How to Style Skirts This Summer

Skirts may be a seasonless closet staple, but summer is when they really shine—offering a fun mix of refined, quirky, and utilitarian styles, and everything in between.

Whether you have a defined style persona or are still experimenting with summer trends, dressing for the warmer months should take the guesswork out of getting ready, with looks that embody the effortless, free-spirited feel skirts offer.

Two of our favorite styles right now: the paillette skirt and the cargo skirt. One feels fun and flirty, the other minimal and practical—proof that there’s a skirt for every mood.

If you’re looking for outfit ideas, we’ve got you covered. We’ve pulled inspiration from the Chanel, Miu Miu, and Dior runways, as well as from celebrities like Zendaya and Gracie Abrams, whose style continues to feel fresh and elevated season after season.

Ahead, some of our favorite skirt styles for spotlight-worthy summer dressing.

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Whimsically refined

Leave it to Matthieu Blazy to create something that feels highly coveted. Chanel’s creative director was widely celebrated for his 2026 haute couture collection, and this sheer look is a clear reflection of why. Despite being completely see-through, it still feels refined and whimsical, with a delicate fabric that echoes the fashion house’s iconic tweed.

Long & floaty

A long, voluminous skirt instantly feels dressy, even when paired with a simple scoop-neck top. A daytime event or early-evening soirée is the perfect excuse to step out in a similarly sunny yellow number. Add a personal touch with campy jewelry and a statement bag to match.

Everyday sophistication

If Zendaya wears it, you know it’s a must. Earlier this year, the Dune: Part Two star appeared alongside her Challengers co-stars at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. She put a glam spin on country club style in a Brunello Cucinelli ensemble featuring a loose-fitting cable-knit pullover and a high-slit pencil skirt. The juxtaposition of a cozy cable-knit with a long, sleek skirt makes for the perfectly casual-polished fit.

Paillettes pairings

Paillette skirts have been a summer favorite for a few seasons now. Whether you like the attention or not, keep in mind this style is meant to be seen. Though sequins are often associated with nighttime, daytime works just fine. One of the best ways to balance out the flamboyance is to pair the skirt with an everyday basic, like a boxy white T-shirt. Just go ahead and watch the compliments roll in.

Off-duty chic

For days when you’re feeling a little sluggish but have places to be, look no further than a satin pencil skirt and crewneck sweatshirt combo à la Olivia Wilde. Similar to Zendaya’s casually refined look, a navy pencil skirt can do wonders for your everyday wardrobe—especially with an elastic waist. We love how she paired it with comfy loafers as a chic alternative to sneakers.

Utilitarian design

Despite sharing the same utilitarian appeal, cargo skirts get a whole different level of attention than their counterpart: cargo pants. This style reads as chic functionality, and paired with a classic white button-down, the combination evolves into a look that’s ideal for grabbing a coffee, an early lunch, or anything in between.

Bright side

As a newly appointed Chanel ambassador, it makes sense for singer Gracie Abrams to give us all the inspo we need from the iconic French fashion house. For the release of her new album in July, she stepped out in a Chanel Resort 2027 look that immediately caught everyone’s attention. Of course, much of that comes down to the vibrant green skirt she wore, featuring a logo and black contrast trim. She paired it with a cream-colored, logo’d tank, which immediately gave a style lesson in bold sartorial pairings.

Collegiate style

We’d be lying if we said a knee-length skirt and orange polo shirt aren’t the epitome of back-to-school vibes. Even if this red-orange pairing from the Miu Miu spring 2026 runway show isn’t your preferred color choice, the combined silhouettes offer an outfit that’s ready to be seen with a large book bag and perhaps a pair of Birkenstock Bostons.

Colorful feathers

How do you parlay a colorful feather skirt into your everyday wardrobe, you ask? Just like the look from the Chanel 2026 haute couture runway, a boxy top makes a brilliant match for downplaying the elaborate plume effect. This skirt is meant to be noticed, and just like sequins, it’s prepared to bring a colorful statement to your closet.

Blooms & petals

Though not groundbreaking, pretty blooms will forever be an emblem of spring and summer. This look from the Dior 2026 haute couture runway show is far too campy for everyday life, but the blooming skirt set by Dorothee Schumacher—though also bold—is much more wearable than expected, thanks to its light pink and neutral tones.

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