Midi skirts and minis have their place, but there's nothing quite as understatedly elegant as a maxi skirt. The long skirt renaissance has been certified for 2024, thanks to the popularity of the white maxi skirt - there's not a fashion girly on Instagram who doesn't own one.
Before you dismiss the maxi skirt trend of 2024 being one you can't commit to, don't dismiss 2023's frontrunner, the denim maxi skirt, which is still a best buy on the likes of Marks & Spencer, ASOS and New Look. Perfect for daytime wear as well as more formal occasions (if not denim) and nights out, the maxi skirt has risen from the depths of summer holidays and beach attire to the makings of a wardrobe staple.
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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 2024, 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. A denim skirt is ideal for swapping your jeans for, and linen or crochet maxi skirts will be your bread and butter come summer.
How to style a maxi skirt for 2024
I've been obsessed with the white maxi skirt comeback since seeing both Erica Davies and Hannah F Gale wearing theirs, and giving me the style kudos on how to make them part of my everyday style.
Hannah F Gale styled an M&S white maxi skirt in her trademark colourful style, adding a leopard print vest and pink shirt to brighten up the skirt. She finished the look with a pair of flat Mary Janes and a matching pink sparkly bag.
In contrast, Erica Davies kept things minimalist with an Old Navy classic grey knit being the top to her Berjoan skirt, with white Adidas Samba trainers and a khaki utility jacket.
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?
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.
How I chose the best maxi skirts
New in: I've handpicked skirts from the new in sections, choosing the most on-trend styles and picks.
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 and under £75, I've found a few pricier designer options if you do want to spend more.
Shop the best maxi skirts for women
1/13
New Look Split Front Denim Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"This New Look maxi is the ideal piece to seamlessly fit into your wardrobe. The split makes it feel less bulky than a denim maxi without one, and the mid-blue wash is a classic."
2/13
Ro&Zo Broderie Anglaise White Cotton Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"This is one of the prettiest white cotton maxi skirts I've found on the high street. I love the broderie anglaise detailing, making it look luxurious- yet the price is super affordable."
3/13
M&S Black Cotton Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"I think this black maxi skirt from M&S would become the piece you rely on throughout summer. The lighter fabric makes it a cooling fashion item, while still having a little structure, and the slightly A-line fit creates a flattering silhouette."
4/13
M&S Satin Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"Elegant yet understated, M&S has nailed the satin maxi skirt with this affordable buy. The black version is a cost per wear no-brainer."
5/13
ASOS Leopard Tiered Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"There are lots of maxi skirts to choose from, but I highlighted this leopard tiered maxi skirt as its the best summer buy I could find - the animal print is everywhere this summer, so why not try it on a maxi skirt?"
6/13
Mango Long Flared Cotton Poplin Skirt
Editor's Note:
"This is the sort of maxi I keep seeing on every influencer under the sun, and if you manage to bag one, more power to you - they're in and out of stock like a yoyo.
"The length is long and leans more towards the maxi vibe and if white isn't for you, there's black and light green iterations too."
7/13
H&M Pleated Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"Royals love a pleated skirt for formal occasions or royal engagements, and H&M's offering a smart choice for a high street price. Choose from blue, cream, black or polka dot, and wear to the office, the races or even a summer occasion like a wedding or christening."
8/13
Topshop Ditsy Floral Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"Floral maxi skirts are traditionally more boho and less structured, but Topshop has created this stunning floral fitted maxi skirt for summer. I love the ditsy, retro floral print and the pencil-style of skirt, great with ballet flats or heels."
9/13
Never Fully Dressed Sequin Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"Head to Never Fully Dressed for a range of sequin maxi skirts, including this glittering number. Wear with strappy sandals and a black crew neck tee for the sort of summer evening outfit you've been dreaming of."
10/13
Nobody's Child Crochet Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"Nothing says summer like crochet, and when in maxi skirt form, its breezy and chic. Crochet maxi skirts will be big news when the weather gets warmer, so snap one up now before they sell out.
"I'd wear this with a cotton tee or tank, and chunky flat sandals."
11/13
New Look Linen Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"New Look's beautifully illustrated maxi skirt is made from linen-mix, the ideal cooling material for summer. Coupled with its floaty length and slightly flared shape, you'll keep your cool in this - plus, there's a matching linen top for a cool co-ord."
12/13
Amazon Mesh Maxi Skirt
"To really tap into the Y2K trend, a mesh maxi skirt is giving all the early 00s vibes. They look great in a print, and often have a matching top."
13/13
John Lewis Leather Maxi Skirt
Editor's Note:
"Leather isn't the one to reach for on those high-summer days, but a leather maxi for chillier spring days will bridge the gap between winter clothing and easing into spring.
"This straight fit leather maxi skirt is a beautiful shape, with Sambas, boots or sandals."
