We are currently in an era of the "Fun Skirt." An expert explains why it's the surprising essential in our wardrobes.

      It has been two decades since Miuccia Prada shared her insights on skirts. Fast forward to today, and her words still resonate with clarity: "To me, the skirt is like a T-shirt. So I channel all my ideas into it." She further elaborates that an outlandish skirt "doesn’t alter much about you" because it’s "waist down." This notion makes complete sense to me: the closer a clothing item or accessory is to your face, the more it feels like a commitment. It’s akin to instructing my hairdresser to keep a deep root when I color my hair, allowing me to feel "spiritually brunette."

      (Image credit: Getty Images)I have a preference for outfits that require little effort but offer great returns, which is why skirts appeal to me so much. During heatwaves caused by climate change, being uncomfortable is the last thing anyone wants. Yet, as fashion enthusiasts, if there’s a method to stay cool while still looking stylish, we’re all in! A bold skirt serves as the perfect solution to a potentially dull top. Take Carrie Bradshaw in her tutu, transforming a simple tank top into a look that made fashion history. And who could forget Salma Hayek’s stunning evening skirts paired with quirky cardigans and bandeaus on '90s red carpets, which still inspire our mood boards today?

      (Image credit: Getty Images)This summer is all about statement skirts, with one of the standout styles being the "party skirt" from Versace, part of Dario Vitale’s one-piece collection as creative director. The controversy surrounding the collection adds to its allure, and this skirt is ideal to wear while I stand firmly in my belief that multicolored pieces are easier to style than most neutrals. They pair well with almost anything, and the party skirt is no exception. Since it arrived, I’ve worn it nonstop. Throwing on a vibrant, colorful skirt with a top is just as effortless as slipping into a T-shirt and jeans. With just two items, why not opt for the more refined option? Alana Hadid did just that for the launch of her sneaker collaboration with ARKK at CPHFW. She matched a bubblegum-pink dad-style sneaker with an equally pink "princess" skirt and a tied black tee. Remarkably, the voluminous skirt seemed—dare I say—casual; it's all in the styling! The ensemble reminded me of a Copenhagen take on Claudia Schiffer captured by Arthur Elgort in 1994, featuring a knotted Genny cardigan and a flowing taffeta skirt by Atelier Versace. As we transition into autumn, the cardigan will become the fun skirt's Type A companion: Saffy on top and Eddie on the bottom.

      (Image credit: Getty Images)My own wardrobe has recently become quite skirt-centric, so I’ve been challenging myself to ensure they all get their moment. I unintentionally sparked excitement among my friends when I shared a new episode of my video series showcasing genuine outfits against the chaotic backdrop of my flat as a busy mum in fashion. Throughout a week filled with work and school runs, I wore a Dries Van Noten skirt adorned with tiny loose threads, which looks like it could have been crafted by Cookie Monster if he attended Central Saint Martins, a lime green and white Sunnei skirt reminiscent of cracked meringue, a vintage Escada skirt in vibrant pink and green houndstooth, a nostalgic Evisu skirt, and the previously mentioned Versace piece. Your outfit is like a gallery, and the skirt is the main attraction.

      The most eye-catching addition, though, is a recent skirt from BruceGlen, featuring oversized, transparent sequins that unveil rugby stripes beneath. The BruceGlen twins (designers Bruce and Glen Proctor) shared their design inspiration: "We aimed to reinvent the classic stripe and silhouette with a touch of playfulness. We incorporated oversized piettes (our term for bubbles) to create a sense of being surrounded by bubbles as you move. For us, bubbles symbolize joyful presence, so the skirt ultimately encourages one to slow down, be present, and savor the moment," they explained. It’s clear they surpassed expectations, as this skirt elicits the most joyful reactions in public. The key to a fantastic skirt is to embrace limitless possibilities; nothing is too odd, too textured, too bright, or too voluminous. Just because the skirt is a statement piece doesn’t mean the rest of the outfit must be minimal. You can add intrigue by pairing it with a top in a contrasting color, like red with a lime green skirt or baby blue with deep purple. If you prefer a bolder approach, try mixing clashing prints or wearing the same print in different colors. Conversely, you can also partake in the fun in a more understated manner. One of my favorite skirts is a navy silk asymmetric piece with a sheer