Shorts can be trickier to style than you think and I often find myself choosing something else to wear in the heat because I don't want to be worrying about coverage. Denim shorts in particular tend to be on the shorter side and can bunch up as you walk which isn't ideal.
Not everyone feels comfortable or confident in mini-length designs either but Queen Mary's midi skirt is a stunning alternative that still delivers on the denim. It's the perfect smart-casual piece for summer as the silhouette is very timeless and sleek and the fabric adds a relaxed edge.
We've not seen her wear this past season skirt before but the sunshine in Denmark has meant she's brought it out for 2026. High-waisted and A-line, it's got two pleats that accentuate the flowing shape and Queen Mary went for the Zimmermann skirt in a deep indigo tone.
Recreate Queen Mary's Outfit
Crafted from 100% cotton, this skirt would make a lovely addition to your denim collection and is currently on sale too. It also comes in a darker wash and has handy side pockets and a concealed side zip.
This elegant pleated denim skirt falls to midi-length and it's cotton rich and also made with linen for a breathable finish. It's got a subtle back split for ease of movement and has two side pockets and a neat zip fastening.
You can also get this Karen Millen skirt in cream if you prefer neutral denim but whichever option you choose, it's a very refined style. The distinctive buttons at the front make it feel even more polished and it's made from breezy cotton.
Delicately and detailed, this cotton cheesecloth top is elevated with embroidery at the neckline. It also has ruffled trims at the armholes which is similar to Queen Mary's shirt style. This one has a swing silhouette, complete with a button front.
The Dune Lyra sandals are a lovely alternative to stilettos if you love the look of Queen Mary's tan strappy shoes. They're crafted from smooth leather and have a classic T-bar design and a low block heel for easy, everyday wear.
This pure cotton blouse is part of M&S's Per Una collection and it features intricate lace inserts and pintucks. It's cut in a comfortable regular fit, with a neat button fastening and a crew neckline. The sleeves are short and slightly puffed.
Darker blue denim without a lot of variation in the wash naturally feels a bit more elevated than super mottled or light designs. The indigo colour perfectly complemented the elegant style of Mary's skirt and ensured it wasn't too much of a casual contrast against her heeled sandals.
Personally, I'd style a denim skirt like this with flats for maximum comfort, though I love the barely-there feel of her Gianvito Rossi pair. Minimal sandals can help create a leg-elongating effect as there aren't loads of straps cutting off your silhouette at different points.
This is especially great when you're wearing a longer skirt or summer dress as they already have that flowing shape. Espadrilles, ballet flats and strappy sandals would all work with a denim midi skirt for summer and Her Majesty added a white and blue striped blouse to complete the look.
White Broderie Anglaise and embroidered designs are always popular this time of year and hers featured frilled sleeves and blue and red floral motifs. Blue denim goes with pretty much anything but it looks particularly lovely with a pop of scarlet and with white so Mary nailed that combination.
She chose a very feminine flared skirt shape that accentuates the waist and can be balanced out by puffed sleeves or statement shoulder details. Column skirts are more understated and sleek, though they also tend to be more fitted as a result.
If you want maximum breeziness then I'd maybe follow Mary's example. Whatever design you choose, you could easily swap out a shirt for a vest top, camisole or T-shirt to suit different occasions just as you would with a pair of shorts.
Some subtle gold jewellery completed the Queen of Denmark's look and she wore this gorgeous ensemble to her daughter Princess Isabella's school graduation. Even in a heatwave the royals always look put-together and though this wasn't an official engagement, Mary's signature style tends to be on the smarter side.
This makes a denim skirt an ideal option instead of very relaxed, mini denim shorts and I suspect she might get a lot of use out of this if the weather stays warm.
