My Mom Is 53 and I'm 24 but We Agree: This Is the Only Skirt Style Worth Packing for Summer Trips

Travel + Leisure

10-05-2025

My mom is 53 and I'm 24, but when it comes to spring and summer style, we're surprisingly in sync—especially when packing our travel outfits. Lately, we've both been reaching for the same easy, elegant staple: the maxi skirt. She just returned from Italy, where she wore the Madewell Maxi Slip Skirt and the Smocked-waist Poplin Midi Skirt, and I'm already planning outfits for my summer getaway to France in August. We both agree: There's nothing more versatile than a breezy, flattering skirt that works just as well for dinner in Provence as it does for a weekend at the Jersey Shore.
From timeless white maxi skirts to romantic floral prints, we've found styles that suit both of our travel wardrobes—whether they're from Madewell, Quince, Amazon, or beyond. Every pick is packable, stylish, and endlessly wearable, no matter your age or itinerary. Below, you'll find the skirts we're packing and how we'd style them—starting at just $34.
We both fell for this timeless satin skirt for the same reason: it's flattering, easy to style, and makes every outfit look elevated. I originally picked it out for my mom in-store, and she's been wearing it on repeat ever since—most recently in Italy, where she paired the green shade with Madewell's Merino Wool-silk Sweater Tank and a gold belt for a dressy dinner look.
I love that it has a subtle slit and lightweight fabric that's perfect for warm-weather destinations, but also layers easily for cooler evenings. Whether you're styling it with sneakers and a tee or kitten heels and a blazer, this skirt is a suitcase M.V.P.—and it's currently on sale.
This A-line skirt is the definition of effortless. The pleated fabric has a floaty, summery feel that works in almost any setting, from an outdoor café in Nice to a casual brunch in NYC. My mom leans classic, styling hers with a button-up blouse and white sneakers. I like to wear mine with a strapless top and a cardigan tossed over my shoulders. It's the kind of skirt we can both reach for and style completely differently—and feel equally comfortable and chic.
This silk maxi skirt is a newer find we both immediately wanted in our carts. The tie waist and slightly lower fit give it a modern, laid-back feel, and the fabric makes it feel far more expensive than its $34 price tag. I can see us both wearing this on a summer night out—she'd go for a white tee, jean jacket, and flats, while I'd opt for a black bodysuit and a blazer. It's a surprisingly versatile staple that works from vacation dinners to date nights at home.
With more than 3,000 five-star ratings and a best-seller spot in Women's Novelty Skirts, this flowy ruffled option from Amazon earned its place in both our suitcases. The details set it apart—ruffles, an underlayer to prevent sheerness, and a forgiving fit. My mom loved how easy it was to style during a weekend trip to Long Beach Island, pairing it with a white tank and sandals. It's the kind of skirt that does all the work—just add a basic top and you're ready to go.
Quince is one of our favorite spots for affordable luxury, and this 100 percent European linen maxi skirt is no exception. It's breathable enough for a long summer day of sightseeing, but polished enough to wear to dinner with a pair of strappy heels. We both love how it pairs with everything from tanks and tees to Quince's matching linen vest. It's one of those rare pieces that works across generations and dress codes.
This Madewell midi skirt was one of the standout pieces from my mom's Lake Como wardrobe. She styled it with a ruched tank tucked in, so it looked like a breezy black dress, and finished the look with red ballet flats and a denim jacket for chillier nights. The smocked waistband is comfortable and flattering, and the lightweight poplin fabric holds its shape beautifully. She loved it so much that I've already made plans to borrow it for my next trip.
The J.Crew Maxi Skirt is a departure from our usual neutral wardrobe palette, and we both love that. The romantic floral print and ruffled hem give it a vacation-ready vibe, and the '90s-inspired cut feels fresh but timeless. I'm picturing it for a sunset dinner in Provence with a white tank, crochet bag, and tan sandals. My mom's already eyeing the matching tops, like the Pintuck Shell Top or the Ruffle-trim Camisole Top, to create a full set. It's proof that patterned skirts can still be versatile. $70 $56 at Abercrombie.com
We couldn't resist this colorful, veggie-print skirt from Abercrombie—it's fun, unexpected, and just what your travel wardrobe needs to break out of a neutral rut. The linen-blend fabric is breathable and soft, and the elastic waistband makes it super comfortable. I'd wear it with a white tank or the matching crop top and sandals for a European farmer's market morning. My mom says it reminds her of vintage prints she used to wear, but with a modern twist.
This floaty, tiered maxi skirt from Aritzia is a dream for summer travel. The pink color caught my eye immediately, but there are tons of other shades if you prefer a different vibe. Made from a drapey, breathable material, it's ideal for walking through European cobblestone streets in August without overheating. As soon as I showed it to my mom, she said yes without hesitation—it's the kind of piece that feels both age-inclusive and fashion-forward.
A true day-to-night hero, this linen-wrap maxi skirt from Banana Republic checks every box. My mom loves that she can throw it on over a swimsuit with slides during the day, then dress it up with a white linen top and heels for dinner. I plan to wear it with a ribbed tank and sandals in the city before packing it for a beach trip. The high-rise cut is flattering, and the wrap design makes it feel a little more elevated than your average linen skirt.
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