Have you ever looked at someone on the street or on social media and wondered, “How do they always look so polished?” Some may attribute others’ enigma to having that je ne sais quoi or a stacked bank account that allows them to buy designer things. But the genuinely stylish people know that the secret ingredient to always looking good comes back to the staples. An arsenal of great basics can distinguish between looking busted or like a walking bank account. Whether you choose to spend thousands of dollars or under $100, the right foundational pieces can make you look (and feel) like a million dollars. Of course, there are numerous staples that one can turn to give off “quiet luxury” vibes—from linen trousers to crochet pieces, the list goes on. But there’s one that stands out as an unsung ingredient: white skirts. During the summertime, there’s no better piece to rely upon to serve old money energy than a white skirt. Don’t believe me? In an effort to show the value this staple can bring you, I’ve done a deep dive into how to wear a white skirt. Ahead, you’ll find 19 white skirt outfit ideas to wear during the summer (and beyond). Plus, I’ve shopped out some of the best white skirts to shop online right now. Fair warning: these outfit formulas look so decadent that they may cause onlookers to say, “Yes, chef.”
PSA: You don’t need a designer white skirt in order for your outfit to look expensive. A simple way to make any white skirt look designer is by styling it with timeless staples—e.g., an oversized black button-down, tank, and strappy sandals.
Having at least one linen-button down in your summer wardobe is a must.
Ninety Percent’s staples are made to last.
Don’t let the styling fool you, this skirt can look expensive if paired with the right pieces.
If you want to look like you came fresh off of Chanel’s runway without having to cash that check, then opt for a feminine jacket styled with a preppy white mini skirt. Bonus points if you add a chain belt.
You may not have a country club membership, but you’ll look like you do in this J.Crew jacket.
You can dress this mini skirt up or down based on how you’re feeling.
Trust me, this bag is worth every penny.
Who needs to book a trip to the south of France when you can wear a tiered white skirt? Jokes aside, if you style this silhouette with elevated thong sandals, a cropped top, and a cardigan layered over the shoulders, you’ll look like you’re ready for a fancy vacation.
Just add a cardigan!
Now here’s a skirt that makes me want to runaway to a fall-off destination.
Thongs have never been more chic.
Planning on having a casual day out-and-about? Try pairing a strapless white top with a matching white maxi skirt and black ballet flats. It not only includes some of the most trendy items of the summer but is an ensemble you’ll be comfortable in no matter where the day takes you.
A cute little top to hold you over until you can save up for the Khaite bustier.
Sublime.
The tie-around detail on these flats is everything.
Calling all devout fans of ’90s minimalism, the outfit above is all you! It doesn’t get more on-theme than pairing a basic tank with a white form-fitting knee-to-midi-length straight skirt, a simple pair of slingback heels, and a structured handbag.
A great tank can make you feel like a million bucks.
In the late summer, pair this skirt with boots to make it a transitional staple.
So elegant.
Pro tip: if you want to make your white skirt the focal point of the ensemble, then opt for a more dramatic silhouette (e.g., ball gown, a-line, bubble hem, or parachute) styled with simple summer staples.
The high neckline on this blazer is giving money.
Drama queens, apply here.
The way these sandals are in my cart, right now.
Whether it’s a rainy summer day or a crisp day in early fall, it’s nice to have a way to get more wear out of your white skirt. Enter, the look above. Throw on a black t-shirt with a white mini skirt and ballet flats, and then add a trench coat and raffia bag, and you’ll have the perfect look for fickle weather.
The pointelle knitting makes this simple black t-shirt feel luxurious.
A little white mini skirt never goes out of style.
Ballet flats aren’t going anywhere.
When in doubt, the easiest way to make any ensemble look elegant is by opting for pleated or plissé pieces. But if you want to take it up a whole other notch, you can wear a white skirt with a matching top, mesh flats, and a curved shoulder bag.
The shape of this bag makes it look designer.
You can style this with any type of white skirt—although I’d recommend the matching Maria Skirt ($1490).
I can assure you that this skirt will become a hero-piece in your closet.
