How to Wear a Skirt in the Winter

14 de enero de 2013

How to Wear a Skirt in the Winter

Skirts are a quintessential symbol of femininity, but wearing a skirt during the cold winter months can leave you feeling more cold than chic. Choosing the right skirt and accompanying accessories will leave you feeling both warm and fashion forward.

Edit Steps

Choose the Right Skirt

The most appropriate winter skirts are made of warm fabrics and simple patterns.

Pick a skirt made of a heavier material. Sheer, lightweight fabrics look out of place and will only make you colder. Opt for heavier materials like denim, wool, velvet, leather, and heavy cottons or cotton-polyester blends. Avoid lighter polyester blends, satins, and silks.

Decide on the length you want. You can wear virtually any length, but some will require more layering than others.
- Choose a maxi-skirt for the least amount of hassle. Many maxi-skirts can even be worn with minimal to no leg protection. Pick out a skirt that extends somewhere between your mid-calf and the top of your foot, a few inches above your ankle. Longer skirts will keep you warmer, but a skirt that’s too long will drag on the ground, getting wet and muddy.
- Wear a knee-length skirt for the greatest amount of flexibility. Knee-length skirts can be made to look professional, trendy, or flirty, depending on how you accessorize them. You will need additional leg protection to keep your calves warm, however.
- Choose a mini-skirt to create a chic look. Mini-skirts in winter seem to defy common sense. As a result, wearing one gives your style an edgy twist. Matching the skirt with suitable leg coverings will keep you both warm and fashionable.

Look for an appropriate pattern.
- Solid, dark colors work best, along with strong patterns in muted tones.
- Look for geometric shapes, flannel print, and pinstripes.
- Avoid floral designs since these naturally evoke images of spring and summer.
- Avoid pastel colors associated with spring and bright colors, like turquoise or coral, associated with summer.

Cover Your Legs

Leg coverings are of key importance since they will keep you from getting too cold and uncomfortable.

Wear nylon stockings. These work well with any length, and you can change your style by altering the color.
- Stand out with black stockings. If you have a conservative skirt, black stockings will keep you looking conservative while adding a trendy flair. If you have an edgier skirt, such as a mini-skirt, black stockings can act as a fashionable yet practical attention-getter, slimming your legs.
- When in doubt, wear a neutral color. If you wonder whether or not black stockings are appropriate for your skirt or surroundings, wear a flesh-toned nylon. Neutral, flesh-toned stockings keep your legs warm and can match just about any style, ranging all the way from conservative to sexy.
- Keep your skin covered. The point of wearing nylon stockings is, essentially, to keep from exposing your bare legs to the biting winter winds. When wearing a maxi-skirt, knee-high stockings are a possibility, but you should wear full-length stockings if wearing a mini-skirt. Some knee-length skirts are long enough to work with knee-high stockings, but many require full-length nylons, instead. Just make sure that the upper edge of your nylons remains hidden beneath the skirt.

Wear leggings. Leggings stand out more than traditional nylon stockings, but they also keep you warmer and looking stylish. Most are made of cotton, polyester blends, or spandex. They come in a variety of colors, so choose one that works well with your skirt. Black, brown, and other muted neutrals are safe options for most skirts, but you may consider choosing a bolder color to give your outfit a bit of pizzazz.

Wear jeans. If wearing a loose-fitting skirt, you might be able to get away with wearing standard blue jeans beneath it. This can only be used for creating a casual look, however.

Wear knee-high or thigh-high socks. Knee-high socks look playful, casual, and young. Thigh-high socks can be more comfortable by providing greater coverage.
- Choose a solid color if wearing a patterned skirt or a simple pattern, such as argyle, if wearing a solid-print skirt.
- You may expose the tops of your socks or keep them hidden beneath your skirt, but these socks generally do not match well with super-short mini-skirts.

Choose the Rest of Your Outfit

A warm top and a thick outer layer of clothing can help offset the cold you feel from wearing a skirt.

Pick the right top. The warmer your top is, the warmer you’ll feel overall.
- Stick with long sleeves. Sweaters are an especially appropriate choice, particularly if your skirt is made of a notably heavy material like denim or wool.
- Alternatively, you may layer short sleeve tops with cardigans and other long sleeve options to provide additional warmth.

Choose the right outerwear. Eventually, you may need to go outside. When that happens, you’ll need to keep yourself warm, but you do not have to sacrifice style to do so.
- Wear a dressy but warm coat. Stick with a trendy fit, but make sure it can keep you warm. Fitted wool pea coats are the best option if you have one.
- Keep your head warm. You don’t necessarily need a heavy knitted hat to keep your head warm, but even a knitted hat can look cute for a casual look. A wool bucket hat or beret makes a nice option for a more sophisticated look, and earmuffs will keep your ears warm without messing up your hair.
- Add a scarf. While not always essential, scarves do look fashionable, can add extra color and layered texture to your outfit, and will help keep you warm.

Pick out appropriate footwear. Most snow boots are made for practicality, not fashion. Choose a heeled winter boot if the usual snow boot looks simply too unfashionable.
- An ankle-length boot works well with knee-length and maxi-skirts.
- Boots that extend up to your mid-calf or knee work well with nearly any winter skirt.