Fashion People in London and Paris Agree—These 6 Skirt Styles Define Timeless Elegance

As spring approaches, our minds turn to the best skirts we'll be reviving for the sunnier days ahead. Pencils, pleated, minis, maxis, suedes and embroidered—there's no shortage of styles available for us to slip into and prance about in without feeling constricted by the tights we wear under them to keep us warm amid cooler months.

Indeed, skirts are ever present in our wardrobes, worn throughout the seasons with a simple swap to wearing Calzedonia or Wolford stockings to protect our bare legs from the elements. But with the mercury rising, there's an anticipation to expose our legs again in flirty with linens or asymmetrically slips.

But, as the seasons change, so does our predilection for specific styles. Previous years have seen denim midis or bubble hems emerge as the defining style for that moment. In 2025, more timeless and elegant styles are reigning supreme, like the Miu Miu satin skirt Laura Harrier wore while in Paris or the polka dot skirt Olivia Dean debuted in London with a very Prada-esque grey sweater.

These two examples aren't isolated occurrences, and you only need to look to other celebrity sightings or street style moments to prove that, irrespective of age or location, the best skirts are elegant, classic and chic.

It's rare to see a garment adored by Gen-Z, Millenial and Gen-X women alike which is exactly what we love about the style. Just last week, a Who What Wear UK fashion editor wore a chiffon wrap tie skirt owned by her mum in the '90s. A true minimalist piece, the style looked modern, relevant and oh-so covetable that it had my asking for the name of the brand in case I could track it down when second-hand shopping online or in charity shops.

You see, skirts offer an array of possibilities in length, cut, colour and detail, meaning that no matter your personal style, there's probably a skirt trend out there for you. But, as sophisticated sartorialists across Europe agree, the best skirt styles are the ones that are truly timeless.

The brilliance of these types of skirts lay in their versatility. With a naturally elevated appeal, most will accompany your outfit from day trips to evenings out with the simple swap of a trainer for a heeled mule. Selecting an outfit is an endless pursuit with a wonder of possibilities thanks to options like a tank top, tailored waistcoat, boho blouse, satin shirt and plenty more.

Most importantly, the best skirt styles are often the most established, meaning that you can find one that suits you across high-street brands to elevated designer pieces. There's a piece and pricepoint to suit all. Ahead, explore the best skirts to slip into.

The 6 Best Skirt Styles You Can Rely on for Timeless Elegance

1. A-Line Skirt

Style Notes: Whilst Spring has only just begun, I've already seen that this style of skirt is a main player this season. Featuring a wide, floaty skirt, the A-line silhouette in maxi and midi lengths is set to be a mainstay for the next few months. Just pair with a contrasting colour knit to add some dimension and snugness during crisp morning commutes and after-work drinks.

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2. Linen Maxi Skirt

Style Notes: Linens pieces are back doing what they do best: looking chic and keeping us cool. Whilst trousers and shorts are a popular choice, a classic maxi-length skirt is one to considered for an elegant yet summer-ready feel.

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3. Pleated Skirts

Style Notes: Pleated skirts are far from the matronly connotations they once held. Spotted on the runways of Chopova Loewena to the editorial offices of Who What Wear UK—no joke, three editors wore a grey pleated skirt on the same day—this style is the ultimate unexpected transeasonal staple.

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4. Denim Maxi Skirt

Style Notes: Denim skirts have been a wardrobe staple for many years, but the maxi length is what adds to its timeless appeal. Long, midi or maxi length styles pair with everything from sandals to trainers to simple ballet flats, ready to work hard in your wardrobe.

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5. Slip Skirt

Style Notes: The satin finish of a slip skirt adds to the innate elegance, so whether it hits at the knee or the ankle that sophisticated edge is retained. A day-to-night wonder, simply swap out your classic T-shirt for a sophisticated blouse for an after hours appeal.

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6. Crochet Skirt

Style Notes: Pencil skirts are officially out of the office and into the streets. Indeed, no longer exclusively reserved for your "innie" (a little Severance joke for anyone who has watched the show), the sleek style has surprisingly become a capsule wardrobe mainstay. Contoured to the body, the style helps give shape and provides a polished appearance despite the fact you've only just stepped into and zipped up a singular piece.

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