What To Wear With a Black Skirt: A Simple Guide

You know those articles of clothing you just can’t live without? The essentials that every closet should have? For me, that list includes several basics, such as a white tee and a solid pair of blue jeans. One of my favorite essentials that are super versatile, though, is the black skirt.

Having a solid black skirt in my closet is a vital part of my clothing collection. Black skirts are so adaptable and come in so many styles. I recommend having a few in different types, but even if you just have one, you can make an endless amount of outfits with it.

Once you’ve acquired that perfect black skirt, it’s time to figure out fresh ways to style it. This will make your life so much easier when you’re getting ready for the day or just don’t want to spend a lot of time trying on 15 different ensembles in front of your mirror. 

That’s why I’ve put together a simple guide on what you can wear with your black skirts.

The History of Skirts in Fashion

Before we dig into what to wear with your black skirt, it’s essential to understand some basics about skirts in fashion. Throughout history, skirts have been worn by both men and women. It wasn’t until more modern times, though, that skirts became seen as a typically more feminine article of clothing.

However, with the uptick in the popularity of gender-fluidity in clothing, skirts are again being embraced by everyone. With people of fame such as Harry Styles and K-Pop star Jimin breaking down the gender norms in fashion, I’ve seen a rise in the skirt being embraced by anyone and everyone, and I love to see it.

Styles of Skirts

It’s time to get familiar with the types of skirts that are out there. Different styles will call for different occasions, and you might prefer one silhouette over another if you’re looking for a closet staple. 

Wrap

Wrap skirts are the type of skirt that does exactly that: wrap around you. These skirts are perfect as a swimsuit coverup and look absolutely adorable with a solid bikini top or a funky one-piece.

While they make a great swimsuit coverup, you can also find wrap skirts that are more formal or better for everyday wear. These skirts add dynamic details to your ensemble through elements like bows and an uneven hemline.

Asymmetrical

Speaking of uneven hemlines, asymmetrical skirts are another great way to add an interesting feature to spice up your outfit. These skirts can be worn casually, with a crop top or button-down, or more formally with an eye-catching top such as a puffy blouse.

Maxi

The maxi skirt is an elegant and dramatic skirt to add to any ensemble. Like most skirts, the maxi can be dressed up or down. 

You can wear a maxi with a cropped top or swimsuit for a cute and breezy stroll down the beach, or you can pair your maxi with an elegant blouse to attend your best friend's bridal shower.

Midi

The midi skirt is perfect for the working professional. If you work in an office, at a university, or for a business, having a black midi skirt in your closet is a must. The black midi is both professional and extremely versatile.

The black midi looks fantastic paired with any type of blouse. My go-to look when I have a super important business meeting is a white button-down blouse tucked into a black midi skirt. If I want to add a little something fun to the look, I pop on a pair of colorful heels to complete the look. Pro-tip: red heels look fantastic with every monochromatic ensemble. 

Mini

Mini skirts are some of the most fun types of skirts and are perfect for those summer outfits. These are my go-to when I want a cute vibe and am not bound by workplace standards. A black mini skirt is a fantastic addition to an outfit when you’re planning a night out with friends or are attending a garden party.

What To Wear With a Black Skirt

White Blouses

As I mentioned above, I love to pair a black shirt with a white blouse. Black and white in fashion have always been a classic, and the look is definitely here to stay. The opposite colors create a beautiful contrast that is pleasing to the eye. 

This contrast is even starker when you pair a colorful accessory with your look. Color in fashion has changed over time, but with the uptick in individuality in fashion, it’s a popular way to express yourself that is here to stay.

A bright necklace or pair of earrings takes your look to the next level, and a colorful bag or bright belt makes the contrast of the black and white pop.

Colorful Shoes

Speaking of splashing some color on your get-up, your shoes are a fantastic way to do this. A colorful pair of heels contrast well with a black skirt and add some fun to your look as well. If you want a closed-toed shoe to add to your outfit, some bright boots should do the trick.

Interesting Cardigans

Both a perfect way to keep you warm and a cozy addition to spice up your look, cardigans are a closet essential for me. I love to slip a colorful cardigan over a neutral blouse and pair those with my ever-reliable black skirt. 

Cardigans come in dozens of styles with dozens of materials — merino wool, alpaca fur, and organic cotton are just some of my absolute favorites. 

Where I Love to Wear My Black Skirts

A Night Out

I love to add a black mini skirt to my ensemble when I’m ready to have a night out with friends. This fun and flirty look is all the more exquisite when you add a crop top and some chunky boots. I love going for a monochromatic vibe with an all-black ensemble; a mini skirt, crop top, boots, and a moto jacket. 

The Office

The black skirt is a wardrobe must-have for any person who works in an office or another professional setting. It’s a breeze to style professionally and is an elegant and sleek addition to your look.

A Dinner Party

When I meet up with friends or family for a formal dinner, I can always count on a black skirt to complete the look. Paired with an elegant blouse, a cute clutch, and some lavish heels, I’ve got a look that says I’m ready to dine at the finest of establishments.

Back to Black With This Classic Skirt

The black skirt is one of the most vital closet essentials. You can dress it up or down, wear it casually or professionally; you name it, you can style it.

So you can see why it’s important to get some ideas about what you can wear with a black skirt. That way, you’ll be prepared to pick out your favorite articles of clothing to pair with your black skirt.

Sources:

What you didn’t know about colour | BBC

Are trends no longer in fashion? | Harper's Bazaar

The Recent Runways Say Monochrome Isn't Going Anywhere | Vogue

How the 'beauty of fluidity' went mainstream in fashion | BBC Culture