How to Wear a Black Skirt

Co-authored by Christina Santelli and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: February 21, 2022 References Approved

A black skirt can be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Whether it's a pencil skirt, a-line, midi, mini, or maxi skirt, you can wear it with a variety of tops and accessories to create different looks. When styling a black skirt, treat it like a neutral that can work for any occasion. By mixing it with different pieces, you can make your skirt casual, professional, or glam. Additionally, you can add warm pieces to stay toasty during winter.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Keeping it Casual

1
Wear a t-shirt on top for a dressed down look. Pick a solid color t-shirt or a graphic tee, depending on the occasion. A plain t-shirt creates a casual chic look, while a graphic tee looks playful and edgy.^{[1]
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- For example, you could pair a pale pink t-shirt with a black maxi or a-line skirt for a breezy spring look.
- For a weekend or festival outfit, wear your favorite band's t-shirt with a black denim skirt.
2
Pair a crop top with your black pencil or maxi skirt for a weekend look. Wearing a crop top gives your entire outfit a fun, summer vibe, even if you're wearing a classic black skirt. Both a cropped t-shirt and a tube top can work with a black skirt. Pick a neutral color to keep things down-to-earth, or choose a bold color or pattern for an eye-catching outfit.^{[2]
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- For example, you might wear a simple white crop top with a black pencil skirt while going out to brunch. If you were planning to go to a music festival, you might spice up your outfit by picking a leopard print crop top.
Tip: If you have a leather skirt, pair it with a crop top for an edgy, youthful vibe.

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3
Opt for a plaid or chambray shirt for a relaxed style. Both long-sleeved and short-sleeved button-up shirts work with black skirts. Wear your shirt buttoned for a casual chic look, or tie the ends together for a playful style. This type of shirt works best with a pencil or a-line skirt.^{[3]
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- There are 2 ways you can wear this look. Choose a flannel plaid for an edgy or punk look. Alternatively, pick a preppy plaid for a classic look.
- You might look like you're drowning in fabric if you wear this kind of top with a maxi skirt because both pieces are loose.
Variation: Layer your shirt over a neutral tank top to change-up your look.
4
Choose flats, sandals, or fashion sneakers for a casual look. Flats work great for a feminine or casual chic style. Similarly, sandals work great for spring and summer day and weekend looks. If you'd like to dress down your skirt, wear fashion sneakers like Converse or Keds to complete your outfit.^{[4]
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- For instance, you might wear a pair of Converse low tops with a black denim skirt and graphic tee. Alternatively, pair a white tube top and a black pencil skirt with leopard print ballet flats or shiny gold sandals.
5
Accessorize with costume jewelry or simple pieces. Skip the diamonds and gemstones if you're going for a casual look. Instead, layer long necklaces, choose a chunky plastic bracelet or necklace, or stick to a simple chain. Minimal accessories will help you achieve the perfect day or weekend look!^{[5]
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- For instance, wear long beaded necklaces with a black maxi skirt and t-shirt to create a boho vibe.
- If you're wearing a crop top, you might pick a choker or chunky plastic beads.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Creating a Professional Look

1
Pair a black skirt with a button-up shirt for an easy work outfit. A tailored button-up shirt pairs well with a black pencil skirt, a-line, or midi skirt for a simple office look. Choose a plain colored shirt or a simple pattern, like polka dots or stripes. Tuck the shirt into your skirt so it looks polished.^{[6]
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- Consider wearing a belt over the waist of your skirt to pull the look together. For instance, you might wear a wide belt with a button-up shirt and a-line skirt.
Tip: For a work outfit, choose a skirt that is about knee-length or longer to keep your look professional. Avoid short skirts, especially minis.
2
Tuck a blouse into a pencil skirt for a classic look. Both short-sleeved and long-sleeved blouses look great with a pencil skirt. Choose a solid color blouse if you're going for a polished look, or wear a fun print if your office culture encourages creative expression.^{[7]
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- For example, you might wear a red silk blouse with your pencil skirt if you're going for a conservative look.
- As another option, you might wear a floral print or polka dot blouse for a professional look that's fun.
3
Wear a blazer over your skirt to mimic a skirt suit. Pick a basic black blazer for a polished all-black look. As another option, choose a blazer in a bold color to get noticed. Wear your blazer over a camisole, silk blouse, or button-up shirt.^{[8]
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- For example, you might wear a black blazer over a white button-up shirt and a pencil skirt for a style that's both feminine and masculine.
- As another option, pair a pale blue blazer with a white camisole and black a-line skirt for a fresh look.
Variation: Belt a cardigan over your skirt as an alternative to a blazer. Layer your cardigan over a camisole. Then, use a thin belt to cinch your cardigan over the smallest part of your waist.
4
Wear a pair of tights if you're concerned about showing off skin. You don't necessarily need to wear tights with a work look. However, you might decide to wear them if you don't like exposing your legs at work or your workplace culture is a bit conservative. Choose black or solid-color tights to complement a work outfit.^{[9]
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- During spring and summer, stick to sheer black or colored tights. During the fall and winter, pick opaque tights for more warmth.
5
Pick classic dress shoes or booties to complete your look. Ballet flats, pumps, kitten heels, and ankle boots are all great for a work look. If your outfit features neutral colors, you might add a pop of color or a print with a fun shoe. However, stick to a neutral shoe if your top is a fun color or print. Additionally, pick shoes that are comfortable enough for you to wear them all day.^{[10]
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- For instance, bright pink or leopard print shoes might make a plain black and white outfit more playful. On the other hand, simple black flats might pull together a purple polka-dot blouse and black pencil skirt.
6
Keep your accessories to a minimum. Generally, less is more when it comes to accessorizing a work look. Choose a simple pair of earrings, a plain necklace, or a thin bracelet if you want to wear accessories. However, it's totally okay if you don't want to accessorize.^{[11]
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- For instance, you might wear diamond studs or a sterling silver chain.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Going Formal

