Knock, knock. Who’s there? It’s another '90s fashion comeback hitting the streets and your social media feeds. We’ve seen scrunchies, bucket hats and plaid shirts all make a resurgence over the past few years, but now it’s time to make room for another fashion staple: the maxi skirt.
According to Google Trends, the maxi skirt is seeing its biggest search boom in five years. It can often be hard to find wardrobe pieces that appeal to people of all shapes and sizes, but the maxi skirt is perfectly designed for the every women.
Why are maxi skirts popular again? | How to wear a maxi skirt | Trendy maxi skirts to shop | Meet the experts | How we chose
Shop TODAY snap shot: Best maxi skirts- Best budget, editor's pick: Azules Women’s Rayon Span Maxi Skirt, $21.99
- Worth the splurge, editor's pick: Levi’s Ankle Column Skirt, $98
- Best denim maxi, editor's pick: Elstaroa High-Waisted Denim Jean Skirt, $0.99
- Best flowy maxi, editor's pick: American Eagle High-Waisted Striped Maxi Skirt, $29.97
Tiffany Brown, founder of Tiffany Brown Designs and one of the many innovators to hit the runway at this year's New York Fashion Week, is here for the maxi.
“I love a tiered maxi skirt because it provides a bit of glamour when paired with a nice blouse or super simple with a tank top and blazer," she says. "A statement maxi skirt is truly needed as an alternative to basic pants. It allows for coverage of your legs with the extra room to allow for all body types and easy travel. A maxi skirt is [also] functional for the subway or long walks with ease.”
Charline Zeroual, founder of The Sustainable Wardrobe Stylist, agrees that “maxi skirts are a wardrobe staple in spring/summer closet, especially silk and floral maxi skirts.” Zeroual offers three reasons why maxis are the ultimate style choice for the upcoming warmer season:
- They are breathable and comfortable.
- They are flattering for any silhouette.
- They are versatile and transcend seasons.
Zeroual breaks down the perfect maxi outfit for every occasion:
For a night out: Wear a floral maxi skirt with a silk camisole and a pair of heeled sandals.
For daytime/Sunday brunch: Mix a silk maxi skirt with a graphic tee and a pair of white sneakers for a casual look.
For the office: Style a floral skirt with a button-down shirt and a pair of slingbacks for a wear-to-work look.
For vacation: Wear a floral maxi skirt over a swimsuit with a tank, add a straw hat, a beach tote and a comfortable pair of flip-flops.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable everyday find to wear to work or a spurge skirt for a romantic cruise to the Bahamas, we’ve got some of the hottest maxis for every occasion, style and body type.
Trendy maxi skirts to shopOld Navy Dropped-Waist Midi Skirt
What we like
- Matching top for purchase
- Drop waist design
- 100% cotton fabric
Something to note
- Some reviewer say to size down
Sizes: XS - 4X | Material: 100% cotton | Care recommendation: Machine wash according to label
Drop waist dresses and skirts have been everywhere this season, and reviewers say the design of this skirt is extremely flattering. You can wear it with a tank or tee, or purchase the matching top as a cute set.
Azules Women’s Rayon Span Maxi Skirt
What we like
- Stretchy, comfy fabric
- Comes in over 40 colors
Something to note
- Some say fabric is clingy
Sizes: S-3XL | Material: Nylon, spandex | Care recommendation: Machine wash, follow label
Social associate editor Dani Musacchio says this skirt is so comfortable that she will be wearing it all season long. She loves the versatility it offers, and the slip on design and folded waistband.
"While the skirt perfectly hits my ankles, I’m able to transform it into a midi skirt in seconds by folding the waistband over. While I usually let the waistband sit above my belly button, I can also shift it down so that it sits mid or low rise depending on the look I’m going for," says Musacchio.
Simlu Maxi Skirt
What we like
- Drop waist design
- Over 15 colors and patterns
Something to note
- Long length but can fold
Sizes: S-4X | Material: Modal, spandex | Care recommendation: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low or hang dry
Whether you’re ready to hit the runway in New York or the beaches of California, this flowy maxi is the perfect staple piece for your spring wardrobe. Crafted from a super soft and durable stretch material and featuring side pockets, this maxi is designed for ultimate comfort and convenience. It also adorns over 7,900 verified five-star ratings from shoppers across the body type spectrum, with one highlighting, "I must admit I did a little spin around to see how I felt in this lovely skirt!"
Women’s High Waist Flowy Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt
What we like
- Over 10 colorways
- Elastic waist band for stretch
Something to note
- Floor length
Sizes: XS-XXL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Care recommendation: Machine wash
Rated Amazon’s Choice for long pleated skirts for women, this high-waisted chiffon maxi is absolutely stunning. Made of lightweight, soft, and comfortable four-way stretch fabric, this show-stopping skirt features an elastic back waist and is available in a variety of fabulous solid colors.
American Eagle High-Waisted Striped Maxi Skirt
What we like
- Matching top for purchase
Something to note
- Some suggest sizing up
Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Viscose | Care recommendation: Machine wash
"I got this set from AE and I’ve already worn her a few times. I love a matching set because you can wear it together for a matching moment or individually since you can never go wrong with a maxi skirt and tank. This skirt is super flattering and light enough that during the hotter months it’s still wearable. 10/10 obsessed!," says production coordinator Camryn Privette.
