Just as roll neck jumpers and knee high boots will always be everywhere as soon as autumn arrives, spring and summer is the season where we see an abundance of floral midi dresses hitting the high street and online.
We have several in our collection and they make great wedding guest dresses as well as everyday outfits, depending on the material and silhouette. This year, though, we’ve been longing for something a little different and Queen Mary of Denmark has presented a floral maxi skirt as an equally elegant alternative. Her Majesty wore a floral Lasse Spangenberg skirt with a dramatic floor-sweeping hem for a Gala Dinner at the Élysée Palace on 31st March.
The event was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron on Day 1 of Mary and King Frederik’s State Visit. We’re used to seeing the British Royal Family go all-out both when they host and attend State Banquets, wearing floor-length gowns, magnificent jewellery and often tiaras too.
(Image credit: Photo by Antoine Gyori – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Shop Floral Maxi Skirts
H&M Floral Voluminous Maxi Skirt
This new season style has a voluminous skirt and is a lovely affordable option if you’ve been inspired by Queen Mary’s look. The high waistband is elasticated for comfort and a discreet zip and hook-and-eye fastening at the side. The flared shape means that we’d style this with a more fitted top.
Nobody’s Child Ruffle Tiered Skirt
Currently reduced in the sale, this black maxi skirt is covered with a pastel yellow and blue floral motif and has feminine ruffles. On a hot summer’s day we’d style this with black sandals and a cami top or T-shirt and to dress it up why not consider picking up the matching ruffled shirt?
Boden Nadia Poplin Maxi Skirt
Blue and white is one of those colour combinations that always has a surge in popularity in summer and these tones make this tiered maxi skirt so striking. It’s made from breathable 100% cotton and has handy concealed side pockets and a relaxed silhouette.
Complete Your Maxi Skirt Look
& Other Stories Ribbed Tank Top
Sophisticated and easy to wear, this timeless tank top has a high neckline and ribbed finish. It also comes in a range of other colours and is so versatile, thanks to it’s minimal design. Tuck it into jeans and trousers or throw on with a fabulous floral maxi skirt like Queen Mary’s.
TOMS White Valencia Espadrilles
Espadrilles scream summer and these flatform TOMs ones give you elevation without you having to compromise on comfort by going for a high wedge heel. The Duchess of Edinburgh owns this particular style and they have a removable insole, rubber outsole and the jute espadrille detailing.
Accessorize Pearl Cloud Clutch
Adorned with pearly beads, this clutch bag is such a show-stopping accessory to take with you to everything from date nights to weddings. It is designed with a clip frame fastening, an inner zipped compartment and a glimmering silver chain strap so that you can wear it crossbody too.
In contrast, the Danish Queen went slightly more low-key but still dazzling on this occasion. Her maxi skirt was high-rise and had a fitted waistband that accentuated its fit-and-flare shape. Falling to an elegant maxi length, Queen Mary’s skirt also had plenty of volume thanks to the crisp pleats running down the front. It was grey and this neutral base made the delicate floral print shine even more in contrast.
Roses and other pink and white flowers wove their way across the skirt, surrounded by dark green leaves and beautiful pink birds. This design transformed an already stunning skirt into a work of art and it was perfect for this official gala dinner. The Queen of Denmark paired it with a Victoriana-style CLEA embroidered white shirt with blouson sleeves that was tucked neatly into the waistband for a seamless finish.
(Image credit: Photo by Antoine Gyori – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Although hers was an especially dramatic take on a floral maxi skirt, Queen Mary reminded us that we should never discount them as an alternative to dresses. They are great when you want a formal or smart-casual outfit as the longer length naturally feels quite elevated. You can dress them down by wearing a maxi skirt with a loose T-shirt and plimsoll trainers or espadrilles, or dress them up with high heels and a silky shirt.
Whilst you can of course style a midi dress in multiple ways, you can make a skirt look radically different with a lot less effort and they are even more versatile because of this. Her Majesty wore her skirt and blouse with a pair of Gianvito Rossi court shoe heels in beige satin and a fun, pearl-embellished clutch by Anya Hindmarch.
(Image credit: Photo by Antoine Gyori – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
This bag is sadly no longer available but pearl bags are continuing to have a moment right now so there are plenty of alternatives out there that give a similar glamorous edge to an outfit. The Queen has had a lot of use out of hers so far in 2025 as she also brought this clutch on her and King Frederik’s State Visit to Finland in March.
The couple are in France until 2nd April and we can look forward to seeing Queen Mary wearing some more elegant outfits before they return to Denmark.
