It seems like there is an endless amount of types of skirts out there. So much so that sometimes choosing just one seems unrealistic, or simply makes you a little overwhelmed.
However, there are certain elements like the fabric finish, fullness or simplicity, and length of a skirt which if looked at strategically, can give away which skirt is perfect for you. Similarly, these elements also inform the type of context for which this skirt is best suited.
However, one important thing to remember about skirts, is that all of these differentiating factors will have a lifetime of a difference on the fit, comfort level, and applicability of a skirt (to one setting over another).
Alternatively, sometimes it’s also best to look towards oneself prior to choosing the skirt – taking into account your body shape, and your height can be crucial to making the right choice with the type of skirt you buy. Keep on reading and we will reveal all the secrets to securing the perfect type of skirt for you.
What Are The Kinds of Skirts?
Firstly – what types of skirts are out there? There are many different types of skirts which we can be broadly split into the four categories of skirts listed below:
Straight skirts
- Pencil: highly formal, it hugs tightly to your body, it is usually very long, although exists in variations that reach just below the knees, or mid-calf.
- Tube: similar in shape to the Pencil skirt mentioned earlier, although is made with highly stretchy material, and is usually made at a length that hits right above the knees.
- Mini: famous for being straight cut, and usually ending above the knee, it is a highly informal skirt.
- Mermaid: a fancy style, distinguished by a silhouette that connects and narrows the skirt at the knees and flares out bellow – thereby creating a resemblance of a mermaid tail.
Round skirts
- Tulle: a party skirt, it is made out of a voluminous soft seethrough tule fabric, and can be short or long.
- Wrap: a casual style skirt, usually done in lightweight fabric, and known for the way it fastens – by wrapping around the body and leg.
- Asymmetrical: a playful style, which is achieved by an asymmetric cut to the hem, which leaves one part of the hem shorter than the rest.
Pleated Skirts
Pleated skirts are surely my most favorite and also the most trending this year so do have a look at this post on pleated skirt outfits.
- Accordion: well known, as it has a very distinct narrow pleating design.
- Knife Pleated: usually short, and distinguished by pleats that face more than one direction. These pleats are also larger than those of an accordion skirt.
- Godet/Skater: similar to the knife pleat due to its large pleats, although differs as for this skirt the pleats add a fullness to the bottom of the skirt and cause a triangle shape.
- Box pleat: characterized by its formal large square-shaped pleats running through the entire length of the skirt.
Full skirts
- Tulip: truly resembles the bouton of a tulip flower. It is full at the hips and hangs low with a folded-over silhouette.
- Layered: unlike the Draped skirt, the Layered is created using layers of fabric covering one another asymmetrically.
- Bubble: a statement piece, it is a very full skirt, the fullness of which is achieved through the tucking of the hem under the skirt.
- Peplum: a stand-out style, it is narrow at the knees, and has short voluminous ruffles at the hips.
- Draped: complicated in composition, as it is gathered or draped to one side, which causes the fabric to collect and add a pretty fullness to the silhouette.
Skirt Outfit Ideas
15 – Pleated Skirts
These skirts are perfect for party wear and you can even style them with a silk blouse and some fancy accessories for the wedding season. You can also look into jacquard skirt outfits because they too are pleated, mostly.
14 – Tulle Skirt Cocktail Outfit
Since tulle is a fabric that offers a lot of vamp it is the perfect outfit to wear out for an evening on the town. Although it is favorable to wear it in a bright color, stick to a pastel tone to not take this look from cocktail to party.
Although a tulle skirt might seem like too much to wear on a casual occasion, you will be surprised that styling it with a cozy top will change your mind.
Since the tulle skirt is so fabulous it is the perfect skirt for a party. However, the key is to wear it in a bright color and match your accessories to it. Here are some more Tulle skirt outfits.
13 – Mini Skirts
As it is possible to have a mini skirt look too provocative sometimes, it is possible to diffuse this effect with the right accessories. For example, choosing a soft pink mini skirt and matching it to your accessories – like your headband is a way to do that.
Since the mini skirt is small and short it is a very stylish option to pair it with a contrasting large oversized sweater. Here are some more ways of styling a mini skirt.
