Midi hemlines have dominated the skirt scene for years, but times are a-changing. Last year, as the world started to open up again, we saw a meteoric rise—no pun intended—in mini hemlines, as fashion devotees reclaimed glamour and reintroduced impracticality into their wardrobes. But what does the future hold for skirts this year? Well, if the spring/summer 2022 catwalks are anything to go by (spoiler: they are), then maxi hemlines are set to be all the rage.
It’s been a while since maxi skirts were on the style agenda, but as Who What Wear UK’s Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi noted in our bumper trend report, “key brands such as Louis Vuitton and Givenchy [are] backing the cut. There is a Y2K lilt to these hemlines descending, with simple tube styles that fit closer to the ankles being more present than, say, a hippy, tiered cut.”
Her insight is further reinforced by Instagram dwellers, who have been sporting maxi skirt outfits since, well, September—when designers debuted their collections. Coincidence? There’s no such thing. So, how does one assemble maxi skirt outfits in 2022? I’ve taken some of the finest looks from my favourite influencers, which illustrate this perfectly.
From slinky maxis to those that are best to buy secondhand, scroll on to see seven maxi skirt outfits I love and rate for 2022.
Style Notes: If in doubt, go back to basics, and what could be more simple than a tube skirt, and maxi hemlines make this style of skirt look so much more premium. Wear it now with a thin roll-neck top, then switch in a racer-back vest for summer.
Ultra-thin scrappy sandals can be hard to walk in, but the clever block heel will make it easy.
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Style Notes: Full-circle skirts aren’t just fun for twirling in; they also create a beautiful silhouette—one that’s made all the more impactful in a maxi length. Checked styles feel particularly on-trend, tapping into the cottagecore aesthetic that always comes back again in spring. Just add a broderie blouse and lace-up boots.
This will look so beautiful tucked into skirts and jeans alike.
I’ve seen so many great preloved maxi skirts on Etsy.
Don’t these look designer?
Style Notes: The thing I love most about co-ords is how easy they make it to assemble an outfit, so why not consider buying into two-pieces with maxi hemlines. If you’re petite and worried about being swathed in fabric, look for maxi skirts with side splits.
I’m eyeing this two-piece for 2022 weddings.
Give your wares a new lease of life with a bright bag.
The ruching on this skirt feels so high-end.
Style Notes: With an untucked top, trainers, and shoulder bag, this is how I predict fashion girls will be styling their maxi skirts for the next few months. Look for column-style skirts like Camille’s for a modern take on the trend.
So many of our editors own this versatile knit.
The ultimate holiday piece.
One of fashion’s all-time favourite sneakers.
Style Notes: Pleated skirts never truly go out of style, but after falling quiet over the past couple of years, they’re fast becoming a 2022 must-have. And yes, there are plenty of maxi options out there, too—I love how Franny gives hers a downtime spin with retro-feeling trainers.
That’s a lot of coat for the money.
A skirt that you can wear just as easily to the office as you can for dinners out.
New Balance trainers have never been more in-demand than they are now.
Style Notes: Between the ballet and maxi trends that were evident on the spring/summer 2022 runways, it was inevitable that tulle skirts would make a reappearance for the season ahead. Make like Monikh and pair yours with an oversized jumper now, then basic jersey tops once temperatures heat up.
A classy way to inject some colour into your wardrobe.
Our team is obsessed with this Raey number.
These shoes will go with everything you own.
Style Notes: When I think of leather skirts, mini hemlines always spring to mind, but designers are already a step ahead, serving up full-length iterations. I like how Lucy has styled hers with a crop-top, which gives some respite from the thickness of the fabric.
The perfect cropped knit.
A bag that looks good and does good for its local community.
It’s not often that you come across fishtail skirts, but I really rate this one.
