This contentious trend is making a comeback—here's how to style it according to TikTok

Gen-Z is bringing the Y2K denim maxi skirt out of retirement—here's a guide to rocking the look...

denim maxi skirts from Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Mango/ in a pink and purple template
(Image credit: Urban Outfitters/ Antropologie and Mango)

So apparently, denim maxi skirts are back. And while we allow all the millennials to stifle their groans—here's how to rock the controversial Y2K fashion trend in 2023...

We know, anyone born before 1996 will shudder at the thought of those stiff and uncomfy denim skirts of old, but TikTok's fashion enthusiasts are making quite a compelling case for them—much like they did with ballet flats (thanks to the balletcore aesthetic), not to mention all the celebrity buzz around '90s sheer dresses and silver fashion.

To that end—whatever your stance—it seems we can expect to see maxi (and midi) denim skirts making their way back into the fashion mainstream. So, if you're looking to add a blue mid-wash, denim maxi skirt to your capsule wardrobe this spring, here's how to style the look with confidence.

How to style denim maxi skirts

While the Y2K decade saw long denim skirts paired with tees, long cardigans and chunky belts, the 2023 approach is mercifully chicer. In fact, the classic mid-wash skirt is one of the key, staple pieces in the new coastal cowgirl aesthetic which has been tipped (by TikTok) as spring and summer's biggest style trend.

Currently, the fashionistas of the app are pairing their long skirts with cowboy boots, tank tops, shirts, sweatshirts and Hailey Bieber-esque sunglasses, for cool-girl day looks and turtlenecks, leather jackets and blazers, finished off with a pair of loafers for evening attire.

And while it's probably against our better judgment, we're finding the outfits very hard to ignore or critique. Exhibit A...

@birtekooo

♬ original sound - user14647__
@iamcharlotteolivia

♬ LA FEVE MAUVAIS PAYEUR REMIX DISCO TAYLORINHO - taylor
@hellodrea16

♬ original sound - Andrea

We're actually living for the maxi skirt/boot combo! We'd also recommend adding a pair of huggie earrings and a mini bag—like Uniqlo's shoulder bag or the Lululemon belt bag—to complete the fit.

Blue denim skirts are actually surprisingly versatile as you can pair them with cute cream knits and bomber jackets for a fall-ready look or with staple tees and sheer blouses for summer.

MIL's denim maxi skirt edit

Now, onto the main event—where do snag our new go-to skirt? Well, thanks to their recent resurgence, a bunch of our fave retailers are already stocked up with maxi and midi denim skirts...

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Urban Outfitters BDG Mandi Denim Maxi Skirt

RRP: $69

Here is a classic example of the OG denim maxi skirt, with its worn blue design and front slit.

If you were looking to really bring the 2000s nostalgia to your wardrobe, this UO skirt is a must-have and is available in sizes XXS to XXL.


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Anthropologie Pilcro Front Slit Denim Sirt

RRP:$138

This skirt from Anthropologie features a similar front slit and length but in a lighter denim wash.

It's available in sizes 0 to 16.


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WASH LAB DENIM Daily Slit Denim Midi Skirt

RRP: $128

If you're on the hunt for a darker wash, this one from Nordstrom is perfect, with its front slit design and more midi-length which falls around the shin.

This skirt in particular would look great paired with a brown belt and matching boots.


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Reformation Jayde High Rise Denim Midi Skirt

RRP: $148

This skirt features more of a pencil skirt shape, so you might find it slightly hard to walk in, but on the plus side, it's available in dark blue and cream.

Shop in waist sizes 23 to 31.


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Mango Slit denim Skirt

RRP: $79.99

This skirt definitely brings though coastal cowgirl vibes, instead of the front sleeve it features cool panelling details and is available in a mid blue wash.


Let's just hope wearing skirts over jeans doesn't have a renaissance...

Naomi Jamieson
Lifestyle News Writer

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team, where she covers everything from entertainment to fashion and beauty, as well as TikTok trends for Woman&Home, after previously writing for My Imperfect Life and GoodTo. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but lept into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing and earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ.


Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.