The Polished Skirt Trend in Every Cool-Girl Wardrobe This Year

Street style outfit
(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

With the rise of more elegant style this year, we have seen the return of pieces that have been absent from the fashion space in recent memory. Among them are items such as cigarette pants, evening coats, satin kitten heels, and sophisticated top-handle bags. Another dominant piece that's made a big comeback is A-line skirts. The sculptural piece adds volume and impacts the shapes we are seeing the fashion set wear. While straight, column maxi skirts were the most popular style just a year ago, now, A-line skirts are bringing hourglass outfit silhouettes back into the fold.

The skirt style is popular both on the street style scene and in trans-seasonal outfits we are seeing on social feeds. The styling ranges from sleek minimalism to romantic nostalgia. Ahead, see some of the best late-summer outfits that incorporate the A-line skirt trend, and shop our edit of pieces to wear with it for this season and beyond.

A-line skirt outfit

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

When in doubt, stick to a monochrome look when experimenting with new proportions. This look pairs a black knit vest with an A-line skirt and heels, finishing it with touches of gold in the earrings and belt.

A-line skirt outfit

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

A sleeveless white knit is the perfect balance to a black A-line skirt. This is a formula we see again and again that can be adjusted with small tweaks like the addition of a wide leather belt.

A-line skirt outfit

(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

A minimalist '90s spaghetti-strap tank top takes on a more elegant spin with the addition of a pleated skirt and gold-buckle leather belt. This is the ultimate summer uniform to wear everywhere from a date night to an event.

A-line skirt outfit

(Image credit: Getty Images/Christian Vierig)

Lean into the elegance of an A-line skirt with a polished matching set or dress. I'm starting to look at mock necks as we head towards fall. Pair with sophisticated pumps and a woven leather bag. Then, add a gold bangle.

A-line skirt outfit

(Image credit: @iliridakrasniqi)

A-line skirt outfits are all about proportion play. This look emphasizes the shape of the skirt by pairing it with a fluted peplum top.

A-line skirt outfit

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Tailored vest tops have been a staple on the fashion scene for the last several years. If you already own one, make it feel fresh by pairing it with an A-line skirt, strappy heels, and a suede handbag to signal that you're ready for fall.

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.