What defines a ‘cool-girl?’ A pristinely slicked-back bun? A glint of a floral kitten heel? A sprinkling of Jil Sander?
The answer is all of the above, yet no item of clothing radiates a cool persona like a midi skirt.
Midi skirts are the most versatile style of skirt. The calf-skimming designs allow for easy movement like the flirty mini, yet pose no threat of flashing on the underground. Likewise, they promise enough coverage like the maxi without ever feeling frumpy.
Midi skirts blossomed in popularity during the 1950s, thanks to the influence of Christian Dior’s ‘New Look’ that championed ultra-feminine designs and skin-flashing skirt lengths. Nipped-in waists and flared A-line silhouettes dominated the decade, eventually giving way to the micro-mini skirt of the 1960s.
However, fashion is fickle, and eight years later WWD proclaimed the mini skirt out and the midi skirt in. Major fashion houses including Valentino, Saint Laurent, Dior, and Oscar de la Renta sent calf-cupping skirts down their 1970s runway collections.
Today, midi skirts have taken on a new sartorial cachet. Possessing the ability to appear whimsical and structured at the same time, the office-friendly bottoms have become the chameleons of the fashion market.
The grip Nineties trends currently hold over the fashion elite is another key factor in the boom of midis. Sleek, Carrie Bradshaw-inspired midi skirts pioneered by brands from Prada to Moschino marry functionality with streamlined fashion, offering up a win-win ensemble for working women heading out after office hours.
We are becoming increasingly creative in midi skirt styling. River Island noted a 135 per cent increase in sequin skirts in this week alone, while Pinterest’s Summer Trends Report for 2024 noted a 340 per cent search increase for bubble skirts and a 220 per cent search increase for puff skirts. There’s truly no saying what the midi skirt will evolve into next.
Discover the best midi skirts to take you from day to night and make a stylish case for the historical hemline.
Shop now
DÔEN Camri Top and Skirt
Crafted from lustrous floral satin in pearlescent tones, DÔEN’s Camri top is femininity personified. Complete with gentle puff sleeves and trimmed with corded lace along the neckline, the luxurious set oozes coquette-core charm. Matching skirt available here.
Buy now £369.00, Net-A-Porter
Loewe Deconstructed Denim Midi-Skirt
With this impeccably tailored asymmetric denim midi skirt, there will be no buyer's remorse. The 19th-century luxury fashion label is currently headed by Jonathan Anderson, whose signature one-step-ahead-of-the-curve style has certainly come through in this unique design.
Though this skirt almost looks as though it is falling off the body, the expert craftsmanship and structured panels ensure the ‘deconstructed’ look remains firmly on your person.
Buy now £225.00, Liberty
Mango Checked Print Top and Skirt
Clueless meets Legally Blonde in Mango’s salmon pink set featuring an on-trend all-over check print and a strapless silhouette, the breezy holiday ensemble is primed for feminine dressers. Matching skirt available here.
Buy now £45.99, Mango
Ulla Johnson Anya Cover-Up Midi Skirt
Recline in the utmost style while draped in Ulla Johnson’s earth-toned sarong wrap. A drawstring closure promises a sophisticated fit for all, while the chocolate and golden print enhances your fresh, sun-kissed tan.
Buy now £142.00, Luisa Via Roma
Bode Embellished Silk-Charmeuse Midi Skirt
Step into nostalgia with Bode. The brand’s sequinned skirt is an ode to 1920s glamour, radiating Roaring Twenties opulence via beautiful beaded embellishment and a silk-charmeuse structure.
Buy now £966.00, Net-A-Porter
OMNES Madelyn Midi Skirt in Pink Check Print
A bright midi skirt is a summer favourite for a reason, and they don’t come cuter than this one. The pink and green check pattern is fun to pop on during warm weather days, and the ruched side adds something a little different.
Buy now £39.00, OMNES
Beyond Retro Floral Print Midi Skirt
Vintage midi skirts are our Achilles heel. From Y2K florals to tiered cottagecore A-lines, there are endless styles and shapes to add to your midi skirt archive. We have our eye on this aqua floral offering from Beyond Retro.
Buy now £22.00, Beyond Retro
Dries Van Noten Floral Silk-Blend Midi Skirt
Cool girls wear Dries Van Noten. The brand is home to an array of exquisite silk midi skirts featuring blooming florals and whimsical mesh layers that catch the breeze.
Buy now £504.00, MyTheresa
Rixo Ardith Midi Skirt
Sing a rainbow in Rixo. Black lace trims, a diagonally accented print and a warming colour palette make for a vibrant summer skirt to pair with a plain white tank or bolero.
Buy now £140.00, Rixo
Susan Fang Floral Midi Skirt
Ooze fairy-like femininity in Susan Fang. The brand is celebrated for its use of pastel pigments and fairytale adornments, with this whimsical midi number showcasing each and every house code.
Buy now £245.00, MyTheresa
Acne Studios Printed Stretch-Jersey Maxi Skirt
Acne Studios’ graphic number is primed for sartorial statement-making. A pair of glossy red stilettos adorn the midi, which is crafted from a lightweight stretch jersey that allows for breezy movement.
Buy now £490.00, Net-A-Porter
Massimo Dutti Denim Flounce Skirt
Made from 100 per cent cotton, Massimo Dutti’s pleated flounce skirt is a drop of dark denim heaven.
Buy now £69.95, Massimo Dutti
Rare Vintage Vintage Pink Striped Midi Skirt
Shop sustainably by shopping second-hand. ASOS Marketplace is brimming with covetable midis to suit your spring-into-summer style, this striped pink piece from Rare Vintage included. Better for the planet, better for your pocket.
Buy now £28.90, ASOS Marketplace
Siedres Tayla Draped Tank and Skirt
Some brands design with summer in mind and Siedres is one of them. The Turkish label is brimming with colourful designs that exude Mediterranean romance. This coral co-ord is romantic in the extreme, complete with elegant draping in a girlish colourway. Matching skirt available here.
Buy now £170.00, Harvey Nichols
Ashley Williams Black & Blue Poodle Midi Skirt
Is there a better way to command attention than with a giant poodle face printed on your skirt? We think not. Ooze confidence in Ashley Williams, the brand taking tongue-in-cheek style mainstream.
Buy now £258.00, SSENSE
Citizens of Humanity + NET SUSTAIN Raian Denim Midi Skirt
When it comes to denim, Citizens of Humanity is a brand to watch. The label has partnered with Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), a company empowering growers to implement scalable regenerative agriculture solutions. Not only are they constructed from planet-friendly fabrics but the brand’s designs are timeless, so it's a win for sustainability and a win for style.
Buy now £190.00, Net-A-Porter
French Connection Checked Midi A-Line Skirt
Dazzling midi skirt to see you through each and every season? Check. French Connection’s glorious green offering can be layered in winter and shown off with a cami in summer. Pair yours with some ballet pumps.
Buy now £36.00, M&S
Kitri Laurel Patched Toile De Jouy Skirt
Step out in a dreamscape of patchwork courtesy of Kitri’s striking Laurel Patched Toile De Jouy Skirt.
Buy now £140.00, Kitri
Rouje Satin Lace Set
Look pretty in plum with Rouje’s lustrous aubergine-hued set. Featuring a negligee-esque cami top and coordinating skirt crafted from sleek satin with a delicate frosting of lace, the two-piece can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Matching skirt available here.
Buy now £125.00, Rouje
Burberry Check Wool Skirt
Tap into the zeitgeist’s fascination with rose adornments with the brand’s checked wool skirt in raspberry ripple tones featuring a gathered floral at the waist.
Buy now £1743.00, MyTheresa
