How to Wear a Skater Skirt

Co-authored by Dina Scherer

Last Updated: October 26, 2021 References

Skater skirts are vibrant, fun, and they add a pop to any occasion. Whether you’re going to the beach, heading to work, or going out for a formal event, you can style a skater skirt to suit. Anyone can wear a skater skirt, no matter their body type. Wear it with sneakers and t-shirts or dress it up with a blouse and boots. It's time to have some fun with skater skirts!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wearing a Skater Skirt Casually

1
Pair your skater skirt with a tee and Converse for an ultra-casual look. Lightweight shirts tend to go best with the skater skirt’s bouncy feel and fitted tees look better with skater skirts than boxy ones. The sneakers dress the skirt down without taking away any of its fun.
- If sneakers are too warm, flip-flops will have a similar effect on your overall look.
- You can tuck your t-shirt to create a more balanced outfit.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Dina Scherer
  Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
  Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.}
- Another great option is to tie your t-shirt or to use a crop top to create more waist definition.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Dina Scherer
  Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
  Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.}
2
Look preppy by adding a cardigan and Oxfords to your skater skirt. If it’s getting chilly but you still want to wear your skater skirt, add a cardigan sweater on top, Oxfords or other leather shoes, and even tights. Fitted cardigans give it a more feminine look while larger ones look cozy without losing the preppy feel.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Wear another sweater under the cardigan for added warmth.
- Add style and warmth with a scarf and a cute winter hat.
Advertisement
3
Opt for a denim skater skirt and sandals to look sassy. Give the classic skater skirt an urban feel when you buy it in denim and wear it with your favorite sandals. Gold or silver embellished sandals will add to the sass. Since the skirt is plain, wear it with whatever you want on top, from a sleeveless shirt to an oversized T.
4
Choose a cute bustier with your skater skirt for a beachy vibe. Going to the beach or want to look like you were just there? Pair a plain bustier with a flowered skater skirt or an embellished bustier with a neutral one. You can also wear a bralette top if you are feeling brave.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- If you aren’t comfortable in a bustier, a strappy tank top can have a similar effect.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dressing up a Skater Skirt

1
Style your skater skirt with flats and a long-sleeve blouse for the office. Make a skater skirt appropriate for work by wearing it with a demure long-sleeve blouse. Dark or neutral colors are better for work. Add tights or hose and your favorite flats to finish the look.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Wear a dressy top and tall boots for a party.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.} You can wear almost any color top with a neutral skater skirt, or choose a neutral top with a bright, flashy skirt. Collared blouses look great with skater skirts, as do sleeveless tops with decorative ruching. Adding knee-high boots adds instant glam, and above-the-knee boots offer a sexy, svelte look.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Add knee-high socks or tights for an even more formal look.
- Coordinate your tights with your shirt for an added pop.
3
Add a blazer to a velvet skater skirt for a cold-weather event. This is a bold vibe that asks people to look at you. A fitted blazer gives a chic, finished look while an oversized one is trendier. Add patterned tights and shoes or boots to finish the outfit.
4
Tuck a plain blouse into a sequined skater skirt for a night out. Whether you’re going dancing or going to the prom, sequins always add to the occasion. A black top with silver or gold sequins is a great look, or you can choose any neutral color. Let the skirt stand out by keeping your top and accessories simple.
- If sequins aren’t for you, find a skater skirt with a satiny finish or one made from a fancy fabric for a similar look.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choosing the Best Skater Skirt for You

1
Find a narrow skater skirt if you are short. Poofy skirts always have a widening effect, especially when they are wider than they are long. Avoid skater skirts with too many gathers or pleats to sidestep this effect. Poodle skirts can be especially difficult to wear if you are shorter.^{[8]
X
Research source}
2
Select a longer skater skirt if you prefer to show less skin. Many women think they have to give up their skater skirt if they don't want to bare their skin. In fact, you can still wear one. Just buy it a little longer and style it the same. Skater skirts can be as long as knee-length.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Most women like skater skirts best when they hit about 3 inches (7.6 cm) above the knee.
- Longer skater skirts have the added benefit of being appropriate in more places, like the office.
3
Pick a dark-colored skater skirt if you want to look thinner. Dark colors are always slimming and that’s no different with skater skirts. You can even find patterned skater skirts in darker colors. These colors are also more versatile because you can wear anything on top.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Emphasize your waist even more by wearing a belt that contrasts with your skirt.
4
Buy a neutral skater skirt to wear to work. Dark colors are often more formal than light ones. While you may not be able to get away with a floral-printed skater skirt at work, you can almost always wear a dark one there. Keep in mine your company's dress code when choosing your skater skirt.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- You aren’t limited to black and gray. You can also find a work-appropriate skater skirt in navy, burgundy, hunter green, or other neutral colors.

Expert Q&A

Question

Are skater skirts flattering?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

Yes! Skater skirts have movement and create kind of an A line silhouette, but they are a little bit more playful.
Question

What top goes with a skater skirt?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

You can wear it tucked into your t-shirt or with a crop top, which is a little bit of a youthful look, but it works for summertime even if you're older.
Question

How do you wear a skater skirt in the winter?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

You can wear it with a sweater, boots, and leggings or stockings. Or, you can even make it into a more kind of dress silhouette by adding some heels to add a little bit of glam to the look.