We’ll admit it: We’re pretty good at spotting a trend. As Who What Wear editors, it’s our job to keep our eyes, ears and fingers on the pulse. It’s true that we focus a lot on wardrobe classics, encouraging smart purchases that will last you a long time. But we also take our responsibility of keeping you up-to-date on the latest most-wanted buys and emerging trends very seriously. Our Slack instant-messaging channels are constantly pinging with editors’ observations and the sharing of various fashion reports, runway looks, TikToks and IG links. The most recent obsession we’ve noticed? Denim-skirt outfits. Don’t worry. We’re not talking about the belt-like, frayed-hem versions of old. No, denim skirts appear to have matured with us, and for 2024, they look much more grown up, more polished and all the more wearable in longer midi and maxi lengths.
We first noticed the beginnings of this noughties renaissance early last year, but it wasn’t until this month when my fellow editors and I confirmed that long denim skirts were a full-blown thing again and that we all wanted a piece of it. The conversation went along the lines of…
Editor 1: "Hey team, are long denim skirts really a thing now? I woke up this morning with such a deep urge for one and now notice that they're absolutely everywhere."
Editor 2: "I saw someone in one on TikTok, and she looked so good."
Editor 3: "I equally have an urge for one, despite never really wearing skirts"
Editor 4: "It's officially a thing! Definitely going to be huge this autumn."
So here we are. Denim skirts may have made their first reappearance on the runways last year. But with the transitional season starting to trickle in, we can see that this is a trend both the high street and designer brands have continued to invest in for the season ahead.
As is often the case when a piece like this reemerges, thinking of multiple ways to style it can be hard. So below, I've pulled together all the best and easiest-to-copy denim-skirt outfits I've seen recently and then shopped them out to help inspire you. Happy shopping!
Shop the Denim-Skirt Looks We Plan on Copying This Autumn:
1. Shirt + Denim Skirt + Mules + Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: Sylvie makes her relaxed denim skirt look polished with a classic white shirt and suede mules. Finished off with a slick shoulder bag, she could be going to the office or out for dinner and drinks.
Shop the Look:
This classic buy belongs in every wardrobe.
Simple and easy to wear.
Reach for these all year round.
A chic option that will serve you for years to come.
2. Leather Bomber + Denim Skirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Rikke adds another key 2024 trend to her denim-skirt outfit in the form of a leather bomber jacket. The cropped jacket style works so well to balance out the maxi skirt, and pretty ballerina shoes keep it feeling romantic.
Shop the Look:
So cool.
The foundation of so many great outfits.
Agolde denim is an influencer-favourite for a reason.
No need to reserve these for fancy occasions.
3. Blazer + Denim Skirt + Suede Boots
Style Notes: Marina proves that blazers and long denim skirts are a match made in sartorial heaven. This is another simple but versatile outfit that could take you from day to night.
Shop the Look:
A great starter blazer.
This has a nicely laid-back fit.
The perfect mid-blue wash.
Choose a lighter suede for the transitional season.
4. Striped Shirt + Light Denim Skirt + Trainers
Style Notes: Lighter denim hues are taking over the jeans world this year, so it makes sense the obsession is spreading into the world of denim skirts too. I love how Nnenna's low-key pale blue shirt complements the lightwash skirt perfectly.
Shop the Look:
Size up for a boxier fit.
This versatile skirt comes in ten different washes.
Wear these with everything from jeans and denim skirts to long floral dresses.
5. Long-Sleeved Top + Black Denim Skirt + Trainers + Tote Bag
Style Notes: Who What Wear US editor Eliza shows us exactly how to wear a denim-skirt outfit on the weekend. Trainers and a retro T-shirt make this noughties trend feel fresh.
Shop the Look:
This has a fun old-school feel to it.
Easy to elevate or wear casually at the weekend.
A nice change from the average white trainer.
So sleek.
6. Leather Jacket + Denim Skirt + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Changing classic blue or black styles up for a crisp white denim skirt is a move we're planning on trying as autumn gets underway.
Shop the Look:
This is an ideal cover-up for transitional weather.
This will freshen up any autumn outfit.
Knee-high boots aren't going anywhere any time soon.
7. Knitted Tank + Denim Skirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Taffy provides an über-cool example of how to do spring dressing—with a knitted tank and chic ballet flats. It feels very "fashion," but it's so simple to copy.
Shop the Look:
This will take the edge off on mid-weather days.
I love how this looks with heels and a dressier top.
Wear-with-everything flats.