Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Maxi skirts are everywhere - I've found the best on the high street, plus tips on how to wear one


From denim maxis to white poplin maxi skirts, we've tracked down the best maxi skirts to shop on the high street for your wardrobe


Mona M. Ali at Copenhagen FAshion Week© Getty

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Carla Challis
Carla ChallisCommerce Partnerships Editor
Updated: August 21, 2025
Share this:

Maxi skirts are still trending, thanks to the rise of the white cotton poplin maxi. The longer skirt continues to dominate, loved for its cool girl Scandi aesthetic and polished look; it's both laidback and smart, dramatic yet understated. 

I've spotted so many stylish women wearing a white cotton maxi skirt, it's made me desperate for one. And after poring over the street style pics at Copenhagen Fashion Week, I'm certain its a trend that's here to stay.

Perfect for daytime wear as well as more formal occasions (even denim can be dressed up) and nights out, the maxi skirt has risen from the depths of summer holidays and beach attire to the makings of a wardrobe staple. There's so many ideas for a maxi skirt outfit, you'll wonder how you lived without one, especially during this heatwave.

Before you think the maxi skirt trend of 2025 isn't for you, or that they're strictly for summer, don't rule out the favourite frontrunner, the denim maxi skirt, which is still a best buy. A more chic alternative to jeans, they're selling strong.

We last saw the maxi skirt trending in the early 00s, where skirt lengths were at the extreme; it was either the tiniest nano skirt in Clueless checks and fluffy hems, or a grunge heel-grazing maxi. For 2025, it's about slipping a long skirt seamlessly into your style because they come in all colours, materials and styles.

Minimalist style seekers will adore the streamlined look of a satin maxi skirt with monochrome top, and for the romantic types, there's plenty of prairie style maxi skirts in floral prints, tiers and ruffles that would look great with a simple sweater or even sweatshirt. A denim skirt is ideal for swapping your jeans for, and wool maxi skirts are the new pencil skirts for the office.

How to style a maxi skirt now

Maxi skirts in all shapes and colours rule. Influencer Rebeka Baráth is giving me inspiration with her white skirt and black T-shirt, an easy outfit to replicate and flattering for all shapes and sizes.

INfluencer Rebeka Baráth wearing a white cotton maxi skirt© Instagram
Influencer Rebeka Baráth wears a white cotton maxi with simply black tee - so chic

Another influencer,  Zoe Witherspoon, has gone tonal with a maxi satin skirt and waistcoat, super chic for summer events. 

Zoe Witherspoon wears silky maxi skirt© Instagram
A tonal skirt and top looks stylish on Zoe Witherspoon

A maxi skirt's superpower is its versatility, as stylish with a white tee and flats, like Tamara von Nayhauss, as with heels and a structured shirt in a monochrome palette. Tap into the double denim trend by swapping your jeans for a denim maxi skirt, and wear with a denim shirt in similar wash to create your own maxi skirt co-ord. Has double denim ever looked so polished?

Maxi skirt street style inspiration;
L_R: Tamara von Nayhauss, a Paris Fashion Week guest and Heart Evangelista

I also love the look of a neutral maxi skirt paired with a waistcoat, in coordinating neutral tones, or embracing my inner Carrie Bradshaw with an OTT tulle maxi skirt. And finally, one look I spotted at recent fashion weeks was a maxi with a rugby polo top, a genius combination that I'm definitely going to replicate. It shouldn't work, but the proof is in the pudding - it does.

Girl wearing polo top and maxi skirt© Getty
Street Style At Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26

How I chose the best maxi skirts 2025

  • New in: I've handpicked skirts from the new in sections, choosing the most on-trend styles and picks for now.
  • Style: There's so many variations of a long skirt that I've included something for everyone, from column skirts to floral, pleated skirts, maxi skirts with a slit and those with a fishtail skirt too.
  • Inclusivity: I've looked for maxi skirts that span a range of sizes and lengths, from UK 4 - 22, plus petite and taller ranges.
  • Price: While most of the longer skirts I've chosen are from the high street, I've found a few pricier designer options if you do want to spend more. 

The best maxi skirts to shop this season

1. The white maxi skirt

If there's one maxi skirt you're going to see on your travels right now, it's a white cotton maxi skirt. They're so in demand the high street can't keep them in stock - but I've found some stunning versions. I love the look with a waistcoat or a block colour tshirt.

Cos Smocked Panelled White Skirt

Cos White Skirt© COS

Mango White Cotton Maxi Skirt

Mango White Cotton Skirt© Mango

Free People White Maxi Skirt

Free People skirt© Free People

2. Denim maxi skirt

Last year's big hitter is back for this year, with denim max skirts being an alternative to wearing with jeans. Treat them like your usual denim and wear casually, smart or somewhere in between. There's plenty of styles to choose from too, including skirts with slits, frayed hems or my favourite, the flowing 70s inspired skirt.

Next Mid Blue Wrap Maxi Denim Skirt

Next wrap denim skirt© Next

ME+EM Denim Maxi Skirt

ME + EM Maxi skirt© ME + EM

3. Satin maxi skirt

Super luxe-looking and elegant, a satin maxi skirt has gone from eveningwear to daywear for summer. Wear with a boyfriend fit t-shirt or oversized shirt and minimal sandals.

H&M Satin Maxi Skirt

H&M Satin Skirt© H&M

Next Satin Maxi Skirt

Next Satin Maxi Skirt© Next

4. Floral maxi skirts

With an all over floral print, the floral maxi taps into a whimsical, countryside vibe. Choose a tiered version for 70s chic or look for a more figure-hugging slinky number for a Y2K feel.

Boden Nadia Poplin Maxi Skirt

Boden maxi skirt© Boden

Cupshe Wander Often Floral Maxi Skirt

Cupshe Wander Skirt© Cupshe

5. Striped maxi skirts

An easy, breezy maxi skirt style is a cotton poplin striped maxi skirt in stripes - there's something so cool about one. They're great to wear on super hot summer days, thanks to the cooling material, and a great piece to waft casually around in.

Nobody's Child Blue Pinstripe Naples Midi Skirt

Nobody's Child Blue Pinstripe Naples Midi Skirt© Nobody's Child

 

Boden Striped Maxi Skirt

Boden Striped Maxi Skirt© Boden

More Shopping
See more