I spend hours researching the latest fashion trends every week, and there’s one unlikely wardrobe item that is set to dominate the streets this spring and summer. Instead of jeans or denim shorts, shoppers can expect to find themselves swooning over something a little bit different this season: a fresh white cotton skirt.
Scan your favourite social media platforms, and you're bound to spot influencers donning this must-have piece . From London Fashion Week to weekend brunch dates - if there’s one purchase you need to make this payday, I’d say it’s one of these .
These billowy skirts are the perfect blend of comfort and style, with many being made from cotton or similarly lightweight fabrics. While the weather remains on the cooler side, they’re ideal for layering, and when summer comes around, they’ll be perfect for pairing with summer tops and denim jackets.
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Its neutral hue also means it acts as a blank canvas, allowing for endless styling possibilities, so there’s no wonder fashion enthusiasts are dying to get their hands on one. Thankfully, the high street has plenty to offer, with M&S, John Lewis and Nobody’s Child all stocking their own take on the hottest new trend.
One influencer, Hannah Gale, bought hers from Marks and Spencer and shared a video styling it up for the spring season. She said: “A 6.30am scroll purchase and I am OBSESSED. Costs £32.50 and also comes in black.” She swooned over the skirt’s elasticated waist and pockets (YAY), as well as the fact it’s double lined so as not to be see through.
She styled the skirt with a denim shirt tucked in, a red knit draped loosely over her shoulders, with ballet flats and a rattan bag. However, she did joke that she will ‘not be wearing it anywhere near my three year old’ - so toddler mums and frequent food spillers, consider yourselves warned.
But Hannah isn’t the only one ‘obsessed’ with the white skirt trend . Rebeccaferrazwyatt, who has 87.6k followers on Instagram, styled her long white skirt, from Zara, with a gingham padded jacket, a buttermilk yellow woven bag and Ganni’s iconic buckle flats for a day out in London, with her hair plaited and finished with a bow for some Parisian chic.
Meanwhile, Manchester content creator Faye Ellaby, boasting 112k followers, wore a similar style, but styled hers with a pair of Adidas trainers, an oversized denim jacket and on-trend trench, completing her outfit with some oversized accessories including sunglasses, earrings and a scrunchie.
And Ciara O Doherty shared her styling inspiration to her 190k followers, giving the white skirt an edgier look with a leather jacket, leather handbag and black ballet flats. She captioned the post: “I have a feeling it’s going to be a ballet flat and long white skirt kinda spring” - and I couldn’t agree more.
Another style we’re loving is this £89 Mint Velvet skirt from John Lewis , which is a little bit more expensive, boasting a fit-and-flare silhouette and tie waist that can be adjusted for the perfect fit. Equally as boujee, Massimo Dutti have their voluminous poplin midi skirt available for £69.95, which would look gorgeous paired with a fitted bodysuit or a cropped blouse for an effortlessly chic look.
Elsewhere, Nobody’s Child has this White Poplin Drawstring Midi Skirt for £55 , and have styled the model with a waistcoat - another spring essential. This is the kind of look where you can add statement accessories and strappy heels to elevate your ensemble from day to night.
If you’re heading on holiday, Uniqlo’s crinkle cotton tiered skirt comes in under £35 and makes for a lovely beach cover up. It’s slightly more sheer than some of the other options, but is great for throwing over a bikini with a linen shirt, sandals and oversized straw hat.
But if you’re on a budget, Roman’s White Cotton Poplin Pocket Skirt has been reduced to £22, and is most similar to M&S’s with pockets and an elastic waistband.
As the weather warms up, I’ve no doubt we’re going to be seeing these everywhere. However, I’d recommend snapping one up early before they inevitably sell out so that you can be smug about it later. While a white skirt may not have been something you previously had in your wardrobe, their versatility means they’ll be a worthy investment for the seasons to come, too.