These are the small tweaks you can make to update this classic look
Many of the styling tricks you see on your daily Instagram scroll can be traced back to a particular runway moment – whether that’s lace slip skirts over jeans (as seen at The Row) or white cotton nighties that aren’t just for bedtime (Miu Miu). However, some of the styling ideas that take hold in a season aren’t born out of ingenuity, but a more practical solution that is all about ease.
While I can’t think of one spring/summer 2025 look that showcased a maxi skirt and sneakers, every time I leave my east London flat this summer I see different iterations of this trusted uniform. In her early days of modelling, Kate Moss lived in black jersey maxis with red suede Gazelles — an outfit that three decades later still defines effortless London style and remains Pinterest fodder.
Last summer, Vogue’s Alice Newbold declared that the summer dress is dead, and that instead, it’s all about the summer skirt. Twelve months later, and this statement encapsulates the 2025 mood. When it comes to specific trending skirts, anything goes, as over the last few weeks we have documented the rise of the boho tiered skirt, the micro mini and bubble-hem skirts.
Still, maxi skirts have a timeless appeal. A black column maxi skirt, for example, is a Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy staple that is a timeless foundational piece, which looks best when paired with a black streamlined runner or ’90s throwback, such as an Adidas Gazelle or Samba. For more volume, either opt for a bubble-hem skirt that scoops down to the ankle or a tiered skirt (camo gives more edge, white will push it into boho territory) – both will go with any style of sneakers, although chunky trainers give it a more streetwear feel.
Keep scrolling for six ideas for how to pair a maxi skirt with trainers this season and beyond.
Camo tiered skirt + Nike Shox
For the menswear shows in Paris in June, this guest wore a pair of black Nike Shox trainers with a tiered maxi skirt realised in a camo print. The silver shoulder bag brings a Noughties flair to the ensemble, while the pulled-up ankle socks go especially well with this length of hemline.
Bubble-hem skirt + white sneakers
This outfit will appeal to all the minimalists out there, proving that a basics-driven look can be updated with tweaks to silhouette and cut. The cropped tank top and white bubble-hem maxi stop this from being boring and give it a more fashion-forward look.
Black maxi skirt + retro runners
Retro runners are trending this year, and Dries Van Noten’s sporty Dustins are at the top of every fashion insider’s wishlist. Keep the focus on your hard-to-purchase trophy sneakers by pairing them with a simple black maxi skirt, which cuts just above the ankle, framing the shoe.
Slip skirt + colour-block trainers
A satin maxi skirt is a winter evening wear staple that looks beautiful with a navy crewneck and mules, but it can also be dressed down in summer months with a T-shirt and a pair of statement, retro sneakers. Adidas SL72s or Loewe Flow trainers are both an excellent choice.
Neutral skirt + colour pop trainers
Add a pop of personality to an otherwise neutral outfit with a pair of colourful sneakers – green, red or yellow will jazz up any beige or ivory skirt.
Black column skirt + streamlined trainers
Outside the Balenciaga show during the couture shows last week, this show guest stuck to a classic all-black ensemble, with a ’90s-style column maxi skirt and sleek mesh sneakers.
