How To Wear A Dress As A Skirt
Have you ever opened your closet and spotted that gorgeous sundress from last summer that you absolutely loved but haven’t worn in ages? Or maybe you bought a dress for a special event that you want to get more use out of before relegating it to the back of the closet?
If so, you’ll be happy to know that with just a few simple styling tricks, you can easily transform a dress into a stylish skirt.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Wearing a dress as a skirt is easy – just add a belt at your natural waistline to define the skirt portion from the bodice. Make sure the dress hits at or below knee length when belted.
Pair it with a tucked-in top, fitted jacket, or crop top to balance the proportions. Accessorize to make it look intentional. Read on for more tips and complete outfit ideas.
Choose the Right Dress Silhouette and Length
When it comes to wearing a dress as a skirt, one of the first things to consider is the dress silhouette and length. Different dress styles can create different looks, so it’s important to choose the right one for the desired outcome.
A-line or Skater Dresses
One popular dress silhouette that works well as a skirt is the A-line or skater dress. These dresses have a fitted bodice that flares out into a flared skirt, resembling the shape of the letter “A”. A-line and skater dresses are flattering on many body types and can be easily transformed into a skirt by simply layering a top over the dress bodice.
This style is great for creating a feminine and flirty look.
Shift Dresses
Shift dresses are another versatile option for wearing a dress as a skirt. Shift dresses have a loose, relaxed fit and typically fall straight down from the shoulders, without a defined waistline. To wear a shift dress as a skirt, you can pair it with a tucked-in top or a cropped sweater.
This style is perfect for a casual and effortless look.
Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses, with their floor-length hemlines, can also be transformed into stylish skirts. To wear a maxi dress as a skirt, simply fold the top part of the dress down to create a waistband and then layer a top over it.
Maxi dresses are great for creating a boho-chic or elegant look, depending on the fabric and style of the dress.
Remember, the key to successfully wearing a dress as a skirt is choosing the right silhouette and length that flatters your body shape and suits the occasion. Experiment with different styles and have fun creating unique and fashionable outfits!
Add a Belt at Your Natural Waist
One of the easiest ways to transform a dress into a skirt is by adding a belt at your natural waist. This simple styling trick can give the illusion of a separate top and skirt, creating a whole new look. Here’s how you can make it work:
Cinch in the waist
To start, put on your dress and identify your natural waistline. This is usually the narrowest part of your torso, located just above your belly button. Once you’ve found it, wrap a belt around your waist and secure it in place.
Cinching in the waist will instantly create a defined separation between the top and bottom of the dress, making it look like a skirt.
Define the skirt portion
After adding the belt, you can further enhance the skirt-like appearance by adjusting the fabric of the dress. Gently pull down on the lower part of the dress, smoothing it out and making sure it falls evenly. This will help define the skirt portion and give it a more structured look.
If the dress has a lot of excess fabric, you can also consider tucking it under the belt for a cleaner finish.
Belt style tips
- Choose a belt that complements the dress and your personal style. Wide belts can create a more dramatic effect, while thin belts can provide a more subtle definition.
- Experiment with different belt colors and textures to add visual interest to your outfit.
- If the dress has a busy pattern or print, opt for a solid-colored belt to avoid overwhelming the look.
- Consider using a statement belt buckle or a decorative belt to elevate the overall aesthetic.
Remember, the goal is to create a seamless transition from a dress to a skirt, so make sure the belt is secure and the dress is properly adjusted. With this simple styling technique, you can give your dress a new lease on life and create versatile outfits that are both stylish and practical.
Style the Top Half
When wearing a dress as a skirt, it’s important to style the top half of your outfit to create a cohesive and fashionable look. Here are some ideas to help you style the top half:
Tuck in a fitted top
One way to style the top half is to tuck in a fitted top into the waistband of the dress. This creates a sleek and polished look that accentuates your figure. Choose a top in a complementary color or pattern to add some visual interest to your outfit.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different necklines and sleeve lengths to find the perfect combination.
Wear an untucked loose top
If you prefer a more relaxed and casual look, you can opt for wearing an untucked loose top over the dress. This creates a layered effect and adds a touch of effortless style to your outfit. Choose a top in a contrasting color or texture to create a visually appealing look.
