18 Sweater Skirt Outfits That Fashion Experts Stand By

These looks are cozy and convincing.

There are few outfit combinations as classically fall as a skirt and sweater. However, unlike other much-loved seasonal pairings, styling skirt-and-sweater outfits takes some careful consideration. Unless you’re tossing on a matching set, you’ve got to contend with proportion, color-matching (or intentional clashing), and fit concerns—and that’s all before you decide whether or not to throw tights into the mix. So to help you out, we tapped designers and fashion experts Lisa Maree, Diana LoMonaco, and Rema Sweis, who gave us the DL on how to nail this fall fashion trend.

Meet Our Expert

• Lisa Maree is a designer and the CEO at Lisa Maree.

• Diana LoMonaco is a designer and the founder of Classic Six.

• Rema Sweis is the social media and influencer relations manager at Mac Duggal.
  

Keep scrolling for 18 sweater-skirt outfits that you'll want to add to your wardrobe.

Keep Proportion in Mind

While fashion rules are made to be broken, our experts have a few they swear by in their personal lives. "The most important rule that I generally refer to when putting together a sweater and skirt outfit is that you don't want to have both a tight-fitting sweater and a tight-fitting skirt on at the same time," says Maree. Instead, go for a more voluminous sweater paired with a tighter black miniskirt, or vice versa.

Tips

Half-tuck long and/or bulky sweaters so that you can show off your skirt and keep your outfit proportions in check.

Sync Up Textures

One way to create a stellar skirt-and-sweater outfit is to combine separates that share textures and patterns. Sticking to a similar or complementary color scheme, look for pieces that have a unique feel, like a cozy waffle, honeycomb, or fuzzy knit.

Wear It Over Your Shoulders

"Even if it is as simple as tying around your shoulders, a sweater is always stylish and handy," says LoMonaco. Go for a preppy vibe with a tennis skirt and a sweater knotted over your shoulders. Or opt for a '90s feel with a denim miniskirt and a sweater knotted at your waist.

Pair Structured and Soft Separates

Skirts and sweater outfits lend themselves to matching pieces, but you shouldn't sleep on the power of a great fashion remix. A soft, ruffled sweater paired with a structured miniskirt and rugged combat boots creates a high-fashion effect. "Although it's not 'traditional' styling, the juxtaposition of pieces can be a great look," says Sweis.

Mix in a Denim Maxi Skirt

The coverage offered by a denim maxi skirt makes it a great choice for colder temps—but this sweater skirt outfit is equal parts form and function. "Pairing denim with a sweater can create a laid-back edgy look that will keep you both warm and comfy," Maree tells us.

Create a Mirrored Silhouette

Mirroring the silhouettes of separate pieces is a great way to create cohesion in your outfit, especially if you love bold style statements. Here, the plume of a full miniskirt mirrors the shape of an exaggerated turtleneck to dramatic effect.

Tips

For a more streamlined look, fully tuck your sweater into your skirt. A full-tuck approach works just as well on cardigans as it does with pullover sweaters.

Center a Bold Print

Stuck on how to build a sweater skirt outfit out of clothes you already have in your closet? We recommend using a vibrant printed skirt—preferably with a lot of movement and/or texture—as your starting point and selecting your sweater, accessories, and footwear from within the print's color palette.

Pair Long Sleeves With Short Skirts

Oversized sweaters are another standout when paired with skirts. "I always love the miniskirt with an oversized sweater look—it looks chic and I love the heaviness up top and a lighter balance at the bottom," says Sweis. "If you are going mini, I love a long sleeve top," adds LoMonaco, who also points out you can flip and reverse this approach if you prefer to show more skin on top.

Opt for Cropped

You don't always have to lean toward a tucked-in or half-tucked sweater, nor do your sweater and skirt have to meet in the middle. "If you are going longer [with your skirt], showing a little more skin on top is a good proportion play," says LoMonaco.

Tips

Cropped silhouettes are a great choice for high-waisted skirts, regardless of hemline. Because there’s no need to tuck in a cropped sweater, they’re also an ideal option for snug-fitting skirts.

Add a Single Accent Color

Because skirts and sweaters work so well together, they tend to look exceptionally stylish when worn in a monochromatic color palette—but that doesn't mean you have to stick to solids. A printed sweater worn with a solid skirt and a pop of contrast, courtesy of a statement mini-bag and coordinated heels, looks put-together without looking too homogenous.

Throw It Back With a Turtleneck

If you want to try your hand at '90s styles, sweater-skirt outfits are a great way to do so. Case in point? Jennifer Aniston a.k.a. Rachel Green from Friends—specifically, her iconic plaid skirt and long-sleeve turtleneck top look. "We can agree that it's timeless and the epitome of cool-girl chic," says Sweis.

Try Color Blocking

Cropped sweaters create a natural silhouette and pair well with long pencil skirts. Form-fitting and cozy, we especially love this combo when color-blocked. Finish with a trench coat and your footwear of choice. "I'm loving a lug loafer or boot at the moment," says LoMonaco, "It adds a trendy pop to a classic sweater-skirt combo."

Soften a Statement Skirt

If you've got a hard-to-match statement skirt you've been dying to wear, adding a soft sweater is definitely the way to go. Stick to a similar color family or add a neutral sweater and matching accessories to bring the look together.

Lean Preppy

Put some prep in your step with a classic cable knit sweater and pleated skirt. A blazer will hold the schoolcore aesthetic together. But to keep it from feeling too country club, throw on a pair of stylish kicks and crew socks for that street-style flair.

Keep It Simple

Sweaters and silk skirts continue to be the outfit combo that celebs and the fashion set just can't seem to get enough of. Not only does an oversized sweater balance out a sleek skirt but the soft cozy knit provides the perfect contrast to an elegant silky slip.

Try a Totally '90s Vibe

Plaid skirts look great with sweaters, regardless of your personal style or aesthetic. Still, we're partial to this edgy interpretation that features an abstract fuzzy sweater and rock concert-approved accessories.

Cinch With a Belt

To keep your bulky sweater from feeling, well, too bulky, throw on a belt and a slim-fitting skirt. In case you're looking to show off some eye-catching footwear, opt for a skirt that hits just above the ankle.

Reach for a Matching Set

When all else fails, grab your foolproof matching set and black turtleneck sweater. Black tights and tall combat boots will round out this fashion-forward style, but consider throwing on a gold chain, too, for good measure.

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