Fact: Every Summer Look That Screams "Old Money" Includes This One Ingredient

Have you ever looked at someone on the street or on social media and wondered, "How do they always look so polished?" Some may attribute others' enigma to having that je ne sais quoi or a stacked bank account that allows them to buy designer things. But the genuinely stylish people know that the secret ingredient to always looking good comes back to the staples. An arsenal of great basics can distinguish between looking busted or like a walking bank account. Whether you choose to spend thousands of dollars or under $100, the right foundational pieces can make you look (and feel) like a million dollars. 

Of course, there are numerous staples that one can turn to give off "quiet luxury" vibes—from linen trousers to crochet pieces, the list goes on. But there's one that stands out as an unsung ingredient: white skirts. During the summertime, there's no better piece to rely upon to serve old money energy than a white skirt. 

Don't believe me? In an effort to show the value this staple can bring you, I've done a deep dive into how to wear a white skirt. Ahead, you'll find 19 white skirt outfit ideas to wear during the summer (and beyond). Plus, I've shopped out some of the best white skirts to shop online right now. Fair warning: these outfit formulas look so decadent that they may cause onlookers to say, "Yes, chef."

Oversized Button-Down + Tank + White Linen Maxi Skirt + Strappy Sandals
white skirt outfits, woman wearing black tank, button-up and white maxi skirt

Photo:

@gosiaboy

PSA: You don't need a designer white skirt in order for your outfit to look expensive. A simple way to make any white skirt look designer is by styling it with timeless staples—e.g., an oversized black button-down, tank, and strappy sandals. 

Recreate the look:

Having at least one linen-button down in your summer wardobe is a must. 

Don't let the styling fool you, this skirt can look expensive if paired with the right pieces. 

Pearl Necklace + Lady Jacket + White Mini Skirt + Shoulder Bag + Chain Belt
white skirt outfits, woman wearing lady jacket with white mini skirt and chain belt

Photo:

@emmanuellek_

If you want to look like you came fresh off of Chanel's runway without having to cash that check, then opt for a feminine jacket styled with a preppy white mini skirt. Bonus points if you add a chain belt. 

Recreate the look:

You may not have a country club membership, but you'll look like you do in this J.Crew jacket. 

You can dress this mini skirt up or down based on how you're feeling. 

Trust me, this bag is worth every penny. 

Cardigan + White Crop Top + Tiered White Skirt + Handbag + Thong Sandals
white skirt outfits, woman wearing white tiered skirt, crop top, thong sandals

Photo:

@cassdimicco

Who needs to book a trip to the south of France when you can wear a tiered white skirt? Jokes aside, if you style this silhouette with elevated thong sandals, a cropped top, and a cardigan layered over the shoulders, you'll look like you're ready for a fancy vacation. 

Recreate the look:

Now here's a skirt that makes me want to runaway to a fall-off destination. 

Strapless White Tube Top + White Maxi Skirt + Ballet Flats + Shoulder Bag
white skirt outfits, woman wearing strapless top, white maxi skirt, and black flats

Photo:

@lefevrediary

Planning on having a casual day out-and-about? Try pairing a strapless white top with a matching white maxi skirt and black ballet flats. It not only includes some of the most trendy items of the summer but is an ensemble you'll be comfortable in no matter where the day takes you.

Recreate the look:

A cute little top to hold you over until you can save up for the Khaite bustier. 

The tie-around detail on these flats is everything. 

Shoulder Bag + Tank + White Skirt + Slingback Kitten Heels
white skirt outfits, woman wearing tank and white skirt and slingback heels

Photo:

@sasha.mei

Calling all devout fans of '90s minimalism, the outfit above is all you! It doesn't get more on-theme than pairing a basic tank with a white form-fitting knee-to-midi-length straight skirt, a simple pair of slingback heels, and a structured handbag. 

Recreate the look:

A great tank can make you feel like a million bucks. 

In the late summer, pair this skirt with boots to make it a transitional staple. 

