How to Style a Skort

JANE FLANAGAN / STYLE WELLNESS

So, you’ve heard skorts are back in style. Maybe you’ve seen them on a few websites or worn by influencers on Instagram or Tiktok and thought, well… really?!

The answer is YES. And we shouldn’t be really surprised. Since the legging made the crossover from running and yoga to everyday wear, our love affair with all things athleisure has been going strong. 

In more recent years, bike shorts made a summer comeback. And now we’re all collectively realizing that skorts are mini skirts with so many benefits!

The Benefits of Skorts

If you’re confused about what exactly a skort is, go here first. But you might wonder why we need shorts that masquerade as a skirt. Well, there are real practical benefits:

No More Accidental Flashing

Ever had your mini skirt blow up on a breezy day? Or had an awkward moment sitting down or crossing your legs? Maybe you’re a bike rider and sick of this limiting your ability to wear a skirt in the summer? Or, maybe (like me) you’re just the kind of person who wardrobe malfunctions will happen to no matter what…

The skort can save you. You’ll be able to wear a skirt as short as you want to go and not worry about flashing anybody because your skirt has built-in shorts. Bingo. Freedom from wardrobe malfunctions! 

Protect Your Delicate Thighs

If you’re susceptible to chafing of the inner thighs, you’ll know how much it can ruin that cute dress or mini-skirt look in the summer, leaving you in agonizing pain. Thigh Savers are literally a lifesaver for many looks. But a skort is like a skirt with the Thigh Savers included. So you don’t need to wear a separate garment to protect your thighs from the repeated rubbing that causes chafing.

Buh-Bye to Skin Contact With Icky Stuff

That sticky feeling of sitting on a hot leather car seat? That icky feeling of sitting on a dirty park bench or placing your thighs on a gross subway seat? These scenarios are another reason we love our Thigh Savers. But a skort does the same thing, so it’s really a winning garment.

While we’re talking about icky stuff, that extra layer will also help absorb sweat. So if you’re susceptible to sweat on the back of your thighs or your groin (yes, it’s a thing, and it can happen to anyone), a skort can seriously help.

How to Style a Skort

When you’re thinking about the possibilities of wearing a skort, it’s good to think of it as just a skirt. After all, nobody really needs to know there are shorts underneath. The classic skort silhouette is a slightly a-line skirt that hits mid-thigh—a pretty classic mini-skirt that lends itself to a lot of different looks. Read on!

Crisp Basics, Pleated Skirts (or Skorts) for a Wimbledon Look

It’s the obvious look, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t include the classic sporty skort look. Pair your skort with a sports bra, tank, or another workout top (or a fitted tee or polo shirt), and you have a court-ready look. This classic tennis look is so timeless it has made its way into other sports, too, including golf. 

Traditionally this look would be all white, and the skort would be pleated. But there’s no need to follow those rules for this look. You can introduce other colors, mix neutrals (like a black t-shirt) and play with the length and style of the skort.

Introduce Color and Accessories for a Casual Skort Outfit

Want a skort outfit that's less athletic and more athleisure? Try swapping out that sporty top for something more casual; a graphic tee or striped tee, blouse, sweatshirt, or another top will work. Swap the trainers for some casual kicks or flat, strappy sandals or even ankle boots. And introduce accessories; a cute crossbody purse and some jewelry, and you’ll leave those tennis-style skorts well behind you!

Color and pattern can play a role here, but basically, just try out your skort with any combo of clothes you would wear with shorts, leggings, or jeans, and you should have a great casual, brunch look!

A Skort Over Tights with a Blazer Is Office-Friendly

Just because it’s athleisure doesn’t mean it can’t be elevated. We’ve seen skort looks that can take you everywhere, from office to club and everything in between.  Just scroll through the skort hashtag on Instagram, and you’ll see how versatile they are!

To take the skort to the office, pair a black skort with opaque tights, a shirt or neutral top, and a statement blazer. Even if your workplace has a dress code, this look will fly beneath the radar. Make sure to accessorize with the right shoes (we like penny loafers for a preppy look or heels for a more glam office look) and a great purse. Polished hair and make-up will complete the look.

Or you could try a version of this look with only warm neutral hues, like cream and camel. Pay attention to materials; a camel cashmere polo neck, a wool coat… this is a sumptuous and timelessly elegant look that works on women of every age. These colors tend to look instantly luxurious and upscale, so keep your accessories elevated, too; some simple stud earrings and simple gold chain necklaces and you’ll look understated and expensive.

Treat Your Skort Like a Mini-Skirt, and You Can Rock an Evening Look

Remember! Your skort is just a mini skirt! So you can really take it anywhere, including a restaurant, bar, or nightclub. A cute sequin or lacy top and some heels will take you to the dancefloor. If you’re more subdued in style, you can wear some designer kicks and keep it casual. 

Again, you really don’t need to reinvent your style here. Try on what’s already in your closet, and you’ll be surprised how much of it will work with a skort!

Basically, Skort Silhouettes and Styles Come in a Huge Variety

Like leggings and bike shorts, skorts are becoming an athleisure staple in our wardrobe. Part of their staying power is that they’re basically neutral. They can be dressed up or dressed down. They perform when you need them to (if you’re active or playing sports), but they also perform in everyday scenarios (riding your bike, at work, dining out).

A skort takes a lot of the Fear Factor out of wearing a mini skirt. And as they’ve become more popular, there are more and more styles, from pencil skirts to mini-skirts, ruffled skirts, wrap or pleated style, and classic neutrals. Basically, there’s a skort out there for everyone!

Discover the Knix Sport Skort!

Intrigued but don’t know where to start? Check out the Knix Skort. Designed with stretch fabric and an anti-chafe short liner, you can love every frictionless movement. Plus, drop-in pockets help you keep your must-haves handy.

The Skort is designed with stretch performance fabric and a super flattering mid-rise waistband for extra comfort and support. Paired with a rounded hemline for a stylish & functional fit.

Leak-Free Gusset

Discover confidence like no other comes from wearing the right gear. The Leakproof Skort supports you during any lunge, jump, or leisurely walk. Built-in backup protection keeps life's leaks out of your mind and helps you focus on your A-game.

Movement Made Easy

Movement should never make you feel uncomfortable, regardless of the heat or any irritating thigh friction. The lightweight & stretchy interior anti-chafe shorts keep you feeling great no matter what.

Shop the Knix Sport Skort here

 

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.