How to Wear Skirts Without Looking Awkward and Unfashionable in 2024: Key Don'ts and Winning Combinations

Fashion | Stylist Tips | Trends Spring-Summer 2024

Preparing for the hot season and learning how to wear one of the most popular summer wardrobe items.

May 8, 2024

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to bring out your favorite skirts that have been patiently waiting in your wardrobe for months. Skirts are loved not only by fans of feminine styles but also by those who stylishly pair them with sneakers, chunky boots, and oversized pieces.

Despite their versatility, skirts can either help create stylish outfits or contribute to awkward combinations. Here’s how to wear skirts in 2024 to look fashionable and what combinations to avoid entirely.

How to Wear Skirts:

1. Short Skirt + Flat Sandals

Outfits with short skirts can easily turn vulgar if not balanced properly. When highlighting your legs with a mini skirt, remember to balance the length with the right top and shoes. Avoid heels with short skirts for everyday wear. Flat sandals, flip-flops, and slides look much more chic and stylish.

2. Short Skirt + Boots

You can balance your look with boots or cowboy boots. Knee-high or slightly above-the-knee boots can make your outfit more restrained. This trick is popular among street style icons. Even in summer, they wear short skirts and dresses with western-style boots, which often look better than traditional sandals.

3. Short Skirt + Oversized Blazer

Many fashion brands like Miu Miu and Diesel have embraced the extreme mini trend. While this trend appeals to many fashionistas, it can be hard to pull off in reality. If you love this length, pair your short skirt with an oversized blazer that’s slightly longer or ends at the hem of the skirt. This will help you feel more confident.

4. Midi Skirt + T-Shirt

A below-the-knee skirt always looks more restrained and elegant than a mini. To make the outfit less formal, tuck a T-shirt into the skirt. This works for skirts made from thick fabrics like corduroy or denim as well as summer favorites like silk, linen, and satin.

5. Short Skirt + Thick Knitwear

In the heat, it’s tempting to wear short shorts, skirts, and crop tops. While this is fine for vacations or the beach, it’s less suitable for the city or office. Instead of cropped tops and T-shirts, choose knitwear like minimalist tops, cardigans, or sweaters to pair with skirts.

What to Avoid:

1. Short Skirt + High Heels

Once popular in the early 2000s, this trend now looks extremely awkward and even vulgar. Mini skirts and high heels are only suitable for cocktail parties or evening events, and even then, the key is to choose the right pieces, cuts, and colors.

2. Maxi Skirt + Sneakers

Comfort has become a trend, and fashionistas confidently mix different styles in one outfit. Rihanna loves pairing track pants with high heels, while others enjoy combining skirts with sneakers. If you like this combination, avoid midi length skirts. This look is outdated and shows a lack of interest in fashion and trends.

3. Maxi Skirt + Oversized Blazer

Fans of loose-fitting clothing often overdo it by creating overly baggy outfits. Oversized can look stylish if proportions are maintained with fitted pieces in the outfit. Avoid pairing a long skirt with an oversized blazer or cardigan as it will obscure your figure, creating a shapeless look.

4. Midi Skirt + Ankle Boots

Ankle boots with a midi skirt will visually shorten your legs, making them look awkward and unattractive. Instead, pair the outfit with sandals with a small heel or boots.