How to Wear a Midi Skirt in Winter: Tops, Boots, Tights and Coats

To wear a midi skirt in winter, add three things: opaque tights, boots whose tops disappear under the hem, and a coat that is either longer than the skirt or stops at the waist. On top, tuck in a fine knit, or wear a chunky sweater over a fluid skirt, so that only one half of the outfit carries volume. Get those proportions right and one skirt works from October to March.

What top to wear with a midi skirt

A fine knit tucked all the way into a high waist shows where the skirt starts, which stops a long skirt from swallowing your height. The Catherine Buttoned Slim Cardigan is slim-fitting with a round neck, so buttoned to the top it wears like a jumper and tucks in without bulk. In dark brown with a light brown skirt, it makes a tonal outfit that looks planned.

A chunky sweater does the opposite job. Over a satin-finish slip skirt such as the Anais High Waist Satin Midi Skirt, the contrast between a heavy matt knit and a skirt that moves and catches the light is what makes the outfit. The Anais comes in twelve colours; for winter, start with black, navy, grey or brown. Pair it with a relaxed knit like the Freja Cable-Knit High-Neck Sweater in cream, and tuck just the front into the waistband so the line of the skirt still shows. More shapes are in sweaters.

Match the top to the skirt's shape. Full skirts (A-line, pleated, tiered) want a fitted, tucked top. Slip and bias-cut skirts can take a looser knit, front-tucked or stopping at the hip. The one combination to avoid is a long, loose sweater over a full skirt, which hides the waist completely.

Midi skirt with boots: where the hem should sit

Boots are the easiest winter shoe for a midi skirt, and their height decides where the hem has to sit.

• Knee-high boots: the hem should cover the top of the boot by a few centimetres, standing and walking, so no knee or tights show in between. The Feliz Knee High Leather-Look Boots have a 35 cm shaft, a chunky sole and a 6 cm block heel. A heavy sole under a light, fluid skirt works from the school run to the office.
• Mid-calf boots: the hardest height. If the boot ends where the skirt ends, it cuts the leg at its widest point. Either let the skirt cover the boot, or leave a clear gap of at least a hand's width of tights.
• Ankle boots: leave a gap and fill it with opaque tights in the same colour as the boot, so the leg reads as one line. A slim boot with a pointed toe suits fitted skirts; a chunkier boot suits A-line and pleated shapes.
• Over-the-knee boots: under a midi they behave like knee boots, and a slit or a gust of wind never shows bare leg.

Which tights to wear with a midi skirt

Opaque tights in 60 to 80 denier are the everyday choice from November. In early autumn 40 denier is enough, and 100 denier or fleece-lined tights are for the coldest weeks. Black tights go with almost every skirt colour and every black boot. With a brown or burgundy boot, match the tights to the boot rather than the skirt. In the evening, sheer black tights in 15 to 20 denier keep a lace or satin-finish skirt looking dressed.

What coat to wear with a midi skirt

Two coat lengths work, and one does not. A coat longer than the skirt covers the hem and gives one clean column from shoulder to boot. The Aediva Cinched Waist Long Coat buttons all the way to the hem and is shaped at the waist, so it stays narrow over a fluid skirt and looks tailored even when worn open. The other option is a jacket that stops at the waist or hip, such as a cropped faux leather jacket, which leaves the whole skirt on show.

The length that fails is a coat that ends a few centimetres above the skirt hem, which looks as if the skirt is slipping down. If your coat is knee-length, let at least a hand's width of skirt show below it, in a different colour or texture so the gap looks intended. Browse long coats, or read the winter coat guide for weights and fabrics.

What shoes to wear with a midi skirt, by shape

• Slip and satin-finish skirts: knee boots under the hem, or loafers with opaque tights for work. A chunky sole balances the shine; a pointed toe makes it dressier.
• Pleated skirts: pleats swing open as you walk, so a knee boot has to be tall enough to stay hidden mid-stride. Otherwise choose loafers or ankle boots with opaque tights and a clear gap.
• Mermaid skirts: the Bianca Polka Dot Mermaid Midi Skirt, in black or white, is fitted through the hips and flares towards the hem. A wide boot shaft pushes against the narrow part above the flare, so wear a slim heeled ankle boot or a pointed court shoe with tights.
• A-line skirts: the easiest shape for boots of any height, because the skirt stands away from the leg. Chunky knee boots, lace-up ankle boots and loafers all work. See boots and loafers.

A midi skirt outfit for the office

Take the Anais in navy and the Catherine cardigan in white, buttoned up and tucked in. Add 60 denier navy or black tights, loafers and a structured bag, then the grey long coat on top. Navy, white and grey keep it quiet enough for meetings, and the satin-finish skirt stops it from looking like a uniform. On colder days, swap the cardigan for a fine turtleneck, still tucked. There is more on this in what to wear to the office.

A midi skirt outfit for the evening

At night the skirt can do the talking. The Vera Leopard Lace Midi Skirt is slim and body-skimming, with lace patchwork on a brown leopard print. Wear it with a fitted black long-sleeve top or bodysuit, sheer black tights and pointed ankle boots with a slim heel. Leopard behaves like a neutral next to black, so keep the rest plain and carry one small evening bag. For something quieter, wear the Anais in black or red with a fine black knit. More party outfits are in what to wear to a Christmas party.

Common questions

Can you wear a midi skirt in winter?
Yes. Add opaque tights of 60 denier or more, boots that sit under the hem or ankle boots in the colour of your tights, and a coat that is longer than the skirt or ends at the waist.

Should a midi skirt cover your boots?
With knee-high boots, yes: the hem should sit a few centimetres below the top of the boot so no leg shows. With ankle boots, leave a visible gap of tights instead, in the same colour as the boot.

What length coat goes with a midi skirt?
A long coat that reaches or passes the hem, or a short jacket that ends at the waist or hip. Avoid a coat that stops just above the hem.

Can you wear a chunky sweater with a satin skirt?
Yes, especially with a slip or satin-finish skirt. Tuck the front of the sweater into the waistband so the skirt's shape still shows.

Every style is in midi skirts, from satin-finish slip skirts in twelve colours to lace, leopard and polka dot. For a longer line see maxi skirts, or browse every length in skirts. Slim knits for tucking in are in cardigans.