Nothing says “old money” quite paying homage to those prep-school uniform essentials. Of course, you don’t have to make it feel too costumey. Style your beloved button-down with a matching pleated mini skirt and add a menswear tie and loafers.
Who said ties were just for the guys?
Just in case you’re looking for a new button-down.
You’ll want to zoom-in to see the contrast stitching on this mini skirt.
When you’ve made plans you have to go to right after work, the outfit above will come in handy. Not only are white pencil skirts the ideal piece to wear to the office, but if you pair it with an off-the-shoulder top, mules, and a shoulder bag, it’s a look that works for happy hour, date night, or anything else on the agenda.
Pro tip: wear this top either under a blazer or change into it after work if your workspace is a bit more conservative.
Pencil skirts are back, and I’m not mad about it.
These mules are at the top of my wishlist.
Think you can only wear white skirts in the summer? Think again. In the early fall and spring, opting for a ribbed or knit white skirt styled with a matching tank and cardigan is a sure fire wear to wear this style year-round.
So cozy.
Don’t be afraid to opt for off-white and beige pieces!
Pro tip: try pairing light camel hues with white, it can make any outfit look ten times more put together.
Another way you can make a white skirt feel appropriate for chilly days or outside the summertime is by styling it with a blazer, ballet flats, and layered crewneck shirts.
This blazer continues to be a best-seller with our readers!
You better act fact, because this skirt is sure to sell out quickly.
You won’t regret investing in a simple pair of ballet flats.
One of the benefits of opting for a white skirt is that if it’s styled right, you can look like you’re wearing a look for a luxury resort collection—see proof above. Pair a cropped white polo with a white maxi skirt and sunglasses, and everyone will think you’re wearing something pricey.
Réalisation Par’s recently launched sunglasses collection is a must-shop in my books.
If this shirt could talk, it would say “I should be at a resort right about now.”
Love the exposed hem on this skirt.
Want to make that white wrap skirt work for the office? Try pairing it with a high-neck t-shirt, mules, and a snakeprint bag.
The way this bag haunts me in my dreams.
It may be pricer, but it will last longer!
Chic, chic, chic.
For fans of the balletcore aesthetic, there’s no better way to tap into the trend than replicating the outfit above. Pair a pretty corset top with a white skirt and satin flats and you’ll basically be a ballerina.
Note the little rosette on this top.
It’s giving peak ’90s.
These will go well with just about every type of white skirt.
Just when I thought the denim skirt trend couldn’t be more perfect for the summer, I stumbled upon this outfit idea. Pairing a white denim skirt with an oversized button-down, sandals, and a shoulder bag is the chic yet cool outfit formula I didn’t know was missing in my life (until now).
Is it even summertime if you don’t have an oversized linen top?
Mango does it again.
Meet, the perfect bag for summer.
Slip skirts are a year-round staple—case in point: the outfit above. A white mini slip skirt can feel fall-forward simply by being paired with a sweater vest, suede handbag, and sunglasses.
Opt for lighter shades of brown if you really want this look to feel transitional.
Aritzia’s slip skirts will change your life, no cap.
Much like a trip to the beach is a required pastime of the summer, eyelet clothing is a non-negotiable too. So why wouldn’t you then wear a white eyelet skirt on your beach vacation? Simply throw a satin bikini underneath and layer on a matching button-down, and you’ll be the walking embodiment of summer.
Feel that seabrezze coming from this cropped shirt?
Isa Boulder’s bikinis are something else.
The great thing about this skirt? You can rewear it for various occasions.
Hopefully, by now, you’ve gotten ample inspiration on how to wear a white skirt in the summertime (and beyond). But should you need one last bit of parting advice, let it be: use your white skirt as a foundational staple. The beauty of owning a white skirt is that they are versatile— it can be paired with everything from a bright orange knit top and sandals (like the above) to a tank and oversized button-down. No matter what type of skirt you opt for or how you choose to wear it, you can rest assured that it will make you look good every single time.
Tinted shades, FTW.
A pop of color in the summetime? It’s a no-brainer.
You can wear this classic poplin skirt for years to come.
