Prevent the Orphaned Skirt

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Prevent the Orphaned Skirt

— by Angie

on October 4, 2023

It’s tricky to find a skirt-top pairing that looks and feels great. As a result, many skirts are languishing in closets because we don’t have a top to wear with them. Prevent this problem by thinking ahead. Insist that you have at least one top for every new skirt.

Pairing flared skirts with the right tops is harder when you don’t tuck the top. Shorter, untucked fitted (or fluid) tops are easier. So are tops with banded bottoms. And button-through shirts, where the ends are tied into a square knot around the waist.

There are exceptions. Top options for skirts are easier if you’re into less structured proportions. And there are those with the discipline and skill set to purchase a skirt knowing that in time they’ll find the perfect top to pair it with.

Style Nuggets

42 comments · Add a comment

Forum conversations about this post

Crazy ex girlfriend? — by kkards

suntiger

I just started collecting black tops, which go with all my skirts. The longer ones I just tuck under to get the right length. I live in skirts for at least six months of the year, so they’re easy for me!

October 4, 2023 at 4:07 am

April

Veteran

I have given away MANY orphan skirts and this is wise advice.

Not that you expected less…

October 4, 2023 at 4:25 am

Dee

Veteran

Most of my skirts are a solid colour and a more casual style so I find them rather easy to pair with my patterned tees and tops.

It seems I struggle more combining my patterned skirt with solid tops. I find it hard getting the proportions looking right this way but it could be that I’m just used to wearing patterns on my top half.

October 4, 2023 at 4:36 am

Brooklyn

Veteran

Yes! The skirt may be lovely but it’s useless without the right top. Preferably more than one. Finding the right colour, length, sleeve treatment, neckline and fabrication can be harder than you think. If I find a good top for my skirts I duplicate shamelessly.

October 4, 2023 at 4:39 am

Star

Veteran

The bane of my life! So much so I have decided no more patterned skirts ever.

October 4, 2023 at 4:49 am

The Cat

Veteran

Am not sure I understand the problem, as I am a skirt person, and most of my tops go with most of my skirts. There might be a few combinations that don’t look great because of “crashing” styles/colours/patterns, but I have absolutely no orphaned skirts.

My tips to fabbers with orphaned skirts: Make sure to have at least one preferably two or three, tops in white or another neutral colour that suit you, and choose simple styles that look great with your skirt(s). Examples: button-front shirt, round- or V-neck pullovers or tees. Then you will always have something to wear with your skirt(s) (and other bottoms) , and you can easily vary your outfits by adding toppers, scarf or jewellery.

October 4, 2023 at 4:50 am

cat2

Veteran

I confess I have never understood the orphan skirt anxiety.

October 4, 2023 at 5:31 am

Eliza

Veteran

I have one tricky to pair skirt and wish I had prioritized finding a top for it when it arrived. I’ll tackle the dilemma when I can and appreciate the reminder. The skirt is an assortment of not easy to find colors, with a non-neutral base, all rare in my closet.

October 4, 2023 at 5:37 am

RobinF

Veteran

Yeah, that can be a problem. I have very few skirts these days but when I did it was sometimes a problem, partly because I don’t like to tuck. I remember I had a gorgeous skirt once that I never got to wear much because I never found just the right top. I made do with not-quite-right and eventually donated.

October 4, 2023 at 5:49 am

Roxanna

Veteran

This is so true. Pencil, flared, knee-length, midi skirts all need a different top – maybe this is because I’m an hourglass and if I don’t define my waist, I look dumpy. Interestingly, I’m finding this with pants now, too. When pants were mostly slim-cut and ankle lenth, it was easy to pair many tops with them, but new proportions (wide leg, balloon, straight leg, full length, culottes) makes it much more tricky. I tend to rely on blouses more now because I can tuck them, showing my waist.

October 4, 2023 at 6:12 am

Star

Veteran

For me it is definitely because I have a lack of solid colour tops and the right drape needed for my shape (apple) in a skirt. I never tuck.

