We thought it was confined to the deckchair, but the skirt that is driving stylish girls crazy this summer is the pareo. Tied at the waist, it leaves the sand to impose itself on the asphalt, from the café on the terrace to the rooftop in the evening. And there, everything changes.
Powered by the spring-summer 2026 catwalks and by influencers who already wear it like a real pareo skirt, this rectangle of fabric gently makes you forget about the denim skirt. There remains one question that obsesses holiday wardrobes: how to adopt it in the city without a “” effect?
Why the pareo skirt is becoming the new city skirt
Originally, the pareo comes from Polynesia and literally means “”. After the Jane Birkin basket and flip-flops promoted to city shoes, it’s the turn of the pareo skirt to go beyond the beach and speak to all silhouettes.
The spring-summer 2026 fashion shows confirmed this: white and minimalist version at Ralph Lauren, boho and colorful at Dries Van Noten, the pareo drapes like a wrap skirt. And behind the scenes, editors are already describing it as a fresh alternative to our classic skirts, a summer essential in the making.
Pareo skirt: easy looks to go from the beach to the terrace
In the city, the key is to pair it with very urban pieces. A men’s shirt, a romantic blouse or a simple oversized t-shirt are enough to transform the sarong from beachwear to officewear, especially when you take care of the shoes and bag.
A few combos spotted everywhere this summer are already stylish uniforms:
• Loose, slightly open shirt, sarong tied like a midi skirt, mules with a small heel and brooch at the waist.
• One-piece swimsuit worn as a bodysuit, matching pareo, leather flip-flops, soft bag and XXL necklace.
• Oversized white T-shirt, short knotted printed sarong, colorful ballet flats and souvenir jewelry.
• XXL pareo transformed into a long skirt, elegant blouse, polished moccasins and leather clutch for stricter dress codes.
Choosing and wearing the pareo skirt wisely without misstep
For a truly urban look, it’s better to aim for slightly dense materials, like cotton or viscose, and midi or maxi lengths that move without revealing everything. Tropical prints remain desirable, but in town they benefit from being available in palm green, lagoon blue or muted guava pink.
In terms of body shape, a high-waisted tie lengthens small ones, a knot on the side balances out pronounced hips, while a discreet slit flatters tall ones. And then there is the technique: double the knot, add a thin belt or a brooch, slip a shorty or a mini tube skirt underneath to stay calm in the slightest gust of wind.
How to choose a pareo skirt?
Choose a fluid but not very transparent material, in midi or maxi length.
Is the pareo skirt suitable for the office?
Yes, with a shirt or light blazer and closed shoes.
How to avoid the back-to-beach effect?
Add a structured top, a chic accessory and a liner or shorty.
