How To Pair Skirts With Tops: 10 Outfits To Stay Cool And Classy In The Summer Heat
When sitting in the shade isn’t enough to keep your makeup from melting, take a tip from these fashionable ladies in staying cool and polished by styling a chic skirt.
You might be tempted to think “less is more” when it comes to beating the heat, but actually, there’s nothing more cooling than the breeze created by the billow and flow of a skirt. It has to do with science and air pockets and convection, but the details are a little bit boring, honestly, and the fashion choices we’re about to discuss are much more exciting. So just trust me on this, as a bonafide Southerner, choose the skirt.
Dresses are simple: You throw it on, do your hair and make-up, pick out a nice accessory or two, and head out the door. Skirts, on the other hand… Skirts are intimidating, there’s just so much that could go wrong and so many choices to make. Whenever I feel lost, though, I always have my favorite stylish influencers to show me how it’s done.
1. Put a Belt on It
Julia Berolzheimer is the picture of Southern sophistication. To get this look, you’ll want a loose-fitting Oxford shirt (linen or cotton) and a skirt that is form-fitting (but not tight) through the hips and billows out as it goes down. Finish off the look with a leather belt and leather sandals in the same color family. The key to this outfit is the contrast of the loose-fitting shirt and the form-fitting skirt. If both pieces are loose and billowy, you’ll look frumpy. If both are too tight, the look loses its class. Pick out some dainty jewelry pieces to add polish, and the outfit is complete.
2. The Full Tuck
Florette, fashion influencer based in Bordeaux, can be seen here utilizing a “full tuck.” Her blouse is tucked in all the way around her waist, but not too tightly.
The contrast of her solid top with the abstract skirt keeps things interesting but not busy, keeping the eye pleasantly engaged. Style your look with a neutral beret and some knee-high boots for the perfect outfit to transition into Fall.
3. The French Tuck
Kate’s showing off the perfect French tuck. It’s an easy, quick fashion choice that can really elevate any look and make even the most novice of novices look professionally put together. It allows you to emphasize your waistline without tucking in entirely.
The blue and white floral mini skirt paired with the white trainers will keep her looking fresh all day, while the dainty gold watch will add just a hint of mystery and charm.
4. Tight Tank, Flowy Skirt
What really makes this classic summer look work is the contrast between the curve-hugging tank and the billowy, full skirt. It’s such a simple and pretty look to pull off, anyone can do it and look flawless. Even better, this outfit can be casual or formal, depending on your shoes, colors, and accessories. In this particular outfit, the neutral sneakers keep it casual. Carry a jean jacket with you if you live somewhere with chilly evenings (wouldn’t that be nice?), and you’ve got yourself the perfect transitional outfit.
5. A Pop of Color with a Neutral
Emma Hothersall looks picture perfect in her white blouse and colorfully patterned skirt. Grab a chic clutch, a pair of neutral heels, and you’ve got yourself an understated, yet highly fashionable, look.
6. The Crop Top
It’s sophistication and class. It’s puff sleeves and natural materials. It’s the crop top all grown up. Sweet Caroline pulls off this absolutely adorable look due to high contrast. With a fun pattern on the bottom and a neutral on the top, it's perfectly balanced while remaining lively. Paired with straw, pink gingham, and gold and pearl accents, you’ve got yourself a positively darling ensemble.
7. The White T-Shirt Dressed Up
Every girl needs a classic white T-shirt in her closet, and this is why. It’s probably the most versatile clothing staple, ever. Dress it up, dress it down, pants or skirts, it doesn't matter, the white tee can do it all.
Here, Sydney Snyder can be seen wearing a crew-neck tee with a blue and white skirt. What dresses the look up, however, is the details. The skirts’ embroidered hem and the sandals’ champagne sheen are what bring poise and polish to this classic look. Add a woven rattan bag, some designer sunnies, and a pop of color on your toenails, and you’re ready to go.
8. The White T-Shirt Dressed Down
Taylor, from Little Blonde Book, can be seen pairing the two staples together, using floral print and a knotted white tee to show off her waist. Her neutral handbag and light sandals finish off this casual, yet polished daytime look.
9. The Transitional Sweater
Another preppy, transitional outfit – all you need is a sweater and a skirt. You can either wrap it around your shoulders the cool, trendy girl way like Negin does here, or do a French tuck for chillier weather. Add some white Keds or Vejas, and you’re primed to have a cute, cozy morning. Just make sure to have something lighter on underneath (like a white tank top) and a bag to stash your sweater in for when things heat up.
10. Make It a Set
Stay looking fresh no matter how hot it gets with an outfit like this. Scientifically, white is the coolest color you can wear due to its reflective properties and black is the hottest. The greatest thing about a set is that it takes the guesswork out of getting dressed. The decision of what you should wear and how you should wear it is already made for you, and you know you’ll look like a summertime dream every time.
Closing Thoughts
Timeless, classic, and elegant best describe these ladies' fashionable outfits. Whether you're based in Charleston or NYC, learning how to style a skirt in a classy and cool way during a summer heat wave is always advised. Although it can be more difficult than throwing on a pretty dress and calling it a day, outfits that revolve around skirts can look just as effortless and sophisticated.
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