12 – A-line Skirt Casual Outfit
An A-line skirt is a classic and casual fit, therefore it is the best option for when you want a casual outfit. Firstly choose a neutral-colored skirt, then pair it with a slim-fitting long sleeve top.
11 – Short Bubble Skirt Cocktail Outfit
Since a bubble skirt is very attention attractive due to its voluminous shape it can be worn in a neutral color for balance.
A bubble skirt also comes in a long variation if that is more your taste, similarly, this skirt wears best in a classic color palette so try to get one in black and accompany it with natural tones.
10 – Short Accordion Skirt Outfit
A short accordion skirt is a classic for every young girl, since it is a classic it is worn best in black.
If you are looking for an unusual way to wear an accordion skirt, try wearing it at an ankle-length and pairing it with a sweater dress, that will only let a small piece of the skirt be visible at the bottom.
If you are looking for a classy way to wear the accordion skirt, try to create a monochrome look with a lot of small accessories. For example an all-beige look like this one.
A feature of the accordion skirt that makes it special is that it is versatile, therefore if styled correctly it can easily serve in a day-to-day outfit, here is an example.
9 – Leather Tube Skirt and Boots Outfit
Since a tube skirt is long it is not often that you see it worn with tall shoes like knee-length boots, however, if you are able to pair a leather tube skirt with leather boots they will serve as an extension of the skirt in a very intricate way.
It is not often that you see tube skirts worn in a light-weight silk fabric, however, that is precisely what will make your take on the tube skirt unique.
8 – Wrap Skirt
An animal print wrap skirt pairs best with a casual black graphic t-shirt and a brown hat to match the brown print of the skirt.
A wrap skirt already creates a mysterious and flirty appearance, and what better way to highlight that, than with an emerald green color.
It is simple to style a wrap skirt into a day-to-day outfit because most wrap skirts are made out of a very comfortable lightweight material, so just choose one in your favorite most versatile color choice and pair it with a basic top. Here’s our detailed guide on all the different ways to style a wrap skirt.
7 – Peplum Skirt
A peplum skirt is a bold choice, accentuate that with an equally bold choice of color – like red.
How to wear Peplum Skirt to Work?
The peplum skirt is a perfect choice for a formal office outfit since it is like the tube skirt long and therefore workplace appropriate. For more ideas, check out my post on office skirt outfits.
Can I wear a Peplum Skirt Casually?
Although the peplum skirt due to its form is a very formal piece of clothing, it can always be turned into a casual outfit piece with the use of a simple white t-shirt.
6 – Draped Skirt All Black Outfit
Although a draped outfit can seem like it will not work well in a casual outfit, you would be surprised that when put into an all-black monochrome look it works perfectly.
A draped skirt moves with you, so it is the perfect choice for a night on the town and if you want to dance. Wear it in a bright color and you will stand out on the dance floor.
5 – Silk Mermaid Skirt Outfit
A mermaid skirt is magical on its own, however, if chosen in s silk/satin finish which reflects the light especially in a colorful tone it will be your favorite skirt.
4 – Layered Skirt Cocktail Outfit
A layered skirt is a wonderful choice if you are looking for a night-out outfit, however, to truly create an uplifting outfit you must go for a polka-dotted printed skirt and pair it with a contrasting patterned (stripped) blouse.
Tip: Try your layered skirt with a textured top:
Although some people might choose to wear a slim-fitting top with a full layered skirt to create contrast and balance, we recommend doing the opposite, thereby achieving a layering effect of textures.
3 – Asymmetric Skirt
The asymmetric skirt offers a certain level of style that is out of the ordinary, in order to keep this style up you can choose to wear a brightly colored or printed skirt and pair it with a complementary bright colored top or jacket.
Tip: Style Your Asymmetric Skirt with a Headscarf:
An asymmetric skirt creates a lot of movement and motion in the bottom part of your outfit. A unique way to complement that dynamic asymmetry is to wear a headscarf, with a complementary shape.
2 – Box Pleat Skirt
The box pleat skirt can vary in size and be short or long, however when worn long can look like a real-life princess dress. This is all the more true if this skirt is worn in a sweet pastel colorway.
1 – Tulip Skirt
In order to contrast the voluminous and eye-catching shape of the tulip skirt, it can be recommended that you wear it in a classic color for instance a black, white, or brown.
