Remember Skirts? These 6 Styles Are Going to Rule Summer

As someone who, prior to lockdown, only owned a couple of pairs of jeans and gym leggings, it's hard to believe that the aforementioned items, along with the joggers I purchased last April, have become the most-worn items in my wardrobe. I used to live in dresses and skirts, and without meaning to sound overdramatic, I feel like I've lost a bit of my identity having not worn them for so long. 

However, with temperatures slowly starting to climb and the days becoming brighter and longer with each passing week, I'm seeing this as my opportunity to break myself out of my style rut and slip into something fresh. So why not make for a spring/summer 2021 hero skirt? 

Frocks might have reigned supreme in recent years, but it seems as if skirts are going to make something of a comeback this year. Personally, I find skirts to be the perfect transitional item to usher in the start of spring—I'll wear them now with chunky boots and knitwear. Then, come summer, I'll swap them out for tan sandals and a vest top. 

Below, I’m sharing the six standout skirt trends of 2021 that I'm seeing all over my feed and filling up my favourite new-in sections. Let me take you through the key fabrics, lengths, silhouettes, and details—all that's left for you to do is choose your favourite. 

1. DENIM

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

If you're an avid Who What Wear reader, then you'll know we're here for just about any '90s trend that resurfaces. Denim skirts are no exception. 

Shop the trend:

2. MINI

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

That's right. Short hemlines are making a return this year, and we can't think of anything more liberating to step out in come June 21. 

Shop the trend:

3. KNITTED

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

If the thought of ditching your joggers is too much to bear, invest in a knitted skirt, which is just as comfortable but looks significantly more polished. 

Shop the trend:

4. TIERED

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Blame it on cottagecore, but super-cute tiered skirts are cropped up all over the shopping circuit. Unsure how to style it? Follow Ellie's foolproof lead. 

Shop the trend:

5. CUT-OUT

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Cut-out details are going to be huge this season, too. So tick off two trends in one with a cut-out skirt. Of course, there's Marcia's cult style, but we're also partial to midis with cut-out waistbands. 

Shop the trend:

6. WRAP-AROUND 

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Perhaps the easiest skirt to style, wrap skirts are officially back in the limelight. They work with everything from white shirting to printed tees, so get creative. 

Shop the trend:

Next Up: 4 Super-Cute Outfit Pairings That Are Perfect for Spring

This story was 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.