Hoops + Black Fitted Blazer + White Maxi Skirt + Sandals + Bucket Bag
white skirt outfits, woman wearing hoops, fitted blazer, white maxi, sandals, bucket bag

Photo:

@oumaymaboumeshouli

Pro tip: if you want to make your white skirt the focal point of the ensemble, then opt for a more dramatic silhouette (e.g., ball gown, a-line, bubble hem, or parachute) styled with simple summer staples. 

Recreate the look:

The high neckline on this blazer is giving money

The way these sandals are in my cart, right now. 

Trench Coat + T-Shirt + White Mini Skirt + Ballet Flats + Raffia Bag
white skirt outfits, woman wearing trench coat over black t-shirt, white mini skirt

Photo:

@annelauremais

Whether it's a rainy summer day or a crisp day in early fall, it's nice to have a way to get more wear out of your white skirt. Enter, the look above. Throw on a black t-shirt with a white mini skirt and ballet flats, and then add a trench coat and raffia bag, and you'll have the perfect look for fickle weather. 

Recreate the look:

The pointelle knitting makes this simple black t-shirt feel luxurious. 

A little white mini skirt never goes out of style.

Pleated Top + White Pleated Skirt + Mesh Ballet Flats + Curved Shoulder Bad
white skirt outfits, woman wearing pleated top with white skirt and ballet flats

Photo:

@deborabrosa

When in doubt, the easiest way to make any ensemble look elegant is by opting for pleated or plissé pieces. But if you want to take it up a whole other notch, you can wear a white skirt with a matching top, mesh flats, and a curved shoulder bag. 

Recreate the look:

The shape of this bag makes it look designer. 

You can style this with any type of white skirt—although I'd recommend the matching Maria Skirt ($1490). 

I can assure you that this skirt will become a hero-piece in your closet. 

White Button-Down Shirt + White Men's Tie + White Pleated Mini Skirt
white skirt outfits, woman wearing white button down, tie, pleated mini skirt

Photo:

@dananozime

Nothing says "old money" quite paying homage to those prep-school uniform essentials. Of course, you don't have to make it feel too costumey. Style your beloved button-down with a matching pleated mini skirt and add a menswear tie and loafers. 

Recreate the look:

Just in case you're looking for a new button-down. 

You'll want to zoom-in to see the contrast stitching on this mini skirt. 

Shoulder Bag + Ott-The-Shoulder Top + White Pencil Skirt + Mules
white skirt outfits, woman wearing off the shoulder top with white pencil skirt

Photo:

@sylviemus_

When you've made plans you have to go to right after work, the outfit above will come in handy. Not only are white pencil skirts the ideal piece to wear to the office, but if you pair it with an off-the-shoulder top, mules, and a shoulder bag, it's a look that works for happy hour, date night, or anything else on the agenda. 

Recreate the look:

Pro tip: wear this top either under a blazer or change into it after work if your workspace is a bit more conservative. 

Pencil skirts are back, and I'm not mad about it. 

These mules are at the top of my wishlist. 

Cardigan + Shoulder Bag + Ribbed Tank + White Ribbed Skirt
white skirt outfits, woman wearing cardigan, ribbed tank, ribbed white skirt and bag

Photo:

@pia_mbd

Think you can only wear white skirts in the summer? Think again. In the early fall and spring, opting for a ribbed or knit white skirt styled with a matching tank and cardigan is a sure fire wear to wear this style year-round. 

Don't be afraid to opt for off-white and beige pieces! 

Pro tip: try pairing light camel hues with white, it can make any outfit look ten times more put together. 

Blazer + Layered Crewnecks + White Poplin Skirt + Ballet Flats + Handbag
white skirt outfits, woman wearing black blazer, sweatshirt, white skirt, ballet flats

Photo:

@nlmarilyn

Another way you can make a white skirt feel appropriate for chilly days or outside the summertime is by styling it with a blazer, ballet flats, and layered crewneck shirts. 

