Just like corsets and leather jackets, skirts have always been a classic piece of clothing that has managed to survive the changing trends of the fashion industry. They are not only versatile but are almost effortless to style. Undoubtedly, they can quickly help to elevate your fashion game. 

In fact, today, not only women but even men are inclined to adopt the skirt as a prominent and trendy garment for special occasions like red carpets and photo shoots. When Harry Styles was seen wearing a dress on his 2020 US Vogue cover, the fashion industry was taken by a storm. 

Therefore, if you are also curious to know about how to style skirts for different occasions and according to different aesthetics then we are here to help you out. In this blog, right from styling skirts of different lengths to using them for different occasions, we have mentioned everything that you need to know. 

1. Types Of Skirts According To Length

It is essential to learn about the different types of skirts available to choose from before we get ahead to the styling part. So, here is a quick overview of the 3 major categories of skirts.

1.1. Maxi Skirt

The length of a maxi skirt is somewhere below the calf but above the ankle. Maxi skirts are a total trend right now. In the cottage-core trend era, maxi flared skirts are one of the prettiest and most worn.

1.2. Mini Skirt

Mini skirts are the cutest little things that give many aesthetic vibes ranging from cute to edgy. It is a short skirt with a hemline above the knee or higher.

They have been a popular fashion choice since the 1960s till date. It is a must-have indeed.

1.3 Midi Skirt

A midi skirt refers to a skirt that is knee length, below the knee, or mid-calf. They are longer than a mini skirt but shorter than a maxi skirt. You can wear a midi skirt for casual family gatherings and a day out with friends.

2. Basic Necessities

With too many color options and clothing pieces in your wardrobe, it can become a little tough to start assembling cool outfits right away. This issue can be resolved by buying basic colors.

You can buy some shirts and skirts of your choice in basic colors like white, black, beige, and brown.

Also, remember that wearing the right type of footwear can change the whole outlook of the outfit.

White sneakers can be paired with almost any outfit, and black heels work best for a formal party.

3. How To Style Skirts Based On Aesthetics

Different people have different tastes and aesthetics. Therefore, if you are someone who likes repurposing the same clothes for different occasions and according to different aesthetics, then here are some ideas that you can take inspiration from.

3.1. Academia

Academia aesthetics are the go-to for school and college fashion as they are fashionable and make you look smart at the same time. Styling a skirt for academic purposes can help you mimic the vibe of the TV show Gilmore Girls in the autumn season.

Academia is classified into Dark Academia and Light Academia.

Dark Academia refers to darker neutral tones, like black, dark brown, and emerald green, while Light Academia involves lighter neutral tones, like beige, white, light brown colors, etc. In simpler terms, these can be differentiated into light-colored outfits and dark-colored outfits.

If you want a bright outfit that gives out a more lively and cheerful vibe, then you can go for the light academia aesthetic. On the other hand, for days when you want a more serious look, you can opt for the dark academic aesthetic.

Regardless of the choice you make, both of these outfit ideas look elegant and are perfect for wearing to school and college. You can even experiment by mixing the color shades from both of these aesthetics to create your own unique style.

Here is an outfit idea for styling a skirt in the academic aesthetic:

Take your favorite white button-up blouse and tuck it in nicely inside your plaid skirt. You can also add a plaid brown pullover on top. Wear your favorite loafers with frill white socks, and finish the look with a cute hair band or a ribbon tie. The colors that we have mentioned are just for reference. You can take any color shade that you like.

3.2. Y2K

Y2K is a style of the early 2000s that has been brought back to life. It includes retro-futurism and bold looks and has forever been the signature style of the cool kids.

The Y2K style we know today is a mix of what it used to be in the early 2000s, blended with the preferences of today’s generation.

Here are some outfit ideas for styling a skirt in the Y2K aesthetic:

• Pair a low-rise midi skirt with a tank top.
• Wear a mini denim skirt with a graphic tee crop top. Finish the look with some chunky boots or sneakers.
• Pair a mini-skirt with long socks or a leg warmer to finish the outfit.

You can also wear some chains and a spiky necklace with some silver rings to give the whole outfit a cooler vibe. These small accessorizations make the outfit look more put together.

If you like to dress a little extra, then you can even add headphones, arm warmers, and a tote canvas bag.

3.3. Cottage Core

The cottage core aesthetic, as the name suggests, is based on countryside fashion that blends seamlessly with modernism. 

For all the girly girls out there who like flowers and layers and flares, cottage core outfits are one of the strongest, most feminine aesthetics. Plus, they are a perfect representation of spring, too. 

This aesthetic is almost like a Jane Austen novel, wherein a flowy skirt waves softly through the wind as if you are about to run into a field of tulips. However, this female lead would have a twist of modernity along with the conventional dreamy look. 

Pair a high-waisted tiered skirt with a pastel flowy flared top to look the prettiest in a cottage core outfit. The features of the tiered skirt make your outfit look more flowy than it already is. Hence, it makes you look both graceful and pretty at the same time. 

You can wear both a midi skirt and a maxi skirt for your cottage core outfit. However, if you truly want to embrace the beauty of the cottage core aesthetic, then you should choose the maxi skirt because it is long and flared and beautifully complements the style. 

Here is a quick cottage core outfit idea:

Take a white maxi-tiered skirt and a spaghetti-strap crop top, and pair it with some white sneakers. You can also accessorize it with a gold necklace, rings, and earrings. With a half-hair updo and some lacey ribbon to tie the knot, you can already smell spring coming your way.

