Autumn is firmly here, and knits, jackets and boots are once again in the spotlight. But there’s also case to be made for skirts joining the transitional wardrobe conversation. Brands are offering the classically feminine piece in a range of styles that you can easily wear with bare legs or a low denier tight now, and knee-high boots come winter.
There are a myriad of options, from minis, midis, and maxis rendered in plush fabrics (à la weighty dark denim, soft, supple suede and glossy leather), to refined silhouettes and finishes (think structured A-lines and tiered drapes), and standout textured prints (in the manner of checks and animal patterns).
Whether styled for the office with a smart blouse or for the weekend with a cashmere knit, the best skirts for autumn prove that the wardrobe essential is shaping this season’s most captivating looks. As inspired by some of our favourite street style ensembles from fashion month, shop the must-have skirt trends to add to your autumn wardrobe.
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Pleated Mini
The preppy, ’90s-inspired aesthetic isn’t going anywhere, and autumn is the best season to sport the look via a polished, pleated miniskirt or skort. Complete the look with tights and knee-high boots or suede loafers.
Sea Adeline Belted Pleated Crepe Mini Skirt
Marni Pleated Grain De Poudre Wool Mini Skirt
&Other Stories Pleated Wrap Mini Skirt
Now 26% Off
Inky Blue Denim
Trade in spring and summer’s light-wash denim for darker, deeper indigo hues by way of A-line silhouettes and longer hemlines. Style it with classic tailored staples for the office and everyday essentials, like an Argyle knit when you’re off duty.
Proenza Schouler Calder Belted Denim Maxi Skirt
Now 50% Off
Levi’s Yoked Western Skirt
Wardrobe.NYC Denim Maxi Skirt
Zara Belted Denim Wrap Midi Skirt
Leather
Fashion editors and enthusiasts alike gravitate towards leather once the temperature drops. This season, reach for elevated longline silhouettes in burgundy and black tones for a chic take.
Self-Portrait Belted Leather Skirt
M&S Autograph Leather Patent Textured Midi A-Line Skirt
MaxMara Midi Leather Skirt
Massimo Dutti Straight Nappa Leather Midi Skirt
J.Crew Collection A-line Skirt
Draped Detail
If you’re seeking a touch of drama, opt for these head-turning – and undeniably elegant – draped designs to style with a simple fitted knitted top. Choose your fighter: wrap panels, asymmetric hems or flouncy tiers – there’s no wrong answer.
Erdem Draped Satin Midi Skirt
Cos Draped Wool-Blend Midi Skirt
Tory Burch Wool Wrap Skirt
Dries Van Noten Gathered Draped Layered Printed Satin Midi Skirt
Victoria Beckham Gathered High-Waist Woven Midi Skirt
Suede
If classic leather is too edgy for your taste, consider its more nuanced sister. Suede continues to reign supreme as one of this year’s top fabrications (see also: knee-high boots and bags) and works especially well for skirts in timeless hues of tan and chocolate.
Reiss Miley Suede Straight-Fit Midi Skirt
M&S Suedette Maxi A-Line Skirt
Dissh Sylvie Suede Mini Skirt
Rixo Edwina Embellished Paneled Suede Midi Skirt
Jigsaw Suede Fluid Midi Skirt
Animal Print
Another trend we spotted on the catwalk? Animal print. This season, zebra, cow, and tiger print are all preferred options among the style set. For those who love a classic leopard or snakeskin, choose wider or more muted patterns for a modern feel.
Zara ZW Collection Animal Print Pencil Skirt
Ganni Leopard-Print Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Skirt
Dries Van Noten Printed Wool-Blend Midi Skirt
Rixo Mariah Bohemia Leopard Brown Skirt
Checked
Checked midi skirts with gathered, ruched elements are distinctly ubiquitous this season. Alternatively, a timeless, tailored checked miniskirt is a solid choice when you want to show a little leg.
Polo Ralph Lauren Checked Fringed Wool-Blend Wrap Skirt
Burberry Leather-Trimmed Pleated Checked Wool Mini Skirt
Zara ZW Collection Check Skirt With Wool And Pleats
Cos Draped Checked Midi Skirt
Bubble Hems
Bubble hems of the early noughties continue to make their return. In 2025, styles provide a refined, romantic take on the playful, voluminous skirt with chic poplin, taffeta, and crinkled styles in a variety of lengths.
& Other Stories Bubble Mini Skirt
Alaïa Flared Balloon Maxi Skirt
Simkhai Corinn Bubble Midi Skirt
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Esther Coombes is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing luxury shopping content across fashion, beauty, travel and homes. She graduated from London College of Fashion with a First Class BA in Fashion Journalism in 2010, and has since worked at Marie-Claire, Easy Living, GLAMOUR and Women’s Health.
She held positions as Senior Fashion and Beauty Executive, Senior Lifestyle Executive and Content Lead during her nine years at HELLO! and HELLO! Fashion, creating editorial and branded content across the lifestyle sector and interviewing talent and experts including Lisa Eldridge, Jo Malone and Katie Jane Hughes for print and digital features.
With exacting standards and a critical eye for editing new launches, she enjoys recommending readers best in class products and experiences, be that a glow-giving skin tint, a boutique hotel stay or the perfect slingback stiletto.
In her spare time you can find her at a spin or reformer class or streaming the latest zeitgeisty podcast or television drama.
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