If The Hemline Index—proposed by economist George Taylor in 1926—has any truth to its obvious whimsy, it seems we’re headed for a recession. In contrast to the carefree attitude that comes with wearing a frothy mini, the industry is suggesting we give our skirts more fabric, pulling hemlines downwards over the knees. A sign of the times it may be, but it’s one the zeitgeist is surely on board with—no matter the connotations. From the runways to the streets, the chic result of an organised takeover has us all convinced: the midi skirt is here to stay.
Over the fall/winter 2025 season, fashion houses ruled in favour of the unassuming skirt style, which once carried a reticent quality to it. Instead, the midi was reclaimed in exquisite impressions. There were the delicious sculptures that played with volume and texture, such as the peplum, fringe-style skirts on Pieter Mulier’s Alaïa runway. A sensual approach to styling also had a big part to play in the recent season; one might recall the effortless ‘90s feel of Calvin Klein’s corporate refresh. Yet one can’t possibly discuss the midi skirt revival without bringing Miuccia Prada’s name into the pit; be it the Y2K candor at Miu Miu or the directional shapes at Prada.
Off the runway, the midi is one all the It girls are pulling out of their wardrobes as well. On any given day, one could scroll their social media feeds and find the likes of Gabbriette, Charli XCX or Alex Consani sporting a midi with ease, paired to an itty-bitty top no less. Cementing her cool girl status further over in Seoul, we’ve also been on the receiving end of Seulgi’s layered skirt delivery in her recent teaser images for an impending comeback with fellow member Irene. And if you’re asking Rihanna, it seems a Miu Miu midi was the only way to go for her third baby bump reveal.
With its staying power a given, here comes the catch. Its diverse silhouettes run the gamut from updated pencil options to layered sheer numbers to choose from. But never say never, at least where we’re concerned. Here, a Vogue-approved edit of midi skirt styles to cop, with only more to come once fall rolls around.
1 / 45
The sculptural skirt: Prada
6 / 45
The layered skirt: Seulgi of Red Velvet
9 / 45
The Frankie Shop organza midi skirt, $124
Available at Net-a-Porter.
11 / 45
The pencil skirt: Miu Miu
12 / 45
Veronica de Piante leather skirt, $1,824
Available at Net-a-Porter.
16 / 45
The classic Y2K: Gabbriette
21 / 45
The sheer skirt: Simone Rocha
26 / 45
The pleated skirt: India Amarteifo
31 / 45
The knitted skirt: Max Mara
36 / 45
The A-line skirt: Alisha Boe
41 / 45
The wrap skirt: Michael Kors
44 / 45
Victoria Beckham pinstriped midi wrap skirt, $530
Available at Net-a-Porter.