1
Pair a pencil skirt with a peplum top to create an hourglass figure. A peplum top is fitted on the top part of the shirt and flowy at the bottom. When you pair it with a tight skirt, it creates a defined waist and emphasizes your hips. Wear a peplum top over your pencil skirt to create a classic hourglass shape.^{[12]
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- A peplum top looks great on all shapes and sizes, and it can hide a tummy if you have one.
- You can add a belt to a flowy top to mimic a peplum top.
Tip: Choosing a top that's black can mimic the look of a little black dress! For best results, pick a top that's made from a similar fabric.
2
Choose a silky or sparkly top for a night out on the town. A silky, sequined or glittery top looks great for clubbing or special events. Pair your top with a black mini skirt if you want to show off some skin, or wear it with a long pencil or satin skirt for a more elegant look.^{[13]
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- If you're going to a club, pick a silky, sequined or glittery top that has thin straps or is a crop top.
- For an elegant event, choose a top that's sleeveless or long-sleeved.
3
Pick a shiny, sparkly, or embellished black skirt for a more formal look. While you can dress up a basic black skirt, wearing a skirt that's formal on its own will add a layer of sophistication to your outfit. Look for a skirt that's silk or satin to mimic the look of a formal gown, or go with a sequined or glittery skirt for a special occasion look. As another option, look for skirts that are embellished with bows or lace for a classic feminine look.
- A billowy satin skirt will look nice at an evening formal, while a short silk skirt might work well for a cocktail party.
- A long sequined skirt makes for a great party look, while a short sequined skirt might work well for dancing.
- For a wedding or date night, you might pick a skirt with a bow or lace.
4
Wear heels, ballet flats, or strappy sandals for an evening look. If you're showing off a lot of skin, strappy sandals might be your best choice. On the other hand, simple black pumps or ballet flats can complete an elegant look.^{[14]
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- For example, you might wear strappy gold sandals to the club, ballet flats on a date night, or black heels to a formal event.
5
Complete your look with statement jewelry. Choose bold jewelry, like a statement necklace. Similarly, wear real gems if you have them. Pick pieces that are going to add some glamour to your look.^{[15]
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- For instance, wear a gold collar necklace over a silky top.
- If you're wearing a sparkly top, pair it with a chunky diamond bracelet or big diamond earrings.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Staying Warm in Winter

1
Keep your legs warm with a pair of tights. Choose thick, opaque tights to help you stay warm. For work, go with black or solid colored tights. For the weekend, you can also try patterned tights.^{[16]
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- Basic black tights can go with any outfit. If you want to try colors, pick a color that's part of your outfit or that complements the colors in your outfit.
2
Wear high fashion boots to provide more warmth. Look for boots that are knee-high or thigh-high. Layer these boots over a pair of tights to stay warm on cold days.^{[17]
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- Ideally, the hem of your skirt should end at least 1 in (2.5 cm) above the top of your boots or should completely cover the top of your boots.
3
Pair your skirt with a long-sleeved top or sweater. Your can layer your long-sleeved top under a sleeveless blouse or wear it alone. If you decide to wear a sweater, choose a form-fitting pullover or belt the sweater to create a defined waist.^{[18]
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- For instance, a tight cashmere sweater or turtle neck will look great with a pencil skirt. Alternatively, belting a chunky sweater over a slim maxi skirt will create a casual chic look.
4
Choose an overcoat that's shorter than your skirt. An overcoat is essential for staying warm, but it can look weird if your skirt disappears below it. Instead, wear a coat that lets your skirt peer out from underneath it.^{[19]
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- For instance, a classic peacoat will look nice over your black skirt.
5
Complete your outfit with cute accessories that keep you warm. Accessories like hats, scarves, wraps, gloves, and leg warmers help you avoid the winter chill. Choose accessories that fit the look you're trying to achieve. For instance, you might try the following:^{[20]
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- If you're going for a casual look, a beanie with a matching scarf and gloves will look cute.
- A wrap scarf helps you stay warm but fits well with a classic, formal, or feminine look.
- A faux fur stole looks nice for a holiday party or date night.
- A cashmere or faux fur hat are great options for a dressed up look.
- If you've styled your hair and don't want to wear a hat, a thicker scarf and furry earmuffs can help you stay warm while you're outside.

Expert Q&A

Question

What skirt is the most versatile?

Christina Santelli
Professional Stylist
Christina Santelli is the Owner and Founder of Style Me New, a wardrobe styling concierge based in Tampa, Florida. She has been working as a stylist for over six years, and her work has been featured in HSN, the Pacific Heights Wine and Food Festival, and the Nob Hill Gazette.

Christina Santelli

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

If you want a versatile skirt that you can wear in a lot of different ways, look for a cotton-blend, high-waisted pencil skirt.
Question

How long should a pencil skirt be?

Stayhappy

Community Answer

Your skirt should hit at the knee in professional settings. In other environments, it does not matter as much, and you can opt for a more fashionable hemline that is above the knee.
Question

Does a rose pink top go with a black and white skirt?

Community Answer

Yes, that will go together nicely. If you have rose pink shoes, that would really tie the look together.