Whether for the office, weddings, cocktail hour or off duty, midi skirts have been working overtime in our closets for the past few years—so much so, that it’s hard to imagine a time when the mid-calf silhouette wasn’t in. But as with any trend that’s spent seasons in the spotlight, there comes a moment when we begin to itch for something new. In the skirt department, that means going to great lengths with fresh-for-fall maxis.
Already a hit on the street-style circuit, a smattering of floor-skimming skirts made their mark on the fall runways from New York to Paris, prominently shown at The Row, Zimmermann, Jacquemus, and Loewe in a range of styles from pleated and tailored to checked and floral printed. Rachael Wang, stylist and brand consultant attributes much of the maxi skirt surge to French powerhouse, Céline as well. “When Phoebe says maxi, fashion goes maxi. For her swan song at Céline, Philo showed floor lengths for days which will inevitably be incorporated by cool women across the globe.”
With an innately bohemian feel, fall’s versions go beyond the freethinker look (though billowing Americana versions certainly make up a bulk of the season’s offerings). Think menswear-inspired tailoring, vintage-inspired or splashy animal prints like must-have leopard. There are iterations for evening, too, such as swishy fringe, slinky silks, and sheer and metallic fabrications.
Styling is a major factor when it comes to a contemporary maxi skirt look with accessories playing a huge role. “This length feels modern with pointy-toe boots and something structured up top like a crisp button-down tucked in and perhaps a trench coat thrown over the shoulders,” Wang explains. “Or you could lean into a more casual look with flat rubbery boots and a turtleneck sweater. Oversized statement jewelry in shiny gold or silver will really pop against the swathes of fabric.”
Whether you’re ultra-feminine, totally into tailoring or leaning into the prairie look for fall, shop our edit of 20 maxi skirts for every taste and budget, starting at just $35.
Great Lengths
Transition this bohemian skirt into fall with a chunky knit and western-inspired boots.
Give fall’s Americana trend a try in this patchwork skirt. We love it with a dark-wash denim jacket and tawny colored boots.
Offset this menswear-inspired skirt with a ladylike blouse and heels.
Punch up your neutrals or go for a bold color pairing in this pleated A-line number.
Get your denim fix in this elongated pencil silhouette.
Perfect with a white top, even bolder with pale yellow, lilac, or red.
We love this wool skirt with a burgundy top, boot, or blazer for contrast.
Hitting just above this ankles, this easy-to-wear skirt feels achingly fresh in this earthy tone.
Transition this artisanal-style into fall with cowboy boots and an oversized coat.
Go fully femme with a tonal blouse and lace-up boots or downplay the sweetness by swapping for rugged boots and a chunky knit.
New-season checks aren’t all muted. In fact, colorful iterations abound, like this sweeping skirt from Mara Hoffman, which comes in sizes 0 to 12.
This two-tone skirt reads polished with a crisp button-down shirt or puff-sleeve top. Optic white mules are a perfect pop.
This polka-dot maxi totally gives us Pretty Woman vibes.
Dress this tiered skirt down with a T-shirt and sneakers or elevate it for evening with a slinky top and heels.
Ruffle some feathers by styling this pale pink skirt with leopard print boots and a knit.
A bold take on fall’s animal-print trend, pair this with your favorite black knit and boots for easy chic.
Nail two trends in one by opting for a maxi skirt in so-now leopard.
Go prairie-chic by pairing this printed skirt with a puff-sleeve top and, yep, cowboy boots.
