The grown-up guide to wearing a denim skirt

We've spotted quite a few denim skirts on the catwalks over the past few weeks, from minis at Topshop, to midi's at Versus Versace, to long loose styles at Tibi. While we're patient and have added these exact pieces to our spring 2018 shopping lists, we have also realised that there is no need to wait until next summer to get in on this particular trend.

We’re keen to hang on to the last dregs of sunshine, and this means flashing a bit of leg where we can. Of course we don’t want any weird looks when wearing overtly summery pieces, and this is where the denim skirt comes in handy. 

Believe it or not, it's an ideal sartorial solution for the in-between weather. The fabric is weighty so shouldn’t be reserved for the summer months, and can be made as casual or glam as you need it to be. There is also, more than likely, already one in your wardrobe, so you can get in on the denim action now. 

Here are five stylish ways to wear them...

Go for full-on 90s

Granted, the 90s was probably the last time many of us were wearing a denim skirt year round, but we’re not talking rips and acid wash here. Instead, go for double denim in mixed washes to add interest, and in oversized silhouettes rather than fitted ones, à la Pernille Teisbaek who wore hers while at shows at Paris Fashion Week last year. 

White boots were given the street style seal of approval at both London and New York fashion week earlier this month and are the perfect partner to denim. Note Pernille's 90s style popper skirt, too. 

Give your jeans a break

If you feel like your go-to weekend combination of jeans and a light knit is becoming a little predictable, why not swap your trusty denim for a maxi skirt, which lends itself just as well to casual dressing?

It oozes the same effortless vibes, keeps you just as warm and is still within your denim comfort zone. Blogger Yusnely Cruz pairs hers with other weekend staples; a cross body bag and box-fresh white sneakers, which will keep your look on the right side of casual chic. 

Pile on the accessories 

Street style star and Fashion Director at Tank, Caroline Issa, is never one to let us down on the accessories front.
Her embellished denim skirt offers the perfect high-low mix, allowing it to work for a multitude of occasions year round.

Here, she was out and about at shows over London Fashion Week and paired it with fluffy heels and a belted khaki shacket. Equally, her denim number would look great dressed down with trainers and a grey T-shirt. 

Smarten it up

If you're going to brave the autumn chill in a short skirt, keep your top half chic and covered up to strike the perfect balance. Pernille's velvet and denim texture clash makes for an interesting look, and she further smartens up her attire with pointed velvet pumps. Pair your denim mini with an of-the-moment Prince of Wales check blazer, a cream polo neck and metallic ankle boots to make it autumn-ready. 

Make it evening appropriate

Experiment with your denim skirt by pairing it with your usual evening staples for a look that works by night, too. 

A dark indigo wash is best for this; take a leaf out of Elle UK fashion features director, Kenya Hunt's book and wear yours with ladylike mules and a silk blouse to have it swishing into evening territory in no time. Add a pair of statement earrings and you're good to go. 

Five denim skirts to buy now

Platan skirt, ￡195, MiH Jeans 

Button-front skirt, ￡34.95, GAP 

Lemaire A-line denim skirt, ￡300, Matches Fashion

Reconstructed skirt, ￡36, Warehouse

Re/Done distressed skirt, ￡245, Net-a-Porter