Recreate the look:

This blazer continues to be a best-seller with our readers! 

You better act fact, because this skirt is sure to sell out quickly. 

You won't regret investing in a simple pair of ballet flats. 

Sunglasses + White Cropped Polo + White Maxi Skirt
white skirt outfits, woman wearing cropped white polo and white maxi skirt

Photo:

@hannamw

One of the benefits of opting for a white skirt is that if it's styled right, you can look like you're wearing a look for a luxury resort collection—see proof above. Pair a cropped white polo with a white maxi skirt and sunglasses, and everyone will think you're wearing something pricey. 

Recreate the look:

Réalisation Par's recently launched sunglasses collection is a must-shop in my books. 

If this shirt could talk, it would say "I should be at a resort right about now." 

Sunglasses + White T-Shirt + White Wrap Skirt + Mules + Bag
white skirt outfits, woman wearing t-shirt and white wrap skirt

Photo:

@frannfyne

Want to make that white wrap skirt work for the office? Try pairing it with a high-neck t-shirt, mules, and a snakeprint bag. 

Recreate the look:

The way this bag haunts me in my dreams. 

It may be pricer, but it will last longer! 

Bolero + Corset Top + White Skirt + Ballet Flats
white skirt outfits, woman wearing corset top and white skirt

Photo:

@sofiamcoelho

For fans of the balletcore aesthetic, there's no better way to tap into the trend than replicating the outfit above. Pair a pretty corset top with a white skirt and satin flats and you'll basically be a ballerina. 

Recreate the look:

These will go well with just about every type of white skirt. 

White Button-Down + White Denim Skirt + Sandals + Shoulder Bag
white skirt outfits, woman wearing white button down, denim skirt and sandals

Photo:

@chiarasatelier

Just when I thought the denim skirt trend couldn't be more perfect for the summer, I stumbled upon this outfit idea. Pairing a white denim skirt with an oversized button-down, sandals, and a shoulder bag is the chic yet cool outfit formula I didn't know was missing in my life (until now). 

Recreate the look:

Is it even summertime if you don't have an oversized linen top? 

Sunglasses + Sweater Vest + White Slip Skirt + Handbag
white skirt outfits, woman wearing white slip skirt with sweater vest

Photo:

@chanelmckinsie

Slip skirts are a year-round staple—case in point: the outfit above. A white mini slip skirt can feel fall-forward simply by being paired with a sweater vest, suede handbag, and sunglasses.

Recreate the look:

Opt for lighter shades of brown if you really want this look to feel transitional. 

Aritzia's slip skirts will change your life, no cap. 

White Eyelet Top + Satin Bikini Top + White Eyelet Skirt + Shoulder Bag + Mules
white skirt outfits, woman wearing white eyelet top with matching skirt and bikini

Photo:

@emnitta

Much like a trip to the beach is a required pastime of the summer, eyelet clothing is a non-negotiable too. So why wouldn't you then wear a white eyelet skirt on your beach vacation? Simply throw a satin bikini underneath and layer on a matching button-down, and you'll be the walking embodiment of summer.

Recreate the look:

Feel that seabrezze coming from this cropped shirt? 

The great thing about this skirt? You can rewear it for various occasions. 

Tinted Sunglasses + Colorful Knit Top + White A-Line Skirt + Sandals
white skirt outfits woman wearing Tinted Sunglasses , Colorful Knit Top, White A-Line Skirt  and Sandals

Photo:

@chainkyr

Hopefully, by now, you've gotten ample inspiration on how to wear a white skirt in the summertime (and beyond). But should you need one last bit of parting advice, let it be: use your white skirt as a foundational staple. The beauty of owning a white skirt is that they are versatile— it can be paired with everything from a bright orange knit top and sandals (like the above) to a tank and oversized button-down. No matter what type of skirt you opt for or how you choose to wear it, you can rest assured that it will make you look good every single time.