4 Ways to Wear a Skort in 2021 (And 1 That Dates You Immediately)

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Published Jul 14, 2021

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Just like flatforms, glossy lips and all our other favorite Y2K fashion trends, skorts are officially back en vogue. And we’re not surprised—it was only a small step to make from the trendy pleated tennis skirts we bought in spring to a skirt/shorts combo. Plus, the addition of hidden shorts greatly reduces our anxiety over a swift summer breeze coming along and putting on a show. Unlike the skorts of our past, the 2021 trend generally falls into two categories: super sporty or sleek and sophisticated. Many don’t even really look like skorts unless you go to show off the shorts underneath to friend like a fun new variation on “thanks, it has pockets!” Read on to see how four stylish women are making this trend work for summer with lots of chic options to follow, plus one skort silhouette that’s best left in the past.

how to wear a skort in 2021 amy astrid skort

1. pair A Pleated Style With Crisp Basics

Pleated skirts and skorts are big right now, but they can all too easily look veer into prep school uniform territory. The easiest way to make this silhouette look grown up and chic, rather than like you’re emulating the new cast of Gossip Girl, is with sleek, simple basics and luxe accessories. A black crewneck tee and fresh white kicks combined with simple gold chain necklaces, stud earrings and a chain-strap crossbody should do just the trick.

Shop similar styles: Everlane T-shirt ($18); AUrate necklace ($380); Collusion skort ($40); Coach bag ($395); Nike sneakers ($90)

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

2. elevate A Mini With Shades Of Beige And Camel

Because they have shorts built in, skorts are often much shorter than the skirts you may feel comfortable in. If you’re worried those shorter hems will leave you looking juvenile or like you’re still sporting last weekend’s party outfit, try sticking to only warm neutral hues, like beige, camel or chocolate brown. These shades tend to look more expensive than bright colors or dainty florals, and you can help that luxe vibe along by choosing fabrics that do the same, like suede, cashmere or silk.

Shop similar styles: Bella Dahl blouse ($128); In The Style x Saffron Barker skort ($34; $24); Madewell sandals ($60)

Coco Bassey

3. go For A Full Sport-inspired Ensemble

Steer head on into the athletic vibes of tennis-style skorts by wearing them with comfortable sneakers and a graphic tee or Rubgy pullover. We love Coterie member Coco Bassey’s take on Wimbledon whites to create a fun, fresh ensemble that perfectly bridges fashion and function.

Shop similar styles: Chaser T-shirt ($62); Abercrombie & Fitch skort ($55); Cariuma sneakers ($89)

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

4. let Fun Prints And Colors Steal The Spotlight

To avoid looking like you picked up your adorable new Liberty-print skort in the junior’s section, pair it with elevated staples, like a simple white hoodie and matching kicks or a sleek black T-shirt bodysuit and flat strappy sandals rather than adding more patterns to the mix. Avoid anything that’s too loose as well—a fitted sweatshirt will look more put together than a slouchy, oversize design.

Shop similar styles: The North Face sweatshirt ($50); Angela Roi bag ($195); Sandro skort ($295); Soludos sneakers ($149)

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5. don’t: Pointed Skort Silhouettes

Literally every aspiring fashionista owned this Zara piece back in 2013 to the point that it is now intrinsically linked to the early days of fashion blogging and the rise of street style. As loved as it was back then, wearing it now will leave you looking like you’re either stuck in the past or on your way to a costume party, neither of which is the vibe we’re going for. Leave this style behind and opt for a more current silhouette, like a wrap or pleated style, instead.