For all those shorts shirkers out there, I thought this week we would have a little look at midi skirts. I have to admit that, until quite recently, I hadn’t really owned many skirts. I was definitely more of a dress girl, but they have taken a bit of a back seat this summer and I’ve been reaching more for a two-piece option. I can’t even tell you why as I used to LOVE dresses, and I am sure I will come back around to them at some point but, for now, if I want a more girly option, it’s the midi skirt that I turn to.
The midi skirt can be worn smart, casual or somewhere in the middle; it can feel easy-breezy or very ‘put together’. Essentially, it’s all about how you wear it. Let’s have a look at six styling ideas…
SIMPLE STRIPES
I’m kicking off with my favourite look, which is also the easiest of all: the stripe top and and denim jacket combo. Always a fail-safe option. I bought this Sessun jacket last spring, and it’s one of those items that if I misplaced or ruined it in some way I would immediately re-buy. I wear it so much that I would be lost without it. I used to have a terrible habit of buying an extra of something I loved just in case something happened to the original. Thankfully, I’ve had a word with myself in recent years and have curbed that practice.
- Mango Ribbed knit t‑shirt
- Daisy London Estée Lalonde Wavy Hoop Earrings
- A.P.C Ninon Recycled Faux Leather Small Tote Bag
- Matteau Cotton-poplin midi skirt
- Sessun Leone Denim Shirt Jacket
- COS buckled leather ballet flats
SMART NEUTRALS
A pleated midi skirt and a neat little cardigan – is there anything more ladylike? Yes, probably, but this is a good start if you immediately want to look like you’ve made an effort. Substitute heels or ballet flats with a cool sandal to stop you from looking too twee.
- Mint Velvet White Scoop Neck Vest
- Sezane Danae Hazelnut Resin Necklace
- & Other Stories Merino Cardigan
- COS pleated A Line midi skirt
- Gucci Horsebit 1955 mini leather-trimmed logo handbag
- Grenson April cross strap leather sandals
GREY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE BORING
I guess it’s subjective, but a good grey sweatshirt is a staple in anyone’s wardrobe. I was out with some friends the other day and we all agreed it’s something that never fails to please. It’s like the clothing version of a comfort blanket. This Adidas x Wales Bonner one is a new addition to my wardrobe. It’s a good fit, nice and light and the perfect weight for right now – wear it with your midi skirt when there’s a chill in the air. I also recommend these from Uniqlo and Arket.
- John Lewis ANYDAY Stripe Long Sleeve Top
- Adidas + Wales Bonner flocked cotton-blend jersey sweatshirt
- River Island beige linen blend maxi skirt
- Uniqlo corduroy mini shoulder bag
- New Balance 574 Legacy trainers
IF IN DOUBT: WEAR BLACK
We’ve got a real run of cardigan-based ensembles coming up now, but they are a great alternative to a jacket when we get towards the end of the summer, and they work perfectly with your midi skirts. I do think maybe our seasons are changing a bit. These days, summer seems to be July, August and September, and June is definitely more spring-like while September can be sweltering. Cut to this September being a freezing wash-out now I’ve said that. P.S. I love the various designs of these Duke + Dexter loafers, but I would suggest going up a size as they come up a bit small.
- Mango Polka-dot knitted cardigan
- Abbot Lyon Heart Curb Chain Necklace
- Uniqlo Airism vest top
- & Other Stories Pleated Drawstring Midi Skirt
- & Other Stories Large Leather Shoulder Bag
- Duke + Dexter two tone leather loafers
SCHOOL MA’M STYLE
A good silk shirt is another item I feel that we should all have in our outfit arsenal. If you treat them well, they will last a very long time. I have a fantastic one from Equipment that I bought in 2013 that I still wear a lot. Equipment really do make the best silk shirts, but they are not cheap. They do sometimes have good ones that come up on The Outnet, though. I recently bought a vintage 80s silk shirt from Vinted for £8 that looks almost as good as new. Definitely worth checking the resale sites for something classic like this.
- & Other Stories Pintuck-Detailed Silk Shirt
- Monica Vinader Essential Click Medium Hoop Earrings (use code KATEHMV20 for 20% off)
- Sezane Milo Natural Heritage Classic Leather Bag
- H&M Pleated midi skirt
- Aligne Aggie Argyle Cardigan
- Grenson Rae tan leather loafers
DENIM DELIGHT
I couldn’t get through this blog without adding a denim midi skirt to the mix. Instead of the standard denim skirt style, the fuller, more circular skirts are looking to be in favour for the next season. Use the sandwich dressing method to match your trainers to your cardi. When I say ‘you’, what I really mean is me.
- M&S Cotton Rich Button Front Cardigan
- Expressive Forest hand painted ceramic plant necklace
- M&S Pure Cotton Printed T‑Shirt
- Albaray pleated denim midi skirt
- Wilson Jewellery Daisy Cluster Bracelet
- Ganni Oversized Canvas Tote Bag
- Adidas Originals Gazelle Indoors trainers
I am away next week so there may be a short break in proceedings, although I might do a piece on bags as I have had quite a few requests. Will be back in September for a new season round-up.
K x