I’m not usually one to give in to trends, or skirts, for that matter, but this summer has me thinking differently. Ever since I saw a picture of Alexa Chung wearing a lace midi skirt paired with a green cardigan, I knew it was one trend I’d have (and want) to give in to. There’s just something so devastatingly chic about it, like Chung had just flung open her nightwear drawer and thrown an outfit together from it. That image stuck with me, and while I’ve been deciding on what made it to my carefully curated summer wardrobe, a lace midi skirt remained at the top of my list.

While I’ve searched high and low, I’ve found only one skirt that’s given me the je ne sais quoi of  Chung’s look: Abercrombie’s High Rise Satin Lace-Hem Midi Skirt, which has quickly become a firm favourite in my wardrobe (and is currently on sale). The skirt is made from a silky satin-like fabric and has a midi length that just skims my knee (enough to feel slightly sultry but definitely not revealing). The cream lace hem solves my boudoir-allure cravings, and its high-waisted design is incredibly flattering. One thing to bear in mind, however, is that the skirt comes up slightly big. I’m usually a size 29, and I ordered a medium, but I could’ve gotten away with a small if I wanted to wear it higher up on my waist.

Coming from someone who rarely ever gravitates towards skirts, Abercrombie’s iteration is, quite frankly, a joy to style. Wear with a boxy t-shirt and ballet flats for an easy everyday look, or dress up with kitten heels, a baby tee and throw a trench over the top for an outfit that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of Sex and The City.

Abercrombie’s High Rise Satin Lace-Hem Midi Skirt is just the latest item in a wider trend of nightwear-as-outerwear – a delightful rebellion that, yes, I will be partaking in. Call it what you want, a lace skirt, slip skirt, sleepwear-chic; this summer it’s less about dressing up to head out, and more about dressing as if you’re headed to bed, mint tea and a good book in hand.

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she’s hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she’s going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.