How to Wear Skirts Casually

Co-authored by Susan Kim and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 20, 2020 References

Skirts are a cute, comfortable way to show off your style and elevate any outfit. However, it can be hard to incorporate them into your daily outfits and make them look casual. If you have cute skirts in your wardrobe that you want to wear every day, try pairing them with sneakers, adding a jacket, and ditching your high heels to look effortless and easy-going.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Choosing Casual Skirt Styles

1
Choose a denim skirt to make any outfit casual. Denim skirts are automatically more laid-back than other materials, because they can’t be dressed up well. Pair a denim skirt with a graphic t-shirt or band t-shirt to create an easy-going look.^{[2]
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- Get a denim skirt with a frayed or distressed hemline to keep it even more laid-back.
- Light wash denim skirts look more casual than dark wash ones.
2
Find a skirt with a large print or design. Skirts that have pictures or large patterns on them can be hard to dress up, so they are easy to wear in your daily life. Wear a patterned or printed skirt with a solid colored top to create a bold yet informal look.^{[3]
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- Skirts like these can be very versatile and are usually either dressed up or down.
3
Wear a maxi skirt made out of jersey cotton. These skirts are stretchy and comfortable, and give off an aura of casualness since they are hard to dress up. Pair your maxi skirt with a graphic t-shirt cinched at the waist to complete this look.^{[4]
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Tip: Find a maxi skirt with stripes on it to look even more casual.
4
Put on a brightly colored pencil skirt to make it casual. Pencil skirts are stereotypically office and formal wear, but if you throw on one that is a bright color, you can incorporate it into your daily look. Choose a maroon, bright blue, or even hunter green pencil skirt and pair it with a neutral top.^{[5]
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- You can pair a black pencil skirt with a graphic t-shirt to make it casual, but it is easier with a bright skirt.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Wearing Casual Tops

1
Wear graphic and band t-shirts to dress down your skirt. T-shirts with cool designs on them are not only popular, but inherently cool and casual. Pair your skirt with a fun t-shirt to instantly create a laid-back demeanor. Band t-shirts go great with frilly skirts, while graphic t-shirts looks awesome with pencil skirts and maxi skirts.^{[6]
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- If your t-shirt is too big, try knotting it at the waist or tying a belt around it.
2
Dress down your outfit with a casual jacket. No matter what you wear underneath, a denim jacket, bomber jacket, or camo jacket will instantly make an outfit casual. Pair denim and pencil skirts with a camo jacket, or be daring and wear denim on denim.^{[7]
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Tip: Wear a jacket that hits you at the waist to accentuate your figure.
3
Wear a long cardigan with a mini skirt. Long cardigans are great because they keep you warm, but they also give your outfit an oversized, casual vibe. Pair a cardigan that hits you at mid-thigh with a skirt that’s slightly shorter than that to look chic and easy-going.^{[8]
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- Cardigans look great with skirts that are not made of the same material. Choose a denim or pencil skirt to complete this look.
4
Make midi-skirts casual with an unbuttoned button-down shirt. Midi skirts can seem inherently fancy, but you can make them casual by pairing them with a button-down shirt that you leave open. Wear a tank top underneath to keep everything covered, and tuck in the bottom of your shirt to accentuate your waist.^{[9]
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- Pair a solid colored midi skirt with a patterned button-down, or vice versa.
5
Use spaghetti-strap tank tops to dress down maxi skirts. Choose a tank top with thin spaghetti straps to make your maxi skirt casual. Pair a striped maxi skirt with a solid tank top of the same color, or try your hand at color blocking and wear a pattern with a complimenting pattern.^{[10]
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- Maxi skirts will keep you comfortable yet covered up in the warm weather.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Pairing Your Skirt with Shoes and Accessories

1
Wear sneakers with skirts in the winter time. High heels and boots can make skirts look formal. Instead, throw on a pair of high-top or low-top sneakers that go with your outfit.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.} Sneakers look great with denim skirts and midi-length skirts.^{[12]
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Tip: Elevate your look by wearing a neutral skirt and top and pairing it with brightly colored or patterned sneakers.
2
Use lace-up boots to keep a skirt casual. If your feet are cold but you still want to throw on a skirt, try on some lace-up boots and tall socks. These boots keep your look casual, while still being on trend.^{[13]
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- Pair your lace up boots with a bright pencil skirt and a band t-shirt.
3
Let your feet breathe in the summer by wearing sandals. Ditch your high heels and throw on a pair of strappy sandals in the summer. These will not only be more comfortable, but will keep your look easy-going and casual.^{[14]
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- Wear your sandals with a maxi skirt and a t-shirt knotted at the waist for a fun summer outfit.
4
Avoid statement necklaces and bracelets. Large pieces of jewelry can make an outfit look dressed up, no matter what you pair it with. Keep your jewelry small and subtle by wearing stud earrings or a few small rings.^{[15]
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- Thin necklaces and bracelets can be casual, as long as you only wear one.

Community Q&A
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Question

How do you find the right skirt for your body type?

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Susan Kim

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

I think it depends on your proportion and your ratio. If you have wider hips and you want to accentuate that, then I would pick a skirt with more of an elastic fabrication. If you want to be more conservative and show a little less of your figure, then I would pick a looser fit and go with a fabric like linen or cotton. These fabrics hug your body without showing too much.