I'm not giving up my jeans or pants this spring, but these skirt trends are really enticing me.

      2025 turned me into a skirt fan. Previously, my go-to items were dresses and jeans, while skirts felt either too stiff and formal or too short and impractical. However, this year brought a significant change—skirts became less of a styling challenge and more of the most exciting choice in my wardrobe. What changed? The variety. In 2025, we saw a much more dynamic collection of skirt styles, ranging from playful bubble hems to sleek, preppy pleats. As we look ahead to 2026, that variety is only expanding. Designers are revitalizing lengths, silhouettes, and styles that were once neglected by incorporating fresh prints and textures. While I'm not completely putting away my jeans or trousers yet, I'm certainly contemplating how to integrate more skirts into my wardrobe for the New Year.

      If you're already planning your spring outfits, consider this your guide to the skirt trends that are currently popular and will be making waves next year. Here are 5 skirt trends to watch for in 2026:

      1. Knee-Length Skirts

      Style Notes: The knee-length skirt addresses our collective struggles with midi skirts. After several seasons where the midi was prevalent—known for being tricky to style—designers like Gucci and Toga, along with fashion insiders, are adopting this more straightforward hemline. A knee-length skirt gives clear guidance on where it should fall, allowing you to choose between just above or just below the knee based on what suits you. The proportions are sleeker and the silhouettes more deliberate. They pair well with a variety of footwear, but preppy styles and pointed toes tend to work best. If wearing boots, opt for knee-highs and ensure the hem overlaps for a streamlined look.

      2. Kilts

      Style Notes: Kilts have been a significant trend this season, largely thanks to Claudia Winkleman and her stunning Traitors outfits. Although traditionally associated with winter wear due to their length and heavy materials, 2026 is bringing tartan to the forefront of the runways, indicating that our affection for kilts will carry on into next year, including lighter, brighter options for warmer months.

      3. Leather Skirts

      Style Notes: The leather skirt is now a staple in our wardrobes, and we anticipate this trend continuing into 2026. As new collections are released across both budget and luxury brands, there is a clear response to our growing fondness for leather skirts, showcasing innovative and fashion-forward designs. From drop-waist shapes to those featuring detailed pleats and novel colors and textures, the category feels richer and more exciting than ever. Our demand for leather skirts has increased, along with the available options and styling possibilities.

      4. Skirt Suits

      Style Notes: Skirt suits have moved beyond their 1980s ‘power-dressing’ connotations and have become a fashion essential in recent years. We expect the popularity of this co-ord to rise in 2026, with celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner showcasing skirt suits with vintage touches such as peplums and knee-length cuts. With numerous variations on the trend available, you can find a style that suits you. For a classic skirt suit that endures through the years, choose heritage checks and modern twists on traditional cuts and tailoring.

      5. Sheer Skirts

      Style Notes: Sheer skirts dominated the SS26 runways, with Acne Studios presenting sheer, slip-style skirts in neutral shades, Alberta Ferretti highlighting sleek, sheer butter yellow maxi skirts, and Blumarine incorporating embroidery into ethereal tulle pieces. This represents a slight evolution from the slip-skirt trend we've seen this year—offering a more delicate, romantic look with fluid and relaxed silhouettes. Sheer skirts can seamlessly transition into evening wear but can also be adapted for daytime with smart layering and texture mixing. For a vintage approach, consider pairing them with jeans, or combine them with oversized pieces for added modesty and structure.