The only skirt Alyson Walsh will be seen in this summer

The maxi skirt is the only type of skirt I wear. There have been dalliances with other styles in the past, most of which ranked high on faff factor: a cheap leather pencil skirt that would spin around my thighs like a wasp orbiting a jam sandwich, the stride-impeding denim midi that made me walk like a geisha.

These days, I like to keep things easy-breezy. And who doesn’t love a long, wafty skirt in summer? Technically, this wraparound design is what I would class as a “holiday” skirt. Being split up to the waistband is fine when strolling to and from a Mediterranean beach bar – on a blustery day in the UK, not so much. With inclement weather conditions, there’s a high risk of recreating the scene in The Seven Year Itch, where Marilyn Monroe’s frock ends up around her ears.

The combination of a beautiful silk skirt and a loose cotton shirt is timeless, ageless and effortless – this outfit is refreshing in all senses of the word. The skirt I’m wearing here is from the small independent label Phoebe Grace, now on sale at £125 (phoebegrace.co.uk).

The maxi’s versatility is something company owner Janet Newman agrees on: “Without wanting to sound too clichéd, Phoebe Grace is designed for everyone. I’m pleased that it’s popular with 20-somethings, women in their 40s and 50s and my eldest client, Ethel, has just turned 90!”

Incredibly, 60-year-old Newman took over the brand (started by her textile designer daughter, Phoebe) less than a year after undergoing open-heart surgery at Papworth Hospital in 2015. Continuing the business when her daughter took a job in the film industry, Newman established a successful second career. Proof that no matter what life throws at you, there’s time for a new adventure.

For those who love to max out, Ridley London has a pretty, black and turquoise, floral-print A-line skirt with a gust-resistant fitted waist and zip, £249. Over at La Double J, the aptly named Big Skirt is a tiered style constructed from metres of gorgeous, vintage-inspired, printed cotton poplin (£405, ladoublej.com). Factoring in ease of movement, White Stuff ’s charcoal block-print Warli skirt has an elasticated waist and splits at the hem, £49.50 and Phase Eight’s bias-cut Cheyenne Striped Maxi in navy and ivory, £69, (pictured) has a panel design to help create a swingy shape.

Should you prefer midi to maxi, there are plenty of mid-calf options available this summer: try Rixo, Hush and Oliver Bonas.

And the good news is the maxi skirt looks a dream with trainers, Birkenstocks and comfy sandals (the shoes we are all living in right now).

As much as I like pairing a plain shirt with a vibrant skirt, clashing prints and patterns should not be dismissed. See how the Anokhi Khiva Print cotton top from Toast clashes and yet coordinates with Phase Eight’s striped maxi skirt.

To achieve the perfect mash-up, choose one of the less obvious background colours from the boldest print and tally this up for a joyful, harmonious effect.

Read more from Alyson at thatsnotmyage.com

The maxi skirt looks a dream paired with trainers