Every season, hemlines shift – some years creeping longer, others skimming shorter. While the midi skirt remains a forever favorite, this season the spotlight is firmly on the return of the knee-length skirt. But it can be a surprisingly tricky length to style. With the wrong cut, it can look frumpy. The good news? With the right styling, the knee-length skirt becomes one of the most flattering, wearable items in your wardrobe. Below, we show you how to make it work. Let’s look at how to wear knee-length skirts.
Tips for wearing knee-length skirts
Before we show you some of our favorite knee-length skirts, this season, let’s think about how to wear them.
Tuck your top in
With a knee-length skirt, you want to make sure you keep everything in proportion, so wear your shirt, blouse or t-shirt tucked in or at the same height as the start of your skirt.
Boden Pocket Detail Coat – J.Crew Pointelle Short-sleeve T-shirt – MANGO Asymmetrical Cotton Midi Skirt – adidas Streettalk Sneakers – Ted Baker London Poppy Moon Leather Top Handle Bag – Ettika Skipping Stone Pendant Necklace
Wear all one color
If you’re worried about a knee-length skirt cutting across your legs and making you look shorter, a great way to counter this is to wear a similar-colored top.
Marie-Louise @mrsmlmode above looks fabulous in her metallic outfit.
Get her look with this similar cardigan, skirt (another option here), boots, necklace and sunglasses.
Wear long coats
Another great way to get lovely long lines is to wear longer coats over your knee-length skirt, or long cardigans.
J.Crew Chiara Italian Double Face Topcoat – J.Crew Jules Classic-fit Shirt – J.Crew Gwen Floral Luster Charmeuse Knee-length Slip Skirt – Cole Haan Payson Soft Bow Loafers – Madewell The Camren Mini Bag – Ana Luisa Perry Statement Earrings
the best knee length skirts
Below, you can see some of the most stylish knee-length skirts we’ve found this season. Look out for classic pencil or A-line shapes, or a flattering asymmetric hem. When selecting materials, opt for textures that suit the season, such as denim, corduroy, suede, wool, or leather. Or, choose silk or satin, party-ready skirts that you can wear for dinner dates or events.
J.Crew Collection Embellished Ruffle-trim Chino Pencil Midi Skirt – J.Crew Gwen Floral Luster Charmeuse Knee-length Slip Skirt – Rouje X J.Crew Chanson Sweater Skirt – Boden Flippy Wool Skirt – MANGO Asymmetrical Cotton Midi Skirt – Boden Cecelia Cord Skirt – Boden Pleated Denim Skirt
Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above chooses a polka dot skirt and teams with a plain top.
Steal her look with this similar top, skirt (another option here), flats, handbag and necklace.
What to wear with your knee-length skirt
So, you’ve chosen your skirt – your favorite material and shape. Now, what should you wear with it?
tops
Let’s start with your tops. Play up the ladylike shape of your knee-length skirt by wearing blouses or t-shirts that you can tuck in, or pair it with sweaters or cardigans that end at your waist.
J.Crew Jules Classic-fit Shirt – J.Crew Pointelle Short-sleeve T-shirt – J.Crew Brushed Cashmere V-neck Sweater – J.Crew Supersoft Bubble-hem Cardigan
J.Crew Wool Blend Trench Coat – J.Crew Supersoft Bubble-hem Cardigan – J.Crew Collection Embellished Ruffle-trim Chino Pencil Midi Skirt – J.Crew New Stevie Suede Knee-high Boots – Radley Dukes Place Medium Ziptop Satchel Bag – Ana Luisa Perry Statement Earrings
Jackets and coats
When it comes to jackets and coats, it’s best to opt for longer styles that create flattering lines and end just below your skirt, or shorter styles that end at your waist. You could go for a third option – a slimline blazer too if you really want to dress up your look.
J.Crew Chiara Italian Double Face Topcoat – J.Crew Italian Boiled Wool Lady jacket – J.Crew Wool Blend Trench Coat – Boden Pocket Detail Coat
Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above chooses a stylish blazer with her pencil skirt. She brings the colors of her outfit together with her bag.
Check out this similar blazer (another option here), skirt, tights, pumps, handbag, earrings and necklace.
Shoes and boots
Classic kitten heels pair well with the retro feel of a pencil skirt, or you could opt for preppy loafers. With A-line skirts, sneakers can create a great, more casual look.
Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Sandals – Cole Haan Payson Soft Bow Loafers – adidas Streettalk Sneakers – J.Crew New Stevie Suede Knee-high Boots
J.Crew Italian Boiled Wool Lady jacket – Boden Flippy Wool Skirt – Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Sandals – Radley Dukes Place Medium Ziptop Satchel Bag – Echo Hear Me Roar Wrap
accessories
When it comes to your accessories, you can really play up the polished feel of your knee-length skirt with handle top bags, print scarves and curved jewelry.
Radley Dukes Place Medium Ziptop Satchel Bag – Ted Baker London Poppy Moon Leather Top Handle Bag – Madewell The Camren Mini Bag – Echo Hear Me Roar Wrap – Ettika Skipping Stone Pendant Necklace – Ana Luisa Perry Statement Earrings
Beth @styleatacertainage opts for a houndstooth skirt and pairs with a plain top.
Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, skirt, pumps, handbag, scarf and earrings.
Your knee-length skirt capsule
Below, you can see a capsule wardrobe featuring the knee-length skirts from above, illustrating just how versatile this skirt length can be for fall and winter.
Continue reading:
- The Power of Texture: Wearing Leather & Suede with Confidence
- How to wear plaid to perfection this season
- Capsule dressing for Fall 2025: 26 items, countless outfits
Like this article on how to wear knee-length skirts? Share it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Marie-Louise @mrsmlmode
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!