Nothing has the sartorial staying power of broderie anglaise. Its popularity can be traced all the way back to 19th-century Victorian England when it commonly decorated everything from dresses and nightwear to baby clothing. Yep, there's something inherently British about it – after all, the French name literally translates to ‘English embroidery’.
While broderie anglaise dresses are likely a staple of your warm-weather wardrobe year after year, this season has seen the fabrication appear in fresh forms, reinvigorating the classic look. Broderie blouses in crisp, white colourways have been big news, effortlessly pairing with summer jeans for a seasonal ensemble that's equal parts fashionable and feminine.
But this summer, if you're looking for the chicest way to incorporate some delicate cut-work embroidery into your wardrobe, look no further than a broderie anglaise midi skirt.
In case you're not aware, broderie anglaise is characterised by small cut-outs – or eyelets – that are finished with stitched edgings to prevent fraying. The cut-work is intentionally positioned to create pretty patterns across garments, most commonly on cotton or linen. Depending on the size of the eyelets and how close the clusters are, it can sometimes create a lace-like effect.
From a practical POV, broderie anglaise is made for the warm weather thanks to its easy-breezy, airy feel. That's exactly why it works so well in midi skirt form, translating seamlessly onto floaty silhouettes made for twirling and swishing. Simply style it with a boxy t-shirt or a simple tank top and a pair of sandals, and you're good to go. The look feels crisper and cooler than a structured shirtdress or summer dress.
Luckily, there are plenty of on-trend broderie anglaise midi skirts available to shop on the high street right now, from M&S, Mango, H&M and more. Below, shop some of our favourites:
M&S Pure Cotton Cutwork Detail Midaxi Skirt
H&M Broderie Anglaise Drawstring Skirt
Mango Midi Skirt with Embroidered Details
Sézane Nala Skirt Ecru with Petal Embroidery
Nobody's Child White Cutwork Scallop Hem Sintra Midi Skirt
Nobody's Child White Cutwork Scallop Hem Sintra Midi Skirt
Whistles White Broderie Cotton Midi Skirt
Mint Velvet White Cotton Broderie Midi Skirt
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
