As far as hemlines are concerned, recent seasons have been a tale of two extremes. Thigh-skimming skirt lengths have circulated runways far and wide, made for wearers that love a bare leg, while all-encompassing maxis have been out in full force, too. The latter has been particularly popular – and the autumn/winter 2023 menswear collections, which were rife with floor-dusting hems, suggest that maxi skirts will continue to be a hot topic this year.
Those undistracted by the fuzzy pink puffer coat that stole the show at Martine Rose’s Pitti Uomo fixture – her first-ever outside of London – will have noticed the designer’s maxi skirts, that were cut close to the body, realised in grungy denim, shiny satin and a smart pinstripe fabric. Elsewhere, several tailored versions debuted at Gucci, worn with preppy rugby shirts and oversized blazers, posing a new staple for the modern wardrobe.
Prior to the men’s shows, the maxi skirt effect had a stronghold at the spring/summer 2023 womenswear shows in September/October, where styling inspiration arrived in the form of stretch-bodycon skirts and crop tops at Alaïa, Tippex-white low-risers at Peter Do and denim iterations at Stefan Cooke, MM6 Maison Margiela and Altuzarra, to name but a few.
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It’s the year of the maxi skirt – and it’s time to get on board. Take cues from the runways as to how to wear them this season and beyond.
Form-fitting
Alaïa’s current creative director Pieter Mulier has continued the late Azzedine Alaïa’s legacy with his archive-inspired pieces, which this season included a chenille and jersey maxi skirt, worn with a matching crop top on the runway.
Low-rise
A more approachable alternative to the divisive low-rise jeans that have made a recent comeback? A smart low-rise maxi skirt as seen at Peter Do’s spring/summer 2023 show, which was styled with a long-sleeve top for peak elegance.
Pair with a tee
Multiple looks at Martine Rose’s autumn/winter 2023 show featured maxi skirts. One particular pinstripe style was paired with one of the designer’s signature sporty T-shirts – a high-low way to style this season’s hero piece.
Add a skinny belt
MM6 Maison Margiela’s take on the maxi skirt came in distressed denim, paired with a Y2K-esque skinny belt for added nostalgic flair.
Denim styling
Denim maxi skirts have been a common sighting in recent times. Stefan Cooke was one of many brands that showed rigid denim maxis for spring/summer 2023 – one was styled with a sweet bow top – while Gigi Hadid wore several styles last year.
Preppy take
Let Gucci’s autumn/winter 2023 menswear show inspire you to try preppy styling. Flowing grey and beige skirts – Vogue’s Luke Leitch likened them to unpicked trousers – came with stripy rugby shirts and oversized blazers, souped up with the brand’s iconic horsebit loafers and socks.
