Skirt enthusiasts rejoice! The denim maxi is back for another season. The versatile and wearable style has returned in full force in fresh cuts, silhouettes, and hues. The trend takes a nostalgic ‘90s and Y2K approach, rethinking iconic looks from stars like Britney Spears and Jennifer Aniston. We've also seen the statement-making trend on current streetwear trailblazers like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Julia Fox, and Jennifer Lopez.
This maxi cut is in line with other retro-inspired denim trends, like the resurgence of baggy jeans along with barrel-legged silhouettes and utilitarian styles. While a floor-grazing denim skirt may seem like a faddish throwaway piece, it has the potential to be the unsung hero of your wardrobe. Why? Because it’s the perfect transitional and multi-season clothing piece. Dress it down with a leather jacket and sneakers, or dress it up with a flowy blouse and kitten heels. (Take it from R29's fashion director, who styled one denim maxi skirt five ways).
The possibilities are endless, and with so many brands taking on the trend, you’re bound to find an option that speaks to your personal style. Read on to find a mix of denim maxi skirts in both straight and plus sizes with front slits, unique details, and the current obsession: a fishtail shape.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Opt for a flowy floor-skimming denim maxi skirt with seam details lined throughout. The relaxed-fit skirt has that swish effect to it that you'll adore spinning in.
We The Free Catch The Sun Denim Maxi Skirt, $, available at Free The People
Pilcro The Madi Front-Slit Denim Skirt
The Madi is your new go-to maxi ready to complement all your attire with its soft dark blue hue and lightly frayed hems. Go bold with a semi-sheer top, or don or a button-down for a clean-cut look.
Pilcro The Madi Front-Slit Denim Skirt, $, available at Anthropologie
Abercrombie & Fitch Two-Tone Denim Maxi Skirt
Looking for a striking statement piece? Abercrombie & Fitch has a two-tone skirt that combines medium and dark washes for a fashion-forward option that is still easy to style.
Abercrombie & Fitch Two-Tone Denim Maxi Skirt, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Good American Denim Maxi Skirt
Good American's denim maxi skirts are notorious for selling out fast because of their extremely comfortable fit. This style is a prime example: The skirt has more stretch than you'd imagine, resulting in a floor-skimming bottom that you'll love wearing all day long. And, as a bonus, it's currently on sale for 25% off.
Good American Denim Maxi Skirt, $, available at Good American
Madewell Denim Carpenter Maxi Skirt in Handlon Wash
Cargo pants were the rage a few years ago; now the utilitarian trend has influenced jeans and skirts. The oversized pockets and contrast stitching make this a trendy option to wear to the office.
Madewell Denim Carpenter Maxi Skirt in Handlon Wash, $, available at Madewell
L'Agence Kailani Denim Skirt
This mermaid-cut denim maxi is a stunning option for work events and night outs. The midnight black skirt hugs the waist and hips for a flattering appearance and drapes into a trendy flared high-low hem.
L'Agence Kailani Denim Skirt, $, available at L'Agence
Driftwood Joanna Maxi Skirt
We're back with another Free People pick. We couldn't pass up this Y2K-inspired skirt decorated with floral embroidery throughout. The raw-edge hemline makes it a laid-back maxi that fits the brand's bohemian theme.
Driftwood Joanna Maxi Skirt, $, available at Free People
Dynamite Buttoned Denim Maxi Skirt
While this skirt requires some time with buttons, it's a stylish piece well worth the effort. The fitted piece is a perfect choice to pair with basics, like a chunky sweater or cardigan.
Dynamite Buttoned Denim Maxi Skirt, $, available at Dynamite
ROLLA's Chicago Skirt
Show off your new pointed-toe boots in a high-rise denim maxi skirt with a front split. The mid-blue wash is reminiscent of your favorite pair of vintage jeans.
Is it Western? Is it cottagecore? Maybe it's a magical blend of both. The flared and tiered shape brings this skirt to life, while the button front adds dimension. You'd be surprised at the versatility of it, as you can wear it for spring picnics straight into summer festivals.
Venus Denim Button Down Flounce Skirt, $, available at Venus
COLLUSION Denim Fishtail Maxi Skirt
Distressed is the name of the game. With a high-rise fit, fishtail hem, and kick slit, this maxi skirt has it all. Unlike most denim skirts, it also has a zip closure on the back.
Collusion Denim Fishtail Maxi Skirt, $, available at ASOS
Free People Come As You Are Denim Maxi Skirt
So far, we’ve mostly seen classic blue jean skirts on the runways and from retailers, but there’s always a time and a place for a white denim skirt. This true floor-skimming option can easily be paired with many pieces and styled in loads of ways. It’s the perfect spring staple.
