Which Designer Skirts Are Trending This Fall for Women?

Ah, fall. The season of pumpkin spice everything, cozy sweaters, and the eternal question: what on earth am I going to wear? As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, it’s time to bid adieu to our summer wardrobe and embrace autumn fashion in all its glory. And let’s be real, what better way to transition into fall than with a killer skirt game?

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Skirts? For fall? Groundbreaking.” But hear me out. This season’s designer skirts are anything but basic. We’re talking pieces that’ll make you want to strut down the street like it’s your personal runway, pumpkin spice latte in hand, of course.

So, grab your favorite fall beverage (no judgment if it’s wine), and let’s dive into the world of designer skirts that are set to dominate this autumn. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be itching to update your wardrobe faster than you can say “sweater weather.”

Mini Madness

Let’s kick things off with a trend that’s shorter than your patience for pumpkin-flavored products by mid-October: the mini skirt. That’s right, minis are having a major moment this fall, and designers are going all out.

Miu Miu started this whole shenanigan last year with their now-infamous micro mini, and apparently, the fashion world collectively decided, “You know what? Let’s keep our thighs out for fall.” It’s like they’re daring us to rock bare legs even as the temperature drops. Challenge accepted?

But here’s the twist – these aren’t your typical high school throwback minis. We’re seeing luxe fabrics, unexpected textures, and silhouettes that scream “I’m an adult, I swear.” Think leather minis from Saint Laurent that would make even the most seasoned fashionistas do a double-take, or tweed numbers from Chanel that’ll have you feeling like a fancy schoolgirl (in the best way possible).

And let’s not forget about the pleated mini. It’s like designers took the classic tennis skirt and said, “What if we made this appropriate for a board meeting?” The result? Pleated minis that are equal parts playful and polished. Pair them with over-the-knee boots and a chunky knit, and you’ve got yourself a look that says, “I’m ready for fall, but make it fashion.”

Maxi Mania

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, we’ve got the maxi skirt. Because apparently, the fashion gods decided we needed options to either freeze our legs off or trip over our hemlines. There’s no in-between this season, folks.

But don’t go thinking these are the flowy, bohemian maxis of summers past. Oh no. Fall 2024 is all about structured maxis that mean business. We’re talking skirts with more shape than your post-summer bod (too soon?).

Designers like The Row and Jil Sander are leading the charge with maxis that are practically architectural. Clean lines, unexpected cuts, and fabrics so crisp you could probably hear them coming down the hallway. These skirts don’t just make a statement; they deliver a whole TED talk.

And can we talk about the colors for a hot second? While you might expect fall to be all about muted tones and earthy hues, these maxi skirts are saying, “Hold my pumpkin beer.” We’re seeing bold jewel tones, vibrant prints, and even some metallic action. It’s like the skirts are trying to compete with the changing leaves for who can be the most eye-catching.

Pencil Me In

Now, for those of you who like to keep things classic (with a twist, because it’s 2024 and we can’t just do anything straightforward anymore), the pencil skirt is making a comeback. But forget everything you thought you knew about pencil skirts.

These aren’t your grandmother’s pencil skirts, or even the ones you reluctantly wore to your first internship. Designers have taken this workwear staple and turned it on its head. We’re seeing unexpected cutouts, asymmetrical hemlines, and enough texture to make you want to reach out and touch them (please don’t, unless you want to get kicked out of Barneys).

Brands like Bottega Veneta and Prada are reimagining the pencil skirt in ways that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about office-appropriate attire. Leather? Check. Sequins? Why not. A hemline that looks like it got into a fight with a pair of scissors? Absolutely.

The best part? These skirts are versatile enough to take you from the boardroom to the bar without missing a beat. Just swap out your blazer for a chunky sweater, trade those pumps for some ankle boots, and you’re ready for whatever the night throws at you. Who said workwear had to be boring?

