Do you already own a black skirt? Or maybe more than one? Deciding what to wear with a black skirt shouldn’t be tricky. It really is one of the best wardrobe staples you can own, along with black pants or jeans, as a black skirt will go with all the tops in your closet. Take a look below at black skirt outfits to inspire your next look.

First choose your most flattering black skirt

You can put together countless black skirt outfits no matter what style of black skirt you opt for, so be sure to choose one that flatters your figure.

For example, you could opt for an a-line black skirt that skims over your thighs if you are a pear shape, you could emphasize your hourglass curves with a pencil skirt or you could choose a flowy maxi skirt to add drama for any figure.

Black skirt styles you could choose

Take a look at some of the black skirt styles you could choose and pick your favorite.

Pencil skirt

Black skirt outfits - Carin wears a pencil skirt and blouse | 40plusstyle.com

A pencil skirt is a timeless classic. You can opt for a very form-fitting or a slightly looser style. Carin @catoinamsterdam above (read her style interview here) mixes classic and playful with her black skirt and print blouse.

Get her look with this similar top, pencil skirt, pumps, belt and handbag.

Nordstrom Midi Tube Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Midi Tube Skirt

A-line skirt

An A-line skirt can be flattering to skim over your hips and thighs if your have a pear-shape figure, to create curves if you are a rectangle or balance out your shoulders for an inverted triangle.

Belle Poque A-Line Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Belle Poque A-Line Midi Skirt

Pleated skirt

Black skirt outfits - Lydia in a pleated skirt | 40plusstyle.com

A pleated skirt can give you a similar shape to an a-line skirt but with a slightly different look. Lydia @birabiro above (read her style interview here) pairs her pleated skirt with bright sandals.

Recreate her outfit with this similar puff sleeve top, pleated skirt, sandals and necklace.

Marine Layer Penny Pleated Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Marine Layer Penny Pleated Midi Skirt

Black maxi skirt

A maxi skirt can add drama to your outfit while being easy to wear. You could add a pair of sandals for summer or wear with your boots for cooler weather. Keeping your tops and jackets short will make your legs look longer.

Find more tips in our article on how to wear a maxi skirt.

Loveappella Roll Top Maxi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Loveappella Roll Top Maxi Skirt

Black leather skirt

Black skirt outfits - Claudia wears a leather skirt | 40plusstyle.com

A leather skirt can add a little edge to your outfit. You can choose a pencil skirt or a-line option. I would keep it on or below the knee like Claudia @beafitmom.nl

Check out this similar sweater, coat, skirt, boots and fedora.

Karen Millen Leather Zip Through Biker Pencil Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Leather Zip Through Biker Pencil Skirt

Asymmetric skirt

Choosing an asymmetric hemline can add interest to your outfit. Look out for handkerchief hems, an asymmetric hem that runs diagonally or a high-low style.

Calvin Klein Raised Stripe Knit Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Calvin Klein Raised Stripe Knit Skirt

9 different ways to wear your black skirt

Now, let’s take a look at some of the skirts from above put together into stylish, easy-to-wear outfits for all seasons.

With a denim jacket and sandals

Because a black skirt can be seen as a formal option, adding a casual material like denim can give your skirt versatility. The outfit below would work well for a summer vacation, but if the weather isn’t warm enough, you could switch the sandals for ankle boots.

Denim jacket and black skirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

FashionMille Denim JacketGanni Ruched Organic Cotton T-ShirtLoveappella Roll Top Maxi SkirtFly London SandalsDreubea Tassel ToteRIAH Fashion Fringe Tassel Earrings

sneakers for a casual look

Carmen wears a black skirt and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

Another idea to make your black skirt less formal and, therefore, more wearable day-to-day is to wear it with your sneakers like Carmen @carmen_gimeno (above).

Get her look with this similar sweater (other options here and here), skirt, tights, sneakers, bag and sunglasses.

Sneakers and a black skirt | 40plusstyle.com

BLANKNYC Fringe Plaid Shirt JacketGood American V-Neck Jersey T-ShirtNordstrom Midi Tube SkirtVeja V-10 Lace Up SneakersRoma Leathers Genuine Cross Body Purse BagAmazon Essentials Sterling Silver Genuine Stud Earrings

With a classic white shirt

Now let’s move onto a more classic look with your black skirt. Try tucking your white shirt into your skirt. You can add a pop of color like orange to this monochrome look.

