I’ll admit it: I could have sworn we’d collectively moved on from the denim maxi skirt. In my mind, breezy, floaty styles had taken their place. But as it turns out, fashion has room for more than one key skirt trend at a time, and the denim maxi is officially back from its brief hiatus, as Katie Holmes just proved.
Stepping out in New York for a day of filming, the actor wore the very skirt trend I was convinced was, well, not out, but not exactly fresh when you compare it to other market options either. Her chosen style: a mid-wash denim skirt with a sleek column cut that skims the ankle and stops just shy of the glossy leather strap of her ballet flats.
Years ago—at the height of the denim maxi skirt's popularity—the trend was almost always paired with boxy T-shirts or minimalist vests. Holmes, however, took a softer approach this time around, pairing hers with a relaxed white blouse, lending a pretty ease to the outfit that modernised the skirt in the process. To finish, she slipped into 2025’s shoe of choice (the leather ballet flat), bringing a subtle but noticeably on-trend finish to the look. In its column cut, Holmes’s skirt also nodded to the pencil-skirt silhouettes set to dominate this autumn, further cementing its relevance for the season ahead.
So, if you’ve packed your denim maxi skirt away, it might be time to bring it back into rotation. And if you’re still hunting for the perfect one, I’ve rounded up the best styles to shop now, as well as the chicest ballet flats to pair them with.
Shop Denim Maxi Skirts and Ballet Flats:
This also comes in a fresh shade of white.
Style this with knee high boots as we move towards the autumn months.
The bow detailing adds such a pretty finish.
This indigo wash gives this casual skirt a sleek, elevated energy.
These also come in half sizes, so you can find your perfect fit.
Honestly, these look more expensive than they actually are.
This lighter shade taps into the denim maxi skirt's '90s roots.
The chocolate brown colour trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Style this with the co-ordinating jacket or pair with a boxy tee.
These also come in four other shades.
Style this with classic white trainers or pair with leather mary janes.
The elastic detailing creates a gathered finish that gives these flats an elevated feel.
Be quick! This is on its way to selling out.
I love the sleek design of the minimal flats.
The back slit detail ensure a comfortable stride.
The suede ballet flats trend is set to take off in a big way this autumn.
This also comes in a fresh shade of white.
These also come in six other shades.
-
No, Really—This Denim Color Is Easier to Style Than Blue *and* Black JeansAnd everyone with taste is wearing it with loafers for fall.
-
From Sweden to London: The Surprising Jeans Color European Fashion People Are Reaching for This FallHere's how to pull it off.
-
Skip the Flats—Cindy Crawford's L.A. Denim Trend Looks Better With HeelsSpotted in West Hollywood.
-
If You Plan to Cuff Your Jeans This Fall, Only Do It With *This* Specific Denim Wash and *These* ShoesEveryone with good taste is wearing cuffed denim this way.
-
According to It Girls, You Should Only Wear Skinny Jeans If It's This Trend With These ShoesConfirmed by Bella Hadid in Paris.
-
Nothing Humbles Your Closet More Than the Zara New Arrivals Section—25 Pieces to Instantly Elevate Your Fall OutfitsDid I mention they're modeled by Alexa Chung?
-
Everyone With Good Taste Is Styling Jeans With This Specific Jacket Style Right NowYou probably already own it.
-
Better Than Skinny, Barrel, or Vintage Jeans: These 3 Denim Trends Are Guaranteed to Make Every Fall Outfit a 10/10Yes and yes.
