City summers in a temperate climate have, until recently, required a fairly staple rotation of denim jeans and white cotton T-shirts, revamped by some Birkenstocks and a summery cord necklace. But increasingly sweltering conditions throughout Europe have brought the billowing maxi skirt back into the spotlight. According to fashion shopping platform Lyst, demand for long skirts is up 25 per cent since April, with sleek slip styles by brands such as Massimo Dutti, Toteme and The Row, as well as Cos’s sold-out bubble-hem iteration, leading the searches.
Artist Simone Noa wears Dôen organic cotton poplin Sebastiane skirt, £258
At London’s Selfridges, maxi skirts have consistently been “in high demand”, says buying manager Rebecca Osei-Baidoo, with draped and ruched designs by Alaïa and Dries Van Noten, and flared linen styles by Dissh and Ganni, among the most popular styles. The maxi has cross-generational appeal too – long floaty skirts work with everything from Alaïa’s mesh ballet flats and white button-downs to skimpy tank tops and colourful Sambas.
Alaïa viscose-mix ruched high-waisted skirt
Price: £1,600
