Now that we’ve made it over the proverbial hump and fully transitioned into autumn, I’m ready to lean into the best autumn fashion with great gusto. Linen and sandals? To the back of the wardrobe! The next few months are all about cosy, layered outfits that look just as good on the commute as they do for a staycation in the countryside, and one piece in particular has gone from practical piece to fashion-person favourite in 2026: the kilt. Once the reserve of Scottish heritage dressing, the humble pleated skirt has found a cooler place in the fashion conversation. And, honestly, it’s easy to see why.

“I started Le Kilt when my granny made me a little Black Watch kilt back when I was working as a design assistant at Fred Perry in 2012. It just became part of my wardrobe, worn with all the little shrunken knits and monkey boots I was wearing at the time,” says Sam McCoach, founder of independent Scottish brand Le Kilt, known for its contemporary take on the traditional craft. “My wardrobe has obviously evolved since then, but the kilt has never really left. It’s remained a constant—a staple that somehow always feels relevant.”

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the kilt, whether it makes you think of the Highlands, the runway or even school uniforms, but the latest iterations feel like an evolution from the traditional style. Classic tartan will always be a mainstay, but 2026 is also championing sleek grey and black versions that feel just as polished as tailoring, wrap silhouettes that soften the silhouette, and modern buckle details like Chopova Lowena’s ubiquitous carabiners that have been giving the street-style set plenty to work with during fashion month and beyond.

And, thankfully for us, an easy wool skirt doesn’t require a complete wardrobe overhaul. A kilt looks just as at home with a chunky knit and knee-high boots as it does with a shirt, tailored blazer or simple T-shirt. In other words, it has all the versatility of a classic skirt, but with enough personality to make an outfit feel considered.

“Kilts are incredibly versatile and completely ageless,” adds McCoach. “I guess that’s why they stay in your wardrobe for so long. There’s something about them that feels passed down, almost like a tradition. With Le Kilt, I try to keep that sense of permanence whilst making them feel modern for today as well as tomorrow too.”

With Marks and Spencer’s recent runway debut featuring an elegant black kilt, and the continued rise and rise of brands like Le Kilt, it’s clear that the pleated skirt is finding favour again. So, if you’ve been wondering whether the kilt is worth adding to your autumn wardrobe, consider this your sign. From the brands that fashion insiders are wearing now to the easiest ways to make the trend feel modern, keep scrolling to see how to style 2026’s most unexpected skirt revival.

How to Wear a Kilt Skirt in 2026

1. Statement Knit + Mini Kilt + Ankle Boots

Style Notes: It just wouldn’t be the run-up to Christmas without a chunky, statement knit (and no, I don’t mean “novelty”). There’s something about Lucy Williams’ easy ensemble (pictured above) that makes me wish for colder weather. The Scots had cornered the market with this brand of Highland-hygge dressing (think Fair Isle knits, kilts and shearling), but Lucy manages to make it feel city-appropriate by opting for a shorter hemline and adding a pared-back leather boot.

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2. Barn Jacket + Kilt + Heavy Boots

Style Notes: What happens when you take the biggest coat trend of 2025 and pair it with the biggest skirt trend of 2026? Alice Sattherwaite’s barn jacket and kilt combination. Until winter hits, you won’t need a wool coat, and these lightweight jackets are a transitional wonder for throwing on over fine knits and tees, and feel all the dressier with a longer kilt skirt and a high-octane chunky boot.

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3. Colourful Cardigan + Multicoloured Kilt + Loafers

Style Notes: For conclusive proof that autumn outfits don’t have to be cream jumpers and camel trench coats, look no further than this joyful cardigan and kilt combination. Take it from Sarah Corbett-Winder (pictured above): clashing prints never looked (or felt) so good. Just start with your favourite knit, add an equally bright kilt (in fact, one full of as many colours as possible is even better), and ground the whole thing with simple and practical loafers and white socks.