With each passing season comes a shift in wardrobe essentials to keep you feeling comfortable and looking chic all-year long. However, if there’s one piece of clothing that shines all 365 days in a year, it has to be the skirt.
While winter weather will have you stocking up on sweaters, jackets, and fleece-lined everything, there’s no need to stow away your staple skirts. Using this guide, we’ll give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about how to wear skirts in the winter and five cute outfit ideas to inspire you this season.
How to Keep Warm in a Winter Skirt
How to Style Winter Skirts
Challenging as it may be to match your wardrobe with the winter-weather conditions, having a bit of style knowledge will make your outfit curation process a total breeze. No need to put away your favorite skirts —with the right details, it will be easy to curate cute winter outfits with our seasonal wardrobe.
Lengths
The single most defining feature of any skirt is its hemline. Different lengths call for different stylizations, and ultimately, the stylization depends on your personal tastes, the events on your agenda, and the weather outside. Skirt lengths can be narrowed down into three dominant categories—maxi, midi, and mini—and within these categories lie even more granular classifications.
Use this hemline guide to better understand how to style your skirt of choice.
- Maxi: Measures just below the ankle.
- Midi: Measures at mid-calf, about 3 inches below the knee.
- Knee-length: Measures at the knee or just above.
- Mini: Measures at mid-thigh.
Materials
When stocking up on skirts that are appropriate for the winter season, you’ll need to carefully consider which materials will serve you best on cold days. Heavier, more durable fabrics—like corduroy, velvet and wool—will keep you warmer than flowy, lightweight styles. Elevate your winter wardrobe in an instant by experimenting with these five materials.
Merino wool
Merino wool is lauded as one of the most luxurious types of wool for its supreme softness and warm wearability. Perfect for all types of weather conditions, this lightweight material does a wonderful job of trapping heat in, leaving your legs feeling toasty all day long, making it the most ideal winter skirt.
Corduroy
The revival of ‘70s styles has rekindled the fashion industry’s love for corduroy. This classic ridged fabric is constructed with sturdy cottons and polyester blends that are typically woven in a striped pattern, creating distinguished ribs that run the length of the fabric. Corduroy makes for a fabulous winter fabric because it’s thick, it’s warm and it’s one of the simplest materials to mix and match with.
Satin
What was once reserved for ‘80s ball gowns and ‘90s prom dresses has made an impressive comeback as one of the chicest fabrics today. Satin has been long adored for its high-shine glossy aesthetic and soft, silky texture.
How to Keep Warm in a Winter Skirt
Tip #1: Choose the right footwear.
Whatever skirt style you choose to wear during the winter, it’s important to consider the shoes you’ll pair with your look. Look for shoes that provide all-day support, as well as a sleek aesthetic that matches the essence of your ensemble.
Consider stocking up popular winter shoe styles:
Tip #2: Opt for thick tights.
It’s no secret that tights are the key to making winter skirts practical and functional. As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the tights, the warmer they are—and for those long days spent tackling your ever-growing to-do lists, jazzing up your finest winter skirt outfits with a pair of warm tights will ensure you’re protected against the cold.
Tip #3: Wear the right outerwear.
If your skirt is shorter in style, make sure the top-half of your body is kept warm enough to endure the day ahead of you. Sweaters, jackets, vests, and coats are all wintertime wardrobe essentials that are specifically designed to trap heat in and shield you from the chill outside.
Tip #4: Layer, layer, layer
With cooler temperatures comes the call for warmer layers, and layering strategically is an excellent skill to have. Though layering takes a bit of style know-how, playing the game of trial and error serves as the best way to familiarize yourself with mixing and matching textures, hemlines, patterns, and more.
Winter Skirt Outfit Ideas
If you’re looking for some ideas on how to style skirts in winter, we’re here to give you all of the style inspiration you need. From business-casual chic to date night elegance, these winter outfit ideas for women cover all of your everyday bases.
- Go minimal:
The look: A minimalist wardrobe is meticulously crafted—characterized by pieces that serve a particular purpose and streamline a fluid aesthetic. Typically narrowed down to a few select colors, textures, and patterns, minimalist outfits take understated fashion to the next level.
The outfit: A black suede a-line skirt with a pair of opaque black tights matches well with a cream cable knit sweater and a pair of Mary Jane flats.
The accessories: A wool scarf, a pair of minimalist huggie earrings, and a classic crossbody bag.
- Work the office look:
The look: When it comes to dressing for success in the wintertime, your business-casual wardrobe demands a little more. Even if you spend your days at work inside of an office, keeping warm once you’ve clocked out should be a top priority. Piece together a look that matches your workplace dress code and the wintry climate outside.
The outfit: A heather grey wool pencil skirt with a matching grey blazer comes together nicely with a chic blouse. Wrap it all together with a pair of pointed-toe flats.
The accessories: A couple thin stacking rings and a neutral-toned handbag or tote.
- Dress up date night:
The look: Date nights never get old, especially when they serve as the best reason to get dolled up, try new drinks, and spend valuable time with good company. While your summer wardrobe selections can be leggy and climate comfortable, the winter season calls for warmer, more layered looks.
The outfit: A square-neck long-sleeve tucked into a satin midi skirt looks fun and classy with a tan-colored duster coat. Elevate the elegance with a pair of chic heeled boots.
The accessories: A pair of wooden hoop earrings, a glitzy statement hair barrette, and an easy clutch or shoulder bag.
- Keep it casual:
The look: Cute, casual, and effortlessly thrown together. Whether you’re catching up with your best friend, running last minute errands or hosting an informal weekend brunch, your wardrobe selection should be as comfortable and as easy-going as you envision your day panning out.
The outfit: A relaxed white long-sleeve t-shirt tucked into a flowy maxi skirt, a soft wool sweater to throw around your shoulders and a pair of super comfy clogs to keep your feet warm while offering endless support.
The accessories: A pair of simple stud earrings and a cute baseball cap to add that extra-casual nod.
- Step out in style:
The look: Spending the day out and about in your favorite city calls for an outfit that can keep up with your adventurous agenda. Prepare for whatever the day has in store with an ensemble that is as sleek as it is snug.
The outfit: A cream-colored turtleneck sweater paired with a mauve pleated ballerina skirt looks chic with a long black merino wool coat and a pair of sand-colored slip-on sneakers to keep you on your feet throughout the day.
The accessories: A hands-free belt bag, a pair of fleece-lined gloves, and a pair of gold or silver earrings.
Embrace the winter season with a wardrobe of skirt styles that get you excited to express yourself—in every way. With a working selection of cute winter skirts, your perfect cold weather outfits are just one garment away! Explore Rothy’s range of footwear, handbags and accessories to pull your outfits together.