October 4, 2023 at 6:16 am

Sarah

I agree and suspect this is why I’ve switched over to dresses!

October 4, 2023 at 6:25 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don’t have this issue — but I think it helps that all my skirts are now of a similar type: midi length, drapey styles (no more stiff pencil skirts, nothing shorter than midi length). That makes proportions easier for me. Most of my skirts are patterned (with the exception of a couple of solid black skirts), and incorporate black in the print, or white for summer. That way all I need is to pop on a neutral black or white tee or top and the right footwear. A cropped jacket if needed. But granted, I am also styling my skirts casually.

October 4, 2023 at 6:26 am

rachylou

Veteran

A top for a flared skirt is probably the hardest. Even if you tuck, the top has to tuck right, know what I mean? The fabric weight matters a lot. I want to say I usually buy an outfit, but my top attrition is higher than my bottom attrition, so skirts get orphaned that way. However, you can wear the skirt shopping then to make new-top shopping easier… lol

October 4, 2023 at 6:32 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

An addendum — despite my short torso, I find it easier to tuck tops into skirts than pants or jeans. I think it’s because the skirt helps mask where my torso ends and my legs start, helping disguise how out of proportion my body is (squat little torso and long legs). If I choose a top that is low-contrast with the skirt, the effect can be flattering.

My proportions make dress shopping difficult so the solid top with patterned skirt (or patterned top with black skirt) is an easier solution. I’m finally learning this, after years of being mostly dissatisfied with my dress purchases.

October 4, 2023 at 6:49 am

Kim M

(website)

Active Member

As a forever skirt person, I’m enjoying this thread. I don’t think I’ve ever had an orphan. Everyone’s strategies on how to add workable tops is such an interesting read. I wear mostly color and will print mix. (Camo and leopard are the easiest to work with IMO.). Fitted or tailored outfits don’t suit my current body type, so find a front tuck, sometimes with a belt works well in most situations.

October 4, 2023 at 7:01 am

bookwormmoran

Active Member

This is a real issue of mine. I love skirts and have a couple of orphans. I bought a beautiful ivory tulle skirt. I know lots that I have matches it, but nothing is just right. I’m open to suggestions.

October 4, 2023 at 7:17 am

nuancedream

Veteran

Most of my skirts are patterned and when pairing tops with them, I make sure that I have two tops that can work. I’m always on the lookout for matching skirts and tops to create a two-piece dress. Skirts have never been wardrobe orphans for me.

October 4, 2023 at 7:18 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Glad this makes sense

For those who don't have orphan skirt anxiety, you are experienced skirt wearers, know how to pair skirts with tops that you like, and power to you!

Cat2 and The Cat, I suspect you also tuck tops into skirts. Not just leave them untucked. In my experience, that helps enormously with preventing orphan skirt anxiety. If you are prepared to tuck a top – or at least semi-tuck it – into a skirt – it's easier. If not, that's where things get tricky with finding tops that look great with flared skirts especially.

October 4, 2023 at 7:36 am

Bijou

Veteran

When I worked in an office, skirts were rarely orphans because I usually bought them with a matching jacket. This has only become a recent issue for me and generally not too much of a problem as I usually buy skirts with a co-ordinating top. I am happy tucking tops in and like Brooklyn, once I find a flattering style of top, I duplicate. I find some unexpected pairings work well, such as a denim shirt with a chiffon or sequinned skirt. A try-on session at home usually identify the ease of mix and match possibilities. A great skirt that works with many different tops becomes a workhorse for me as in summer I mainly wear skirts and dresses.

October 4, 2023 at 7:39 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suntiger, tuck tops under what? Do you mean semi-tuck into the waistband? Knot or tie the top to shorten it? Folding under the hem of a top to shorten it does not usually stay put

October 4, 2023 at 7:40 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Brooklyn, EXACTLY! You hit the nail on the head. And as our Queen Skirt, you are very skilled at the pairing

April and Star, and so it goes……you were not alone.