We The Free | Free People Come As You Are Denim Maxi Skirt, $, available at Free People
Evans Black Denim Midi Skirt
If you’re looking for a true staple piece that you can style any way you want for any type of occasion, this skirt is the one for you. While it has a relaxed fit and elastic waistband that makes it feel comfortable and casual, the dark wash and A-line cut keep it classic and upscale.
EVANS Black Denim Midi Skirt, $, available at City Chic
Mango Denim Long Skirt
This slightly elevated maxi skirt has decorative seams around the waist that give it a Western feel. The two-toned, raw-edge hemline also brings another unique element to the garmet. Part of Mango’s Circiular Design Collection, it’s made from recycled cotton-blend fabric.
Yet another slim-fit skirt with a front slit, this high-waisted style has a unique crossover waistband with a slightly off-kilter button. It's one that can easily be dressed up with a blouse or dressed down with a baggy T-shirt.
Reformation Nila Long Denim Skirt, $, available at Reformation
Zara Low Rise Long Denim Skirt
We think we found the perfect beach-strolling skirt in this Zara piece. The low-rise waist and ankle-length hem offer an effortless and relaxed feel. Pair it with a crop top for a staple summer outfit.
Zara Low Rise Long Denim Skirt, $, available at Zara
Chartou Retro A-Line Maxi Denim Skirt
Channel your inner slam-poetry-in-a-moody-cafe self in this wide A-line denim skirt. This slightly distressed, vintage-inspired style from Amazon comes in a few denim washes and has a multi-button closure for the ultimate flattering and comfortable fit.
Chartou Retro A-Line Maxi Denim Skirt, $, available at Amazon
Wash Lab Denim Daily Slit Denim Midi Skirt
And you can’t go wrong with a high-quality, medium-wash denim midi skirt. Add this tried-and true-style to your casual rotation for when you need to put together a quick, no-nonsense look. It'll be your go-to for running errands and casual outings.
Wash Lab Denim Daily Slit Denim Midi Skirt in Washed Blue, $, available at Nordstrom
Universal Standard Dakota Denim Skirt
Universal Standard describes this denim midi skirt as “part bohemian, part western, and part fashionably modern,” and we agree. A pencil silhouette with a ram hem makes this style timeless without being boring.
Universal Standard Dakota Denim Skirt, $, available at Universal Standard
BDG Mandi Denim Maxi Skirt
This style is for anyone looking to channel their teenage angst (or simply peruse a farmer’s market on a lazy Sunday afternoon). The faded wash and pre-frayed hem give this skirt a lived-in, casual feel. But the a-line silhouette and center slit to make it not so basic.
This lightly faded denim maxi skirt is non-stretchy yet lightweight. The column silhouette keeps it sleek, but don’t mistake it for boring, especially thanks to its cheeky back slit.
GRLFRND Amara Denim Maxi Skirt, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Stradivarius STR Denim Midi Skirt with Seam Detail
Made from 100% non-stretch denim, you’re getting a truly structured skirt from Stradivarius. The edgy raw-cut waist, minimal pleating, and light wash are perfect if you’re going for a cool girl vibe.
Stradivarius STR Denim Midi Skirt with Seam Detail, $, available at ASOS
Pilcro Slit-Front Denim Skirt
For a more dressed-up look, darker denim washes are definitely the way to go. The structure of this straight-cut skirt also makes it slightly more formal and timeless. And again, another slit for the win!
Pilcro Slit-Front Denim Skirt, $, available at Anthropologie
Urban Renewal Remade Denim Ruffle Maxi Skirt
We love a deconstructed moment, and we especially love a one-of-a-kind piece, and this skirt offers both. Made from global vintage and deadstock fabrics, no two Urban Renewal skirts are exactly alike. This vibrant and slightly flared upcycled piece is truly a denim dream.
Urban Renewal Remade Denim Ruffle Maxi Skirt, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Cider Miss Crafty Patchwork Denim Midi Skirt
Deconstructed denim is another 2023 trend to look out for. Cider's playful interpretation features patchwork and a slightly bubbled cut. The mix of washes and the midi length also make it a great option for a fun daytime look.
cider Miss Crafty Patchwork Denim Midi Skirt, $, available at Cider
Sea Flyn Lace-up Denim Maxi Skirt
Not your typical denim skirt, this style has lace-up sides that show off your legs. The skin-bearing details make it perfect for spring and summer. You'll definitely feel the urge to prance through a field or picnic in this wide, light-wash maxi skirt.
Sea Flyn lace-up denim maxi skirt, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Levi's Icon Long Belted Light Wash Denim Maxi Skirt
This denim maxi skirt has all of the features of a pair of Levi’s classic jeans. From the five-pocket cut to the classic stitching to the lived-in wash, this skirt is timeless. But the waistband bow tie adds a unique and playful touch to this style.
