Searching for different types of skirts? This post contains everything you need to know about skirt styles, including 25 different types of skirts, and tips for how to wear them!

 

Affiliate links may be used in this post. To learn more, please review our full disclosure statement below (on mobile) or to the right (on desktop). Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support! 

 

A skirt is a wardrobe staple many women own. it is an important clothing item, regardless of body type. Why? Skirts are effortless and extremely versatile.

There are so many types of skirts that can be dressed up or dressed down for nearly any occasion. From weddings to running errands, there is surely a skirt to fit your lifestyle needs.

In this post, there are 25 different types of skirts. We will take a close look at each one so that you can determine the best skirt types for your personal style and wardrobe.

READ NEXT: TYPES OF NECKLINES

 

25 Different Types of Skirts

1. A-Line Skirts

An a-line skirt is shaped like an A, or triangle shape, when laid flat. This skirt silhouette is flattering on various body types. It has a narrow waist and wide bottom hem, making it a popular skirt type.

A-line types of skirts are ideal for professional attire and semi-casual events. Wear with flates, heels, or knee high boots. The style possibilities are nearly endless. This A-Line Skirt is highly rated on Amazon!

 

2. Asymmetrical

The different lengths of the bottom hem line give an asymmetrical skirt its shape. An asymmetrical skirt is usually shorter on one side and longer on the other. This usually appears from side to side, rather than front to back (this would be a high-low skirt).

You can style an asymmetrical skirt casually with a basic t-shirt, or dress it up with a silk cami and strappy heels. Either outfit would be great for a fun date night out, depending on the event type!

3. Ball Gown Skirts

Ball gown skirts resemble the bottom portion of an actual ball gown. These skirts are great for semi-formal and formal events. This is a trending skirt type especially for women wanting two-piece formal outfit.

Ball gowns in satin, tulle, and lace are excellent options for formal attire. Matte or metallic toned footwear can be worn to complete most formal outfits.

 

4. Box Pleat Skirts

A box pleat skirts is a different type of pleated skirt. Unlike standard (accordian style) pleats, a box pleat sticks out to create a boxed shape pleat around the entirety of the skirt.

If you are into the academia style clothing, this skirt is a must have! Think Harry Potter meets school girl vibes. Most box pleat skirt lengths are just above the knee or mini length.

 

5. Bubble Types of Skirts

A bubble skirt is a type of skirt that is essentially two layers of fabric, and when sewn together the bottom hem creates a poofy, bubble shaped, look. 

This skirt is most popular in the younger generation and is most often seen in short lengths. While this skirt isn’t as versatile as others on this list, it is a great option for dressy occasions!

 

6. Circle Skirts

Circle types of skirts have a circular shape at the waist and bottom hem. These types of skirts are typically made from one (circular) piece of fabric, rather than panels like other types of skirts. Neither hemline consists of a straight line, giving meaning to the skirt type name.

Circle skirts are a classic silhouette and perfect if you love vintage or retro style. They are easy to maneuver in a very flowy. These skirts resemble poodle skirts from the 50’s!

 

7. Draped Types of Skirts

A draped skirt style is longer in length with fabric gathered at the front, or side, to create an opening. The extra fabric is then draped over the opening. It’s confusing to explain in writing, here is a chic draped skirt so you can see what I’m talking about!

Draped skirts are in style this year! They are often worn to semi-formal events and also work great in resort wear fashion.

Strappy heels or sandals are great footwear options to wear with this type of skirt. I would avoid chunky footwear with this type of skirt.

 

 

8. Fish Tail/Mermaid skirt

Mermaid style skirts are well known in the bridal industry. Many wedding dresses these days feature the fish tail types of skirts. 

The silhouette is tight against the waist and thighs, then kick out around the knee or just below. This type of skirt is often knee length or longer.

This type of skirt is a fun variation to a standard pencil skirt, making it a great option for office or professional attire! I love this under $30 Fish Tail Skirt with over 25k reviews!