Cottage core outfits make you look girly and sweet. So, they are usually floral patterned or have lots of pastel and white solid tops and high-waisted skirts.

Sandals and vintage-inspired sneakers are also amazing add-ons to a cottage core outfit, as they go well with almost all the pretty pastel colors.

3.4. Old Money

The aesthetic vibe for both academia and old money is almost the same. But if we were to differentiate between the two, old money outfits are more formal and effortless.

The color palette for old money outfits has neutral tones and subtle patterns and consists of colors like navy, beige, and soft pastels. It also includes non-flashy, refreshing colors like baby blue.

But all in all, the old money aesthetic gives off a cool and chic appearance that makes you look as if you have just returned from your private island in Barbados.

Here is a quick outfit idea:

Take a light blue full-sleeve button-up shirt with an A-line skirt, preferably a beige color, and tie a sweater over your shoulder. Finish the look with black-rimmed shades, a handheld bag, and some loafers. A circle skirt with a simple black top and high heels will also fit this aesthetic.

4. How To Style Skirts Based On Events

You might be a fashion freak in your own world, but if you don’t know how to dress according to the event you are going to, the people you are going to meet, and the vibe of the party, you might fail to present your best self.

And because of the increasing popularity of slip dresses and oversized pants and t-shirts, it is only human to be a little confused about how to style a skirt for a special occasion. That is why we are here to help you out with 5 outfit ideas each for a different occasion.

4.1. Skirt Outfit For Formal Event And Wedding Invitations

Letting the bride be the star of the party is the best gift that you can give to her on her special day. That is why it is best to refrain from using white color in your outfit when you are attending a wedding. 

What you can wear instead is tweeds since they are a perfect fit for formal parties and weddings. How to style them? It’s very simple.

• Take an A-line tweed skirt and pair it up with a top of the same fabric. 
• Wear it with your favorite pair of heels and add some pretty little accessories. 
• Remember that styling your hair appropriately is going to elevate the overall look of your outfit. So don’t forget to make a proper hairstyle. 
• For accessories, you can use different types of scarves, neck pieces, hair jewels, and shawls to give a final sparkling touch to the outfit. 

4.2. Skirt Outfit For Office

When it comes to formal get-togethers or client meetings, the way you dress up plays a significant role in helping you cast an impression on the people you are meeting. Therefore, for an office outfit, always choose a skirt that makes you look clean and well-kept.

Imagine an office-going girl. What comes to your mind? The first image that comes to mind when you think of an office outfit is a black pencil skirt with a button-up blouse tucked in neatly inside.

This is a classic outfit that has been around for years and still continues to be one of the easiest and safest options for outfit ideas using a skirt. 

But that’s not all. You can use a skirt for your office outfit in many other ways.

Here is one of them: Take a midi skirt, preferably a neutral dark color or beige, and pair it with a loose blouse while wearing ballet flats or Mary Janes. This outfit combination is classy and very comfortable to wear, perfect for a long day at work.

4.3. Skirt Outfit For Picnics

While choosing an outfit for a picnic, you have to keep two things in mind. First, it doesn’t necessarily have to be anything super fashionable, and second, it should make you feel comfortable enough to chill and just hang around.

Therefore, for a picnic in the park with your friend, grab a crop top and pair it with a midi or a maxi skirt. To complete the look, you can go for a pair of strappy sandals.

Mini skirts also look super cute. The only limitation with the mini skirt is that if you are going to get involved in any kind of sports or if you just want to sit freely with your legs crossed on the grass or mattress, you might not be able to do so comfortably.

4.4. Skirt Outfit For Clubbing

Styling a skirt for clubbing can be quite a challenge because of the wide availability of options like slim-fit dresses, corsets, etc. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some of our favorite outfit ideas:

• For a quick and easy look, you can wear your favorite midi skirt with a tank top and pair it with some knee-high boots.
• If you are looking for something more chunky and extra, then you can pair a corset or bralette with a leather skirt and boots. To add a splash of colors to your overall look, you can go for sleek, colorful eyeliners and sparkly eyeshadows. This outfit idea is perfect for girls who enjoy dressing up uniquely for special occasions. 
• Black A-line skirts are also the perfect choice for clubbing and will look great with see-through fitted tops and blouses.

4.5. Skirt Outfit For Date Night

Dressing up for a date night has to be all about looking good and being confident.

That is why it is very important to choose an outfit that can not only keep all of their eyes on you but also doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable just in the process of impressing someone. It has got to be a blend of comfort and fashion to ultimately give you the confidence to be you. 

Here is a date night outfit idea that can do justice to keep you in someone’s memories and cast a lasting impression on their mind.

All you have to do is pair a midi satin pencil skirt and a simple form-fitting blouse that will give off a smoother silhouette. Next, add your favorite high heels or maybe some ankle boots. This will make you look elegant and feminine, and who knows, maybe it will make your date blush.

If you prefer short skirts over longer skirts, you can pair mini skirts with the same blouse. To make it look more complete, throw in some black sheer stockings and some knee-high boots.

Accessorize this look with simple necklaces, earrings, and a cute clutch that matches your outfit.

In the End

All in all, whether it is a picnic in the park or an official meeting, there are numerous ways to style a skirt for every event and every aesthetic.

In this blog, we have tried to guide you through the process of using a skirt in your everyday life by providing some great outfit ideas. Remember to buy basic colors and experiment with different color combinations according to your taste. We hope it helps!

Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Daraksha, B.Pharm