If you only add one key item to your wardrobe as summer hits, make it a maxi skirt, says Amy Norbury
While mini skirts have been making waves in recent seasons, this summer sees the dominance of their more grown-up, elegant sister style. That’s right; hemlines this season are going low, low, low as maxi is the length to be seen in.
Hemline fluctuations have widely been used as a barometer of the nation’s mood. Hemline economic theory states that shorter hemlines are associated with boom times -think of the Roaring Twenties and mini flapper dresses, or Mary Quant’s ubiquitous miniskirts in the Swinging Sixties – while longer lengths are favoured in more difficult times, such as the introduction of Dior’s New Look with voluminous, full length skirts foreshadowing the late-Forties recession. A covid hangover, economic turmoil and the current cost of living crisis would suggest there may be something in it. But it’s not all doom and gloom, as this season’s maxis offer a plethora of looks to tap into some of our favourite wider trends.
While maxi skirts have often been saved for special occasions and holiday dressing, 2023 brings wearable floor-sweeping styles for every eventuality. The beauty of the maxi skirt lies in its ease; they’re practical, a doddle to pair, and there’s a style out there to suit just about everyone. From low-slung boho styles to column silhouettes, slinky wraps or even baggy cargo maxis, it’s a stylistic feast.
Denim continues its reign as a firm fabric favourite, and the denim maxi could be your early summer wardrobe hero. Opt for a fitted column style with a front slit (a must for ease of movement!) and team with stylish basics -a well-cut crisp white T-shirt or vest top is perfect – then sling on your favourite trainers and some chunky jewellery for instant casual cool.
Treat a cargo maxi in broadly the same way for an outfit which ticks 2023 myriad trend boxes.
Mitch Zachery for Primark
For effortless elegance, boho prairie skirts – think early Noughties Sienna Miller – are making a comeback, while pleated maxis in tactile fabrics offer just the right amount of ‘swish’ for a girlie glam vibe. Again, let the skirt do the talking and pair with a simple cami and your trusty flat sandals for an outfit which will take you everywhere this summer.
