What Top to Wear With a Skort
A skort is a pair of shorts cleverly disguised as a skirt, with a front panel that covers the legs and sometimes one that wraps all the way around.
Skorts were originally popular as sportswear. If you played tennis or field hockey, you used to wear a short skirt and matching “underwear” beneath them. But the skort gave you one garment that did double duty: The look of a skirt, the modesty of shorts.
The Skort Outfit Transitions to Everyday Wear
Most of us can’t get enough of athleisure outfits, and in the last decade, casual wear and athletic wear have blurred entirely. Leggings that we once wore for yoga class found their way into daywear (and during the pandemic every-day-wear.) Many of us reach for a sports bra daily. And trainers have gone from something you wore for exercise to something you wear with your favorite dress.
In the last couple of years, we’ve seen bike shorts undergo a resurgence (they were last cool in the ‘80s and those Princess Diana workout looks are suddenly de rigueur again.) And skorts are hot on their heels: Practical for daytime (a short skirt without any modesty or thigh-chafing concerns!) as well as for sports.
With any resurgence comes a flexing of new rules about how to wear an item. The athletic skort may have been limited to the court or sports field in the past, but that’s no longer the case. So, what top can you wear with a skort? Well, honestly, anything goes! Skorts are as versatile as leggings in terms of their ability to be dressed up or down.
Looking for inspo? Here are some ideas of tops to wear with your favorite skort.
4 Tops to Wear With Your Skort
So you’ve got yourself a skort, and now you’re wondering how to wear it. What top will go? Good news: A skort is extremely versatile, and you probably have a few good options in your closet already. Think about what you’d wear with jeans, leggings, or a basic mini-skirt, and you won’t go far wrong.
Still stumped? Here are a few ideas:
A Basic White or Black T-Shirt
You can’t go wrong with a classic pairing or a skort and t-shirt. Now, before you think this look will be “too Wimbledon” if you’re not hitting the court, think again: this isn’t necessarily the case! Really it all comes down to the cut of the tee and how you wear or style it.
Sure, a fitted, tucked t-shirt with real trainers will look a little ‘center court,’ but if you wear a boxy or white crop tee with a black skort and some strappy sandals, the look will take on a whole other look. Or you could wear a cute little neckerchief, some ballet flats, and a cross-body purse for a cute and continental daytime look.
As is always the case with neutral basics, a lot depends here on the styling that goes on around your basics as well as the cut and fit of those basics. Try a few different combinations and you’ll quickly realize just how far this combo can go!
Try a Graphic or Striped Tee
If you feel like you need more going on than pairing a basic black skort with a basic tee, try introducing some color or pattern. Striped tops are always a classic and will take you out of the sportswear vibe and into a chic Parisienne (or perhaps a Cape Cod nautical) sort of look.
If you want to look less preppy, pair your black skort with a graphic tee. Vintage band tees are pretty hot right now and will definitely add an edge to your skort. Some high tops and a denim or biker jacket would complete this daytime look. Swap the hightops for heels, and you’ve got an evening look!
What About a Collared Shirt?
You might think the skort can go anywhere as long as it’s casual. But a skort can also be dressed up for the evening, and even for the office. A button-down shirt will take the “sweetness” out of the skort and give you that grown-up but always a sexy combo of masculine and feminine.
You can also try a classic denim shirt and a blazer. Add a statement necklace (or layers of necklaces) and a cute clutch, and again you can bring this look to a fashion-forward workplace or even take it on a night out. No need to worry about accidentally flashing your coworkers!
Try a Tank Top or Cropped Top for Evening
A loose, silky tank or cropped top with heels will take your skort to the dancefloor. If it helps, forget there are shorts underneath and just treat your skort like a mini-skirt.
Once again, it’s the accessories, hair, and make-up that will do a lot of work to make this look like a true evening look. That doesn’t necessarily mean going over the top, but you’ll definitely want to consider the look as a whole (as well as your destination!)
Consider Your Materials When You Style a Skort
Skorts come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and materials these days. And some skort materials are more versatile than others. If your skort is made out of shiny, synthetic, or stretchy material, it may come off as more “sporty.” These athletic skorts lend themselves more readily to casual looks. However, it may look odd to match this material with something silky or glamorous.
However, if your skort is made of materials more like those used in suiting or dress pants, you will find it more readily dresses up (pairing with a black or white blazer, for example) to a sophisticated look for the evening or the workplace.
Again, this may take some trial with different tops in your closet. The same applies to colors: Bright colors will always feel more vibrant, whereas neutral colors and nudes will feel more classic.
Always Style a Skort Outfit With Accessories
We’ve said this throughout, but it really cannot be emphasized enough: It’s the accessories that make the outfit and you need to think beyond the top when you style a skort. This doesn’t mean that piling on a bunch of accessories will definitely up-level a look. More: Your choice of accessories will take a look in many different directions.
When we say accessories, we’re thinking of:
- Shoes: From sneakers (athletic or designer kicks), flats, strappy sandals to penny loafers, oxfords, ankle boots, or a variety of heels. All these choices will take your skort look in different directions
- Purses: A hobo or bucket bag is great for daywear. A more structured cross-body purse can be great for a preppy and put-together look. A clutch always works for the evening.
- Jewelry: Earrings (big or small stud earrings), necklaces (simple, layered, or statement), and rings and bracelets will all help set the look you’re going for.
Similarly, your hair and make-up will set a tone. It’s really important to think of these things together. They will either support the look you’re going for or undermine and confuse it.
If you’re looking for more skort styling inspiration, search Pinterest, Tiktok or Instagram for skort styling.
Introducing: 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.