How to Wear Skirts in Winter: 5 Tips for Staying Warm

Follow these style tips to retain heat while wearing a skirt in cold weather:

1. 1. Add warm layers on top. If wearing a shorter skirt, balance your lower half with extra layers on your top half to keep yourself from feeling cold. When you’re wearing a skirt for a casual winter outfit, layer a thin turtleneck under a thick cardigan or pull-over sweater to protect your torso from the elements. Style a poncho or vest with a winter skirt outfit for added warmth and style. Wear an insulated coat—like a wool trench coat—unzipped over a winter skirt ensemble for additional coverage and style.
2. 2. Choose warm materials. Prioritize skirts made of thick materials during the colder months. Wool, tweed, leather, suede, velvet, fur, knit, and thick plaid skirts all lock heat into your body and prevent your legs from getting cold.
3. 3. Use tall boots. High boots, such as thigh-high boots and knee-high boots, cover your legs more than ankle boots or heels, so stick to this footwear for the colder months. Pair over-the-knee boots with a long or short skirt to create a casual or sexy look. Wear tall boots with a flowy midi skirt for an elevated daytime look. Pair a mini skirt with high-heeled thigh-high boots to elongate your legs. High boots with fur or faux fur trim also keep you toasty.
4. 4. Wear leggings or tights. Layering a pair of thick tights or leggings under your skirt will keep you from having bare legs during cold weather. Opaque tights provide more coverage than pantyhose or sheer tights. If you want a sheer-tights look, wear a pair of leggings that matches your skin tone under sheer, black tights to create a see-through effect. Thermal tights or wool leggings will keep your legs extra warm. Opt for a pair of brightly colored or patterned tights to make a statement.
5. 5. Select a longer skirt. Opt for long skirts for the cold winter months in the interest of staying warm. Build a winter outfit around a wool midi skirt, which falls right below the knee, or maxi skirt, which falls right above the ankle.

Follow this step-by-step tutorial to building a chic winter outfit around a skirt:

1. 1. Select a winter color palette. During colder months, cool and dark colors are a reliably chic palette. Black, burgundy, emerald green, dark purple, cream, brown, and muted grays are all popular colors to work with during winter.
2. 2. Add a statement belt. Wearing thick, comfy sweaters with your skirt is a great way to stay cozy, but the additional fabric can hide your shape. Cinch your waistline with a statement belt over an oversized sweater to create a streamlined silhouette. Experiment with different belts for varying occasions. For example, consider wearing a stone-studded belt for an evening out and a vibrant, chunky belt for a pop of color in a daytime look.
3. 3. Wear a bodysuit. Style your skirt with a bodysuit instead of a regular fitted top to eliminate bulk from tucking something in. Bodysuits work on a functional and fashionable level, as they provide extra warmth to your midsection and create a smooth look from your shirt to your skirt.
4. 4. Layer with a long coat. A long coat falling at your knee, mid-calf, or ankle is the ultimate winter staple. In addition to keeping you warm, it can pull an outfit together. Use an oversized coat in a fun color or pattern to contrast your neutral-colored outfit, or match your outerwear to your skirt to create a monochromatic look.
5. 5. Accessorize with winter pieces. One of the benefits of winter fashion is choosing from various accessories. When styling a skirt during the wintertime, layer your outfit with a cozy scarf, knit hat, beret, and pair of gloves. Tailor these accessories to any occasion to dress an outfit up or down. For example, add a knitted infinity scarf and beanie to your skirt outfit for some casual charm. Dress up an outfit with a faux fur or velvet scarf and leather or suede gloves.

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