The maxi skirt is a trend that has absolutely dominated the fashion scene over the last 12 months – and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. They’re such an elegant and feminine alternative to jeans, making them perfect for both casual and dressier occasions and can be paired with so many different tops to switch up the look depending on your personal style.
After falling in love with their animal midi dress, for our latest instalment of Mum vs Millennial, I – aged 25 and a size 10 – and my 51-year-old mum, Tracy, have both styled the Needs No Label maxi skirt to prove why it’s a must-have wardrobe staple, offering a stylish and elevated option for when jeans just won’t do.
The brainchild of fabric vendor Sheldon and fashion buyer Natasha, Needs No Label was founded in 2021 and aims to offer ‘versatile, stylish pieces that take you from the office to after-work drinks with ease’ – because we all know how much I love a garment that works hard in your wardrobe.
The brand has recently released four brand new maxi skirts – two satin, coming in champagne and silver, and two chiffon in leopard print and rose floral designs. Priced at an affordable £34.99, each style is available in sizes 8-18, but thanks to their comfortable elasticated waist, you won’t need to worry about feeling confined to one size if your shape fluctuates throughout the month, making it a really ‘safe’ outfit for the days where it feels like nothing else in your wardrobe fits.
For my outfit, I opted for the champagne version of the skirt to channel the old-money aesthetic that this skirt was practically born for. I leaned into the quiet luxury look with a vintage satin leopard print blouse with an oversized pussybow, which peeked over a chic black waistcoat from River Island.
After half-building the outfit in my head, I took to Instagram to ask my followers how best to pull the ensemble together so it felt cohesive, and there was an overwhelming demand for a pop of red. I switched out a pair of brown croc-effect boots for red cotton socks and my black Kurt Geiger loafers, which gave the whimsy look an edgier vibe, finishing everything off with a cherry coloured hair bow. Trend boxes for 2024? Ticked them all.
The skirt itself is a stunning shade, with a medium weight that moves beautifully as you walk. Soft to touch, it’s incredibly comfortable to wear, and it’s warm enough to wear on cool days while simultaneously cool enough for the summer months, too.
Meanwhile, my mum embraced the ultimate gig-ready fit, sporting the leopard chiffon version of the skirt. As a woman over 50, she was slightly apprehensive about the idea of a sheer skirt, but the thigh length lining covers all it needs to without making itself too prominent, while helping to create a gorgeous feminine drape.
She paired the skirt with a washed David Bowie T-shirt, which complimented the neutral tones in the animal print, adding leather accessories in the form of tall black Chelsea boots, a sleek shoulder bag and leather jacket. The look is edgy and effortless with a touch of rebellious charm, and really easy to put together with pieces you’ll no doubt already have in your wardrobe.
The Needs No Label maxi skirts boast elegance without breaking the bank, and are a fast and affordable way to elevate your look, whether you’re looking for old money aesthetics or more relaxed, cool girl vibes. Their cut and length offers a flattering silhouette that suits various body shapes, while their flowy and lightweight nature makes them ideal for year-round styling.
What’s more is that both of these looks would translate equally as well on one another, too (which is all the excuse I need to buy the leopard print version for myself), which is further confirmation that the Needs No Label maxi skirts are an ageless staple that will effortlessly becomes a wardrobe favourite for mums, millennials and everyone in between.
Other ways I’ll be styling this skirt include with blazers, oversized cream knits, or even one of those black and white striped quarter zip jumpers to really lean into that off-duty uniform style. You can shop the Needs No Label skirts here.