White skirt and black skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Treasure & Bond Dobby Classic ShirtBelle Poque A-Line Midi SkirtAllegra K Chunky Heel Ankle Strap SandalsNIUEIMEE Mini Top Handle Bag – Ross-Simons Black Onyx Hoop Earrings

With a blazer for a smart occasion

Heading to work, or for dinner? Then you could add a blazer to your black skirt look.

For more tips on wearing blazers, check our article on how to fit a blazer.

Blazer and pleated skirt | 40plusstyle.com

luvamia Notch Lapel BlazerH&M Twisted-detail TopMarine Layer Penny Pleated Midi SkirtClarks Illeana Tulip PumpThe Drop Addison Soft Volume Top Handle BagRoss-Simons Black Onyx Hoop Earrings

With a blouse and heels for a night out

Beth in a blouse and black skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Another night out option for you! Add a pair fof heels and your favorite blouse, and you’re good to go. Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) chooses an animal print blouse and wedge sandals.

Check out this zebra print blouse, skirt, sandals, clutch, earrings, bracelets and sunglasses.

Leather skirt and blouse | 40plusstyle.com

GRACE KARIN Notch Lapel Belted Pea CoatMadewell Smocked Sleeve Wrap TopKaren Millen Leather Zip Through Biker Pencil SkirtClarks Illeana Tulip PumpThe Drop Addison Soft Volume Top Handle BagRIAH Fashion Fringe Tassel Earrings

For more ideas, check our article on how to dress for date night.

With a short jacket

A short jacket can add an on-trend element as well as ensuring that you easily create the rule of thirds with your outfit. In this case (below), you have one-third of your outfit at the top and two thirds at the bottom, creating a pleasing silhouette and elongating your legs.

Pleated skirt and short jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Open Edit Crop BlazerOpen Edit Asymmetric Satin CamisoleMarine Layer Penny Pleated Midi SkirtDREAM PAIRS Pointed Toe Ballet FlatThe Drop Addison Soft Volume Top Handle BagDreubea Tassel Tote

With a cape and turtleneck

I’ve looked at some warmer weather options, but how about if it’s cold where you are? You could choose to layer your knitwear and wear knee-high boots underneath to stay cozy.

Cape and black skirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

COS Wool Knitted Capev28 Mock Neck Ribbed SweaterNordstrom Midi Tube SkirtGentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Emma Stretch BootRoma Leathers Genuine Cross Body Purse BagRoss-Simons Black Onyx Hoop Earrings

With a sweater and LONG boots for cold weather

What to wear with a black skirt: 9 black skirt outfits to inspire you | 40plusstyle.com

You could add a simple sweater to your black skirt and elevate your look with your boots and accessories like Patricia @madamechicbcn above (read her style interview here).

Steal her look with this similar sweater, skirt, tights, boots, crossbody bag, beret and sunglasses.

Sweater and skirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

H&M Wool-blend CoatEileen Fisher Raglan Sleeve Mock Neck SweaterKaren Millen Leather Zip Through Biker Pencil SkirtGentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Emma Stretch BootRoma Leathers Genuine Cross Body Purse BagNordstrom Eyelash Trim Print Cashmere & Silk Wrap

With a graphic tee and flat shoes

For a hip look that transitions seasons, you could try wearing your skirt with a t-shirt featuring an eye-cathing print and a pair of flat shoes. Choose a pair of flats with a pointed toe to get a leg-lengthening effect.

Black skirt and t-shirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

H&M Wool-blend CoatTed Baker London Zariiah Spot V-Neck Cotton & Linen T-ShirtCalvin Klein Raised Stripe Knit SkirtDREAM PAIRS Pointed Toe Ballet FlatRoma Leathers Genuine Cross Body Purse BagAmazon Essentials Sterling Silver Genuine Stud Earrings

Your black skirt looks together in one capsule

Below you can see the looks from above together in one capsule. You can easily switch around the tops, shoes and coats to create different outfits.

Black skirt capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop some of the black skirt outfits below:

How do you usually wear your black skirt? What are your favorite black skirt outfits? You can let me know in the comments below.

Like this article on black skirt outfits? Share it on Pinterest

What to wear with a black skirt: 9 black skirt outfits to inspire you | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Patricia @madamechicbcn

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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