The Fashion Memo

Why A White Skirt Is The Key To Your Summer Wardrobe

Hit refresh on your sunshine wardrobe with a white skirt – the easy, breezy style is the perfect choice for warm weather. Here, GEORGIE LUCAS rounds up five ways to wear the summer classic

Fashion editor Connie Daw
Fashion

For evening

Summer nights call for effortless pieces – and building your look around a sleek white skirt is both fresh and timeless. This slinky maxi style by Swedish brand Toteme is cut in a lightweight cashmere blend fabric that is perfect for balmy evenings at home or on vacation. A monochrome palette is always elegant, especially after dark, so pair the clean white style with a minimal black top – try the crisp lines of Khaite’s ‘Talsie’ tank, which will also find a place in your forever wardrobe. Finish with pared-back kitten-heel mules – Manolo Blahnik’s ‘Moiramu’ are a true classic. Then add a sprinkling of sparkle, something like By Pariah’s set of three gold and diamond rings will appeal to minimalists who appreciate maximum sparkle.

  • KHAITE
    Talsie silk-organza tank
    €485.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small - out of stock
    medium
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • TOTEME
    Lyocell and cashmere-blend maxi skirt
    €240.00
    Select a Size
    xx small
    x small
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large
  • MANOLO BLAHNIK
    Moiramu suede mules
    €278.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    36.5 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
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    42 - out of stock

A bohemian mood

There’s something innately free-spirited about a white skirt in the sunshine, so lean into the bohemian mood with Etro’s classic tiered style, exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, it’s printed in a subtle check for texture. Complement its flowing silhouette by pairing with a floaty top – Isabel Marant’s ‘Yicki’ halterneck is pure ’90s nostalgia; cut from layers of printed silk voile, it will also look gorgeous with wide-leg jeans. Choose accessories that chime with the whimsical mood, too – The Row’s chocolate-brown ‘Bindle’ shoulder bag is crafted from supple suede with a pleasing slouch and will carry everything you need for summer in the city, from your phone to a handheld-fan. Saint Laurent’s logo-detailed brown leather sandals make nailing elevated boho easy, thanks to the polished gold anklet detail.

  • ISABEL MARANT
    Yickia tiered printed silk-voile halterneck top
    €180.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • ETRO
    Tiered jacquard maxi skirt
    €285.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
    46 - out of stock
    48 - out of stock
    50 - out of stock
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Cassandra logo-embellished leather slingback sandals
    €850.00
    Select a Size
    EU 36
    EU 36.5
    EU 37
    EU 37.5
    EU 38 - out of stock
    EU 38.5 - out of stock
    EU 39 - out of stock
    EU 39.5 - out of stock
    EU 40

White on white

Nothing says warm weather dressing quite like top-to-toe white. Seek out crisp cotton poplin pieces that will keep you cool as the mercury rises. Start with SIR.’s embroidered linen ‘Alessandra’ midi skirt; the sleek pencil cut is an enduring shape, so it makes sense to pair it with another sartorial classic – the white shirt. Slvrlake’s oversized ‘Cocoon’ design is the sort of piece you’ll wear and wear (and wear), whatever the season. And for shoes? Gianvito Rossi’s ‘Calypso’ sandals deliver instant elegance, though this versatile duo will look just as chic with ballet flats or sneakers. And finally, Celine Eyewear’s vintage-inspired tortoiseshell sunglasses are perfect for protecting your eyes (and for people-watching in the park).

  • SLVRLAKE
    Cocoon cotton-poplin shirt
    €151.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - low stock
    medium - low stock
    large - out of stock
  • CELINE EYEWEAR
    Triomphe oval-frame tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses
    €420.00
  • SIR
    Alessandra embroidered linen midi skirt
    €162.00
    Select a Size
    00 - out of stock
    0 - out of stock
    1 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    3 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
  • GIANVITO ROSSI
    Calypso 70 leather sandals
    €690.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    36.5
    37
    37.5
    38
    38.5
    39
    39.5
    40
    40.5
    41 - low stock
    41.5 - low stock
    42

On vacation

Add a white skirt to your packing list and it’s sure to become the backbone of your summer-escape closet. Trust a resortwear brand like Faithfull to craft perfect pieces for far flung shores. This wrap-effect linen ‘Suis’ design is a case in point, delivering the kind of effortless elegance every vacation needs. Simply layer it over your favorite one-piece for lunch by the pool or evening cocktails – we love Eres’s chocolate-brown cutaway style. Brilliantly versatile, this skirt will also work with an oversized linen shirt when you’re back in the office – or your favorite silky evening top for date night. Essential vacation accessories include an oversized basket bag – try this sleek style by Sensi Studio – and bold accessories such as Dinosaur Designs’ chunky resin bangles.

  • ERES
    Trésor Ecume one-shoulder cutout embellished swimsuit
    €230.00
    Select a Size
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - low stock
  • DINOSAUR DESIGNS
    Rock set of two resin bangles
    €194.00
  • FAITHFULL
    Suis wrap-effect linen midi skirt
    €105.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - low stock
    large
    x large - out of stock
    xx large - low stock
  • SENSI STUDIO
    Large straw tote
    €220.00

With denim

One of the most appealing elements of a white skirt is its versatility – as proven by this pretty, pleated cotton poplin design by Sea. Its subtly raised stitching elevates the classic A-line silhouette. By day, wear yours with a denim jacketBottega Veneta’s intrecciato suede-trimmed style is cut from indigo denim in a boxy shape and is a true investment piece (as you would expect from the storied Italian house). Carry Alaïa’s ‘Le Click’ in chocolate-brown suede and slip on Saint Laurent Eyewear’s glossy black sunglasses for days spent sightseeing.

  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Intrecciato suede-trimmed denim jacket
    €1,300.00
    Select a Size
    32
    34
    36 - low stock
    38
    40 - low stock
    42
  • SAINT LAURENT EYEWEAR
    Rectangle-frame acetate sunglasses
    €180.00
  • SEA
    Camden pleated cotton-poplin midi skirt
    €200.00
    Select a Size
    xx small - out of stock
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • ALAÏA
    Le Click E/W medium nubuck shoulder bag
    €2,300.00

RELATED READING

FIND THE WHITE SKIRT FOR YOU

12 items

  • SUZIE KONDI
    The Kyria pleated cotton-poplin midi skirt
    €238.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • ALAÏA
    Pleated wool midi skirt
    €2,100.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36
    38 - out of stock
    40
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • FRAME
    The Deco scalloped broderie anglaise cotton-poplin mini skirt
    €168.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small
    medium - out of stock
    large
    x large - out of stock
  • THE ROW
    Luce washed-satin maxi skirt
    €1,000.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8
    10 - out of stock