Whether worn high or low, hemlines have pioneered fashion movements for centuries and have been used to convey liberation in women's wear. (And even in rare cases, economic positions, like the hemline index, supposedly indicates.) While we've been riding the wave of micro miniskirts for the past few seasons, many style insiders like myself are currently gravitating towards the best maxi skirts. Yes, ankle grazing skirts are in the spotlight once more. This time, they're set to become even more coveted than their minuscule counterpart.
You see, we’ve come a long way from Oscar de la Renta’s designs from the 1960s. In turn, shedding the association that maxi skirts have with occasion wear and holidaying. Nowadays, design vary from the denim midi with a slit, to elaborate slinky styles adorned with sequins and the especially popular voluminous cotton skirt that so many influencers have sported this summer.
Totême, COS and Faithfull The Brand (to name a few), have introduced a slew of extended hemlines to their arsenal in all manner of fabrications, from linen to silk. The current shapes are offerings that also fit into trend categories—from Y2K-inspired low-slung styles to pencil skirts and baggy cargo maxis, so you’re able to demonstrate two fashion-forward styles in one piece.
If you’re looking to celebrate this timeless trend, the style offerings are aplenty. Keep on reading to shop the 17 best maxi skirts editors have bookmarked and ways to style the maxi skirt throughout summer and beyond.
Shop the 17 Best Maxi Skirts of 2025
This white cotton poplin skirt earns top spot on this list for multiple reasons. Not only is it a best-seller, but the durable and thick fabric makes it one of the most well-made on the market. It's also available in black, red and a blue floral print.
If you deep dive into any minimalist's wardrobe, you'd find a mini COS boutique because of how well-loved this brand is by chic and pared-back dressers. This skirt proves why—you can just style the versatile piece in so many ways!
You can wear a denim skirt in all seasons—just swap your sandals for knee-high boots once temperatures drop..
A slip skirt is always a good idea—this Reformation style has lots of colours to choose from and the lace trim brings a Parisian touch that will set yours apart from the rest.
We know how chic pintuck tops can be, so why not extend the same grace to your maxi skirt? Pair with a leading summer accessory trend like a sweet bandana and you'll have a look you'll want to wear on repeat.
I love the texture of this wraparound piece. Who knew that tweed would make incredible bottoms as well as jackets?
A white denim skirt manages to always feel fresh yet timeless? Yep, Agolde managed it.
It's easy to see why this is one of Anthropologie's best-selling skirts at the moment. There are ample ways to style it and so many sizes to choose from, including across the brand's petite, regular and plus ranges.
Free People's Lowen style is probably the most widely-discussed skirt style here in the Who What Wear office. We dubbed it the number one summer buy back in April, and we still stand by it.
Drop-waist dresses are one of summer's leading dress trends, so it's easy to see why the clever designers over at Faithfull decided on making a skirt version.
Channel your inner Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy with this incredibly sleek pencil skirt from New York-based label Khaite.
A dill green summer is on the horizon. But until this colour fully comes to claim its place as the shade of the season, I'm reaching for this muted light sage style from The Frankie Shop. The shape, the colour—it's all so perfect for summer.
This ivory purple jersey maxi can easily be dressed up or down thanks to it's liquid-like fabric.
If you love COS's Arch jeans, you'll love this barrel-esque merino wool maxi skirt. (But don't worry, the material is a very fine knit so you won't overheat!)
The kind of skirt that can take you from day to night. I'm dreaming of my next warm weather outing just looking at this shot.
The soft powder pink hue is such a sophisticated, vintage-inspired touch.
I'm a firm believer that the sheer skirt trend is the chicest look to emerge over the last few years, so you can safely say that I'm investing in this expensive-looking high street style for summer.
What Tops Look Best with Maxi Skirts?
Now that you've found the best maxi skirt to suit your needs and personal style, the next thing is to find the top that complements it best. The solution is all about balance. Since your legs are covered up, consider exposing your arms and shoulders by wearing a bandeau style or halter neck top—two of the biggest summer top trends for 2025.
Of course, that's only appropriate for some settings. If you're a bit more of a modest dresser or are looking for an office-approved shirt, consider a boxy white t-shirt as the structure of the piece pairs well with the shape of most maxi skirts.
Can Petite Women Wear Maxi Skirts?
Of course! Petite women can certainly wear maxi skirts; it's just a matter of choosing the one that works with a shorter frame, not against it. Many shorter girls will know the pitfalls of trying a style on in store or ordering it online, only to see it bunched in a puddle of fabric on the floor because the length is just far too long. To begin, we'd recommend shopping brands like Reformation and Anthropologie that offer specific petite-oriented size ranges. The maxi skirt trend works fabulously for petite women as the style's clean lines help draw the eyes down the body. An elongated silhouette equals the appearance of a longer frame. It's just simple, styling science.
Maxi Skirt Styling Ideas
The white voluminous skirt is the biggest hit of the season—and as Lydia proves here, can be elegantly styled in a polished summer look with a longline vest and tote bag.
Abi expertly demonstrates tonal styling with a voluminous maxi skirt and sleek pointed-toe mules.
The perfect example of chic holiday styling—this all-white linen look is perfect for hot summer days.
Slinky black pairings are always a good idea.
Why Trust Us?
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
-
Hold the Linen—This Is the Much Trendier Trouser Style Fashion People Are Wearing NowThey're so much more fun.
-
I Know You’re Stylish If You Pair Your White Jeans With One of These 6 Shoe ColoursThese are the best.
-
I've Mastered Hamptons Style—7 Outfit Formulas I Rely On Every SummerCoastal chic at its finest. No flight necessary.
-
Chic, Classy and Under £50—These Two Trending Zara Dresses Will Sell Out This Week, GuaranteedI saw so many people pick them up in store.
-
I Gave Up Jeans for Uniqlo's Perfect Satin Trousers—Here Are 3 Ways I'm Wearing Them NowI want them in every colour.
-
Everyone on My Feed Is Wearing Mango Sandals—These Are the Styles Destined to Sell OutOne of each, please.
-
This Sandal Trend Makes Every Outfit Look Luxurious—Now It’s All Over Zara, H&M and MangoAn outfit-altering shoe.
-
I’m Going for Casual Elegance This Summer—5 Low-Key Yet Stylish Evening Outfits I'm CopyingDinner and drinks, anyone?