You can also play with different lengths and silhouettes to add a unique touch to your ensemble.
Add a jacket or cardigan
To add some warmth and versatility to your dress-as-skirt outfit, consider adding a jacket or cardigan. This not only adds an extra layer of style, but it also allows you to adapt your outfit to different weather conditions or occasions.
A denim jacket can give your look a casual and edgy vibe, while a tailored blazer can elevate your outfit for a more formal setting.
Try a crop top
If you’re feeling bold and want to show off a little bit of skin, try pairing your dress-as-skirt with a crop top. This trendy combination can create a fun and flirty look. Opt for a high-waisted skirt to create a balanced silhouette and choose a crop top that complements the color and style of your dress.
This combination is perfect for summer or any occasion where you want to make a fashion statement.
Remember, the key to styling the top half of your dress-as-skirt outfit is to have fun and experiment with different combinations. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new styles and trends.
With a little creativity, you can transform a dress into a stylish and versatile skirt that will make heads turn.
Choose Complementary Shoes and Accessories
When wearing a dress as a skirt, it’s important to choose the right shoes and accessories to complete your look. By selecting the right pieces, you can transform a dress into a stylish skirt ensemble. Here are some suggestions on how to pair your dress-as-a-skirt outfit with complementary shoes and accessories:
Ankle boots or booties
For a chic and edgy look, pair your dress-as-a-skirt with ankle boots or booties. These types of shoes add a touch of sophistication and can instantly elevate your outfit. Whether you opt for a classic black leather bootie or a trendy suede ankle boot, you can’t go wrong with this combination.
Ballet flats or loafers
If you prefer a more casual and comfortable look, ballet flats or loafers are a great choice. These types of shoes offer both style and practicality. Opt for a neutral color like black or nude to keep the focus on your dress-as-a-skirt ensemble.
Sandals or wedges
During the warmer months, sandals or wedges can be the perfect choice to pair with your dress-as-a-skirt. These shoes add a touch of femininity and allow your outfit to feel light and breezy. Choose a pair in a vibrant color or with intricate details to make a statement.
Statement necklace
When it comes to accessories, a statement necklace can instantly elevate your dress-as-a-skirt outfit. Choose a bold and eye-catching piece that complements the colors and style of your dress. A statement necklace can add a touch of glamour and draw attention to your outfit.
Cute clutch
To complete your dress-as-a-skirt look, don’t forget to carry a cute clutch. A clutch adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outfit. Opt for a clutch in a coordinating color or with interesting textures to add visual interest to your overall look.
Remember, the key to successfully wearing a dress as a skirt lies in the right choice of shoes and accessories. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance and create a unique and stylish outfit.
Perfect the Proportions
When wearing a dress as a skirt, it’s important to pay attention to the proportions to create a well-balanced and flattering look. Here are some tips to help you perfect the proportions:
Hemline tips
One of the key factors in achieving the right proportions when wearing a dress as a skirt is the hemline. Ideally, the hemline of the dress should hit at a flattering length on your legs. If it’s too long, it can make you look shorter, while a hemline that’s too short can make you appear taller than you actually are.
Experiment with different lengths to find the one that suits you best.
Eli longer dresses
If you’re wearing a longer dress as a skirt, consider folding the top part down to create a waistband. This will help define your waist and prevent the dress from overwhelming your figure. You can secure the folded waistband with a belt or tuck it in for a more seamless look.
High-low hemlines
High-low hemlines can be a great option when wearing a dress as a skirt. The shorter front hemline allows you to show off your legs, while the longer back hemline adds a touch of elegance. This asymmetrical style can help create visual interest and balance out the overall look.
Remember, fashion is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. These tips are just guidelines to help you get started. Don’t be afraid to try different styles and combinations to find your own unique and perfect proportions!
Conclusion
With the right styling techniques, you can easily repurpose dresses languishing in your closet into fresh and fashionable skirts. Look for dresses in an A-line, skater or shift silhouette that hit at or below the knee. Belt at the waist to define the skirt portion.
Tuck in or crop the top half and balance the proportions. Accessorize to tie the look together. With a bit of creativity, you’ll double your wardrobe and always have stylish skirt options on hand.
