Your Fall Wardrobe Needs More Than Jeans—Start With These 6 Skirt Outfits
From pencil and pleated midis to fluid satin and wool, these combinations make the most of cooler weather.
When it comes to fall outfit inspiration, there's plenty to love about looks built around your favorite jeans, leather pants, and, of course, a great pair of boots. But skirts deserve just as much attention, especially when cooler weather opens up a whole new set of layering possibilities. Cozy sweaters, lightweight jackets, tall boots, and even sporty outerwear can make your favorite skirts feel entirely different from how you wore them in spring and summer. Add heavier fabrics and longer hemlines to the mix, and there's no reason to retire them when temperatures drop.
There's plenty to experiment with this season, too. Pencil skirts have made a comeback, bringing a more ladylike sensibility to fall dressing, while pleated midis, full A-line silhouettes, and sleek maxis offer different ways to play with proportion. Fabrics range from substantial wool and cashmere to fluid satin and lace-trimmed styles that look especially interesting against heavier fall layers.
Whether you're dressing for the office, heading out for dinner, or simply looking for an alternative to your usual jeans-and-tee outfit, these six fall skirt outfits offer fresh ways to wear the pieces already in your closet, along with a few worth adding to the rotation.
A lace-trimmed satin skirt might seem more suited to evening, but layering it with heavier fall pieces makes it totally wearable for daytime. An oversized half-zip and classic trench coat bring warmth and a relaxed, sporty contrast to the delicate fabric, while tall leather boots add coverage and another substantial texture. The mix of feminine details and practical fall layers makes this combination a different approach to daytime.
A roomy trench coat is a fall essential, especially for layering over chunky sweaters. This classic style works with everything from skirts to jeans and trousers.
The half-zip neckline adds a sporty touch to this cashmere sweater. Wear it with feminine skirts or your trendy jeans.
Pencil skirts are one of fall's biggest trends, bringing a distinctly ladylike sensibility back into focus. Rather than sticking to traditional neutrals, try a bolder color-blocked combination with a bright blue sweater and contrasting red skirt. A faux-fur scarf adds warmth and another tactile element, while a simple white long-sleeve tee makes the perfect base layer. Let the collar and cuffs peek out for a little extra dimension.
A bright cobalt sweater is a fun way to add color to your fall wardrobe. Pair it with other bold colors or classic neutrals.
A fitted white long-sleeve tee is a fall layering essential. Wear it under sweaters, cardigans, and jackets.
Whether you prefer a slim column silhouette, a tapered pencil skirt, or a style with a slit, a long black skirt is one of the most versatile pieces for fall. Pair it with a funnel-neck gray knit and tall black boots for a streamlined look, then introduce a pop of color with a wine-toned shoulder bag. It's a combination that works just as well for the office as it does for dinner.
A charcoal cardigan works with everything from skirts to jeans. The neutral color makes it especially versatile.
This long black skirt is an easy piece to dress up or down. Style it with blouses, oversized knits, or an evening jacket.
Pleated skirts don't have to lean preppy. For a more city-inspired look with a sporty edge, pair a pleated midi with a nylon bomber jacket. A fitted black turtleneck underneath keeps the silhouette long and sleek, balancing the volume of both the skirt and jacket. Finish with another fall classic, knee-high leather boots, for a look that's practical enough for daytime but still feels dressed up.
Embrace a little more volume this fall with an A-line skirt, whether it's a substantial wool circle skirt or a softer knitted design. A tonal gray palette looks especially sophisticated when you mix different textures and weights. A shorter scarf-style coat keeps the skirt's shape in focus, while minimal heeled boots and silver hoop earrings add a refined finish. It's a combination we'd happily wear to the office.
Preppy dressing doesn't have to feel stiff or overly traditional. Give the classics personality by pairing unexpected colors, like sunny yellow and forest green, with a black midi skirt to ground the look, whether you choose a pleated style, something more fluid, or even leather. Printed or striped socks add another playful detail, while classic leather loafers tie everything together. Or, opt for opera shoes for a more directional finish.
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Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, fine jewelry, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Glamour, Town&Country, InStyle, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, Refinery 29, Coveteur, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Byrdie, WWD, Footwear News, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.