Maxi Skirts Are Here to Stay—7 Chic Outfit Formulas I'm Copying This Spring

Midi hemlines have dominated the skirt scene for years, but times are a-changing. Last year, as the world started to open up again, we saw a meteoric rise—no pun intended—in mini hemlines as fashion devotees reclaimed glamour and reintroduced impracticality into their wardrobes. But what does the future hold for skirts this season? Well, if the spring/summer 2024 runways are anything to go by (spoiler: they are), then maxi hemlines are set to be all the rage.

This isn't the first time maxi skirts have been on the style agenda. As Who What Wear UK's Editor in Chief, Hannah Almassi, observed last year, "key brands such as Calvin Klein and Acne [are] backing the cut. There is a Y2K lilt to these hemlines descending, with simple tube styles that fit closer to the ankles being more present than, say, a hippy, tiered cut."

Her insight is further reinforced by Instagram dwellers, who have been sporting maxi-skirt outfits since, well, September, when designers debuted their collections. Coincidence? There's no such thing. And the obsession is showing no sign of showing down as we head back into cooler weather. So how does one assemble maxi-skirt outfits nowadays? I've taken some of the finest looks from my favourite influencers, who illustrate this perfectly.

From slinky maxis to cosy knitted silhouettes, scroll on to see seven maxi-skirt outfits I love and rate for the weeks and months ahead. 

1. THE BASIC MAXI SKIRT

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Style Notes: If in doubt, go back to basics. What could be simpler than a tube skirt? Maxi hemlines make this skirt style look so much more premium. Wear it now with a thin roll-neck top, and a thicker iteration for autumn. 

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2. THE KNITTED MAXI SKIRT

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Skirts with an A-line or circle shape aren’t just fun for twirling in; they also create a beautiful silhouette—one that’s made all the more impactful in a maxi length. Bouclé-weave styles feel particularly on-trend, tapping into the minimal aesthetic. Just add a tweed blazer and clogs for an easy transitional ensemble.

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3. THE DENIM MAXI SKIRT

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: The thing I love most about denim is how easy it makes it to assemble an outfit, so why not consider buying into a skirt with a maxi hemline? If you’re petite and worried about being swathed in fabric, look for denim maxi skirts with either front or side splits. 

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4. THE COLUMN MAXI SKIRT

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: Layered with a sweater vest, loafers, and untucked shirt, this is how fashion girls style their maxi skirts in the transitional period. Look for column-style skirts like Brittany's for a modern take on the trend. 

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5. THE PLEATED MAXI SKIRT

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Style Notes: Pleated skirts never truly go out of style, but after falling quiet over the past couple of years, they've definitely cemented their must-have status this year. And yes, there are plenty of maxi options out there, too—I love how Franny gives hers a downtime spin with retro-feeling trainers. 

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6. THE SILK MAXI SKIRT

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Between the 90's and maxi trends that were evident on recent runways, it was inevitable that silk skirts would become a fixture of our 2024 wardrobes. Make like Monikh and pair yours with a shrunken cardigan silhouette as the temperatures drop over the next few weeks. 

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7. THE LEATHER MAXI SKIRT

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: When I think of leather skirts, mini hemlines always spring to mind, but designers are already a step ahead, serving up full-length iterations. I like how Lucy has styled hers with a crop knit, which gives some respite from the thickness of the fabric. 

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Next Up: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss

Opening Image:@nlmarilyn

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

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.