Style

12 pretty midi skirts that'll make you feel like twirling

Hello, Summer! Swing into the season with any of these sweet staples

Hello, Summer! Swing into the season with any of these sweet staples

Quick fashion history lesson: The swingy, midi skirt can be traced back to Dior's New Look collection in 1947, when wartime fabric restrictions were lifted and full, voluminous skirts with nipped-in waists hit the streets. There's just something sweet-but-sexy about that swish of a skirt on a hot summer day. Polished enough for the office and pretty enough for a date, here are 12 printed midis with plenty of personality.

Oh, hello toile. Usually reserved for wallpaper and curtains, this pink version of a classic pattern is extra girly and we're not mad at it. Plus, pockets!

Birds of North America Ouzel Skirt in Rose Toile, $118

If there's one time you can get away with wearing an apple print, it's in the height of summer. This one is particularly cheery, in a pastel pairing that will go with anything.

Boutique 1861 Emilise Skirt, $65

You had me at stripes + florals, one of my favourite, clashing combos. Add on-trend embroidery plus a contrasting waistband to really emphasize curves, and I'm all in.

Mango Flower Embroidered Striped Skirt, $69.99

This silky pineapple print almost looks like watercolour, which, combined with the non-traditional colour palette, lends it a more grown-up grace.

J.Crew A-Line Skirt in Ratti® Painted Pineapple, $168

No, this isn't too much. It's just about perfect for a summer date – dare I say on a boat? This skirt will never fail to make you smile, a fine quality in any addition to your wardrobe.

Modcloth Dockside Delight A-Line Skirt, $69.99

Beyoncé made lemons cool. Be like Bey. Mixing sunny yellow with black toughens up this citrus print.

Compania Fantastica Fresh Lemon Skirt, $65

Super sweet and easy to toss in your beach bag. Pair with a plain bikini top or one-piece to go from sand to sundown.

Old Navy Floral Midi Skirt, $34.94

Lush, tropical, and just dark and moody enough to transition into fall (shhh, I said the f-word!). But isn't a multi-season midi just what you need?

Zara Multicolored Floral Skirt, $49.90

The brand may be from Amsterdam, but that's definitely not Dutch written on this so-crazy-it's-cute midi. Somehow the words, abstract shapes and surrealist flair (are those crab claws?) work together, and it's a conversation starter, too.

Scotch and Soda Flaring Midi Skirt, $159

After you get over the amazing fact that your skirt is called Sassy Queen, rejoice in the fact that this bold plaid is begging to be the star — simply pair it with a simple white tee and sneakers.

Chicwish Sassy Queen A-Line Skirt in Red Plaid, $57.26

OK, technically this isn't a complete circle. But look! Ruffles! Plus, it's A-line, so it's a circle in theory at least. A delightful mash-up of kid's picnic casual meets ladies who lunch.

Farrow Gingham Ruffle Skirt, $159.29

The colourway of this skirt wins best name: Ivory Egret Petal Ditsy. Lean into its sweetness with a feminine top and delicate heels, or tone it down with a plain tank and slides.

Leith High Waist Midi Skirt, $55