Arket’s Striped Skirt Is Quietly Taking Over Summer Wardrobes – Here’s Why It’s Brilliant

It wouldn't be an overstatement to say I harbour a dying love for skirts. My summer wardrobe is a steady mix of linen midis, denim midis, and tiered maxis, each of which is perfectly suited for those rare but glorious days when the British weather finally decides to cooperate. And, while temperatures tend to fluctuate in the lead-up to summer, I take comfort in knowing my wardrobe will be ready when July and August arrive, all thanks to my trusted line-up of skirts. Still, one midi skirt has recently managed to shake up my well-established line-up: Arket's Poplin Skirt, a piece so good, it’s earned a permanent spot in my summer wardrobe.

Combining structured tailoring with a light, summery feel, it’s a versatile staple that works just as well in the office as it does on off-duty days. Crafted from cool, crisp cotton and finished with timeless blue-and-white vertical stripes, it’s designed in a subtly voluminous A-line silhouette that flatters from every angle. With its airy shape and subtle Côte d’Azur charm, the Arket skirt captures two of the most crucial aspects of summer style - a relaxed fit (ideal for catching a breeze) and effortless polish. It’s no surprise, then, that the style set has gravitated towards it at record speed.

But what makes this skirt a true essential for balmy-weather dressing goes beyond its French Riviera appeal. It’s actually part of a set, designed to be paired with the equally chic Oversized Cotton Shirt, a timeless, preppy staple that proves year after year to be a must-have in every summer wardrobe. Featuring the same classic stripe pattern, the shirt combines a cool, oversized silhouette with a stylish cinched waist (very office-siren in my opinion), which is great news if you’re not a fan of shirts that swallow you whole when buttoned up.

Worn together, this tailored co-ord becomes the ultimate throw-on-and-go outfit formula, perfectly suited for everything from office hours to evening drinks. Like any two-piece set, the real style challenge lies in choosing the right footwear, and if you're looking to keep things chic, black ballet flats are a fail-safe choice. For those seeking a cooler, off-duty edge, sneakers are the way to go - with options ranging from Puma Speedcats to Adidas Sambas, which happen to be a favourite among celebrities, and Onitsuka Tigers.

If you’re planning to wear the skirt solo, pair it with a crisp white baby tee for an effortless errand run look, or channel boho-chic vibes with a white lace top reminiscent of the Chloé runway. As for the shirt? Wear buttoned up with a pair of crisp white jeans as per the fashion pack, or unbuttoned with a black vest top and wide-leg black trousers. Again, choose footwear accordingly.

Shop the matching shirt below.

Shop: The Matching Striped Shirt

Image credit: @lau.maree and @dianaritasilva

_Emma Richardson is a fashion commerce writer for Grazia. She was previously a fashion and beauty commerce writer for Heat and Closer, and has contributed digital content for a variety of lifestyle brands. Emma finds much of her inspiration in celebrity style, with Sienna Miller often being a major influence, and loves a pair of ballet pumps and a trusted trench coat._s