For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop Newsletter.
If you have been anti-skirt for a while, it’s time to give maxi skirts a try. Shopping writer Chinea Rodriguez wasn’t convinced until she tried a Free People denim maxi skirt last year (catch the exact one below) that completely changed her mind. The skirt looked just as good as her favorite jeans and pants without feeling as restricting and stiff. And yes, you’ve guessed it, she’s been wearing it nonstop since.
Unlike miniskirts, you don’t have to worry about showcasing your underwear for the world to see. A good maxi skirt provides the coverage of a pair of pants with the flow and ease of a dress. Talk about range.
So, we decided to round up some of her favorites to try to convert you to wear them too. Plus, she asked shopping editor Hanna Flanagan to share her favorites, as well. The more the merrier!
Here are the best maxi skirts you’ll want to replace all your pants with.
SO, YOU WANT TO BUY A MAXI SKIRT?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
➼ Our experts
.
Our top picks
If You Want a Low-Rise Maxi
Colors: 2 | Sizes: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose blend
This versatile low-waisted skirt is made from viscose material that drapes just as beautifully as silk but feels even more breathable and lightweight. The ruched waistband makes it so comfortable and easy to wear. I wore it with tanks and tees all summer long and have loved pairing it with cardigans as the weather changes.
If You Like a Structured Skirt
Colors: 3 | Sizes: 00-14 | Materials: Polyester, wool, elastane
This skirt is made from thick wool-blend material that adds stiffness and structure without being too heavy or hot, so you can layer tights underneath in the winter or wear it on its own in the summer. It’s a great alternative to dress pants, thanks to the tailored silhouette.
If You Need a Skirt for the Office
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 00-16 | Materials: Wool, polyester
The pleats and slightly structured drape makes this skirt feel formal and totally appropriate for the office. It’s made from lightweight wool that can be worn all year-round.
If You Want a Denim Maxi Skirt
Colors: 9 | Sizes: 0 - 14 | Materials: Cotton
The beauty of this skirt is how cool it is. Chinea Rodriguez recommends sizing up to wear it lower on the waist and pairing it with oversize tops. It’s surprisingly flow-y, considering the denim fabric. All winter, I paired it with oversize sweaters and boots. Now, as the weather warms up, I’ll balance it out with platforms and breezy button-down tops and tanks.
If You Want to Ditch the Cargo Pants
Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS - XL | Materials: Cotton
Try a cargo skirt instead. Local European’s cargo skirt is formfitting and flattering while still being easy to walk in. Rodriguez has paired this with sneakers just as she would cargo pants, and since the silhouette is still pretty fitted, it looks just as good dressed up with heels and a “going-out” top.
.
Other tried-and-true options
If You Want Pleats
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 2-14 | Materials: Wool, polyester, elastane
If the vibrant color isn’t enough to sell you on this maxi, you should also know that the dimensional pleats and side slit make it incredibly twirl-able. It’s made from warm yet breathable wool-blend material and features subtle side pockets that never look bulky.
If You Want a Skirt That Fits Close to the Body
Colors: 6 | Sizes: XS - XL | Materials: Polyester, viscose, spandex
Leset offers so many chic and high-quality basics, from classic white T-shirts to this high-waisted maxi skirt. The figure-hugging silhouette and extra-long length is sleek and sophisticated while the ultrasoft jersey material is soft to the touch. Another bonus? The waistband can be folded over to give you more options when it comes to styling.
If You Want a Bold Print
Colors: 5 | Sizes: XS - XL | Materials: 100 percent silk
Dress it up or down, either way this silk maxi doesn’t require much styling. The relaxed fit makes the classic polka-dot print feel more modern.
If You’re Going on Vacation
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 14 - 32 | Materials: Cotton
White skirts are perfect for summer (and fall). Take it from Cut contributor Aemilia Madden.
If You Want Something Fun
Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS - L | Materials: Rayon, spandex
With a little flare, some pleats, and a bit of stretch, this skirt may be neutral, but its silhouette keeps it fun.
If You Want Something Really Fun
Colors: 3 | Sizes: S - L | Materials: Linen
Why choose just one color when you can wear three at once? This linen skirt from Spanish brand La Veste features a number of color combos you can mix and match with bikini tops and tanks all summer.
If You Want Something Really Sheer
Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS - L | Materials: Cotton
You’ll have to be a little bolder to pull of this sheer skirt. However, think of all the styling options! Layer this over bike shorts and pair it with warm-weather tank tops and blouses or oversize sweaters for chilly summer nights.
If You Want Something Casual
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 10 - 28 | Materials: Polyester, spandex
Soft, stretchy and not too clingy, this maxi is a good alternative to the dress pants you’d usually grab for the office. There’s a subtle side slit so it doesn’t feel too stuffy.
If You Want Something a Little Fancier
Colors: 3 | Sizes: 2 - 12 | Materials: Viscose, rayon
This satin skirt has the upper hand when it comes to dressing up a look; it will look great with dainty heels.
If You Want Something Fast
Colors: 23 | Sizes: XXS - 5X | Materials: Polyester, elastane
This is a little shorter than the other maxis. But if you need something fast, this is your best bet. With prime shipping, you can get the silky slip skirt in one of 15 patterns and colors. A nice intro to the maxi-skirt life.
.
Our experts
- Chinea Rodriguez, shopping writer at the Cut
- Hanna Flanagan, shopping writer at the Cut
