I Underestimated This Simple Item—8 Outfits That Prove It's a Wardrobe Staple
Often, the most versatile items in our wardrobes are obvious to us. Blue jeans? No brainer. White tee? A ride-or-die staple. But some less-talked-about pieces ooze quiet confidence, sneaking into countless everyday outfits without us even noticing.
I'm thinking of one item in particular: The humble black skirt. I realised recently that when I'm not wearing jeans or loosely tailored trousers, this is what I reach for to build my outfits from. And the true beauty of the black skirt is that it comes in myriad forms. From slinky satin iterations to leather minis, there's a skirt for every occasion.
While trends might dictate which one you choose on a particular day (right now, I'm searching for the perfect pleated maxi—the H&M design below is a definite contender), the right black skirt will never date. Not yet convinced? Keep scrolling to see 8 outfits that prove just how multi-faceted this simple style is.
1. Neutral Knit + Slip Skirt + Pointed Flats
Style Notes: Lucy Williams shows off the ideal dinner party look. Comfy and classy in equal measure, it demonstrates just how elegant a black slip skirt is.
SHOP THE LOOK
2. Tube Top + Split-Hem Skirt + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Headed out for the evening? Team a sultry split-hem skirt with a simple black tube top and knee-highs, like Gia.
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Layer it under a blazer until the temperature rises sufficiently to show off some skin.
We expect to see asymmetric hemlines everywhere in 2023.
3. Colourful Jumper + A-Line Skirt + Chunky Boots
Style Notes: Even I, a monochrome loyalist, can see that Francesca has made a strong case for this saffron red shade. It really pops against the black.
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These are the exact boots Francesca is wearing. If you take a look at her Insta, you'll see just how versatile they are.
4. Blazer + Leather Skirt + Tabi Boots
Style Notes: Tap into the leather trend with a sleek midi style, then add a blazer into the mix to keep things classic. Thanks for the tip, Stephanie.
SHOP THE LOOK
The perfect colour to pair with neutrals and brights alike.
Maison Margiela's divisive Tabi boots are sticking around for 2023 but if you're not a fan, opt for a simple white ankle boot like the above instead.
5. Tweed Jacket + Mini Skirt + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: We couldn't have an outfit round-up without including a glowing example of French style. And it just so happens that Parisians love a black skirt as much as we do—well, Emmanuelle does, at least.
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6. Blazer + Midi Skirt + Trainers
Style Notes: Lauren strikes the perfect balance between smart and casual with this black, white and grey ensemble.
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7. Cable-Knit Jumper + Pleated Mini + Mary Janes
Style Notes: I keep seeing pleated mini skirts recently, and I especially love how Rachael has styled hers with a cable knit and Mary Janes.
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8. Denim Jacket + Pleated Maxi Skirt + Vans
Style Notes: If you feel more comfortable in longer hemlines, opt for a black maxi skirt à la Franny. A cropped denim jacket will balance out the proportions nicely.
SHOP THE LOOK
Come springtime, you'll find yourself reaching for this daily.
Don't knock practical footwear choices; not every day is a stilettos day.
Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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