HOW TO STYLE A MIDI SKIRT: OUTFIT INSPIRATION & TIPS
Long live the midi skirt! This beloved piece of clothing came into my life way back in 2012 and it remains a favorite today. This Tibi skirt was the one that first captured my heart. I bought it in almost every color and mixed and matched it for years to come. You know something is a classic, timeless piece of clothing when it can span decades and still be stylish. Today I’m excited to share some outfit inspiration and tips on how to style a midi skirt. If you have a midi skirt hiding in the back of your closet, it’s time to get it out, put some outfits together, and have fun!
Styling a Midi Skirt
The fashion world will always try to convince you that items are either ‘in’ or ‘out’. And each year I come across a publication or stylist stating that midi skirts are “out” this season. But in my mind, the midi skirt is always in. It is such a classic, timeless piece that can be styled in many different ways. Over the years I’ve worn pleated midi skirts, tulle midi skirts, colorful midi skirts, and everything in between. When it comes to styling a midi skirt, there are endless possibilities – office attire, formal dressing, or even everyday casual. This is absolutely a style staple piece for me.
How to Wear a Midi Skirt
I’m sure this will come as no surprise, but I love playing around with different ways to wear midi skirts. Putting outfits together is such a fun form of self-expression and this is one of my favorite pieces to be creative with. Over the years I’ve come up with a few tips on how to style a midi skirt and I’m ready to share them today! So pull out your favorite midi skirt (or maybe treat yourself to a new one). It’s time to give these outfit ideas a try.
Classic Midi Skirt Outfits
First up, the most predictable, but classic, way to style a midi skirt is with a simple shoe and a streamlined top. I’ve been wearing classic midi skirt outfits like this for over ten years and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! Wondering what exactly to wear with a midi skirt to pull off a classic look? I would keep things simple by pairing it with a crewneck sweater or a timeless button-down. When it comes to shoes, a great ballet flat or a classic pump are always easy, yet fashionable, choices. Check out my favorite spring shoes for more options in these styles! I would complete this midi skirt look with a top handle bag and substantial stud earrings, preferably pearl ones, like these! Below I am showing a truely classic way to style the midi skirt as well as a timeless, yet colorful look!
Skirt // Flats // Headband // Top // Sunglasses
Skirt // Bag // Sunglasses // Sweater // Blazer // Flats // Earrings
Casual Midi Skirt Outfits
Looking for more of a cool, downtown way to style a midi skirt? Dress it down with a great pair of sneakers and a crewneck sweatshirt or a vintage graphic tee. Even a “fancy” tulle skirt can be made casual with sneakers. And the good news is, there are so many amazing sneaker options out this spring! I think these white Vejas, these fun glitter sneakers, these colorful ones, or these platform sneakers would all look excellent styled with a midi skirt. Additionally, I think pairing one with these retro-feeling shoes and a striped boatneck top would create a casual, yet timeless, look. To finish these midi skirt outfits, I would add a pair of oversized sunglasses and a sleek, small tote or a classic Chanel bag.
Skirt // Sunglasses // Striped Top // Sneakers // Tote Bag // Blazer
How to Wear a Midi Skirt in the Winter
Another reason why I love midi skirts is because they can easily be worn year-round. You can actually wear the same exact piece during the summer and wintertime, just paired with different items. Let’s start by diving into how to style midi skirts for the cooler, winter months.
The plus side to wearing a midi skirt in the wintertime is that you’re able to layer under the skirt when it’s truly frigid. I’ve worn these faux leather leggings under a midi skirt in the past and they always keep me warm. You could style the skirt with a shrunken cable-knit sweater (under $36) and knee-high boots for a classic winter outfit.
At first, styling a midi skirt with a coat may seem a little tricky, but it’s actually not too difficult. I typically pair a midi skirt with either a cropped coat that hits right around the natural high waistline OR I opt for a longer coat that hits at the bottom of the skirt’s hemline or slightly longer. As a maximalist, I am never afraid to over-accessorize! So, I would also add a scarf and even a knit beanie to create a cozy look. For a more formal look, I would style it with a cable knit sweater with a button-down layered underneath, knee-high boots, a longer top coat, and a wool brim hat.
Skirt // Sweater // Shirt // Scarf // Boots // Bag // Hat // Coat
Styling in the Summer
Heading somewhere warm? Styling a midi skirt in the summer months or while on vacation can be so much fun! It looks awesome paired with a bralette top, sandals, and statement earrings. For summer shoes, I love wearing midi skirts with classic flat sandals. But, if you want something more “of-the-moment”, you could pair one with these trendy platform sandals. For those of you who aren’t afraid to show some skin, this yellow wavy crop top and this tie-front top are both adorable. And if you really want to stay on theme, these fish earrings are the perfect final accessory!
Skirt // Bag // Sunglasses // Trench // Earrings // Shoes // Top
Tips & Tricks for Styling
Okay, now that I’ve shared some of my favorite ways to wear a midi skirt, I want to leave you with a few final tips and tricks.
1. Don’t be afraid to layer a petticoat or a tulle skirt under a full midi skirt to add more volume. In my opinion, the bigger the better!
2. Here’s a surprise…you can layer a dress under a midi skirt! As long as the waistline isn’t incredibly snug, layering a dress under a midi skirt is a great way to mix and match more of the pieces in your closet. Check out how I styled this look way back in 2013!
3. Color is key! Some of my favorite ways to style a midi skirt involve playing with color. For a very dramatic look, you can create a head-to-toe monochromatic midi skirt outfit. Or, you can mix and match interesting color combinations to make the outfit pop, as I did here and here.
4. Don’t be scared to play with texture. You can pair lace with tulle, cashmere with taffeta, organza with wool, or another unexpected combination. I think the more you can play with texture in a look, the more interesting it can be.
How to Style Midi Skirts
I hope these tips on how to style a midi skirt leave you feeling confident and excited to put some new outfits together! If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out my green outfit ideas (you might see a few midi skirts in there) and my roundup of favorite spring shoes to wear this year.