 

9. Gathered Types of Skirts

Gathered skirts are sewn at the waistline by gathering small sections of the fabric together to created a bunching effect at the waist. Unlike pleats, the gathered fabric is not pressed, but rather free flowing. The remaining fabric falls gently to the bottom hem line.

These skirt styles are most flattering in longer lengths. Here is a popular, modern, gathered skirt type under $30!! I love this one! 

 

10. Godet Skirt

A godet is a different type of skirt that is similar to a pleated skirt in that it utilizes a unique pattern to create a flared bottom. It provides a lot of movement when walking around.

The godet skirt style is created by inserting triangular pieces of fabric between panel strips to create the flared our hem line. 

To give you a better visual, here is an (expensive!) Oscar De La Renta godet skirt.

This skirt can be seen in various lengths and is ideal for semi-formal occasions.

 

11. High-Low Types of Skirts

High-low skirts feature a bottom hem that is short in the front and longer in the back. The length on this can vary, from very short in the front or a longer front.

This long, printed high-low skirt is perfect for everyday casual wear. It can be dressed down with a t-shirt, jean jacket, and white sneakers. Or it can be dressed up with a knit blazer and heels!

 

12. High Waisted Skirt

Much like any high waist bottoms, a high waisted skirt features a waist band that sits well above the hips. The fullness of this style skirt can vary drastically, from mini skirt to maxi skirt. 

To add to the versatility of this type of skirt, a maxi skirt comes in all different style waist bands. From elastic to flat, zippered, bands. 

With so many different style & fabric variations, high waist skirts are a very popular option for all sorts of different body types.

 

13. Jean Types of Skirts

This type of skirt is pretty self explanatory, it is a skirt made of denim fabric. This type of skirt was widely popular in the 1990’s and 2000’s. As with other trends from this era, jean skirts are now making a comeback!

Are denim skirts in style in 2023?

Yes! In 2023, you can easily find a maxi length jean skirt, like this one, on the most influential fashionistas!

 

14. Layered Types of Skirts

Layered skirts have multiple layers of fabric, usually joined horizontally, to add fullness to the skirt. This style is seen in mini, midi, and maxi length skirts.

Layered skirts are also referenced as tiered types of skirts. It is important to not that tiers are sewn together, while layers are not.

This mini layered skirt would be so cute for a country concert, or for a trip to Nashville!

 

15. Maxi Skirt

Maxi skirts are the longest length of skirts that extend down to you ankle or feet.

This skirt style is most popular in casual wear or for formal evening attire. Many two piece formal separates contain a maxi skirt style.

Looking for a casual, everyday maxi skirt? This animal print skirt is a best seller! Style it with a basic t-shirt or tank top and slide sandals for an effortless look.

 

16. Mini Skirt

This is another self explanatory skirt you are likely familiar with. An ultra short length and very trendy right now! This is mini types of skirts were popular in the 60’s and 90’s and are making a comeback this year!

17. Pencil Skirt

This type of skirt is the most sought after type of skirt for professional women working in a business casual environment. This style skirt is widely accepted in the workplace due to the shape. With very straight, modest, and clean lines it is the perfect skirt to wear to work!

Style a pencil skirt with a blouse, blazer and heels for a business professional look. For a causal outfit, pair a pencil skirt with a lightweight knit top and ballet flats.

 

18. Peplum Skirts

A peplum skirt is a pencil skirt with a mini flared skirt attached over top. This unique design comes in and out of style rather quickly.

A peplum skirt is an ideal style for women with very narrow hips as it adds volume to the hip area! With the right body shape, peplum skirts are a great way to add interest to an otherwise basic outfit. This skirt is an affordable peplum option!

 

19. Pleated Types of Skirts

Pleat skirts are made using an iron technique to press fabric into an accordion style fold.

The skirt length on these types of skirts can vary, from mini to maxi. Midi styles are very popular right now and offer an easy way to dress up an outfit.

