When you’re ready to give your jeans or pants a rest, a skirt look is easy, comfortable, and incredibly versatile, no matter the weather. When it comes to silhouettes and fabrics, Tobi head stylist Joanna Angeles tells InStyle that she gravitates toward pleated styles, A-line minis with slits, and satin jacquards.
“Embrace the preppy trend by pairing a brightly colored pleated skirt with a sweater vest and button-up,” Angeles says, “or pair a satin jacquard mini skirt with a romantic bustier or corset top for date night.”
To make the retro trend look modern, Angeles recommends pairing an A-line slit skirt with sneakers and a vintage sweatshirt or crop top.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best skirt outfits trending on Instagram to inspire your style.
Graphic T-shirts
Skirts exude a formal vibe, but pair them with a graphic tee for a naturally relaxed look. For business casual, tuck in your skirt and throw on a blazer, or tie your skirt and wear chunky combat boots to complete the look. Don’t be afraid to pair your graphic tops with patterned or animal print bottoms.
Wear a blazer
Blazers are one of those pieces that never go out of style. Wear them classic with a pencil skirt or add a tailored contrast to your top with a flowy mini or maxi. If oversized isn’t your thing, accessorize with a belt to accentuate your waist. Rumor has it that belted styles never go out of style.
Monochrome Black
Don’t be put off if someone tells you otherwise, because all-black ensembles are still appropriate in warmer months: Throw on your favorite knee-high boots when it’s chilly, keep your staple flats or sandals stocked for the coming season, and elevate your mood with monochrome pieces.
Combinations and combinations
Just to be clear, there are no rules in fashion, which means “matching” is a style, not a requirement. Try pairing a checked skirt with a tie-dye top, mixing polka dots with stripes, etc. You can coordinate colors if you like, but it’s not required.
With button down
An easy way to add structure to a loose maxi skirt outfit is with a sharp button-down top. Tuck it into high-waisted bottoms, tie it or add a belt to create shape and accentuate your waistline.
Socks included
Skirts and socks, or even tights, go together like avocados and sourdough. From preppy to sexy, sophisticated to punk, there’s a pair of socks to suit whatever vibe you’re trying to create.
True 90s fashion
Nothing says ’90s like a printed mini skirt and a halter neck or polo shirt. Try some gingham or daisy prints for a little nostalgia. Don’t forget to pair it with knee-high boots or platform Mary Janes. If the temperature is a little chilly, a platform cardigan is a great choice.
Wear a sweater
Speaking of cardigans, it’s great to wear them over a sweater or sweatshirt on chilly spring days or cool summer nights, or at least have one on hand so you don’t have to sacrifice style for warmth.
As a matching set
You don’t have to match your top and bottoms if synchronized isn’t your style, but a monochrome set can be sexy, effortless, and flattering.
Make it into leather
We highly recommend incorporating a leather skirt into your capsule wardrobe for the coming season and beyond. It’s one of those pieces that can be paired with anything from a simple white t-shirt to a ruffled blouse and always looks polished.
A statement piece
If statement pieces make you think of jewellery and ruffled blouses, think again: bottoms can also be worn as statement pieces, and there are plenty of skirts that can do the job thanks to their colour, cut and detail.