Ah, denim skirts. That most classic and trusted of items. For a while in the Noughties, it felt as though they were inescapable, on par with coin belts and pirate boots. They then kind of petered out for a while, before roaring back in more recent years. Now, denim skirts are firmly back in our wardrobes, from Sienna Miller-inspired ripped minis to those still-beloved Chopova Lowena midis – not to forget pleated denim, school girl-style.
But how does one wear a denim skirt in 2026? While the denim skirts of yesteryear were most often styled with pumps, cowboy boots or Uggs and a trucker cap, we’re seeing a lot more experimentation among the street-style set as of late. Think: long denim maxis and tanks, itty-bitty minis and big, bulky boots or literary chic ankle grazers and shirting. Essentially, the possibilities are endless. To that end, here are some pointers on how to style a denim skirt this summer.
Pleated mini + biker boots
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
The pleated miniskirt has taken over London, and I know this because I live here and see it on a daily basis: on the Tube, in the park, at any outdoor concert or festival with a pop girlie on the line-up. What makes a pleated denim skirt a perfect option is its structural, less classroom-y feel. Toughen the look up with some bulky biker boots (a style I like to call the “Ashley Spinelli”) and some cute silver jewellery.
