Finally, a Trending Item Already In My Closet
Welcome back, wrap skirt!
I have a theory about wrap skirts: everyone has one, yet no one knows where they got it.
My friend and I were recently comparing our rogue fashion pieces. Hers was a mysterious navy plaid kilt that could either be a family heirloom or a throwaway deal from a thrift store. Mine—a tropical sarong that resembles a SpongeBob and Patrick sartorial sandwich—was purchased either for a university beach holiday or gifted by a very generous brand. Either way, it’s as if some fashionable tooth fairy came at night and tucked a tie-on garment in the back of our bedrooms. But is that really such a bad thing?
I would argue that in many ways, the wrap skirt is the unsung workhorse of wardrobes. It’s one of the few items that is truly timeless, having been popular in the ‘70s, ‘90s, ‘00s and now the 2020s (see Dior, Ferragamo and Miu Miu Spring 2025). It’s often made of natural materials like cotton, silk or denim, and only gets softer and cozier with time. And with no fixed waistband, its lifespan is virtually endless and can ebb and flow as your body changes.
What’s more, the wrap skirt is chameleonic. Having no fixed identity of its own, it can adapt to any aesthetic. A White Lotus-esque vacay, a nostalgic jean moment, an office siren alternative—any and all is possible with this bountiful bottom. And the good news is, like my friend and me, most of us still have a wrap skirt or two hanging in the graveyard section of our closets.
Below, I’ve rounded up a few tips on how to style a wrap skirt for the spring. And if by chance you don’t already have one or are simply in need of a newer alternative (I won’t judge!), there are also key styles of the season for you to peruse. Nothing theoretical about that.
The Corporate Wrap Skirt
I love an Annie Hall/Hailey Bieber tie moment as much as the next person but sometimes it can feel a little too on the nose when paired with pleated pants. Consider the above look the mullet of the fashion world: business on the top and party on the bottom. A cleverly styled wrap skirt will still keep you looking corporate-chic, but ready for impromptu evening drinks. After all, you’re not a regular boss, you’re a cool boss.
The Denim Digs
I don’t usually find myself triggered by fashion but every time I see a denim wrap skirt, I swear I get wafts of my old Lip Smackers cotton candy lip gloss. I have sentenced many of these types of garments to their stylish graves and am now hugely regretting it. While I respect this street style star’s commitment to nostalgia, for those who aren’t quite ready to relive the past, stick to the loafers and bright sweater combo, ditch the scarves.
The Pop of Colour
My favourite kinds of clothes are always the ones that look effortlessly put together when paired with a white tee—and the wrap skirt is no exception. Think Miu Miu’s Spring 2025 collection, or honestly, anything Diane von Furstenberg ever touched. The key? Let your bottom layer be bold, your top stay neutral, and whatever you do, don’t skimp on the accessories. A belt or a fun bag will do wonders to pull the whole look together. Effortless doesn’t mean empty-handed.
The Wrap Skort
As a tall girl who likes to wear a mini skirt, I live in constant fear of accidentally flashing someone. Cue: the skort! While the stylish hybrid may have athletic connotations, it doesn’t mean it’s reserved to just the tennis court. Stick to suiting fabrics like tweed and wool look-a-likes to avoid the comparison. Score extra sartorial style points with a rugby shirt.
The Statement Maker
We all have that one item in our closet that we bought for a tropical vacation, but never wore ever again. For me, it’s a floral wrap skirt. While I had dreams of wearing it while reading Emily Henry and sipping a mojito under a cabana, it ended up being pushed to the bottom of my suitcase and never seen again. This spring, I’m determined to make use of it. Like this influencer, texture will help balance the boldness of the bottom. Also, who doesn’t love a chiffon scarf!
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Annika Lautens is the fashion news and features director of FASHION Magazine. With a resumé that would rival Kirk from "Gilmore Girls", she’s had a wide variety of jobs within the publishing industry, but her favourite topics to explore are fashion sociology and psychology. Annika currently lives in Toronto, and when she’s not interviewing celebrities, you can find her travelling.
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