This autumn, designers are putting skirts at the centre of the outfit. Slim black styles, high waists, maxi lengths, bold prints, and lace are all in the spotlight.
Which one should you choose? Here’s a closer look at the styles to try this season, how they work with different proportions, and what to wear them with.
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The black pencil skirt is back in focus, thanks in part to Chanel’s autumn collection. Knee-length styles that gently follow the body and taper slightly towards the hem feel especially relevant.
Do you have a defined waist and curvy hips? Try a style with a waistband at your natural waist. Choose the size that fits your hips: if the waistband gaps slightly, a tailor can adjust it.
Do you have wider hips that you’d prefer not to emphasise? Look for smooth, substantial fabric and a straighter cut. A sharply tapered skirt makes the difference between your hips and knees more noticeable. A jacket with a structured shoulder can help balance the outfit.
Are you petite? Start with a hem around the knee. Longer versions can work too, but try them with your shoes: the skirt hem and the tops of your boots shouldn’t unintentionally break up the leg line into several short sections.
When to choose a different style: a sharply tapered skirt may not be the best choice if you don’t want to emphasise the width of your hips. If you’re plus-size, look for substantial fabric, a gentle taper, and room through the stomach—the skirt should follow your shape without squeezing it.
Wear a black skirt with black tights and matching shoes to make your legs look longer. Add a relaxed jumper or leather jacket for a modern everyday outfit.
This skirt draws attention through its pattern, embroidery, appliqué, or distinctive texture. Prada represents this direction in Vogue’s selection.
It makes an easy starting point for an outfit: simply add a plain top and choose your shoes.
Do you have broad shoulders and narrower hips? Try a skirt with a large print, textured embellishment, or a light background. It will draw attention to your lower half and help balance your proportions.
Do you have wider hips? Choose a print on smooth fabric if you don’t want to add volume. Pay particular attention to where the brightest details sit—that’s where the eye will go first.
Are you petite? Check the print in a full-length mirror. You want to notice the whole outfit, not just the pattern. Large prints aren’t off-limits: a single striking motif can sometimes look calmer than lots of small, contrasting details.
When to choose a different style: a skirt with raised appliqués or large, contrasting details at the hips may not suit you if you want that area to appear smaller. If you’re plus-size, you can embrace the trend through a print on smooth fabric, without extra gathers or bulky embellishment.
Find one of the less prominent colours in the print—that’s the key—and choose a jumper in that shade. It creates a more interesting combination than defaulting to black and ties the outfit together.
High waists are another notable autumn 2026 trend, illustrated by Miu Miu in Vogue’s selection.
This style helps define the waist and makes the legs appear longer. To get that effect, keep the waistband visible: tuck in your top or choose a shorter piece.
Would you like your legs to look longer? Try a high-waisted skirt with a cropped cardigan or a tucked-in fine-knit jumper. A long, untucked jumper will hide the waistband and reduce the effect.
Are you petite? A high waist can work well. Choose similar shades for your top and skirt if you want to create an even longer-looking silhouette.
What to avoid: a tight waistband and a thick jumper tucked fully into the skirt. Extra fabric beneath the waistband adds bulk and affects the fit. Always sit down when trying it on to check that it feels comfortable.
When to choose a different style: a very high waist may not be the best option if you have a short torso, as it can make the distance between your bust and waist look even shorter. If you’re plus-size, try a waistband at or just above your natural waist and a smooth front without gathers, checking that the waistband doesn’t dig in when you sit.
Pair a high-waisted skirt with a fine-knit top in a similar shade and a cropped jacket. The jacket will define the waist, while the related colours create a cohesive look.
Long skirts remain a key option this season.
Choose your fabric to suit your lifestyle: wool for cooler weather, substantial jersey for comfortable everyday outfits, and satin to pair with textured jumpers and jackets.
Are you petite? A maxi can absolutely work for you. Start with a straight or gently flared style without excessive gathering. Pair it with a shorter top and shoes that are almost covered by the hem. The skirt shouldn’t touch the ground.
Are you tall? You can experiment with fuller shapes, pleats, and contrasting colours. If you don’t want to emphasise your height, define the waist with a belt or choose a top in a different colour.
Do you have wider hips? Try a skirt that falls freely over your hips and flares slightly towards the hem. Check that the fabric doesn’t pull or bunch across the front.
Would you like to add volume to your lower half? Look for pleats, gathers, and fuller cuts.
Would you like to emphasise your curves? Try a fluid bias-cut skirt, which gently follows the body. Make sure it isn’t too tight.
What to avoid: buying without trying it on with the right shoes. A maxi that works with heels may be too long for your everyday boots.
When to choose a different style: a very full, low-waisted maxi can make your legs look shorter if you’re petite. If you’re plus-size and want a longer-looking silhouette, try a straight or gently flared style that sits smoothly over the hips, without heavy gathering at the waist.
Wear a fluid maxi with a cropped leather jacket. The contrast between the soft skirt fabric and structured leather makes the outfit distinctive, even without jewellery.
Lace is one of the standout details in Vogue’s selection, with Saint Laurent representing the trend.
You don’t have to choose a sheer style for everyday wear. Start with a lined skirt or one with lace edging at the hem.
Would you like to add volume to your hips? Try light-coloured or textured lace, especially with a visible lining beneath it.
Do you have wider hips that you’d prefer not to emphasise? Choose flatter lace without large raised flowers or gathers. A simple skirt with lace only at the hem is a good option.
Are you petite? Pay attention to the lining. If it’s short and strongly contrasting, while the outer skirt is long and sheer, it visually breaks up the legs. Choose similar shades for the lace and lining to create a more continuous line.
Would you rather not draw attention to your calves? Avoid wide, contrasting trim that ends at their fullest point. Try a slightly longer or shorter skirt and compare the effect.
When to choose a different style: thin, close-fitting lace may not be the best choice if you don’t want to emphasise your stomach and hips. If you’re plus-size, try a more relaxed skirt with an opaque lining in a similar shade, or a style with lace only at the hem.
Pair a lace skirt with a simple wool jumper and boots that disappear beneath the hem. The lace becomes part of an everyday autumn outfit, complemented by the soft texture of the knitwear.
Start with what you’d like to highlight: your waist, legs, or hips. Then try a few different lengths and fits—even a small adjustment can change the whole outfit.
Always assess the skirt with the pieces you’ll actually wear it with. The right shoes and top length often matter more than recreating a runway look exactly.
Understanding trends is just the beginning. The next step is knowing how to choose the ones that suit a particular person: complementing their appearance, fitting their lifestyle, and working with their wardrobe.
If you enjoy analysing outfits and helping others discover their style, explore the Personal Stylist course at the Italian E-learning Fashion School
Take the next step: find out how the course works and how you can begin your journey into personal styling.
