Brace yourself for a potentially unpopular opinion: Wearing skirts in winter and fall is so much better than wearing them in summer. Hear us out: Unlike pants, skirts lend themselves to layering—with tights, knee socks, leg warmers, you name it—so you can easily wear the same outfit in multiple temps from chilly to downright freezing. Thanks to said layers, the dreaded thigh-chaffing that can happen when you wear a skirt in summer is a non-issue.

The different types of skirts you can wear in cooler temps also afford you far more options than in warmer weather as our favorite 12 winter skirt outfits prove. Whether you keep your hemlines high year-round, love a sweeping maxi moment, or just some winter date night outfit inspiration, you’re bound to find a look you love ahead. 

A Leather Midiskirt

For a look that's as low-key toasty as it is quietly luxurious, try making a leather midi skirt the centerpiece of a cozy color-block outfit. For a classic take, add a tunic-length sweater, matching boots, and a sleek trench coat. If you prefer a louder look, mix in some prints. Thanks to the timeless skirt style, you'll look polished with either approach.

A Mohair Maxi Skirt

Winter fabrics don't get much warmer than mohair and a maxi skirt is the perfect canvas for this wool-adjacent fuzzy textile made from goat hair. (If you need a pick-me-up, do yourself the favor of googling "Angora goats.") A cropped top works best for showing off the texture of this stunning winter skirt. Opt for a sweater in colder temps or a sleek long-sleeve tee in slightly warmer weather.

A Satin Slip Skirt

If you love loose-fitting layers, you definitely ought to add a silk or satin midi skirt to your winter 'fit rotation. The mid-length hemline lends itself to boots with a wide range of shaft heights and the sleek silhouette pairs beautifully with oversized sweaters. Best of all, this skirt style offers plenty of movement so you can snuggle up in a thick coat and bulky knits without looking shapeless.

A Knit Mini Skirt

Repeat after us: Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't channel your inner femme fatale. Create a winter skirt outfit worthy of a vampy heiress by wearing a cozy knit mini skirt with a turtleneck sweater and thigh-skimming boots. This look pops if you go fully monochromatic, but it also works well in soft shades of cream, camel, and beige.

A Khaki Skirt

Pleated khaki skirts might call to mind school uniforms or business casual dress codes, but the reserved nature of this skirt style is precisely what makes it a great choice for a bold winter skirt outfit. Wear any statement piece, from a brightly colored faux fur coat to a bold teddy bag or a top that toes the line between clothing and jewelry, with a khaki skirt and you've got a look that serves subversive fashion icon without feeling over-the-top.

A Metallic Skirt

Adding metallics is a fool-proof way to brighten up your winter wardrobe if you prefer to stick to a darker color palette. Another bonus of going for the gold when putting together a winter skirt outfit is that a metallic skirt elevates cozy sweaters or chunky cardigans from casual to polished.

A Quilted Black Skirt

A matching quilted set delivers maximum impact with minimal effort, but you can also opt for letting your skirt serve as the centerpiece of your look. Thanks to its unique texture, a quilted skirt practically begs to be worn with warming layers, which gives you a great opportunity to play up contrast. Try sheer stockings with tall, slouchy socks, or patterned tights with a pair of fuzzy leg warmers.

A Slinky Maxi Skirt

Tailor-made for anyone who dreads the moody colors that always trend this time of year, this winter skirt outfit balances a super-saturated palette and a sleek silhouette. A neon pink maxi skirt and vibrant orange sweater could read as an over-the-top pairing, but their brightness is toned down when worn oversized aviator or bomber jacket and trendy dark red boots. To deliver the same blend of hard and soft in the outfit above, we highly recommend going the menswear route and finding a vintage or vintage-feeling leather jacket.

A Long Tulle Skirt

A winter skirt outfit for a night out can be tricky to style, especially if you're headed somewhere formal or fancy. The solution? A sheer, layered tulle skirt in a neutral color like dusty rose or beige. Worn with a long coat, a luxe sweater, and a pair (or two) of black leggings, this skirt delivers all the elegance and sophistication of a cocktail dress without the risk of hypothermia.

A Leather Mini Skirt

You don't always have to opt for longer hemlines when planning a winter skirt outfit. With the right tights, socks, and long layers on top to compensate for the shorter skirt length, you can rock a mini all through the holiday season and into the new year. Our favorite way to spice up a classic black leather miniskirt is by picking a pop of color and weaving it into your look by way of accessories and layers. Crew socks, statement boots, bags, and a button-down or cardigan are just a few options that add flare to this winter skirt look.

A Black Cargo Skirt

When it gets so cold that you don't want to risk exposing any skin, it's time to go the cargo skirt route. A thick fabric and long hemline will keep you protected from the elements while a cropped puffer jacket and platform boots or booties add edge and a defined silhouette.