How to Style a Skirt: Tops, Shoes and Jackets for Women

The easiest way to style a skirt is to choose a top that suits its length: a blouse, knitwear or a shirt, plus ankle boots or boots and a jacket that ends at the waist or hip. That way almost any skirt, from mini to maxi, can become a coherent outfit.

The skirt is a wardrobe basic, yet it is often worn with the same top every time. This guide shows which tops go with which length, which shoes work and which jacket to wear over it. You will also find three outfit ideas and answers to common questions.

How to style a skirt: which length goes with which top?

The length decides how you build the rest of the outfit. A simple rule of thumb helps: the more fabric swings at the bottom, the simpler the top can be.

• Mini skirt: It ends above the knee. Jumpers, shirts and short jackets go with it. Tights with boots or trainers are a common choice for the legs.
• Midi skirt: It ends around the calf. A blouse, a knitted jumper or a polo neck combine well, plus ankle boots, boots or flat shoes.
• Maxi skirt: It reaches the ankle. A short top or a shirt tucked into the waistband keeps the outfit uncluttered.

A skirt that is worn like a pair of shorts is a skort. The post Skort or skirt explains the difference.

Skirt with blouse: how to combine a blouse and a skirt

A skirt with a blouse is the classic combination for the office, everyday wear and special days. The blouse adds structure on top, the skirt adds movement.

Tuck it in. A blouse tucked into the waistband at the front keeps the line calm and shows the waistband. For a more relaxed look, tuck in just the front.

Match the colours. White, cream or pink blouses go with a dark skirt. Beige, ecru and black go with a skirt in camel or brown. A plain skirt can take a patterned blouse, a patterned skirt works better with a plain top.

Mind the length. Shorter, loose-fitting blouses go with long skirts. With short skirts, longer blouses with a belt are possible too. You can find a selection in the blouses.

Skirt with jumper, knitwear and shirt: which top works?

In autumn and winter, knitwear is the most common top to wear with a skirt. A chunky jumper adds weight on top and looks coherent with a slim-falling skirt. With a wide, swinging skirt, a fine jumper or a polo neck works better.

• Jumper: Tucked into the waistband at the front, the waistband stays visible. Worn loose, it goes with shorter skirts.
• Long-sleeved top: It is the simple base when the skirt itself has a pattern, pleats or texture.
• Knitted waistcoat and cardigan: They are worn over a shirt or blouse and add a second layer to the outfit.

A knitted skirt can be combined with a smooth top so that textures do not compete. You can find a selection in the knitted skirts.

Skirt with blazer and jacket: what to wear over it?

A skirt with a blazer is considered a classic for the office and appointments. The blazer works best when it ends at the hip and leaves the skirt visible. A blouse, a shirt or a fine jumper goes underneath. A blazer in black, grey or camel mixes with many skirt colours.

For everyday wear, other jackets work too:

• Short jacket: A bomber, denim jacket or biker jacket ends at the waist and goes with minis and midis.
• Trench coat and coat: They can be longer than the skirt if you wear them open.
• Cardigan: It is the softer option for indoors and for mild days.

How to style an A-line skirt: tops and shoes

An A-line skirt sits at the waistband and widens towards the hem. That makes it a versatile basic, because it works with almost all tops. A short top or one tucked into the waistband shows the shape of the skirt best.

For tops, a blouse, a polo neck, a knitted jumper and a shirt all work. For shoes, ankle boots, ballet flats, trainers and knee-length boots go well. The fuller the skirt, the simpler the top can be.

Pleated styles have their own rules, which you will find in the guide How to style a pleated skirt. For denim skirts there are ideas in the post How to style a denim skirt.

Which shoes go with a skirt?

Ankle boots. They go with mini, midi and maxi and can be worn with or without tights. With tights in the colour of the shoes, you get one continuous line. You can find the styles in the ankle boots. Which tights go with skirts and dresses is covered in our guide Dress and skirt with tights.

Knee-high boots. With short and mid-length skirts they leave only a small gap between hem and shaft. That is a common combination in autumn.

Trainers and ballet flats. They make the skirt suitable for everyday wear and keep it light. Short socks or none at all go with trainers, fine tights with ballet flats.

Sandals. In summer, flat sandals are easy with midi and maxi skirts. How to wear skirts in the cold season with tights and boots is explained in the guide How to style a skirt in winter.

Three skirt outfits

Office. A midi skirt in camel, a white blouse, a black blazer and ankle boots. The colours stay calm, and the outfit can be extended with a scarf.

Everyday. An A-line skirt in beige, a grey knitted jumper, tights and white trainers. Add a short denim jacket for the in-between seasons.

Tone on tone. A knitted skirt in brown, a brown polo neck, brown ankle boots and a cream-coloured jacket. The shades are close together, and the outfit stays calm.

Matching items in the shop: Skirts for women and maxi skirts.

Frequently asked questions

Which top goes with a skirt?

A blouse, knitted jumper, polo neck and long-sleeved top go with almost any skirt. The more the skirt swings, the simpler the top can be.

How do I style a skirt with a blazer?

With a blouse or a shirt underneath and ankle boots or loafers. The blazer works best when it ends at the hip and leaves the skirt visible.

Which shoes go with a midi skirt?

Ankle boots, boots, ballet flats and trainers. With ankle boots and tights in the same shade, you get a calm, continuous line.

Which jacket goes with a short skirt?

A short jacket that ends at the waist, such as a denim, bomber or biker jacket. A trench coat works too if it is worn open.

How do I wear a maxi skirt with a jumper?

With a short jumper or a knitted jumper tucked in at the front. Ankle boots or flat shoes that leave the hem free go well with it.

How do I style an A-line skirt?

With a blouse, polo neck or shirt tucked into the waistband at the front. Ankle boots, ballet flats and trainers work as shoes.