wardrobe every year. However, if there’s one item that exudes easy sophistication more than anything else, it’s a skirt.
Easy to dress up or down, skirts are the ultimate summer staple. Whether worn with suede sandals or leather flip-flops in the day or with slingback heels for evenings out, you can get so much wear out of the right skirt.
Now, I’ll be honest, I wear skirts no matter the weather or season. But I think we can all agree that they really come into their own throughout the warmer months. They’re breezy enough to keep you cool in the hot weather but will keep you looking put-together no matter the occasion. Not to mention that you don’t have to worry about hiding the beautiful silhouettes under thicker outerwear when summer comes around.
With summer finally here, I’ve started to think about which skirt styles I’ll be buying to wear from now and well into the autumn season. Whether you’re craving a slightly more trend-led silhouette for 2025 or prefer to opt for timeless classics that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe, below, I’ve rounded up the 9 skirt styles worth investing in this season.
The Best Summer Skirts, According to a Fashion Editor
1. Classic White Poplin
Style Notes: I simply had to start off with the most classic skirt style of them all —a white poplin skirt. This flowy, breezy silhouette can be worn with almost any top or blouse style for an easy but put-together summer look.
Shop White Poplin Skirts:
& Other Stories
A-Line Midi Skirt
I’ve had my eye on this exact skirt for a while.
2. Polka Dot
Style Notes: I’ve been spotting polka dots everywhere at the moment. From pretty blouses and dresses to slinky skirt styles, elegant dresses just cannot get enough of this vintage-inspired print. You can’t go wrong with a classic black-and-white polka dot, but there are also plenty of navy and cream iterations that look just as chic.
Shop Polka Dot Skirts:
3. Long Linen
Style Notes: Linen season is finally upon us. Lightweight, breathable and effortlessly classy, a linen skirt will serve your summer wardrobe for many years to come. Not to mention its 100% natural fabrication ensures that this style will only get softer with each wear.
Shop Linen Skirts:
4. Lace-Trim Slip
Style Notes: Lace has long been an established part of the summer uniform, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel outdated for 2025. Simply opt for lace-trim skirt styles as opposed to fully lace iterations that feel fresh for summer 2025, but remain versatile enough to wear in the upcoming years.
Shop Lace-Trim Slip Skirts:
5. Tailored Mini
Style Notes: Ideal for the warmer weather, mini skirts offer breeziness and comfort without compromising on style. Opt for a tailored style that you can wear with a dressy top or blazer for more formal occasions, or pair it with a simple tank or tee when you want to dress it down.
Shop Tailored Mini Skirts:
& Other Stories
Tailored Mini Skirt
6. Gingham
Style Notes: Gingham skirts are nothing new, making their way back into our wardrobes each summer, but their ability to make an outfit look more interesting is undeniable. And the best part? There’s something for everyone, from simple black-and-white iterations to bold red prints.
Shop Gingham Skirts:
7. Sheer Lace
Style Notes: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of a sheer lace skirt. This daring style allows you to add some character to your outfits without bearing the weight of a heavier fabric. They can also be super wearable so long as you opt for longer silhouettes on your top half or layer them over skin-tight shorts or another skirt.
Shop Sheer Lace Skirts:
8. Denim
Style Notes: A lot less heavy than your jeans, but with the same ability to be dressed up and down, a denim skirt is the perfect balance between timeless and cool. Although this is technically a year-round staple, summer offers the perfect opportunity to opt for mini and midi styles.
Shop Denim Skirts:
9. Black Cotton
Style Notes: Black skirts bring an instant sense of elegance to any look. You might initially associate this colour with autumn or winter, but paired with classic summery items like a white blouse, this timeless style will look just as chic in the warmer months as well.