How to Pair a Coat with a Skirt

Dresses and skirts are versatile pieces that can be easily styled, but when the weather turns cooler, pairing them with the right jacket or coat becomes essential but can become tricky as the outerwear becomes the most visible part of the ensemble. Finding the perfect combination can be a challenge and pairing the wrong styles together can make the outfit feel frumpy and out of balance. By considering factors such as the hemline length, proportions, volume, and colour contrast of the pieces you’ll be able to create a harmonious and balanced outfit.

Here are some tips and formulas to help you choose the right style of jacket or blazer to wear with a skirt and provide suggestions for various types of jackets that can be styled with skirts:

How do I choose the right style of jacket or blazer to wear with a skirt?

1.Matching Hemline Lengths

To achieve a put-together look, it is advisable to match the hemline of your skirt to the coat. This creates a cohesive and intentional outfit. If you can't find an exact match, try showing only a couple of inches of the skirt or have the skirt slightly shorter than the coat. This ensures that the proportions remain balanced and avoids making the outfit appear frumpy.

2. Balancing Proportions with Waist Length

Contrasting two different lengths, such as pairing a waist-length jacket with a skirt, creates complementary proportions. ALeather biker jackets are often recommended as they work well with any length of skirt. This combination draws the eye from the hem of the jacket to the hem of the skirt, resulting in a lengthening effect and a visually appealing outfit.

3.Matching the Volume

When wearing a skirt with circular, tulle, or voluminous fabric, it is important to choose a coat that can accommodate the volume. Opting for a straight-fitting coat may feel tight and restrictive and create an unflattering look. Instead, pair a voluminous midi skirt with a tailored calf-length coat to achieve a classic and balanced appearance.

4. Belted Blazers

Oversized blazers are currently on-trend and work well with miniskirts. However, when pairing them with longer skirts, they may require some tailoring or belting to maintain balanced lines in the outfit. A short trench coat would work in the same way and you can use the self-tie belt that comes with the jacket or another waist belt you own to achieve a cohesive and stylish look.

5. Low Contrast

Creating a low contrast between the skirt and jacket by using similar colors or tones can create a column of color, offsetting odd proportions and lengthening the frame. This technique is particularly useful if you feel your coat is not hitting the right length, you have an asymmetric hem, or you want to accentuate your height.

What types of jackets can be styled with a skirt?

When it comes to choosing the right jacket to style with a skirt, several options can work well, depending on the occasion and your personal style. Here are some failsafe jackets that can be paired with skirts:

A Classic Denim Jacket
A versatile option for pairing with skirts. It offers a more casual and laid-back vibe, perfect for a relaxed and effortless look.
A Leather Jacket
For a edgy and stylish look, pair your skirt with a leather jacket. It adds a touch of sophistication and can work well with various skirt styles, such as mini skirts or pencil skirts.
A Blazer
A tailored blazer can instantly elevate your skirt outfit, especially for more formal or professional occasions. Opt for a fitted blazer in a complementary color or go for a contrasting look. Blazers pair well with pencil skirts, A-line skirts, and midi skirts.
A Bomber Jacket
If you prefer a sporty or casual style, a bomber jacket can be a great choice. It adds a trendy and youthful element to your skirt ensemble.
A Utility Jacket:
Can add a touch of ruggedness and edge to your skirt outfit. It creates an interesting contrast between feminine and masculine elements.