When you think of a wrap skirt, your first thought may be of a sarong. You're technically correct, but this summer, the style has evolved well beyond the beach.
It first started with the scarf skirt microtrend that emerged earlier this season. What began as fashion girlies tying their square silk bandana scarves around their hips as a sort-of belt, progressed to scarves doubling as skirts – either over existing mini skirts or jeans for a Y2K twist. Now, large rectangle scarves and shawls are featuring as bottom halves in their own right. Plus, with the likes of Miu Miu, Dior and Ferragamo proving the power of a wrap on the spring/summer 2025 runways, is it any surprise the wrap skirt is back trending?!
Whether you own one from the last time the skirt silhouette was popular (read: the 2000s. Fashion is cyclical, remember), DIY your own, or take advantage of the many on offer on the Great British high street (you may be able to bag a deal in the summer sales, FYI), you can't go wrong when it comes to hem-length or your preferred fabric.
As for what shoes you wear with your wrap skirt – the secret to any outfit ‘working’ or not is all down to footwear, IMO – below, we've rounded up the most stylish of Fashion Week guests and street style stars for all the outfit inspo you need.
Wrap skirt and sandals
Nothing screams summer vibes like a linen wrap skirt and sandals. We love how this stylish stroller has coordinated the sunshine shades of her deck-chair striped skirt with her ankle-tie sandals. A raffia basket bag provides the perfect finishing touch, whether she's strutting down city streets or headed to the beach.
Wrap skirt and pumps
Thanks to the added fabric required to execute the ‘wrap’ silhouette, a wrap skirt can sometimes feel a little heavier or look a little bulkier than other skirt styles. Balance out your proportions by opting for a minimal, sleek shoe like a slim ballet flat. Opt for a mesh ballet flat for extra style points.
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Wrap skirt and slingback heels
Another way to balance out a wrap skirt's proportions is with heels. You don't have to reach for your most towering pair, a simple kitten heel slingback will work just as well, elevating this look in more ways than one. As for the rest of this 'fit, we love how the bikini top taps into the sarong-style feel of a wrap skirt, but if your workplace dress code requires you to cover up a little more, try a tucked-in oversized shirt instead.
Wrap skirt and cowboy boots
No, we're still not over cowboy boots and neither is the fashion world. Come autumn, get ready to dig yours back out and wear with them anything and everything. Including a wrap skirt, obvs. Just make sure yours is a midi length or longer, so the skirt covers the top of the boots.
Wrap skirt and loafers
Give your look a masculine vibe by pairing your skirt with loafers. No matter the hem length, thanks to the wrapping nature of this skirt style, you will inevitably end up showing a little more leg so why not add some mid-calf socks for a preppy twist?
Wrap skirt and mules
Don't have a wrap skirt? Make your own! Make like this stylish Fashion Week guest and wear a large rectangular scarf as a sarong. A chic pair of heeled mule sandals will stop it feeling too much like a beach cover-up.
Wrap skirt and trainers
A wrap skirt doesn't have to be formal. Case in point: this ensemble that dresses down a black midi skirt with eye-catching trainers in a colour-pop red hue. A cropped white t-shirt further helps to dress down the overall look.
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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!