Eliza and Bookwormmoran, let me know if I can help you find a top for that skirt.

Roxanna and RobinF, yes to every word! You have perfectly described how many of my clients feel when pairing skirts with tops. Thanks for the detailed explanation.

Janet, you do a great top of finding shorter tops to go with your skirts when leaving them untucked. Your front tie-tops are fab!

Sarah, I bat for Team Dress too. I like skirts! I LOVE dresses

October 4, 2023 at 7:48 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nuanace and Dee, AND I'll add that because you like to tuck tops into skirts, you find tops for skirts more easily.

Bijou, you have it sorted. Well done! Another experienced skirt wearer.

Kim M, the fact that you front tuck a top helps prevents orphan skirt anxiety. Good for you

Rachy, you make sense!

October 4, 2023 at 7:52 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Another solution — the two piece dress! Then, you not only have a top that works wth the skrt, you have a top that works with other bottoms as well!

I don’t have this problem too much at the moment but largely it is for the reason Janet mentions — my skirts are all similar enough in style that many of my tops work in terms of proportion. The problem arises more, as you say, Angie, if people don’t tuck — or if they have a variety of skirt silhouettes in the closet but a preponderance of one type of top. A tube skirt or pencil skirt is often going to ask for a different kind of top than an A-line or flared skirt.

October 4, 2023 at 8:25 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

My husband said something last night to the effect of, “I’m a rule follower and I like structure” and my reaction was “I don’t like rules and I want to do my own thing” BUT this skirt-and-top rule is one I follow whole heartedly!

And as Queen Dress, I would be remiss in not pointing out that we can solve this whole issue by simply choosing dresses instead of skirts, ha!

October 4, 2023 at 8:38 am

Joy

Veteran

Let of my skirts have been tube or pencil skirts so easy to wear the same tops as with pants. I usually try to have a topper and at least two tops for each skirt plus a short sweater to extend the season. When I was a child to young adult all females wore only dresses and skirts. The college cafeteria would not serve females in pants…ever.
My first trip to Europe was done without pants. I took one skirt and two dresses but the dresses were sun dresses and one was paper and did not last. Tops were a problem. I got cold and bought socks, shoes and a sweater in Germany in July. It was not a US summer, never hot. We walked a lot. My legs do not look good in a full skirt to my eye, too skinny. That makes skirts and tops easier. Plus I was sick of my handed down full skirts.

October 4, 2023 at 9:03 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suz, you are bang on the money! Nodding along to every word. Thanks for the eloquent explanation

Laura, thanks for making me smile!

Joy, body con tube skirts that are knee-length and longer ARE easier to style!

October 4, 2023 at 9:58 am

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Tops for skirts are definitely the hardest thing to find! It’s gotten a little easier with the change in proportions. For a long time, it was impossible to find tops short enough…like the retail buyers didn’t even consider that a long top’s not going to work with a skirt.

October 4, 2023 at 10:14 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Trending shorter tops have made finding tops for skirts a bit easier!

October 4, 2023 at 10:36 am

Sal

Veteran

I do find dresses easier than skirts. And I agree to buy the skirt after you know what type of top will work!!

October 4, 2023 at 11:05 am

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

We don’t want any orphans around here! I was thinking about a plaid camel and navy flared skirt I have and pair it with a navy sweater or a toffee cashmere cardigan and both work nicely with it. It’s a “win” when I can wear different tops with the same bottom. I learn so much about how you select clothes and see how the pieces work well together throughout the season. As for a black flared skirt and a pair of black silk pants I have, my tops range from being tucked in to having a stretchy bottom.

October 4, 2023 at 11:28 am

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Excellent advice! I think I do follow this guideline–really with any purchase, I try to make sure I have something to go with it from the start–but I still have a skirt orphan. “A,” as in single orphan, because I have just one skirt in my wardrobe. I have worn it, but not since 2021. I just don’t wear skirts or dresses very often.

