If the micro-mini skirt trend sent you into full-body hives, consider the recent midi-skirt craze your sweet relief. Fashion trends are often born out of what is aesthetic rather than what is practical, however, fashion is at its best when it can merge the two. Midi skirts definitely find that common ground; they protect your legs from the air and sun and enable you to sit down without triple checking your surroundings. Plus, they help elongate the look of your legs and add a bit of formality to your 'fit.
Despite the skirt’s practical advantages, this silhouette in particular can be hard to style. When done the wrong way, your outfit can look a tad too mature or outdated. To keep things looking fresh we consulted with some fashion insiders.
Ahead, we rounded up 11 outfit denim midi skirt outfit ideas along with tips from professional stylists Avon Dorsey and Audree Lopez on how to put them together.
Meet the Expert
- Avon Dorsey is a celebrity stylist with work featured on MTV, Netflix, and more.
- Audree Lopez is a stylist, editor, and fashion consultant based in New York City.
The Biker Babe
If you are stuck on how to style your midi, try thinking of them like your favorite jeans. Pair your skirt with a bulky leather jacket and knee-high boots on chilly days. This will not only keep you warm but will also get you non-stop compliments.
Pop of Color
According to Dorsey, the best rule of thumb when styling a denim midi is to keep it simple. “Because it’s such a big denim landscape on the lower half of your body, the key is to keep everything else sleek and simple up top,” Dorsey says. Look for a brightly colored sweater or turtleneck for a little playfulness.
Canadian Tuxedo
Lopez’s favorite way to style the denim skirt trend is to turn it into a quasi-Canadian tuxedo. “Layer a denim button on top of your skirt,” suggests Lopez, “Pick one in a similar shade for a more uniform look or a slightly faded fabric to add a little more interest.”
Monochromatic Moment
When in doubt, Lopez goes back to basics. “Style a tee, denim midi skirt, and a pair of sneakers, sandals, or ballet flats for a more laid-back, casual look,” she advises. To elevate the look even further, keep everything the same shade.
Make a Statement
When putting outfits together, keep proportions in mind. “If you opt for a pencil-style denim midi (which is more slender), you can play around with proportions on top,” Dorsey recommends. He suggests pairing your skirt with a chunky knit sweater, playful crop jacket, or cropped coat.
Cropped on Top
Speaking of proportions, a crop top breaks up the weightiness of the denim. In cooler months, opt for a long sleeve crop. The full-length sleeves not only protect your arms from the chilly air, but also keep your outfit looking elevated.
Precious Cargo
Cargo pants aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and neither are cargo skirts. Pair this with a short sleeve crop top for a casual daytime look or wear it with a cozy sweater for office-friendly attire. Plus they have extra pockets. What’s not to love?
Stick of Butter
Denim skirts are not limited to different shades of blue. We are partial to white. After all, what could be chicer than cream on cream? Layer a beige sweater or an ivory cardigan for a minimal and modern look.
Chunky Soles
Even though midi skirts are currently the hot item, they can easily look matronly when improperly styled. To prevent this, Lopes recommends wearing them with chunky loafers, cowboy boots, or a platform combat boot. “Since the bottom half of the body is the MVP of the look, keep the top simple,” Lopez says.
Black and White
To keep things looking fresh, Lopez suggests keeping the denim skirt the star of the show. “Every other piece should be the supporting actor in the background,” says Lopez. You can easily style the skirt in a "sandwich format" where the top and shoes match so the look is more visually cohesive.
Bottom line: “Keep the accessories simple, shoes sleek, and the top more fitted,” she says.
Sexy Slit
Lopez loves a high-waisted skirt because it elongates the bottom half of your body while cinching in at your waist. She also suggests finding a skirt with a high slit up the middle or the back so you can walk easier. “The hem of the skirt should either hit right above the ground or at your calf,” she says.