I Never Wear Trousers, So I'm Buying These 7 Skirts Instead

This year, we've seen the formally overlooked skirt reach cult status. From Réalisation's leopard-print number to Topshop's array of rainbow of slips, never before has the dress alternative proven to be so prevalent.

This is great news because I avoid wearing trousers like the plague. I can tolerate jeans, but after a couple of wears, I find myself turning for greater sartorial pastures. Usually I'd turn to frocks, but with so many excellent top options out there, I often feel like I'm missing out. This is where skirts come in, which I can definitely wear with the aforementioned tops.

This season, there's so much more to the skirt than the mini and midi archetypes would have you believe. From asymmetric hems and pelmet wraps to the latest leather iteration and the new print obsession, consider this your definitive guide to the skirts about to make autumnal dressing much more enjoyable.

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Whistles' Bias-Cut Midi Skirt
(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

As we've already said, slip skirts are set to be just as big for autumn as they were for summer. In a luxe emerald tone, Whistles' offering will look just as good come party season as it does right now paired with denim.

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Arket's Pleated Crepe Skirt
(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Arket's cult pleated midi skirt is showing no signs of waning, which is just as well. Impossibly chic and able to be styled for just about every occasion, we don't know what we'd do without this wardrobe super staple.

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By Malene Birger's Aleo Leather Skirt
(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Of all the FROW looks to come from By Malene Birger's show, this has to be our favourite. A very modern take on the classic leather midi skirt, this panelled number will earn you major style points.

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& Other Stories' Asymmetric Skirt
(Image credit: @katherine_ormerod)

We currently have an & Other Stories wish list as long as our arm, and this lilac wonder is very near the top. Asymmetric hemlines are a key skirt detail to note this season. Use the high-low cut to show off statement boots and heels. 

Related: Winter 2019 Trends: The Only New Fashion Looks You Need to Know

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Topshop's Mixed Print Midi Skirt
(Image credit: @monikh)

Topshop's given us many a sellout item this year, and this skirt looks set to join those illustrious ranks. Boasting two statement motifs, it taps into this season's mixed-print trend perfectly. 

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Rixo's Kelly Midi Skirt
(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Florals might be typecast when it comes to summer, but they're set to stick around for autumn/winter 2019 too, so you have our permission to buy another petal piece. This painterly midi skirt from Rixo will look gorgeous with tan suede boots and a mint knit. 

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Zara's Pocket-Detail Skirt
(Image credit: @astyleedit)

Oh, Zara, how much do we love thee? Let us count the ways—starting with this skirt. The exposed pockets, front split and tie-waist feel so '90s. Just add a black top, statement shades and a leather shoulder bag.

Up next, walk don't run—M&S has just created the perfect pair of boots.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.