Need a casual outfit with a pleated skirt? Wear your favorite t-shirt and trendy sneakers for an effortless daytime look.

20. Ruffled Skirts

Ruffle skirts come in all sorts of variations. Eith short or long, full ruffle or partial ruffle, asymmetrical hem or pencil skirt hem. The possibilities are truly endless.

Here are some great ruffle skirts:

• Asymmetrical Floral Ruffle Skirt
• Mermaid Tail Ruffle Skirt
• Mini Skirt with Ruffles
• Tulle Ruffle Midi Skirt

21. Sarong Types of Skirts

Sarong skirts are generally used for resort or beach wear. Similar to a wrap skirt, a sarong skirt ties are the waist with a simple knot.

Sarong skirts are usually more revealing and lightweight compared to wrap skirts. They are designed to show leg via a high slit. 

22. Tiered Skirt

Tiered skirts have multiple layers of fabric sewn together on the top and bottom, each seam marks a new tier. This skirt style is similar to layers, however layers usually have one seam unsewn to create a floating edge.

 

23. Tulip Skirts

The design of a tulip skirt resembles petals of a tulip flower, the slightly rounded shape and gentle slanted layers. Most tulip skirts fall at or above the knee. 

You can dress up a tulip skirt with heels and a blouse or dress it down for a casual look. 

This suede tulip skirt would be so pretty in the fall with a chunky sweater, sheer tights, and boots!

24. Wrap Types of Skirts

One of the most figure flattering skirts is the wrap skirt. Wrap skirts usually tie at the side to created a wrap effect, however you can also buy faux wrap skirts that are secured together with sewing. 

True wrap skirts are ideal for warmer seasons, while faux wraps are more realistic for cooler temperatures.

 

25. Yoke Skirt

What is a yoke skirt? A yoke skirt has a structured waistband, usually in a triangular shape, that is snug against the body. The bottom portion of the skirt is sewn onto this waist band and flows freely away from the body.

Yoke skirts are seen in all lengths and styles. Need a better visual? Check out this cute yoke skirt!

 

FAQ

What are long flowy skirts called?

A Maxi skirt is a long flowy skirt, the hangs below mid-calf.

What are tight skirts called?

Most pencils skirts are tight and form fitting, named for its shape (long and narrow).

What type of skirt is most flattering?

Generally, flowy maxi skirts are universally flattering. Pencil and midi length skirts are also flattering for a wide range of body types.

How do you wear a skirt if you have a tummy?

A-line skirts are popular options for full body shapes. An a-line skirt is cut away from the thighs and hips to give the the illusion of a narrow waist.

What are the Different Types of skirts?

While not all encompassing, these are 25 different types of skirts:

1. A-Line Skirts

2. Asymmetrical

3. Ball Gown Skirts

4. Box Pleat Skirts

5. Bubble Types of Skirts

6. Circle Skirts

7. Draped Skirts

8. Fish Tail/Mermaid skirt

9. Gathered Skirts

10. Godet Skirt

11. High-Low Skirts

12. High Waisted Skirt

13. Jean Skirt

14. Layered Skirts

15. Maxi Skirt

16. Mini Skirt

17. Pencil Skirt

18. Peplum Skirts

19. Pleated Skirt

20. Ruffled Skirts

21. Sarong Skirts

22. Tiered Skirt

23. Tulip Skirts

24. Wrap Skirt

25. Yoke Skirt

 

 

Be sure to check out my shop page, HERE, to shop all my looks, outfit inspo, gift guides and more.

Don’t Forget! You can also download the free LIKETOKNOW.IT app and follow me HERE.

STAY IN THE KNOW:  Don’t forget to sign up for my exclusive newsletter for STYLE TIPS, NEW POST ALERTS, AND MUCH MORE!

As always, thank you so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate you!

FOLLOW ALONG

Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Shop LTK