Luxury vs High Street for Skirts: What I’ve Learned From Buying Both

I’ve always loved skirts. They’re elegant, adaptable, and work across every season. But as someone who wears them often—whether it’s for meetings, dinners, or just errands—I’ve started asking a question I never used to: Is it really worth spending more on luxury skirts?

A few years ago, I would’ve said no. Why spend £300 on a skirt when high street options look similar for £30? But after owning both, wearing them regularly, and learning more about fabric, tailoring, and fit—I’ve changed my mind. And I want to break down the real differences in case you’re on the same journey.

This post is an honest, technically informed reflection on how luxury and high street skirts compare, what’s actually worth investing in, and how I finally stopped guessing my size in different brands (spoiler: Tellar.co.uk made all the difference).

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Fabric: What You Pay for Is What You Feel

I didn’t expect fabric to be such a game changer until I bought my first luxury skirt—a high-waisted silk-lined wool pencil skirt from Max Mara. The moment I put it on, I could feel the difference. The drape. The structure. The fact it didn’t cling or crease after sitting for hours.

Luxury brands tend to use:

• Italian virgin wool

• Organic cottons

• Real silk, or silk-linen blends

• High-thread-count crepe

On the high street, I’ve owned dozens of skirts from Zara, H&M, River Island, and Mango. They often use polyester blends. They look great at first, but after a few washes, they pill, the lining (if there even is one) bunches up, and the fabric loses its shape.

👉 If you’re curious: Here’s a full breakdown of skirt fabrics

It’s not about snobbery—it’s about quality. A good skirt should feel comfortable, hold its shape, and age gracefully.

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Tailoring: The Subtle Detail That Changes Everything

Here’s something I learned from luxury skirts: good tailoring isn’t always visible—it’s felt.

The Row, Victoria Beckham, and Chloé make skirts that sit perfectly on the waist, skim over the hips, and balance weight between the front and back. There are hidden waist stabilisers, smooth linings, and seams placed exactly where your body moves. I didn’t even know what a blind hem stitch was until I wore one.

Compare that to high street options, where it’s common to find:

• Uneven zips

• Poorly matched seams

• Hemlines that twist in the wash

Even when they look similar on the hanger, they behave very differently on the body. With luxury, the structure is baked into the design. With high street, you’re relying on luck and body type.

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Sizing: The Problem We All Know Too Well

Let’s talk about sizing—because this is where I used to struggle most. A UK 12 in Reiss doesn’t fit like a UK 12 in Zara, which definitely doesn’t fit like a UK 12 in & Other Stories. I can’t tell you how many skirts I’ve returned because of inconsistent sizing.

And that’s where Tellar.co.uk came in. It changed the game for me.

Rather than guess my size across different brands, I created a profile, entered my waist and hip measurements (in inches), and got a personalised list of my exact size in over 1,500 brands—luxury and high street included.

👉 Try the Tellar Size Lookup

It’s fast, accurate, and has saved me so much time, money, and frustration. Especially when shopping online.

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Cost vs Value: The Real Investment

Let’s talk numbers. Luxury skirts are expensive—anywhere from £250 to £800. But once I started calculating cost-per-wear, I realised they often work out cheaper in the long run.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

That Max Mara skirt still looks new. It hasn’t faded, lost shape, or stretched. It goes with blouses, knits, and blazers. I’ve worn it to client meetings, weddings, and even on flights. Meanwhile, the Zara skirt pilled after two months and sits in a drawer now.

Luxury makes sense when you factor in longevity, versatility, and quality. High street wins on trends and quick updates—but not on lifespan.

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Styling Longevity: Timeless vs Trend-Driven

One thing I’ve come to appreciate about luxury skirts is how timeless they are. A classic A-line midi in navy wool or a softly pleated silk skirt in blush doesn’t date. You can wear it now, next year, or ten years from now.

Luxury designers—like Joseph, A.P.C., or Loro Piana—design with wardrobe permanence in mind. Neutral tones, clean lines, no excess branding.

High street skirts are fun, fast, and often fashion-forward—but their design lifecycle is short. Last season’s asymmetric hem or paperbag waist might already feel out of place this summer.

👉 Tellar’s guide to building a skirt capsule wardrobe helped me reframe how I shop entirely.

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Sustainability: Why This Matters More Than Ever

I never used to think about sustainability when buying clothes. But the more I learned about fashion waste, the more I realised how much return culture, cheap production, and bad sizing contribute to the problem.

Most high street skirts are made from synthetic materials in high volumes. Many end up in landfill after just a few wears. And let’s be honest—returning clothes due to poor sizing only makes the problem worse.

Luxury skirts are often made in Europe, use traceable natural fibres, and are designed to last. They’re not immune to sustainability challenges—but they typically encourage mindful purchasing.

Even better? Tellar.co.uk helps reduce returns by getting your size right the first time. Fewer misorders = less shipping waste and less overconsumption.

👉 Here’s how sizing tech supports fashion sustainability

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Where I Shop Now (And What I Buy)

Luxury Skirts I Love:

• The Row – Understated, architectural cuts

• Max Mara – Corporate-ready, elegant tailoring

• Victoria Beckham – High-waisted, sharp, and sculpting

• Chloé – Romantic movement and silk blends

• Joseph – Clean lines and premium neutrals

High Street Brands That Get It Right:

• Reiss – Tailored silhouettes, mid-range pricing

• Massimo Dutti – Looks and feels elevated

• Arket – Strong fabric choices, minimalist designs

• UNIQLO – Great cotton basics for layering

• & Other Stories – Stylish, seasonal favourites

I don’t avoid the high street. I just choose more carefully—and use Tellar to confirm fit before I buy.

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Final Thoughts

If skirts are a regular part of your wardrobe, investing in one or two high-quality luxury pieces is worth it. You’ll feel the difference immediately, and you’ll keep them for years.

That said, there’s space for both luxury and high street in a well-balanced wardrobe. Use high street for trend pieces, and luxury for timeless foundations. But no matter where you shop—fit matters most.

That’s where Tellar.co.uk continues to help me shop smarter.

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Want to Know Your Perfect Skirt Size?

📍 Create your free profile on Tellar.co.uk

Just enter your waist and hip measurements (in inches or cm), and instantly see your exact size in over 1,500+ brands—from H&M to Chloé.

👉 https://www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile/

No more returns. No more guesswork.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

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