This year has definitely seen the return of the skirt. I was going to say the simple skirt, but they aren’t that simple and, unlike dresses, you do need to think about what to wear with them. This isn’t just a throw-on-and-go situation: each hemline, each shape and each style requires a little bit of thought. We don’t want to risk feeling over-exposed in a mini, and we don’t want to look like our dear departed Queen Liz in a knee-length pleat.
The pleated, kilt-style skirt is THE style this year. I think we can trace that directly back to Claudia Winkleman, looking resplendent in her Prada number last month. I also stand by the fact that where Prada leads, the rest will follow. As such, there has been a rush on midi pleated skirts with buckles. I managed to get one from Sainsburys, but it keeps going out of stock, so check back on this link mid-week to see if they’ve restocked. For £28, it’s a winner.
I’ve had a rummage around the internet to find six skirt styles for you this week. Some of them I already have (or similar, at least), so this really is how I intend to wear them this winter.
THE MINI KILT SKIRT
Firstly, as I’ve always said, you’re not too old to wear a mini skirt if that is indeed something you feel like wearing. I have this one from & Other Stories, and it’s short without being too short, But if you feel a little self conscious about the potential expanse of leg on show, wear some knee boots. They’re also very practical if it rains – you can stamp through puddles without fear of a soggy sock. While we think about socks, I would advise wearing knee socks under your boots to save your tights from snagging. These from M&S do actually stay up.
- Louise Sinclair Gold Smiley Necklace
- 100% Merino Ribbed Crew Neck Jumper
- Jigsaw Green Fishermans Rib Jumper
- & Other Stories Pleated Wrap Mini Skirt
- Vestiaire Preloved Celine Luggage Bag
- Sezane Bridget Knee High Boots
- H&M Single-Breasted Check Coat
THE CORDUROY SKIRT
I love some corduroy at this time of year. Looks cool and keeps you warm: double winter whammy. To elevate your cord skirt a bit, pair with some heeled knee-high boots. Having said I don’t wear heels as a rule, I’ve been known to wear a boot with a small heel in the winter. I think it’s the extra support around the ankles that makes them more comfortable than high-heeled shoes. And if you’re wearing a skirt that could veer towards Queen Mother territory, a heeled boot will lift it into more ‘Meryl Streep in Kramer vs Kramer’ territory instead. Which is much more acceptable.
- Missoma Classic Large Hoop Earrings
- Mint Velvet Navy Triangle Knit Scarf
- Whistles Navy Long Car Coat
- Abercrombie Madeline Crew Sweater
- COS Pleated Corduroy Midi Skirt
- Scott Samuel Geometric Bag
- Nobody’s Child Black Leather Knee High Boots
THE MINI SKIRT
This is how I plan on styling my (faux) suede mini skirt this winter. I bought these tights from Uniqlo last week, and it’s finally cold enough to wear them. I don’t want my mini skirts to look ‘sexy’, so I’ll be pairing them with man-repellent ribbed tights and brogues.
- Dunst Baby Alpaca Argyle Jumper
- Monica Vinader Nura Gemstone Huggie Earrings
- H&M Pima cotton jersey top
- M&S Suedette Mini A‑Line Skirt
- DeMellier New York Midi leather tote bag
- Hush Pure Wool Double Faced Coat
- Uniqlo Heattech Ribbed Tights
- Claudie Pierlot Grained Leather Derby Shoes
THE MIDI KILT SKIRT
This is the aforementioned style that is definitely the skirt du jour. Consequently, they keep selling out, so don’t come at me if this one has gone by the time I publish this post – even though I’m working as close as three days in advance. I’d suggest looking on Vinted, as there are plenty of vintage kilt skirts on there. Make sure you check the actual waist measurement, though, as vintage sizing is very different from today’s. I discovered this to my detriment when I bought two vintage kilts and they were both way too small so they had to be re-listed. It’s much easier to have something taken in than let out, so err on the side of caution and go bigger if you can.
- Decadorn Black Obsidian Strand Necklace
- Burberry Check Wool Scarf
- COS Boiled Wool- Blend Short Jacket
- Jigsaw Wool Cashmere Blend Jumper
- The Attico Medium leather tote bag
- Brora Check Pleated Kilt
- Mango Worn-look leather boots
THE LEATHER SKIRT
Another great rainy-day option is a leather skirt, and a very stylish one at that. I think leather midi skirts never really go out of fashion. I still have one I bought from ASOS in 2013 that I still wear. Faux leather is also very acceptable; it can look just as good as the real thing.
As a rule of thumb, I don’t tend to wear boots that leave a small gap between the top of the boot and the hem of your skirt, but if you have some slightly taller ankle boots that fit close to your legs, they will work. These from All Saints and these classics from John Lewis are both really good options.
- Beaumont Organic Cotton Knitted Cardigan
- COS Double Faced Wool Scarf Jacket
- Karen Millen Faux Leather Full Midi Skirt
- All Saints Perez Leather Shoulder Bag
- Burga Geometric Phone Case
- All Saints Hallie Leather Boots
THE PLEATED SKIRT
On the high street, this is the one I’ve found that comes closest to Prada. Of course, it’s from COS. They really do excel at winter design classics. I would wear this with a slightly oversized roll-neck jumper, some chunky loafers and a long coat. This feels very Mrs Prada, which is something I always aspire to.
- Reiss Wool-Cashmere Roll-Neck Jumper
- Prada Cat-Eye Sunglasses
- COS Pleated Wool Blend Skirt
- Vestiaire Gucci Jackie 1961 Handbag
- H&M Oversized wool-blend coat
- Gucci Leather Horsebit Loafers
Sidebar; I bought a pair of these culottes this week, and they are a great alternative to a long black pleated skirt and look great.
K x
