From Paris and London to Palma and Oslo, this "Awkward" skirt style is trending more than anything else.
When it comes to celebrity fashion, Laura Harrier will always be my ultimate inspiration. Whether she's strolling through New York City or seated front row at Fashion Week, her natural talent for assembling outfits that appear thoughtful yet effortless, sophisticated while remaining casual, is something I've consistently admired. Preferring a sleek and timeless wardrobe (while still managing to stay slightly ahead of the trends), she recently stepped out in Paris wearing an entirely matching ensemble. You might wonder what made this look so striking? The answer lies in the skirt. At the heart of her recent outfit was an “awkward” knee-length skirt. With a unique silhouette, this trend has been subtly gaining traction among fashionistas for some time, and upon seeing the image, I knew I had to share it with you. (Image credit: Backgrid)
The outfit in question captured all the elements of a quintessential Harrier look—effortless, sophisticated, and undeniably cool. It featured a sparkly silver bandeau top that ended just below the bust, thick-strapped thong heels (a style reminiscent of Y2K in the best ways), and a flowing skirt that skimmed just enough to touch the kneecap, prompting me to do a double-take for all the right reasons. Am I shocked that she pulled it off? Not in the slightest. With minimal accessories and understated makeup, Harrier's ensemble felt anything but awkward; it exuded cool sophistication, and I'm all for it.
If you enjoy the trends, our content at Who What Wear UK, or simply admire Harrier, you may have noticed that over the past few summers, the fashion world has cycled through nearly every skirt trend imaginable. We witnessed the revival of micro-minis (thanks to Miu Miu's viral spring/summer 2022 runway), and maxi skirts made a comeback during Chloé’s bohemian revival last autumn/winter 2025. Yet, this new silhouette feels like an unforeseen development. It harmoniously combines the playful essence of the mini with the refined grace of the maxi, and Harrier's polished interpretation has convinced me: the awkward midi skirt is the unexpected trend to watch this summer. Scroll down to see how other fashion enthusiasts are styling this trend and shop the best awkward midi skirts below.
How Fashion Enthusiasts Are Styling the Awkward Skirt Trend:
Style Notes: For a summer-ready outfit, take cues from Kendall Jenner and pair it with a contrasting color top to create a look that adds dimension and flair while still appearing effortlessly sophisticated.
Style Notes: Rebecca Rhys-Evans, our senior branded content editor at Who What Wear UK, is a huge admirer of this distinctive silhouette. In a beautiful piece from Handover, her awkward midi skirt featured a cream, sequined polka dot design, elegantly finished with lace trim. If there’s anything to glean from Rhys-Evans’ sense of style, it's to boldly experiment with colors, textures, and shapes. She completed her outfit with a puffed-sleeve lilac top and a cream bag, crafting a look that seamlessly blended sophistication with a cool, carefree vibe.
Style Notes: If sheer isn’t your style, take a lesson from Nnennae Chem (featured above), who paired hers with a simple white halter for the ideal warm-weather look. The footwear choices are limitless. Consider strappy kitten heels or your favorite well-loved sneakers. The easy elegance of this skirt creates a striking silhouette that works well with almost anything.
Shop the Awkward Knee-Length Skirt Trend:
Free People
Valentina Convertible Skirt
The lace design provides a sleek and refined finish.
I’ve noticed this skirt circulating widely on social media this summer.
Susamusa
Meadow Skirt - Butter Polka Dot
This skirt has been spotted on numerous fashion enthusiasts from Olivia Deane to Olivia Herring, and it's just been restocked, so if you're interested, act fast!
The lace trim is incredibly chic.
THE ROW
Irene Lace-Trimmed Silk-Charmeuse Skirt
If there’s one thing The Row excels at, it’s crafting trends that are undeniably elegant. I love the contrast of the blush pink and soft orange lace trim.
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From Paris and London to Palma and Oslo, this "Awkward" skirt style is trending more than anything else.
Summer would not be the same without a skirt. Featuring a distinctive shape, this unconventional knee-length skirt has emerged as one of the top trends of 2025. From editors to celebrities, it's been spotted everywhere—click below for more details.