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There’s a reason cotton poplin skirts have become a wardrobe staple for so many fashion fans over the last 12 months. Lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly chic, they deliver comfort without compromising on style, not forgetting the fact they can be styled year-round and for any occasion.
Cotton poplin is beloved for its crisp yet airy texture. Unlike heavier cotton weaves, poplin drapes beautifully while still holding a polished shape, making it versatile enough for dressing up or down. Its natural breathability also makes it perfect for warm weather, exactly why it’s a summer hero piece.
My Pure Cotton Poplin A-line Skirt from Marks & Spencer has proven to be worth its weight in gold during the recent heatwave. It boasts a classic midaxi silhouette made in pure cotton poplin that feels as breezy as it looks. For £32.50, it’s a steal, delivering a soft yet structured silhouette, flattering high-waisted fit and elasticated waistband, which as a bloating-prone girly, I appreciate more than you know. Oh, and did I mention it has pockets?
Originally, I bought this skirt in white last summer, and I did get a lot of wear out of it. However, after having a colour analysis and discovering I’m a Light Spring, I realised ivory works much better for me, so I was thrilled when M&S delivered this updated 2025 version. The cream shade is softer and warmer, but still provides a blank-canvas base for outfit styling, making it a seriously versatile piece.
For daytime styling, I lean into relaxed, easy pieces like this Olive green shirt from ASOS, which leans into the utility trend. I love the oversized feel and it feels just a touch smarter than pairing it with a graphic t-shirt – although this works just as well for a laidback look. I wore mine with my Leopard print Damson Madder crossbody bag and Malibu Blowfish leopard sandals. If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know I have a thing for animal print, and these accessories add a subtle edge without overpowering the soft cream skirt.
Elevating the skirt for an evening event, I teamed it with a black shirred sleeveless top which gives a chic contrast to the cream skirt, creating a more dressed-up feel. I’ve seen a number of dresses in this style of late, like this one from M&S, but I recreated the look with a £13 Primark number. The green accessories tie everything together while giving a fresh pop of colour. The green micro bag is from Cos and was a Christmas gift from Jake a couple of years ago, and the sandals are also an old but recently rediscovered pair from Tu about two years ago, originally purchased for a trip to Portugal. I had so many compliments on this outfit on the night, with a few key pieces completely changing the vibe – and yet it was less expensive to put together than the daytime ensemble.
This skirt has proven itself so versatile that I’m already dreaming of adding more colours to my collection – perhaps a navy or even this gorgeous chocolate brown striped number for a bit of a pattern.
If you’re on the fence about trying a cotton poplin skirt, let this be your sign. They’re flattering, easy to wear, endlessly adaptable, and they’ll make getting dressed feel joyful rather than stressful. Whether for a casual coffee run or a date night, you’ll feel pulled together in a matter of seconds, and isn’t that what good style is all about?
