How to Style a Knit Skirt (Modest Outfit Ideas)

A long knit skirt is the most comfortable thing I own that still looks put together. It feels like loungewear, but with the right top and shoes it works for carpool, the office and a Shabbos lunch. Once the weather turns cold, I reach for mine more than any other skirt.

Here is how I pick them and how I wear them.

Pick a knit skirt that won't cling

Knit skirts look lovely when the fabric is right and sloppy when it isn't. Check these before you buy.

• The weight. Pick a thick, ribbed or chunky knit. Thin, stretchy jersey shows every line and clings to tights. Hold it up to the light: if you can see through it easily, it is too thin.
• The rib. Wide ribs are more forgiving than smooth knits and they hang straighter.
• The length. Midi to ankle length is the sweet spot. A long knit skirt with some swing at the hem moves nicely when you walk.
• The waist. An elastic waist is normal, but it should sit flat. A fold-over or wide band is the most comfortable and works well with tucked tops.
• A lining. Not every knit skirt has one. If yours doesn't, a long slip underneath stops it from sticking to tights and keeps it hanging straight.

With a matching sweater: the knit set

The easiest knit skirt outfit is a sweater in the same color, or almost the same. A cream skirt with a cream sweater, or camel with camel, looks soft and expensive with no thinking at all.

• Keep the sweater slightly cropped or tuck the front in, so the outfit doesn't look like one long tube.
• Add one contrast: a brown belt, a tan bag or gold hoops.
• Finish with ankle boots or loafers.

If you love the look, many stores sell knit skirts and sweaters as a set, which takes the guesswork out of matching the shade.

With a chunky sweater and boots: the cozy weekday look

For a regular winter day, I pair a ribbed knit skirt with a big, warm sweater in a different color. Oatmeal with charcoal, cream with terracotta, or navy with camel all look good together.

• Choose a sweater that ends at the hip, or do a loose front tuck.
• Tall boots or ankle boots with opaque tights keep it warm and modest.
• A long cardigan or wool coat on top finishes it for the school run.

This is the outfit I wear the most from December to February.

With a blouse: dressier for Shabbos and the office

A knit skirt doesn't have to be casual. Pair it with a silky blouse and it feels much more polished.

• Tuck a long-sleeve satin or crepe blouse into the waistband. The smooth top against the textured skirt looks very elegant.
• A high neck or a soft bow at the collar keeps it covered and pretty.
• Add a slim belt to define the waist if the skirt has a wide band.
• Low block heels or pointed flats make it feel dressed up.

For Shabbos, I like a black knit skirt with an ivory blouse and pearl earrings. It is warm, comfortable for a long day, and looks just as nice as a dressy skirt.

With a turtleneck: clean and simple

A fitted turtleneck tucked into a knit skirt gives a sleek, simple line. It is great for work or under a coat.

• Same color top to toe (all black, all cream, all camel) looks the most streamlined.
• Or try a blush turtleneck with a grey skirt for something softer.
• Layer a blazer or a long cardigan on top for the office.

What coat to wear with a knit skirt

Because knit skirts are long and soft, a longer coat looks best.

• A long wool coat that ends at or below the knee is the classic match.
• A wrap coat with a belt keeps the outfit from feeling bulky.
• A puffer works on very cold days. A long one looks better than a short one with a long skirt.
• A trench is great for milder days in late fall and early spring.

A short jacket can look fine too, but tuck the top in so the waist still shows.

Shoes that work

• Ankle boots: the easiest. Pick ones the hem can brush over.
• Tall boots: great for keeping warm. The skirt should cover the top of the boot.
• Loafers with opaque tights: neat and simple for work.
• Sneakers: clean white or leather sneakers make a knit skirt feel relaxed for errands.
• Ballet flats: pretty for a dressier look indoors.

Colors that are easy to wear

If you are buying your first knit skirt, these colors go with the most:

• Oatmeal or cream: soft and pretty with almost any sweater.
• Camel: warm and rich, lovely with cream, navy or brown.
• Charcoal or grey: easy everyday choice that hides wear.
• Black: the most versatile for Shabbos and work.

Once you have one neutral, a color like forest green, burgundy or rust is a fun second skirt.

How to keep a knit skirt looking good

• Wash it gently. Cold water on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag, or by hand.
• Never hang it to dry. Lay it flat so the weight of the water doesn't stretch it longer.
• Fold it in the closet. Hanging a heavy knit skirt can stretch the waist and hem over time.
• De-pill. A fabric shaver or sweater comb brings back the look when it starts to pill.
• Rotate. Giving it a day off between wears helps the knit bounce back.

Quick knit skirt outfit formulas

• Cream knit skirt + matching cream sweater + tan ankle boots + gold hoops
• Charcoal ribbed skirt + oatmeal chunky sweater + long camel coat + tall boots
• Black knit skirt + ivory silk blouse + block heels + pearls (Shabbos)
• Camel knit skirt + navy turtleneck + loafers + tortoiseshell clip
• Grey knit skirt + blush sweater + white leather sneakers (weekend errands)

A long knit skirt is one of the simplest ways to stay warm, covered and comfortable all winter while still looking like you tried. Start with one neutral, wear it with what you already have, and you will be surprised how often you reach for it.

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