For me, summer is all about easy style and breezy outfits, and nothing says warm-weather dressing quite like a versatile cotton skirt. This season, as I curate my summer wardrobe, I find myself drawn to pieces that I know will keep me sane during the warmer months, but that also work with my transitional wardrobe. Speaking of, the Arket A-Line Cotton Skirt has quite quickly become a staple in my collection for this very reason, with its classic shape and soft material, its a perfect blend of style and ease. As soon as I saw the piece on the brand's website, I knew it was only a matter of time before it was gone—so, naturally, I grabbed it as soon as I could. While the crisp white version is definitely my favourite for its endless pairing possibilities, the skirt also comes in a charming pink hue that’s equally tempting.
What sold me on the cotton midi skirt was its flattering silhouette that made it the perfect foundation for my summer uniform. As I took my outfit ideas to my virtual mood-board, the skirt was at the forefront, ready to be styled in countless ways. Picture it with a tailored blazer for a refined evening look or even a more dressier office day outfit. And perhaps paired with a soft knit for those cooler days—because we can never be too sure with British weather.
Keep scrolling for the four looks I've been dreaming up, each offering a unique spin on this essential piece.
HOW TO WEAR ARKET A-LINE COTTON SKIRT
1: For the 9 to 5
Style Notes: Pairing the Arket skirt with a tailored blazer creates an instantly polished look, perfect for days in the office to breezy summer evenings. Add some classic Chloé ballet flats and a sleek clutch for an outfit that's ideal for al fresco dining or casual business meetings.
Shop the Look:
It's everything I wanted in a skirt and more. I've even recommended it to everyone!
Believe it or not I only just discovered Aligne, and this cinched blazer is a new staple!
If you're after a ballet flat that looks cute, does not cause blisters (even after hours of walking) and lasts—you have it in this Chloé pair.
The black sunglasses bring this whole look together, don't you think?
I find having a clutch can sometimes be so much easier, not to mention they help put the focus more on the outfit.
I will always stand by the timelessness of a gold initial necklace, it's so simple yet chic and versatile.
2: For Long Lazy Lunches
Style Notes: On cooler days, teaming the skirt with a soft jumper offers a cosy yet stylish vibe, perfect for weekend brunches or running errands. Slip into some comfortable mules and grab a crossbody bag to keep the look more put-together—I opted for the Hereu muted Mabra bag.
Shop the look:
As a modest dresser I really love the length of the skirt and how it is still so cute and flattering without needed to show much skin.
At least one knit jumper is a must in the British summer because, well, it's British weather. This Alpaca blend jumper has been on rotation for me all winter, and on those moments when it feels too warm, I simply take it off and tie over my shoulders. It almost looks better like this!
Flat slingback mules can be dressed up with a lovely evening dress or down with some jeans, and that's just one of the reasons I will always sing their praises.
Style this bag with some oversized jeans, a slim-fitted T-shirt, and gold accessories, and you'll be set for the perfect model off-duty look.
I can attest to these being the perfect everyday earrings, though they look like they can be heavy—they are not.
The pearl ring takes away the need for any other accessories. The delicate pearls yet eccentric design speaks for itself.
3: For Weekend Activities
Style Notes: For a clean approach, pairing the white skirt with a white bodysuit creates a streamlined silhouette, which feels more contemporary. I love to add a single colour to an all-white outfit, so here have gone for a green suede pair of Mary Jane flats, with a matching suede tote, and sunglasses with this same olive tone. For me colour is just that little more elevated when aligned like this.
Shop the look:
The great thing about maxi skirts is they're office-friendly, so I'm definitely making use of this more this summer.
For those days when last-minute plans pop up, but you don't know what to wear? A white body suit with some denim is all you need.
The suede material is oh so soft and let's just take a moment for this emerald green colour—the styling possibilities are endless.
I'm going for a matching accessories moment with this look, and green is the focus. And it doesn't get any better than this cute Arket suede tote bag.
Cat-eye sunglasses never goes out of style. And this colour just adds to its timelessness.
I feel like this look called for silver jewellery to give the green a moment to really shine.
4: For Summer Soirées
Style Notes: For those scorching summer days, nothing beats the simplicity of a tank top paired with the Arket skirt. Throw on an oversized linen shirt for an added layer of cool, and complete the look with kitten heel mules and a shoulder bag. This outfit is perfect for a day of shopping or a relaxed lunch with friends, and this coral orange-red colour? Divine!
Shop the look:
A simple way to make a plain white skirt feel elevated is by opting for bright pairings. See below.
A classic wardrobe staple but in this Terracotta colour really makes the outfit pop.
Is it even summer without a linen shirt? So often we reach for this fabric in white, black or even beige, but how persuasive is this orange hue?
After a long winter I think it's high time to treat ourselves, and these Manolo Blahnik mules are the perfect summer shoe addition to splurge on.
Suns out, raffia totes out! Staud always gets it right with its classic designs and sturdy craftspersonship.
A nice little gold arm candy to finish the warm toned look off.
