I Tried on All the Skirts From H&M, Topshop and COS So You Don't Have To

Here at Who What Wear UK, we're all about delivering the latest and greatest shopping edits, as approved by our team. That's why we've created a new shopping column, The Joy of Shopping, which will see me, Joy Montgomery, heading to all your favourite stores to test out new-in pieces IRL. From summer dresses to the brands you might've forgotten about, prepare for changing room selfies aplenty. Is there something you'd like me to cover? Make sure to tweet or Instagram me your requests!

From the sexual liberation of the Mary Quant mini and the furore surrounding The Daily Mail's "Legs-It" headline to teenage boys demanding sartorial equality by donning school skirts, there's no denying that the skirt has a politically charged past. It's often been suggested that there's a connection between skirt lengths and the country's finances: According to the Hemline Index, rising hemlines are a reflection of economic prosperity, so no wonder the majority of this season's styles are ankle-length.

Like this year's obsession with It dresses, the skirt has been making a bid for star status in our wardrobes. Case in point? Topshop's slip skirt, which celebrated viral success soon after its release and has gone on to see multiple restocks and sellouts. No item of clothing is immune to the cult-buy treatment. With this in mind, it seemed only natural that skirts should be my next shopping subject.

What did I discover on my travels? As previously mentioned, longer lengths are the order of the day, particularly in silky fabrics and unusual prints. There's also a new contingent of statement-making styles: Think oversized sequins, faux leather and tiered ruffles (it's nicer than it sounds, honest). My highlight, however, has to be H&M's sequinned skirt, which looks a million dollars with an oversized white shirt—the perfect alternative to a party dress. Scroll down to shop my full edit.

best-skirts-264923-1567079860256-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: Sequins in early September? Actually, that is pretty groundbreaking. The iridescent, oversized sequins on this H&M skirt are statement-making but look super premium when paired with a white oversized shirt. P.S., this outfit would look even better with pointed kitten heels. 

SHOP THE LOOK

best-skirts-264923-1567081389553-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: Okay, I might've got a bit distracted by this dreamboat of a jacket, but my point remains: A long-line jacket is an unexpectedly winning pairing with an ankle-grazing skirt. The skirt by itself is also so flattering with its waist-cinching belt (you'll have to take my word for it).

SHOP THE LOOK

best-skirts-264923-1567079844927-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: COS is all about the minimalist basics, however, it is actually quite experimental when it comes to fabrics. This A-line skirt has unusual sheen to it, which looks so chic with knitted fabrics.

SHOP THE LOOK

best-skirts-264923-1567080624041-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: I've gone all-out cowboy cool with this pairing (add cowboy boots if you dare). I wouldn't usually go for such a flouncy skirt, but when styled with a more masculine shirt, it suddenly feels so on-point. I can also imagine dressing it up with a silky black cami for a formal occasion. Shop a similar style below.

SHOP THE LOOK

best-skirts-264923-1567079830856-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: After the success of Topshop's slip skirt, I've seen so many fab iterations flood the market. This style is part of H&M's Richard Allan collaboration and comes in an unusual, scarf-like print. It's exactly the sort of skirt I want to throw on with knee-high boots and a slouchy knit in autumn.

SHOP THE LOOK

best-skirts-264923-1567081385983-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: Did someone say slip skirt? I couldn't resist throwing in one of the Topshop originals, and this one is certainly no wallflower. If you're not a colour fan, I would recommend using this midi to elevate a white tee or shirt. Also, the Boutique biker instantly makes the whole thing look a little edgier.

SHOP THE LOOK

Related: I Tried on Everything at & Other Stories, Topshop and H&M—Here's My Capsule Edit

best-skirts-264923-1567079829206-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: I wasn't sure about this skirt to begin with, as it's not quite formal but not quite casual. However, when paired with H&M's crinkled polo, I suddenly understood its minimalist appeal. The key is to style with smarter separates to keep it from looking too slouchy. Shop a similar style below.

SHOP THE LOOK

best-skirts-264923-1567081382344-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: I've seen multiple iterations of this Boutique waterfall skirt, and every single one of them has sold out within weeks. The latest offering comes in a vibrant green shade, which would complement all my beige pieces from last autumn. Also, the silk fabric feels super luxurious, so it's well worth the £95 price tag.

SHOP THE LOOK

best-skirts-264923-1567079832119-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: Leather is set to be the fabric of the season, but we're not just talking jackets—I mean everything from shirts and dresses to skirts and trousers. This faux-leather pencil skirt from H&M is slightly form-fitted for my liking (I prefer an A-line silhouette), but it complements this printed polo-neck and fits into autumn's '70s vibes.

SHOP THE LOOK

best-skirts-264923-1567079842026-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: Yes, that's right—tie-dye ain't going anywhere. If it's a bit young for your taste, then I would recommend dressing the trend up with more minimalist separates. Case in point? This leather jacket balances out Topshop's skirt with its boxy fit and neutral hue.

SHOP THE LOOK

best-skirts-264923-1567079843463-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: Wondering what skirt to wear with your new shacket? Look no further than this ditzy floral number, which is given a utility twist thanks to Topshop's belted jacket. I can also imagine it looking cute with tan boots in winter. 

SHOP THE LOOK

best-skirts-264923-1567079857111-image

(Image credit: Joy Montgomery)

Style Notes: I wouldn't think of going to COS for a miniskirt, but thanks to the mini's rebranding for A/W 19, suddenly the brand's minimalist aesthetic fits the bill nicely. I love the idea of wearing this simple wool skirt at the weekend with a boxy denim jacket.

SHOP THE LOOK

Up Next: I Tried On Over 50 Pairs of High-Street Shoes—Here's What I Loved