Jeans Aren't Out This Spring, But This Underrated Staple Feels Far More In for 2026

Last week, I was caught in the rain in sandals one day and found myself sweating through unexpected sun the next, so I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that I haven't always got spring dressing right. All the key elements are there: light jackets, layering pieces, floaty dresses and emergency knitwear, but when the weather can change on an hourly basis, what works for a cold morning doesn't cut it on a sticky afternoon.

Good news, then, that one thing to come out of this predicament is my newfound respect for skirts. As someone who has always lived in dresses (and more recently, denim), skirts are the one category that I haven't explored enough, but battling through seasonal styling has brought them to the forefront, and I'm convinced that skirt outfits are the answer to the age-old question, "What should I wear in spring?"

Take a look through the feeds of the best-dressed content creators and fashion editors, and you'll start to notice a recurring spring outfit formula: warmer and layered on top, a seasonal shoe (be it a mesh flat, a strappy sandal, a flip-flop), and always (yes, always), a very good skirt.

Maxi column skirts, satin slips, puffball and demure knee-length skirts have all been having a moment lately, but the truth is, buzzy microtrends rarely apply to skirts, as their timeless appeal spans seasons and decades, and the same simple skirt you bought a year ago can still be the foundation of dozens of new outfits today. In short, skirts never go out of style, and that makes them well worth investing in.

So, wondering how to wear skirts in 2026? I've done a little digging into the best transitional looks and spotted seven outfits that are worth re-creating the next time you don't know what to wear. Sorry to my faithful jeans, but we've got a new favourite go-to.

The Best Skirt Outfits 2026

1. Crewneck + Bold Skirt + Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Nailing the high/low styling mix, Barbara's vibrant red skirt could easily be worn for evening, but she keeps it casual with a simple crewneck and flip-flops. On cooler days, you can swap the sweatshirt for fine cashmere, but stick to muted colours that help make the skirt the focal point of the outfit.

2. Car Coat + Sheer Miniskirt + Ballet Pumps

Style Notes: Trench coats served us well through autumn/winter, but spring calls for something fresher. Car coats are the same light layer you can throw on over anything, but with fewer bells and whistles. They're the perfect addition to an outfit that uses layering as its point of difference, and sheer skirts look best styled with longer tops and coats that only give the suggestion of skin.

3. Oversized T-Shirt + Midi Skirt + Thong Sandals

Style Notes: Play with proportions and tuck an oversized tee into a longer skirt for an easy-to-assemble look inspired by Marilyn. For occasions that require a little more effort, swap flip-flops for heeled thong sandals; they have the same effect (and can be just as comfy), but with a little extra lift.

4. Shirt + Lace Skirt + Slingbacks

Style Notes: Now to something a little more risqué. Not for the faint-hearted, lace skirts have been gaining traction for the past 12 months, and now that the weather is warming up, expect to notice see-through skirts on a street near you. I love how Jeanette pairs hers with a baggy shirt for a little more coverage, adding sharp slingbacks for edge.

5. Wool Jacket + Long Suede Skirt + Heels

Style Notes: Until we reliably reach 20ºC, it's a good idea to have a jacket close to hand, and this grounded, tonal fit looks polished enough for weekends and work. We've got a few months left to make the most of suede (until autumn, anyway), so go all out with maxi skirts that work well with heels.

6. Collarless Blazer + Column Skirt + Barely There Sandals

Style Notes: Looking for an outfit that will go down well in the office? This blazer-and-long-skirt combo feels cooler thanks to swapping a blazer with lapels for a collarless jacket, and trading a tailored pencil skirt for a longline column version. I'd be tempted to wear loafers if I were on my feet all day, but pack a pair of strappy sandals for your after-work plans.

7. V-Neck + Miniskirt + Trainers

Style Notes: Playful minis need an equally fun outfit, so trainers feel like the obvious choice. This cute mix of colour, texture and comfort is perfect for busy days on the go, because it doesn't need to be dressed "up" to look like you've still made an effort.