The Summer Style Guide: Skirt Outfits

Skirts are a staple in my closet during the summer, and a great alternative to shorts when it’s hot outside. Let’s talk about how to make your skirt outfits more flattering.

WHITE SKIRT, BLACK TEE, LEOPARD FLATS

BLACK BODYSUIT, WHITE SKIRT, NUDE SANDALS, SUMMER STATEMENT EARRINGS

Why the “before” skirt outfit needs improvements:

• THIS TEE in this skirt outfit has a slim cut and is very lightweight, but when it’s untucked (or even tucked) it easily causes bulk at the waistline and hips. We don’t need added bulk there.
• There’s a stark contrast at the waist between the dark and light pieces, and that draws attention where they meet. That line should be at the narrowest part of your body; in this outfit, it’s sitting on my hips, which are several inches wider than my natural waist.
• The shoe choice can get tricky with long skirts. The less leg you see, the shorter your legs look. So FLATS (even pointed flats) create a bit of a squatty, flat-footed look.

A few easy ways to improve this skirt outfit

• Swap the tee for a BODYSUIT. Don’t be afraid of bodysuits! They’re a great slim choice with skirts that create a perfect tuck with no bulk around your waist. (And remember, you don’t have to snap the bottom of your bodysuit if you don’t want to — unsnapped still gives you the same effect!)
• When the narrowest part of your waist has that harsh line, it draws attention to that narrow part, giving your body an instant hourglass shape.
• A SLIM, SIMPLE SANDAL is a better choice for this outfit, because it shows more of your leg line. A sandal close to the color of your skin will help elongate that leg line even more. Don’t choose a chunky sandal, or one with a lot of straps.
• Since the outfit is pretty basic (no prints or colors), add a STATEMENT EARRING for a bit of interest and to bring attention up to your face.

If you’re more of a visual person, here’s the same advice in action

Do you want to add a new skirt to your closet?

I rounded up a ton of cute skirts in THIS BLOG POST. Hop over there and check them out!

Other summer outfit ideas with skirts

Why these outfits work:

• Skirt Outfit 1:
  • Top is billowy, but tucked in the waist to minimize bulk and create an hourglass shape
  • Legs are elongated with a neutral, simple sandal
  • Flats or sneakers would work in this outfit because the skirt is shorter and plenty of leg line is showing
  • Sleeve ruffle details draw attention up toward the face and give the basic outfit some interest
• Skirt Outfit 2:
  • Knotting the tee slims down an oversized tee and accentuates a natural waist
  • Printed skirt adds some interest to this outfit
  • Layered necklaces and some earrings bring attention up toward the face
  • Sandals or pointed flats would be great here, but a slim low cut sneaker works as well because the skirt isn’t too long.

Why these outfits work:

• Skirt Outfit 3:
  • pencil shaped skirts are great options! Balance the fitted silhouette of the skirt with a slightly fuller top
  • My natural waist is still defined!
  • A light colored shoe doesn’t bring heaviness or clunkiness to the outfit
  • The baseball cap works because there’s another casual piece in the outfit (the denim skirt)
• Skirt Outfit 4:
  • These sneakers are dark, which draws attention down to my feet, but the shoes are still slim AND the skirt is a thick suede material and helps balance out the heaviness of the shoe.
  • A white top works here, but a black top or striped top would be great to add some weight or attention up top.
  • The skirt hem is short enough to keep the leg line elongated, even with a heavier shoe choice.

Happy skirt wearing!

See the rest of the 2020 Summer Style Guide HERE!

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