Please don’t judge me for what I’m about to tell you, but I am not a pants person. Don’t get me wrong—I own them and wear them when necessary (aka when it’s the middle of the winter), but they’re not my favorite. For me, the best bottom you can buy isn’t a pair of jeans or trousers—it’s a skirt. And while that may be a controversial take, I’m fully willing to stand by my assertion that it is the better bottom. Skirts are not only more size-inclusive, but they’re also way more versatile both in styling possibilities and the fact you can find every type of skirt under the sun. Plus, we’ve seen more and more runway collections feature skirts, further cementing the fact that they are that staple. But if you’re still not sold, you’ll want to keep reading as I’ve done some digging to identify the six most popular skirt trends with the fashion set right now. Consider these 24 skirt outfit ideas as proof of the superiority of this staple (and the need for spring to start already).
While column skirts may have been popular in the ’90s, the way we’ve seen this skirt styled in the last few months is in no way dated. Case in point? The outfit above. A minimal black maxi paired with a button-down and leather bomber is as timeless as ever.
For an even more trendy way to wear this skirt, opt for an iteration in one of the biggest colors of the moment (ahem, pink).
Lean into the skirt’s minimalist silhouette by keeping your styling simple. An all-black look with touches of silver and gray will make this skirt the focal point.
Another way to make this skirt the center of the look is by styling it with contrasting neutral pieces.
All things alt-inspired have made a serious comeback, including the punk staple: pleated plaid skirts. Play with your styling if you want to make this skirt feel less grungy. Opt for more “polished” pieces like a matching shearling jacket, knee-high boots, and an elegant shoulder bag.
Lean into the vibe wholly by styling your skirt with quirkier pieces like a cutout sweater or mixed media jacket. The key to pulling off the look is to keep the colors in the same wheelhouse.
Another way you can make this punk staple feel like your own is through layering. Don’t be afraid to layer a denim jacket over a cardigan, or even layer double belts over your skirt like the outfit above.
When in doubt, keep it simple. Pair your pleated plaid skirt with a cropped denim jacket and knee-high boots for a look that’s equal parts chic and cool.
You know denim skirts are back when you see the French fashion set donning the formerly “dated” trend (see above). When paired with a T-shirt, faux fur, tights, and slingback heels the style becomes the visual definition of chic.
It’s not just the French fashion set that’s been donning denim skirts, our very own editor, Anna LaPlaca, has too. Recently, she wore an A-line denim skirt with a matching jacket, bag, and contrasting boots, and it convinced us all that denim skirts deserve a place in our daily lives.
What better way to dress up your denim than in skirt form? Pair a white maxi denim skirt with a matching tank, a black leather bomber, and boots for a more spruced-up way to wear this trend.
Try pairing a denim skirt with a printed turtleneck and a colorful puffer vest for a more cold weather–friendly look.
You most likely knew that cargo pants were coming back, but did you know skirt versions were too? We’ve seen the fashion set easily introduce this skirt into their outfit rotation by pairing it with everyday staples (i.e., a T-shirt and sneakers).
Lean into the pragmatic nature of this skirt by styling it with sneakers and a contrasting utility jacket.
Ready to embrace the gorpcore aesthetic that’s been dominating TikTok? Try pairing a cargo skirt with a sweatshirt, vest, and sneakers for a look that feels hiking-ready without the extra legwork.
If you’re not outdoorsy, you don’t have to shy away from wearing this skirt. Just take a more formal approach to styling the skirt by pairing it with the city dweller’s beloved staples (i.e., a trench coat, T-shirt, and knee-high boots).
Low-rise pants may not be a crowd-pleaser, but low-rise skirts are something else entirely. The fashion set has embraced this style over the past few months as a going-out staple. All you have to do is pair it with a crop top and boots, and you’re ready for wherever the night takes you.
Playing with proportions is a simple way to ease yourself into wearing a low-rise skirt. A “risqué” mini can feel more approachable when paired with a long tank, shearling coat, and boots.
Another way you can make this skirt feel less scary is by styling it with ultra-pretty pieces. A low-slung skirt suddenly feels welcoming when worn with a floral top and mules.
If you’re not afraid of this trend, why not fully put your skin in the game? Pair a low-slung skirt with a cropped cardigan, skinny scarf, and knee-high boots for a look that makes taking risks worthwhile.
It’s no secret that miniskirts were having a moment, and while we’ve seen longer hemlines get more buzz recently, it doesn’t mean this style is out. A tiny black miniskirt will always be chic, especially when paired with other staples (i.e., a blazer, button-down, T-shirt, and loafers).
Don’t want this staple to feel stale? Style it with a motorcycle jacket, T-shirt, and knee-high boots for an edgy yet effortless ensemble.
Sporty yet cool. Add a vintage or new varsity jacket to a miniskirt and some fun socks.
Consider this final proof that you don’t have to wait until spring to wear a skirt. The secret to pulling off wearing this staple year-round comes back to being comfortable enough to play with your styling. Pairing a black miniskirt with tights, boots, a turtleneck, and a shearling jacket is practical and the perfect way to ditch your pants.
Next: Winter Date-Night Outfit Ideas Fashion People Wear on Repeat
