In My Opinion, Skirts Always Look Best When Worn With This Everyday Basic

When it comes to summer staples, skirts are high on the list of must-haves. Year after year, I spot so many variations become the trending piece of the season, from the '90s-inspired mini skirt to this year's cult item, the voluminous white style. And yet, whenever I've tried to style a skirt for myself, I've always found that it ends up looking too... polished, and just not very me. So, what can I pair them with to make them feel more low-key? The answer, as it turns out, is surprisingly simple—turn to a classic T-shirt.

From my extensive scrolling and street style observations, I've come to the conclusion that the beauty of the T-shirt and skirt pairing is how the two pieces balance one another out to create a look that feels truly effortless. This means that you can take even your most glamorous skirt—a silky slip or a tailored maxi—and make it feel low-fuss yet high-impact.

Opting for a T-shirt also means you have a versatile canvas that can be the basis for a multitude of looks—all you have to do is swap out the accessories. I've spotted many fashion people use colourful handbags or shoes to add a bold contrast to a monochromatic look, while others lean into the understated minimalist mood by styling with sleek sunglasses and sculptural necklaces.

Whether you're looking to incorporate skirts into your work or weekend, or both, here are 7 skirt and T-shirt outfits to inspire you to embrace the brilliantly easy formula.

7 Skirt and T-Shirt Outfits to Try This Season

1. Voluminous White Midi Skirt + Striped T-Shirt + Sandals

Style Notes: The voluminous white midi skirt has become a signature summer 2024 piece, and Marissa's outfit is such a great example of how to style it in an effortless way.

Shop The Look:

COS

Clean Cut T-Shirt

£30

Reformation

Lucy Skirt

£198

Breezy summer perfection.

Whistles

Clean Bonded Leather Jacket

£449

A leather jacket works so well for keeping out the chill on unpredictable days.

EMME PARSONS

Bari Leather Sandals

£410

I love the chunky sole of these sandals. They look so luxe.

2. Denim Midi + Fitted T-Shirt

Style Notes: Take inspiration from the 90s with this understatedly cool look. A long denim skirt is truly timeless, and keeps coming back in style year after year. Pairing it with a figure-fitting t-shirt gives it a very cool, model-off-duty vibe that I'm obsessed with.

Shop The Look:

SKIMS

Fits Everybody T-Shirt - Onyx

£48

The SKIMS t-shirts are a bestseller for a reason.

& Other Stories

Denim Midi Skirt

£95

Such an effortless everyday skirt.

AUTRY

Reelwind Low Suede and Shell Sneakers

£170

I love the vintage vibe of Autry's sneakers.

ISABEL MARANT

Oskan Moon Studded Leather Shoulder Bag

£695

Follow Isabelle's example and add a studded bag to give the look a little more edge.

3. Mini Skirt + Graphic T-Shirt

Style Notes: I love everything about this look, from the matching mini skirt and bomber, to the graphic tee, to the chunky New Balance sneakers. The best thing about this outfit is that every piece can easily be mixed and matched with different styles to create a plethora of summer looks.

Shop The Look:

GANNI

Relaxed Bunny T-Shirt

£115

For graphic t-shirts, you can't go wrong with a Ganni style.

& Other Stories

A-Line Mini Skirt

£55

Such a versatile mini.

Alo Yoga

Mixed Media Reinvention Jacket - Black

£150

Throw this bomber over all your summer looks to guard against the evening chill.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS

Samba Mn Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

£120

This is my favourite version of the cult Samba sneaker.

Reformation

Medium Rosetta Shoulder Bag

£398

The half-moon shape is a top handbag silhouette this season.

4. Mini Skirt + T-Shirt + Blazer

Style Notes: For a more polished take on the mini skirt and t-shirt ensemble, follow @symphonyofsilk's example and turn to classic wardrobe staples like an oversized blazer and ballet flats. It's such an easy way to elevate this simple outfit.

Shop The Look:

H&M

Cotton T-Shirt

£6

A wardrobe staple.

Reformation

Lydia High Rise Denim Mini Skirt

£148

A white denim mini is so chic.

THE FRANKIE SHOP

Bea Crepe Blazer

£305

The Frankie Shop is my go-to for modern tailored pieces.

LK Bennett

Kara Sand Suede and Black Leather Toe Cap Ballerina Pumps

£199

Such an elevated ballet flat.

& Other Stories

Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses

£27

Cat-eye sunglasses are always in style.

DeMellier

The Paris Salt & Pepper Canvas Black Smooth

£435

My dream polished handbag.

5. Black Maxi Skirt + White T-Shirt + Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Dawn's outfit is proof that sometimes, simple really is best. The foundation of a black maxi skirt and a white t-shirt can form the basis of so many different looks to suit almost any occasion, but I particularly love this polished-yet-relaxed summer ensemble, complete with the very on-trend raffia tote.

Shop The Look:

COS

Tailored Linen-Blend Maxi Skirt

£110£55

A tailored linen maxi skirt is endlessly versatile.

Reformation

Dream Tee

£38

You can't go wrong with a classic crew-neck.

AEYDE

Renee Leather Flip Flops

£210

An elegant take on the black flip-flop.

LOEWE

+ Paula's Ibiza Puzzle Fold Medium Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

£1350

When it comes to raffia bags, Loewe is the fashion set's go-to.

AGMES

Cora Recycled Silver and Cord Necklace

£240

Sculptural silver pendants on cord are such a big trend at the moment.

6. Sequin Skirt + Baggy T-Shirt

Style Notes: Want to dare to wear some sparkle but worried about it looking too flashy? This is a perfect example of how you can use a t-shirt to make statement pieces feel more understated and effortless for weekend wear.

Shop The Look:

ZARA

Zw Collection Short Sequinned Skirt

£90

The hem detail is such a great touch.

COS

Clean Cut T-Shirt

£30

COS' Clean Cut t-shirt continues to be an editor favourite.

AQUAZZURA

Divine 50 Suede Mules

£540

So elegant.

MANGO

Shoulder Bag With Strap

£26

I love the contrast of the glossy handbag with these other outfit textures.

7. Slip Skirt + Oversized T-Shirt

Style Notes: As this outfit proves, an oversized t-shirt can help make the slinky slip skirt daywear-appropriate—and create an undeniably cool look. You could always make this more of an evening look by switching for a more fitted t-shirt and higher, strappy heels.

Shop The Look:

H&M

Oversized T-Shirt

£10

An oversized t-shirt will always come in handy.

Arket

Maxi Satin Skirt - Black - Arket Gb

£97

Stunning.

M&S Collection

Leather Buckle Kitten Heel Slingbacks

£45

This glossy, pointed-toe heel is just so good.

LOEWE

Squeeze Medium Chain-Embellished Gathered Leather Shoulder Bag

£3350

I love the slouchy silhouette of this Loewe bag.