Wrap It Up

Just when you thought wrap dresses had cornered the market on “universally flattering,” along comes the wrap skirt to shake things up. And let me tell you, these are not your average “I just threw this on” wrap skirts.

Designers are playing with proportions, fabrics, and closures in ways that’ll make you wonder if you’ve been doing skirts wrong this whole time. We’re seeing wrap skirts with voluminous layers that somehow manage to be both dramatic and wearable. It’s like wearing a piece of wearable art, but one that won’t fall off when you’re reaching for the last slice of pizza.

Proenza Schouler and Jacquemus are leading the pack with wrap skirts that are equal parts sophisticated and playful. Think unexpected draping, creative use of buttons and ties, and silhouettes that’ll have people doing a double-take (in a good way).

And let’s talk about the practicality factor for a hot second. These wrap skirts are basically the Swiss Army knives of your fall wardrobe. Too warm? Loosen that wrap a bit. Feeling a bit chilly? Tighten it up and pair it with some tights. It’s like having a built-in thermostat for your outfit. Genius.

Pleat the Fifth

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. “Pleats? Didn’t we cover this in the mini skirt section?” Well, buckle up buttercup, because pleats are having such a moment this fall that they deserve their own category.

We’re not just talking about your run-of-the-mill school uniform pleats here. Designers are taking pleats to new heights (sometimes literally – have you seen some of these waistlines?). We’re seeing knife pleats, box pleats, and pleats that look like they were created by some sort of fashion origami master.

Brands like Gucci and Valentino are going all in on the pleat trend, creating skirts that move like works of art. It’s like they’ve managed to capture the essence of those satisfying paper fan videos and turn them into wearable fashion. And let me tell you, there’s something incredibly therapeutic about swishing around in a perfectly pleated skirt.

But here’s where it gets interesting – these pleated skirts aren’t just for twirling (although that’s definitely a bonus). We’re seeing them paired with chunky knits, oversized blazers, and even graphic tees for a high-low mix that screams “I’m fashionable, but I don’t take myself too seriously.”

The Wild Cards

Now, let’s talk about the skirts that defy categorization. The ones that make you go “Is that a skirt or a piece of modern art?” Because apparently, some designers decided that traditional skirt shapes were just too passé for fall 2024.

We’re seeing skirts with more layers than an onion (and they might make you cry tears of joy), asymmetrical hems that look like they were cut by a drunken tailor (in the most fabulous way possible), and textures that make you want to reach out and pet them (again, please don’t, unless you want to make some very awkward small talk with security).

Brands like Loewe and Marni are at the forefront of this “Is it a skirt or a fever dream?” trend, creating pieces that are equal parts confusing and covetable. We’re talking skirts with 3D embellishments that could probably be seen from space, layered skirts that make you wonder if you’re actually wearing three skirts at once, and prints that look like they were created by an AI on a particularly creative day.

These are the skirts for the fashion risk-takers, the ones who hear “That’s a bit much” and think “Challenge accepted.” They’re conversation starters, outfit-makers, and possibly the reason you’ll need to buy a bigger closet.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it, folks. Fall 2024’s skirt trends are a wild ride of minis and maxis, pleats and wraps, classics reimagined and newcomers that defy explanation. It’s like the fashion world collectively decided to throw out the rule book, have a few glasses of wine, and see what happened.

But here’s the real tea – at the end of the day, the best skirt trend is the one that makes you feel like a million bucks (or however much your designer skirt actually cost). Whether you’re team mini or living the maxi life, rocking pleats or wrapped up in luxury, the most important thing is that you wear it with confidence.

So, as we head into this season of pumpkin patches, apple picking, and pretending we like the taste of cinnamon, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. Try on that skirt that makes you go “Ooh” and “Huh?” in equal measure. Mix and match in ways that would make your high school self cringe. And most importantly, strut your stuff like the fall fashion icon you are.

After all, life’s too short for boring skirts. Now, go forth and slay those fallen leaves! 👗🍂✨