If you buy one thing this January, make it a kilt. Sure, midi skirts are a wardrobe staple year-round, but this particular style is well-suited to the colder temperatures of the autumn and winter months. Often crafted from heavier fabrics like wool, falling to at least the knee, and decorated in a check or tartan print, what further sets kilts apart is the integration of metal hardware in some form, be it buckles, safety pins or clasps.
It was this grunge addition that first led designers, including Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, to adopt them into their ‘90s aesthetic. However, for a more modern take, simply look to the likes of Chopowa Lowena, Miu Miu and Saint Laurent's spring/summer 2026 show as kilts are officially back on the fashion radar.
We’re not alone in our love for kilts. You need only turn on this season of The Traitors, where host Claudia Winkleman has sported more than one – the latest in Thursday [15 January] night's episode, which she paired with the Madeleine Thompson ‘Tamina’ cashmere knit (that's currently 50% off here, FYI). It’s no secret we’re obsessed with Claude's style, from her statement wool coats to her go-with-everything leggings. Night after night, she continues to serve up the perfect January fashion inspiration.
But, unlike those Bottega Veneta clumpy lug-sole boots that are well out of our price range, it’s easier than ever to replicate her look thanks to Next's black and grey gingham midi kilt skirt.
This Next number consists of a mid-length A-line style with pleats, providing added volume to the silhouette and promising a flattering fit. It also features the aforementioned and crucial design feature of a double buckle clasp positioned asymmetrically on the left hip.
Opting for a smaller check pattern in its gingham print, the monochrome colourway lends itself to maximum wearability, with the pairing options endless. While the temperature is still cold, we'd style it with a cosy knit jumper and simple but sleek knee-high black boots to complete the look. This trend will definitely stick around until the spring, if not longer, so once the weather allows, switch up the look with a plain white tee and cowboy boots.
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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!
