I Want to Look Sophisticated and Put-Together This Season—5 Skirt Outfits I Know Will Nail the Brief

Anyone who knows me will know that I'm almost always in skirts or dresses, so come September, I gladly take on the challenge of integrating skirts into my autumnal wardrobe. I've officially made the autumn-winter wardrobe transition, and although I was initially mourning the end of summer, I've been enamoured by the span of strong offerings this year. You likely note the recurring trends — from leather skirts (an annual resurgence synonymous with cooler weather) to voluminous and knitted skirts, in addition to the fresh trends of 2024, namely suede, puffball and leather skirts awash with a purplish hue. When it comes to styling skirts for autumn, the options are aplenty, although I'm aware knowing where to start when approaching skirt styling from a cold weather standpoint may feel daunting as they're best associated with spring and summer.

Franny Fyne wears a full skirt

(Image credit: @frannyfyne)

I tend to adjust proportions depending on what style of skirt I'm wearing. As you'd expect with the season, extended hemlines tend to feel most weather-appropriate but while the weather is still mild I'll wear them bare-legged paired with outerwear to ensure warmth and comfort. I like the option of pairing elevated basics with form-fitting suede skirts and cinched-in blazers with full voluminous skirts and while we're thinking outside of the box, why not pair your skirts with jackets in a matching hue, for a uniform look? All things considered, it's evident I don't have to sacrifice one of the most loved pieces in my arsenal this season and there are myriad opportunities to integrate summer styles into your autumn wardrobe. Continue reading for five elegant skirt outfits I intend to wear from here on out.

5 Elegant Skirt Outfits I'll Be Wearing This Autumn:

1. Suede Midi Skirt + Black Lightweight Top + Mary-Jane Shoes

Nnenna Chem wears a suede midi skirt

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Style Notes: Note Nnennae's expert styling as she juxtaposes leather and suede textiles in this tonal outfit. She also shows how to style the mesh Mary-jane this season.

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2. Blazer + Full Skirt + Mary Jane Platforms

Maxine wears a full skirt and blazer

(Image credit: @maxineeggenberger)

Style Notes: Our very own Maxine Eggenberger is a prime example of refined elegance and she donned this classic ensemble to London Fashion Week. The outfit comprised fitted elements to free-flowing skirting, with sleeved coverage that works well for the change of seasons.

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3. Red Jumper + Leather Skirt + White Pumps

Anouk Yve wears a red jumper and leather midi skirt

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: Pairing this season's coveted hues together is a fresh take on autumn styling. Red and burgundy is an expert colour combination.

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4. Knitted Skirt + High Neck Top + Pumps

Abi Marvel wears a knitted skirt

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: Like Abi, opt for textured fabrications like a woollen skirt, paired with a seam-free top for a bodycon finish.

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5. Pleated Skirt + Cropped Utilitarian Jacket

Nl Marilyn wears a pleated midi skirt

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: This outfit presents many elements as it's part preppy and part utilitarian. Stone-hued pleated midi skirts are fresh for this autumn and it's even better when topped with a jacket in a matching hue.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.