From M&S to Boden, British fashion brands are backing kilt skirts for autumn – here are my top 9
I've already added 3 to my basket
Every so often, there are trends so pervasive that they seep into every corner of the high street, and this season, it's the kilt skirt taking the fashion arena by storm. An ode to British heritage style and the late Queen's impeccable country-core aesthetic, the autumn/winter fashion trends for 2026 lean into checks and tartans in a big way, with everyone from French fashion house Chloe to Tory Burch all giving a nod to the look.
The natural partner to this print is, of course, the kilt. Although A-lines, sarongs and midi silhouettes are set to continue into the cooler weather, it is the traditional kilt silhouette, with its statement pleats, wrap detail and chic waist buckles, that is truly having a moment.
Tweed and cotton iterations are perhaps the most prevalent, and this polished shape is ideal for a host of smart-casual outfits, dressed up with a blouse and heels, or down with a sweater and boots. Mixed-media iterations, teaming prints with plainer panels, offer a more experimental finish, while block colours or prints add extra polish to the look.
Autumn trend 2026: Kilt skirts
With a hint of The Traitors to this heritage-loving look, the return of the show, which is expected this autumn, this is an aesthetic that you can expect to see more of in the coming weeks and months, and the high street has some amazing options - I've already snapped up four.
The current number one best-selling skirt on the M&S website - and I've got mine on order. This design is part of the new autumn/winter M&S 2026 drop that debuted last week. The sharp pleats, statement buckle and folded waist give it a high-end look for under £50. Team it with elegant knits or a classic white shirt and a pair of knee-high boots for autumn perfection.
There are three variations of this kilt as part of the Boden new-in autumn line, and all of them are selling fast. This mix-media iteration of tweed and tartan is particularly special and gives the heritage aesthetic a very modern feel. And yes, I've snapped this one up too. I'll pair it with a cosy, cropped knit to highlight the waist and some leather boots.
This classic navy and bottle green tartan delivers a very polished finish and I love the double buckle detailing at the waist. The subtle tartan ensures this is easy to dress up, and a knitted vest and cardigan, alongside a velvet court or ballet pump with offer a very elegant finish that's ideal for autumn, right through to the festive season.
Unsure if a kilt is for you? The supermarket brands are in on the act, and this F&F at Tesco design is under £30, making it a very affordable option. The slate grey hue echoes the autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2026, too, and will pair well with other neutrals such as cream, taupe, black or navy. The longer length is warming too.
A very elegant take on the trend, if you think of Monsoon as simply being the home for bohemia, think again. This sleek, asymmetrical design is very smart indeed and for under £60 too. I love this khaki hue - another major colour trend for the months ahead, giving a nod to utility too. Pair with tan suede for a rich, autumn-ready finish.
I can't talk about British heritage fashion without referencing the likes of Barbour. While the British clothing brand is best known for its outerwear, it actually has a great line of clothing and accessories too that isn't to be missed, and this season, there are several key tartan skirts worth investigating. I love this two-patterned design, it delivers a fun, punk-inspired finish.
A second Boden kilt, this is the same shape as the mix-media design, but in plain navy, making it a very elegant, wearable iteration of the trend, Team with other neutrals, or add a pop of boldness, pairing it with red or berry colourways this autumn. While the kilt is very on-trend right now, I'd fully back this dark, pleated design for future winters too.
Berry hues are once again big news this season and the deep, warm colouring of this plum skirt will slot beautifully into those autumn outfit ideas. For a more preppy finish that echoes the Chloe catwalks, pair this skirt with a white blouse and a grey blazer for a modern twist with retro nods, that will take you effortless from your 9-5 to after work plans.
A subtlest but one of the chicest ways to wear the trend, this wrap-front design has a flat front panel that will make it very flattering over midriffs. The side statement fastening, a button, as opposed to a traditional buckle adds a further modern nod to the design. The pleated elements add the kilt element to this skirt, a very sleek buy indeed.
I've fallen for the kilt skirt in quite a big way. It was a trend that started this time last year, really, where I snapped up two - one from M&S and one from Monsoon- and I have worn them on repeat. In fact, I was already excited to get them out again when I saw all of the new designs dropping onto the high street, and I couldn't resist.
The M&S iteration was one of the biggest press day hits, and I think it has become something of a womanandhome.com uniform, as I know several colleagues have snapped up the affordable design. And it's not just on our team either, as the Boden selection has flown off the shelves.
So how does one wear them? Well, if you take notes from the likes of Chloe, then it's all about adding preppy polish with floaty blouses and sharp blazers for a high-low mix. However, they will work equally well and get a more laid-back feel paired with your best cashmere sweaters, or chunky ca in cooler weather. Want to lean into your inner punk? Add a t-shirt, a leather jacket and a pair of lug-soled boots or sporty trainers for a relaxed finish.
Make sure to highlight your waist, as this is generally where the detailing will sit, be it a buckle or a button. You won't want to cover that up, so tuck in, half-tuck or opt for more cropped-style knit silhouettes that will kiss the top of your skirt. This versatile skirt shape is one I don't see falling out of favour anytime soon.
