I know, I know—in the summer, everyone wants to wear shorts, sundresses, and linen pants. But I’m not everyone, and neither are my fellow skirt devotees. When the weather gets warm, all I can think about is breaking out the collection of breezy, short, silky, and sheer skirts that I’ve been curating in preparation for that exact moment. You can wear pants and dresses all year long. Billowy skirts, however, feel just right for hotter days—the perfect choice whenever you’re stumped on what to wear. Just throw on a lace-trim slip skirt with an oversize tee or a crochet mini with a leather bomber, and you’re done. Getting dressed, at least in the months between May and September, really is that easy.
To lean as heavily on skirts as I and other fashion people in the summertime, you need a proper collection of both classic and timeless silhouettes as well as timely, on-trend pieces. Think tailored column skirts and poplin A-line shapes combined with crochet minis and drapey balloon skirts. The former will be a perfect match with bolder tops, knits, and outerwear, while the latter can do all the work when styled with simple tees and tanks.
To ensure you have the most successful skirt summer possible, I went ahead and drew up a guide to skirt shopping, including the best summer skirts to shop in 2025 and a few particularly chic skirt outfits to copy once your shipments have arrived.
2025 Skirt Outfits
What you’ll need: white tee + lace-trim skirt + knee-high boots + colorful sweater
I see more lace-trim skirts in the WWW office than any other skirt trend, and J.Crew’s version is the most popular by a country mile. Toss one on with a white oversize tee and tall boots next time you’re stumped. A fun sweater around your waist will add shape and intentionality.
What you’ll need: black tank + double-layer skirt + block-heel pumps
When your skirt is interesting, so is your whole outfit. That’s the beauty of a good skirt. Here, a black tank, shoes, and bag are clearly background characters to an eye-catching double-layer Sportmax skirt. It gets all the attention (as it should) and takes the work out of having to accessorize and outfit plan.
What you’ll need: white tee + crochet miniskirt + jelly flats + chore coat
On those in-between-weather days, instead of wearing pants and no jacket, do the opposite and wear a tiny (preferably crochet) miniskirt paired with a big jacket crafted out of either leather or canvas. You’ll stay warm either way, but this way is far more fun.
What you’ll need: white button-down shirt + dark-denim pencil skirt + heeled sandals
Not sure what to wear to work on a Friday? Ditch your classic pencil skirt for a dark-denim version and tuck in a crisp white button-down shirt. Heeled sandals, pumps, or tall boots would all work. It’s more casual but still clean and sophisticated.
What you’ll need: red top + gray midi skirt + kitten heels
I personally adore a gray skirt because it’s a perfect contrast piece when you want to wear a bright color like red, blue, or pink. Honestly, orange and green too. Sometimes, black and white are too harsh with vibrant hues, whereas gray creates a perfect balance.
What you’ll need: White button-down shirt + pony-hair skirt
This is another great example of a loud, maximalist skirt becoming wearable and easy by being styled with a basic, like a button-down shirt in off-white. Bold wardrobe items can be scary, but it’s all about balance. You don’t always have to go all out with every outfit. Sometimes, just one over-the-top item will do just fine.
What you’ll need: leather jacket + satin miniskirt + pumps
This bubblegum-pink satin skirt with a legit train will never not be the main focal point of every outfit it’s worn with, but you can still pair it with cool items that aren’t just a simple tee or tank. Here, some color-blocking was utilized with the addition of a gray cashmere sweater and leather blazer.
What you’ll need: black sweater + long cord necklace + white poplin skirt
This isn’t just any poplin white skirt. The decorative front flap makes it all the more worthy of admiration, allowing the wearer to simply style it with a black, navy, or cream sweater. Add just a cool corded necklace and vintage bag to finish off the ensemble.
What you’ll need: red sweater + burgundy leather skirt + tall boots
Sometimes, it can be easy to always wear your fun skirt with a simple black or white T-shirt. It’s worked before, so why can’t it again? It will, but it’s also worth trying out new color and top-shape options. Clash a little, or add a pattern! The world is your oyster, especially when you have a great collection of skirts to play with.
What you’ll need: leather bomber jacket + tall heeled sandals, lace-trim skirt
No matter what length or style your lace-trim skirt is, wear it and wear it often. It’s a surprisingly versatile wardrobe item, looking great with sandals, sneakers, and boots as well as heavy outerwear and lightweight basics.
Best Skirts to Shop
COS
Linen-Blend Midi Column Skirt
A perfectly soft shade of pink to style with bikini tops, tanks, big tees, and even bigger knits.
j.crew
Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt in Textured Satin
Gwen? This shirt should literally be named Who What Wear given how many of our editors own it.
SIMONMILLER
Beep Beep Mini Skirt
I’m going to Italy for two weeks this summer and will absolutely need to buy this skirt ahead of the trip.
ZARA
Asymmetric Striped Skirt
Just a fun skirt that can be styled with a simple tank or bolder with its matching one-shoulder top.
Reformation
Veranda Linen Skirt
You can’t go wrong with this classic linen mini.
Rohé
Contrast Pencil Skirt
The double-layer-skirt trend is both so trendy and extremely timeless.
MANGO
Long Crochet Floral Skirt
Another necessary vacation packing item.
Tory Burch
Embellished Jersey Skirt
I’ll likely think about this skirt for the rest of my life. It would be the star in anyone’s wardrobe.
j.crew
Gwen Knee-Length Slip Skirt in Viscose Charmeuse
A cotton-candy slip skit? I’ll take it (plus every other color J.Crew sells).
MANGO
Semi-Transparent Silk Midi-Skirt
A sheer skirt like this opens up so many styling doors.
source unknown
Buckle Leather Midi Skirt
The leather details are so fun and unique.
Toteme
Parachute Silk Skirt
This billowy blue skirt has sold out practically everywhere. Get yours before it’s too late.
Reformation
Carolina Silk Skirt
How gorgeous would this look with a cream top?
MANGO
Rinse-Wash Denim Midi-Skirt
I honestly forget that denim skirts can be this chic. My brain’s been scarred by cutoff micro minis from 2004.
Madewell
Fluted Midi Skirt in Tile White
THE ROW
Irene Lace-Trimmed Silk-Charmeuse Skirt
*Copies this entire outfit.*
COS
Rounded Merino Wool Maxi Skirt
This fabric is so soft and breathable. I already own the T-shirt in this look—skirt, you’re next.
This skirt will be so fun to play around with—guaranteed.
One of my favorite new brands to watch.
Nordstrom
Pleated Midi Skirt
A glamorous pleated skirt like this will get so much wear, no matter the season.
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