I don’t like wearing shorts in the summer. I have yet to find a pair that looks all that flattering and, honestly, I’d rather wear dresses anyway. Once the temperature rises I basically rotate a bunch of styles I own. However, by August I grow so tired of wearing the same dresses over and over again that this year I might incorporate a few casual summer skirts into my wardrobe. I like the idea of skirts being a replacement for shorts. They’re just as cool to wear, just as casual and a lot more flattering. As you get your wardrobe ready for summer, check out these skirt styles and how to make them look stylish when it is super hot outside.
Stylish Casual Summer Skirts that Replace Shorts
Skirt #1
I really like this printed drawstring skirt from J. Crew. It’s like a pull on pair of shorts only a lot more stylish. Just throw it on with a basic white t-shirt, like this one from Theory, and it looks great, but is still easy. The print of the skirt also makes it easy to add some great colors to the look through accessories. Here, I added a pair of feminine oxfords from Modcloth, a blue modal and linen scarf from Nordstrom, a yellow cross body bag from Macy’s, leather wrap bracelet from Max & Chloe and gold sparrow earrings.
Skirt #2
This easy printed skirt from Boden is another great weekend style that requires little to no effort to look good. Again, just pop a simple t-shirt with it, like this one from J. Crew, add some accessories and you can be running errands, going to the park with kids or meeting some friends for brunch stylishly. In this outfit, I finished the look with a pair of flat yellow sandals from Coach, a cognac bag by Rebecca Minkoff and a tassel necklace from Stella & Dot in azure and yellow.
Skirt #3
Heeled sandals and shorts don’t often mix. However, heels do work with casual skirts if you want to elevate the look of your outfits. Take how I styled this tan linen skirt from Lord & Taylor with blue wedges from Halogen. The outfit still works for the weekends but looks a bit more polished. To the look, I added this red and white striped Breton t-shirt, red bag from 6pm.com and navy and white chunky necklace from Robert Rose.
Skirt #4
Yellow has been everywhere in the stores this spring. It’s such a lovely color that, unfortunately, isn’t a great face color for most people. I quite liked this casual yellow skirt from J. Crew because it’s worn on the bottom and, unlike a yellow pair of shorts (um, no thank you) a yellow skirt is more flattering on the body. With this skirt I added a sleeveless chambray top from Modcloth and finished the look with a pair of floral Converse sneakers, blue French Connection tote and yellow earrings from Dabby Reid.
Skirt #5
If you are going to buy one skirt for the summer you definitely can’t fail with a denim one, like this one from LOFT. Not only will it go with every top you own but denim tends to be easier to wear. In this outfit, I styled the look with an easy floral top, blue wedge sandals from UGG, a dusty pink bag from Elliott Luca and slate blue floral earrings from Lord & Taylor.
If you are looking for easy grab-and-go pieces that you can wear all summer that aren’t shorts, look into having a few casual summer skirts that will keep you cool in the summer and a lot more stylish.
Thanks for the post. I hate shorts because I can never find a pair that fits at the hips and waist or is worth getting taken in. The materials tend to be stiff or the inseams are short, which don’t feel comfortable on my lady hips and frankly I don’t shop enough to find great pairs of shorts. I will defo get a skirt or two this summer!
Exactly! It’s just such a pain and there are few shorts that actually look good. A skirt or dress is so much easier.
I love this post!!! I have a printed skirt that I dress up for work, however, since it’s cotton I could throw on a t-shirt and sandals and I think it would work instead of shorts!!! Thanks!!!
Yay! Great idea! Skirts make great work to weekend pieces for the exact reason you mentioned!
Great post! I love wearing short skirts in the summer instead of shorts. I love everything you put together here!
Thanks so much Amy!! I never wear pants in the summer. Heck, the only pants I ever wear in the winter are jeans. I actually can’t remember the last time I bought a pair of tailored pants.
Love these looks, Bridgette. Thank you for the post. Skirts in the hot months are the best. Easy peasy.
Specifically, I love the skirt in the photo that headlines this post! Any chance you know where you got the picture or where this skirt is available?
I am glad you liked the post. Unfortunately I don’t know who the skirt in the header image is from. Sorry. 🙁
Skorts are my favorite because you can move (garden, chase kids, dogs, clean) with out showing all. LOL Thanks for the cute post.
Haha, yea nobody wants to show off their bid’ness! Glad you liked the post!
Every single one of these outfits….so cute! I ordered the navy/white necklace and it’s on sale! AND….it reverses to blue/green. Double duty 🙂