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If, like me, you have been anti-skirt for a while, it’s time to give maxi skirts a try. It wasn’t until I tried a Free People denim maxi skirt back in December (catch the exact one below) that my mind completely changed. The skirt looked just as good as my favorite jeans and pants without feeling as restricting and stiff. And I’ve been wearing it nonstop since.
Because unlike miniskirts, you don’t have to worry about showcasing your underwear for the world to see. A good maxi skirt provides the coverage of a pair of pants with the flow and ease of a dress. Talk about range.
Since developing my newfound love for this garment, I have tried a good portion of the ones currently on the market, so I decided to round up some of my favorites to try to convert you to wearing them too.
Here are the best maxi skirts you’ll want to replace all your pants with.
SO, YOU WANT TO BUY A MAXI SKIRT?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
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Our top picks
If You Want a Denim Maxi Skirt
Colors: 9 | Sizes: 0 - 14 | Materials: Cotton
The beauty of this skirt is how cool it is. I recommend sizing up to wear it lower on the waist and pairing it with oversize tops. It’s surprisingly flowy, considering the denim fabric. All winter, I paired it with oversize sweaters and boots. Now, as the weather warms up, I’ll balance it out with platforms and breezy button-down tops and tanks.
If You Want to Ditch the Cargo Pants
Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS - XL | Materials: Cotton
Try a cargo skirt instead. Local European’s cargo skirt is form-fitting and flattering while still being easy to walk in. I’ve paired this with sneakers just as I would cargo pants, and since the silhouette is still pretty fitted, it looks just as good dressed up with heels and a “going-out” top.
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Other tried-and-true options
If You Want Some Texture
If You Want Ruffles
Colors: 2 | Sizes: XS - 3XL | Materials: Polyester, rayon
Opt for this pretty textured skirt. The appropriately named cloud ruffle is an airy-light maxi that reviewers love to dress up.
If You Want Something Sporty
Colors: 2 | Sizes: XS - 3XL | Materials: Cotton, nylon
Who’s to say skirts are only for fancy occasions and heels? Sure, you probably won’t want to hike in this, but the adjustable skirt will look just as cool with your running sneakers or hiking boots.
If You’re Going on Vacation
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 14 - 32 | Materials: Cotton
White skirts are perfect for summer (and fall). Take it from Cut contributor Aemilia Madden.
If You Want Something Fun
Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS - L | Materials: Rayon, spandex
With a little flare, some pleats, and a bit of stretch, this skirt may be neutral, but its silhouette keeps it fun.
If You Want Something Really Fun
Colors: 3 | Sizes: S - L | Materials: Linen
Why choose just one color when you can wear three at once? This linen skirt from Spanish brand La Veste features a number of color combos you can mix and match with bikini tops and tanks all summer.
If You Want Something Casual
Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS - XL | Materials: Cotton
A parachute skirt! It’s just like parachute pants … but cooler. This one from Mango is on sale.
If You Want Something Versatile
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 00 - 16 | Materials: Cupro, viscose
This option from Madewell has a little shine and lots of movement so you can dress it down with T-shirts and tanks or dress it up with nice sandals.
If You Want Something Affordable
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 14 - 26 | Materials: Polyester, spandex
This slinky option from ASOS is affordable, slightly sheer, and easy to pair for a night out.
If You Want Something Really Sheer
Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS - L | Materials: Cotton
You’ll have to be a little bolder to pull of this sheer skirt. However, think of all the styling options! Layer this over bike shorts and pair it with warm-weather tank tops and blouses or oversize sweaters for chilly summer nights.
If You Want Something Office Appropriate
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 10 - 28 | Materials: Polyester, spandex
Soft, stretchy and not too clingy, this maxi is a good alternative to the dress pants you’d usually grab for the office. There’s a subtle side slit so it doesn’t feel too stuffy.
If You Want Something a Little Fancier
Colors: 3 | Sizes: 2 - 12 | Materials: Viscose, rayon
This satin skirt has the upper hand when it comes to dressing up a look; it will look great with dainty heels.
If You Want Something Airy
Colors: 4 | Sizes: XS - XL | Materials: Polyester
Chiffon is your best bet. This breezy pleated skirt is sheer but has an extra layer to keep it from being too revealing. We’re partial to the blue shade that is selling out fast, but the other colors available are just as good.
If You’re Not Over Bubble Hems
Colors: 2 | Sizes: XS - XL | Materials: Cotton
If the mini bubble skirt was too short for you, lean into the trend with this ankle-grazing maxi.
If You Want Something to Wear This Weekend
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 23 - 32 | Materials: Cotton
A slightly more fitted denim maxi that’s way unlike the ones you wore in middle school. There’s a modest but breezy slit in the back, and it comes up just high enough on the waist that you can comfortably pair it with crop tops for your weekend plans.
If You Want Something Fast
Colors: 23 | Sizes: XXS - 5X | Materials: Polyester, elastane
This is a little shorter than the other maxis. But if you need something fast, this is your best bet. With prime shipping, you can get the silky slip skirt in one of 15 patterns and colors. A nice intro to the maxi-skirt life.
