The must-have skirt shape you NEED to add to your wardrobe this summer
POPLIN skirts and dresses are a stylish but versatile addition to every summer wardrobe, as they’re lightweight and breathable on warmer days.
Their crisp texture and long-line silhouette make them perfect for both casual outings and more formal occasions.
While micro-skirts dominated the runway last year, propelled by luxury labels like Miu Miu, 2024 is all about the ’70s-inspired poplin silhouette.
Here’s how our Fashion team is incorporating this lightweight style to elevate their summer looks.
Abby McHale, 29, Deputy Fashion Editor
- Skirt, £35, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £85, Messy Weekend – BUY NOW
- Earrings, £9.99, Parfois – BUY NOW
- Bag, £28, Bohemia – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £49.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Top, £145, Rixo – BUY NOW
I’m obsessed with this white poplin skirt from M&S.
I’ve had it in my wardrobe for a few weeks now and have already got so much wear out of it.
It fits really well, gives me a nice shape, and I can wear it for everything from the office to more fancy occasions.
Here, I’ve paired it with a cream embroidered top from Rixo which is giving me all the summer feels.
For accessories, I’ve kept things sunny with a raffia bag, sunglasses and some cute gold ballet flats from Zara.
However, I’ve also been wearing the skirt with a T-shirt and blazer, or a jumper when the weather has been cool – and it’s definitely coming on holiday with me paired with a vest and sandals.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 33, Fashion Editor
- Skirt, £29.99, Bershka – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £79.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £16, Next – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £49.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Bangle, £27, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
- Bag, £185, Reiss – BUY NOW
Last year the LWD (Little White Dress) dominated the high street, but this year it’s the not-so-little white midaxi skirt.
So make sure this is your new summer go-to now the sun has started to come out.
Stark-white crisp cotton with a fluid silhouette makes the perfect warm weather look – breezy and stylish, it’s my new favourite.
And you can add as much or as little colour and texture as you like (though I tend to pick one, not both).
I’ll be wearing my midaxi with a neutral tan palette with lots of different textures to keep my look interesting, including this tweedy jacket from Mango and suede mules I’ve just bought from Zara – I love how expensive they look!
And a buttery, soft leather clutch or crossbody bag will work with so many outfits for all the occasions I have lined up this summer.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, Fashion Director
- Skirt, £32, Next – BUY NOW
- Bag, £140, Jigsaw – BUY NOW
- Scarf, £20, Fable England – BUY NOW
- Top, £35, Arket – BUY NOW
- Trainers, £89.85, Massimo Dutti – BUY NOW
- Collarless blazer, £159, Arket – BUY NOW
I am such a tomboy.
I have lived in trousers my whole life – but this year I have embraced skirts.
Why? This poplin midaxi skirt is just so comfy to wear, as it has an elasticated waist and pockets, which immediately puts me in my comfort zone.
After last year’s trend for micro-minis, it’s so nice to see something that is so wearable and has really modern clean lines.
I love the unfussy shape and I especially love that it is so versatile.
Here, I’ve teamed it with a breton stripe, oversized blazer and flats, but it looks equally as good with a trophy jacket or embroidered waistcoat.
It’s good to get out of your comfort zone and try new things – even though I work in fashion, I definitely have to remind myself of that sometimes, too!
Emily Regan, 24, Fashion Assistant
- Skirt, £39.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £110, COS – BUY NOW
- Vest, £12.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £49.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Bag, £25.99, Stradivarius – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £9.99, H&M – BUY NOW
Even though I’m just over 5ft, I still love wearing maxi skirts.
I adore this A-line number from H&M, as it accentuates the waist area.
Blue and white stripes add interest, making it a perfect choice for everyday wear, the office or an evening event.
Throughout autumn/winter, I’ve sported a red knit jumper and have thoroughly enjoyed adding a bit of colour to my otherwise neutral wardrobe.
Now, I’ve swapped it out for a red vest, which exudes a French city-chic vibe when paired with the skirt.
This white denim jacket introduces a fresh texture, and is perfect for cooler evenings
And I’ve finished off the look with a pair of barely there sandals, some tortoise-shell sunnies and a lovely raffia bag, which is as practical as it is stylish.
Tres bien!
Why Everyone Is Loving M&S
Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained:
“M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about.
“A brand once known for its ‘frumpy fashion’ that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear.
“Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price.
“The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also.
“Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30.
“After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on.
“Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.”