Skirts are making a significant comeback on the fashion scene, as demonstrated at recent London and Milan Fashion Weeks. This season, designers are putting renewed emphasis on skirts, exploring diverse styles and innovative fabrics that mark a shift in women’s wardrobes long dominated by trousers and jeans.

Prada’s spring/summer collection encapsulated this trend by declaring the skirt as a focal point of its design efforts. The Italian fashion house described the skirt as a “universal garment” and showcased a variety of interpretations, positioning it as a versatile and central piece rather than a secondary option.

Beyond the runway, the resurgence of skirts is evident on high streets and online retail platforms, with many brands introducing multiple skirt styles in their new collections. The renewed focus arises from a long-standing industry tendency to prioritise trousers. Historically, skirts were sometimes viewed as conventional or overly formal, whereas trousers became synonymous with modernity and freedom, especially after their rise to prominence in the mid-20th century.

Karen Peacock, chief creative officer at the British label Albaray, explains the brand’s autumn/winter emphasis on skirts as an effort to reinvent heritage styles. By incorporating new fabrics and finishing techniques, Albaray aims to soften the traditional, sometimes rigid image of the skirt, enhancing its wearability and flexibility. Peacock also highlights a shift in styling, with skirts now worn in more casual, contrasting combinations such as with simple knitwear or relaxed jackets, moving away from the previously rigid associations with heels and coordinated accessories.

Several key styles are gaining attention this season. Bold, patterned skirts — often floral or vintage-inspired — are favored for striking, cheerful looks. These designs have found popularity both on the runway and among consumers, offering a vibrant alternative to monochrome options. Heritage styles like the kilt are also being reimagined with lighter fabrics and exaggerated details to offer modern appeal while retaining traditional roots. Albaray’s offerings in various plaids and ginghams exemplify this trend.

Another notable category includes skirts made from softer materials such as suede and leather, updated with contemporary cuts that enhance comfort and style. Brands like Me+Em and Zara have introduced suede A-line skirts and faux leather options in versatile colorways.

The slip skirt remains a seasonal staple, particularly favored in Milan’s still-warm climate, where its simplicity and elegance continue to attract wearers.

Overall, the skirt’s return signals a broader evolution in fashion, where the garment is no longer confined to prescribed norms but is embraced for its adaptability and potential for individual expression.