One of the main reasons I love dresses is their effortlessness. There’s simply no easier way to achieve a polished, feminine look than slipping into a dress and a favorite pair of shoes. It’s ironic, then, that I’ve realized I love skirts for the exact opposite reason. I reach for skirts on days when I want a little bit more of a challenge–the chance to pair colors and textures, play with proportions, and experiment until I land on a combination that resonates with me. On mornings when I have a little bit of extra time, putting together an outfit with a skirt gives me a boost of creativity that I then carry with me through the day.

My favorite skirt styles this fall are midis, since the length flatters every body type and always looks elegant. I’ve found so many beautiful new options in a wide variety of colors and fabrics, from this blush silk slip skirt, to this plaid pleated skirt, to this whimsical tiered ruffle skirt. I have worn midi skirts with heels, loafers, and even sneakers to create outfits that range from dressy to casual, but my favorite pairing is to wear them with boots. Especially if you live in a place that gets cold early, boots are the best way to feel comfortable wearing skirts (or dresses) all through the fall. Once we get into November and December, I often wear midi skirts with tall boots, and then layer tights or leggings underneath to stay warm without changing my look.

Whether midi or mini, I like to have a variety of both solid and patterned skirts on hand for every season. Patterned pieces (I love this muted floral, this crisp gingham, and this traditional tartan) pair perfectly with my favorite sweaters. I especially can’t wait to wear our new Gal Meets Glam Collection Marguerite sweater with skirts this fall; it’s our first pullover-style sweater. Since it has a classic shape with memorable details, it lends itself to a wide variety of styling options. Solid-colored skirts, especially in luxurious fabrics like silk and suede, look best in a dimensional, layered look. Try a white tee and a tweed jacket (like our Gal Meets Glam Collection Ramona Jacket that launched recently), a turtleneck and a patterned coat, or a sweater and a silk scarf (like our new Carlene Scarf or Ashlynn Scarf). From patterns to solids and minis to maxis, find all of the new skirts I have my eye on below.

Silk Slip Skirt

I’ve found silk slip midi skirts in many colors this season, but especially love this inky midnight blue version for fall. It’s easy to dress this style up or down—try it with a tee tucked in and a cardigan over your shoulders.

Knit Midi Skirt

This knit midi skirt boasts a luxe look for a Gal On a Budget-approved price point. It would look gorgeous paired with a turtleneck and tall boots on chilly days.

Plaid Skirt

Classic Black Watch tartan and an elegant A-line shape make this plaid midi skirt incredibly versatile. I’d wear it with a sweater during the day and change into a romantic blouse for evenings, especially as we get closer to the holidays.