You can buy the matching top— which is currently 60% off — and wear it as a set.
Bluetime Women Leopard Print Long Skirt
What we like
- Over 20 colors and patterns
- Flowy and lightweight
Something to note
- Hand wash only
Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Care recommendation: Hand wash or machine wash cold; hang dry
Were you “born to be wild?” Then this stylish leopard maxi skirt is for you! Rated Amazon’s Choice for maxi skirts, this lightweight chiffon A-line skirt features a pleated elastic high-waisted design. “This skirt was exactly what I was looking for. [I] wore it to dinner on the cruise ship but it could definitely be worn more casually too," added one verified shopper who gave this five stars.
EXLURA High Waist Pleated Swing Skirt
What we like
- Patterns for every season
- Flowy and lightweight
- Has pockets
Sizes: XS-XXL | Material: Polyester | Care recommendation: Machine wash
One Shop TODAY writer says this skirt is perfect for every season, especially those in-between temperature days. It comes in bright summer hues and plaids for fall; you can wear it with a tee and sneakers, or boots and tights.
Elstaroa High-Waisted Denim Jean Skirt
What we like
- High-waisted
- Different styles; slit options
Something to note
- Doesn't have stretch
Sizes: XS-3XL | Material: Cotton, polyester | Care recommendation: Machine wash
Denim maxi skirts have been a welcomed '90s comeback. Associate editor Shannon Garlin says she's gotten a lot of use out of this Amazon option throughout each season. "When I first put it on, I instantly felt like a 'cool girl' and oh-so-trendy. I kept it simple and wore it with a black turtle neck and knee-highboots. I rarely find outfits that are truly day-to-night but this skirt actually brought me from the office to a dinner, and I felt appropriately dressed for both occasions," she wrote in a review article.
She mentions she even wears it with a simple tee and white sneakers or sandals for the warmer months.
Skirt BL Store Women’s Maxi Pencil Jean Skirt
What we like
- Stretchy fabric
- Several color wash options
Something to note
- Small slit in back
Sizes: 2-20 | Material: 100% cotton | Care recommendation: Hand or machine wash cold
Nothing screams the ‘90s like a classic denim skirt. This blue jean maxi has an A-line design and features a hidden zipper closure and removable back slip for easy movement.
Abercrombie & Fitch Poplin Tiered Maxi Skirt
What we like
- Has pockets
- Elastic waistband
Something to note
- Some say runs large
Sizes: XXS-XL | Material: Cotton, polyester | Care recommendation: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low
A '90s boy band once sang, “I like girls that wear Abercrombie & Fitch" — and we do too when it comes to this gorgeous ultra-high-rise maxi skirt with a soft cotton-blend fabric. This maxi’s elastic waistband is designed for an ultra-secure and extra comfortable fit. The skirt also has a matching poplin top thats available for purchase.
Free People Like A Mermaid Maxi Skirt
What we like
- Flowy and breathable fabric
Something to note
- Low-rise fit
Sizes: XS-XL | Material: 100% cotton | Care recommendation: Machine wash cold
Privette says she's had this skirt in her cart forever and finally ordered it, saying it's going to be her "new skirt of the summer." Coming in seven color variations, it has a mermaid-style design that takes the traditional tiered look to the next level.
Madewell Satin Maxi Slip Skirt
What we like
- High-quality, says reviewers
- It's very versatile
Something to note
- Some say can run large
Sizes: 00-16 | Material: Polyester, viscose | Care recommendation: Machine wash
A satin slip maxi skirt allows you to look ultra-chic with minimal effort. You can dress it up with heels and blouse for a formal look, or pair it with white sneakers and a tee for everyday wear.
Abercrombie & Fitch Asymmetrical Ruffle Maxi Skirt
What we like
- Matching top for purchase
- Has a lining; not see-through
Something to note
- Line dry
Sizes: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, elastane, polyester, cotton | Care recommendation: Machine wash; line dry
"This is one of those pieces of clothing I just want to wear every day for the rest of my life — it’s so soft and breathable," says production associate Audrey Ekman. "It’s fully lined so it’s not see through (which is all too rare for a white skirt!), and it has a fun asymmetrical detail that makes it a little different from the sea of white maxi skirts on the market for summer 2024. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it and think it looks equally great dressed up with a pair of heels or dressed down with some low-profile sneakers or sandals."
You can also complete the look with the trendy matching top.
Levi's Ankle Column Skirt
What we like
- Comes in multiple washes
- Has five pockets
Something to note
- Has a large slit
- Non-stretch denim, says brand
Sizes: 23-33 | Material: 100% cotton | Care recommendation: Machine wash (once every 10 wears); tumble dry low
Senior editor Jess Bender says she is here for denim maxi dresses and rented this one from Nuuly. However she loved it so much she ended up buying it! "The classic mid-rise is incredibly flattering and makes it easy to dress up for work or weekend plans. The style also leans more classic, so it’s an easy basic to pair with just about anything in your closet," says Bender.
Meet our experts- Tiffany Brown is a designer, stylist and the founder of Tiffany Brown Designs.
- Charline Zeroual is a stylist and founder of The Sustainable Wardrobe Stylist.
We selected the best maxi skirts based on insights and recommendations from professional stylists and approved picks from Shop TODAY editors and staffers. Other options were sourced through verified shopper reviews and brand reputation.