October 4, 2023 at 11:46 am

delurked

Veteran

I do find solid colored skirts more versatile in my wardrobe, but I don’t really have orphaned skirts. If in doubt, I wear with a white, navy or black solid top. Keeping proportions in mind is key. The top needs to be shorter for skirts than for pants for me, and bonus points for a waist detail like a lettuce edge or soft ribbing that is not too hugging. I also wear with boxy shorter tops too though, and I never tuck in a top into a skirt. I wear both skirts and dresses with regularity. They both work great for me.

October 4, 2023 at 12:11 pm

ChristelJ

Veteran

This is an issue for me, especially since I rarely tuck. I have 3 skirts that I only wear black or white tops with. When I bought them, in my mind I had just the right colored tops at home, but it turned out not to be true when I actually tried them on. Color, shape or both were off. It is reassuring to know I’m not alone in this problem! Good advice!

October 4, 2023 at 12:12 pm

Kay

I bought a winter skirt once that I knew would look good with black. What I didn’t expect was that it would go perfectly with a very high quality cashmere sweater I had found at Marshall’s and snapped up. The two do not match but look like they were designed to go together. Truly serendipitous.

I’m buying more dresses now. They’re much easier.

October 4, 2023 at 12:33 pm

lyn67

Veteran

I agree, but I’ll say if you are a skirt girl like me, you’ve got this skill of finding tops to all yor skirts from birth- and you also gain experience- so I generally can make do any new skirt without problem (and have many styles). But, because of body features I rather have a major problem with finding pants which flatter in the first place then the right tops to them (and never ever tuck). It all depends which way you are wired IYKWIM:-).

October 4, 2023 at 12:41 pm

Style Fan

Veteran

I rarely wear skirts, but this morning, I purchased a skirt before I saw this post. I had pinned two inspirational ideas and had the tops in my wardrobe. Angie, your advice is always with me.

October 4, 2023 at 1:01 pm

Bonnie

Veteran

I have two skirts, both tulle, and they were easy to work with because I pair them with banded cotton sweaters and short jackets. I did purchase a black lace cardigan with the first skirt because both the SA and DH liked the look on me and it also works with both skirts. I learned the trick of making sure of having the right top before purchasing a skirt from YLF.

October 4, 2023 at 6:02 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Skirts are more tricky to top than jeans or trousers for me. I mostly wear them on slightly dressier occasions and have my fallbacks, but point well taken!

October 4, 2023 at 6:40 pm

Ginger

Veteran

I’m a Dress Queen, but I’ve finally cracked the code on skirts as well. I had so many orphans in the late 90s/early 2000s because all that was available was waistless. They looked awful if tops were tucked, so I had to find precisely the right cut, color, and pattern of top to go with each one. Because like Roxanna, I have to define my waist (as a pear).

When I was able to find flared skirts with waistbands, it was like the heavens opened and the angels sang. Not every top works – if they’re too wide the volume looks weird, especially under the arm – but most were a lot easier.

I’ve come a long way in my personalized wardrobe since then. No orphaned skirts, since I make most of them! But I still fine-tune the right tops. I just got a bright yellow tiered wrap skirt, and went through four of my standby white cotton blouses. Until I realized it wanted a t-shirt instead! Something about the fit of the waistband. But it worked and I love it.

October 5, 2023 at 6:35 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds like this is resonating

Excellent explanations everyone. Glad you’re – (finally and eventually) – nailing the types of tops that work with your type of skirts!

October 5, 2023 at 10:06 am

No Fear of Fashion

(website)

Veteran

I so hear you. I have quite a few skirts that are orphaned. Or I only have one top to go with it. Footwear is even more difficult with skirts since I don’t wear high heels anymore (I am so sad that I cannot wear high heels any longer).
Greetje

October 10, 2023 at 8:59 am

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