While we’re still firmly in the middle of winter, we find ourselves daydreaming about the sunnier days ahead. Thankfully, & Other Stories is ushering in warm-weather dressing early with its latest Savoir collection drop featuring some of 2024’s biggest fashion trends.
Savoir is the Swedish brand’s bi-annual, limited-edition collection that highlights the craftsmanship and expertise of its design ateliers, and this new iteration is no different. Launching on February 8, the line is inspired by the sky and the sense of freedom and creativity that it instils. That translates to pieces like a column dress with a painted sunset scene, a puffy sky-blue mini dress, flowing blouses and trousers in cloud white, as well as drapey, dressed-up denim (think: a one-shoulder top and asymmetrical skirt).
To mark the collection’s launch, Scottish supermodel Kirsty Hume stars in the fashion campaign. The brand says that Hume’s career and “ongoing artistic journey” also inspired the new pieces.
& Other Stories spring Savoir collection will be available to shop in stores and online on February 8. Scroll on to discover some of our favourite items from the launch.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
And Other Stories Printed Slip Midi Dress, $, available at And Other Stories
And Other Stories Contrast-Panel Knit Top, $, available at And Other Stories
And Other Stories Landscape Print T-Shirt, $, available at And Other Stories
The idea of putting together a concise and thought-out capsule wardrobe that encourages outfit repeating is nothing new. Whether it is for sustainability reasons or to finally nail down your personal style, a wardrobe that’s on the smaller side (but still filled with items that you genuinely love) is an ethos we can’t help but subscribe to.
It takes the guesswork out of getting dressed in the mornings. But the reality of having a capsule wardrobe is that repeating the same tried and tested outfit formulas day after day can also start to feel a bit… stale. There are only so many times you can pair your favorite jeans with a white button-down shirt and a pair of sneakers before you become a bit bored and look for your next dopamine hit via an impulse purchase.
Enter: the ‘333’ method. Coined by TikTok creator and self-proclaimed fashion girlie, Rachel Spencer (@rachspeed), the ‘333’ method challenges you to select nine items from your wardrobe (specifically, three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes) and create as many outfits as you can, using only these items.
Her videos have already racked up nearly 700,000 views, with many commenters asking for more videos with different color and style combinations, and noting that this method will help them to find fun new ways to wear their existing clothes.
You might think that nine items couldn’t possibly create more than a week’s worth of outfits, but the results are pretty impressive. In one video, Spencer manages to create 19 different outfit combinations with her selected nine pieces, proving that even the smallest of wardrobes still offer plenty of options to spice up your outfits for day and night.
“When I created the ‘333’ outfit challenge, I was styling myself for a trip to London,” Spencer says in a video. “Obviously I was working with a limited amount of space and realised the potential we all have in our wardrobes and how we can get so creative with it.”
We can all be tempted to buy new items to fill our wardrobes, all in the hopes of breathing new life into our daily rotations and figuring out what we like, but the ‘333’ method offers an alternative. “The more you actually do something like this, the more you start figuring out what your personal style actually is, and what you like to wear,” she explains in another.
Perhaps what’s so refreshing about Spencer’s challenge is that she doesn’t take it too seriously. The key here is to play with the pieces that you’ve invested in — with the ‘333’ method not only encouraging you to pair pieces that you might not normally, but it also to re-think the way you actually wear each piece. For example, a button-up cardigan can be worn buttoned or loose, but it can also be worn off the shoulder, or flipped back to front for a high-neck style. And voila! That cardigan that you always wear with strictly two buttons done up suddenly has a whole new vibe for any day of the week.
Spencer also creates videos with wild card additions that prove a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive. One example is a pair of leopard print pants, which works perfectly because the brown color palette of the classic leopard makes the bold print a timeless neutral that pairs well with almost any color. Other great options would be adding a graphic t-shirt, a cardigan with a geometric print, or a statement shoe (for example, a red ballet flat).
But perhaps the most genius way to harness the ‘333’ method in your wardrobe for good is when packing for a summer vacation. We’re all guilty of overpacking and then ignoring half the clothes in our suitcase, in favor of wearing the same pieces over and over. By using the ‘333’ method before packing, you’re ensuring that you don’t overpack, but also have plenty of outfit combinations to last you a week (or more). Suddenly a one-piece swimsuit is also a body suit for a day trip, and a maxi slip skirt is a strapless dress.
If you’ve launched into 2024 and taken a good, long look at your own wardrobe, only to feel bored by your options, we suggest pulling out nine items and playing with them until you find new and unique outfits that you never thought of before. Fashion is supposed to be fun, after all, and buying wardrobe items that you’ll only wear once isn’t cute.
This article was originally published on Refinery29 Australia.
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