Skirts Will Officially Peak in 2023: The 7 Major Trends to Know
No wardrobe staple has had a resurgence in recent decades the way that skirts have. As the dust settles around the Miu Miu spring 2022 runways that sparked major excitement around micro-minis, skirts are evolving in more directions than one. Yes, they are getting longer but they are also expanding in width and coming in swatches of fabric we didn’t expect to see amongst the runway looks. Yes, Miu Miu most certainly put a spotlight on skirts but every single other designer is loving them just as much.
My inner child is jumping with joy at the revelation that skirts have officially reached their peak in this modern era. My youth was plagued with a love for miniskirts even in the depths of a Midwest winter. For this reason, you'll still find me running out to grab a coffee in the West Village wearing sheer tights and a skirt no matter how cold it is. After reviewing the greatest hits of the 2023 runway collections that we've seen (so far), these 7 skirt trends are an absolute must-know.
I pray that this revelation doesn't give you whiplash but as a sort of antithesis to the micro mini craze, designers are having fun steering in the complete opposite direction by pushing maxi skirts. If you're after the '90s minimalist vibe that we won't shut up about, this one is for you.
Shop the trend:
If you've been keeping up with the trends, you're certainly no stranger to cargo pants. Learning that they are now coming out in skirt form was music to my ears. Cargo anything gives off that effortless vibe that I'm all over right now.
Shop the trend:
I've had my eyes on this skirt for some time now.
This trend is giving major sex appeal, and I'm here for it. Try adding a skirt with a daring slit that meets you at the mid-thigh to spice up your look. If you're daring enough to show off your hips, you'll look so 2023.
Shop the trend:
We've been talking about denim skirts a lot these past few years and the trend has recently gotten even more exciting. Reconstructed and vintage-inspired denim will always give off the "I thrifted this!" vibe that is super cool. Bonus points if you make the sustainable choice to pick one up at a thrift store or sew one up yourself.
Shop the trend:
I love when a microtrend pops up that feels completely brand new and exciting. Bubble-hem skirts are about to be the new kid on the block. Expect to see them on red carpets before they make their way down to street style (unless you think you can beat the celebs).
Shop the trend:
Anything that makes me look like the dancing emoji catches my eye.
Aligning with what the Weeknd says in his current hit, "Creepin," keep it on the low. Low-rise has been around now for a minute but it doesn't look like it's going anywhere. After first being met with hesitation, everyone is now full-speed ahead and not planning to stop any time soon.
Shop the trend:
I could write an entire essay on the new "mermaidcore" aesthetic. My biggest concern is if this has anything to do with the Little Mermaid reboot. Regardless, even the most elevated designers such as Alaïa are pushing out skirts that are reminiscent of a mermaid's tale. This is a trend you'll have to try out for yourself.
Shop the trend:
Up Next: Leggings Are Officially Runway-Approved—5 Trends We're Eyeing for 2023
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
-
We're Fashion Editors—Everything We Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFW
Let's dive in.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears Today
A true fashion icon.
By Judith Jones
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% Classic
Just as you are.
By Drew Elovitz
-
Emma Chamberlain's World: Her Warby Parker Collab, Two-Phone Rule, and Spiciest Fashion Takes
"I just want to bring the most joy to people."
By Anna LaPlaca
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding