Ways To Style A Cotton Poplin Skirt

One of the most popular trends we’re seeing for spring and summer is the poplin skirt. Whether it’s a midi or maxi, this trend is taking over. As someone who doesn’t really lean super feminine or preppy, even I am in on this trend. And that’s just the thing, this is a piece you can easily integrate into your style and I’m going to show you how today on how to style a cotton poplin skirt.

Ways To Style A Cotton Poplin Skirt

What Is A Poplin Skirt?

Let’s start with this becuase I feel like this trend quickly came to the market and many of us haven’t seen these in a while. A poplin skirt is simply a skirt that is made of cotton poplin. This material is almost like a stiff cotton button down shirt. It has a bit of structure and weight to it in the best way. Instead of a flowy linen or viscose skirt, the cotton poplin gives a bit more structure and shape but isn’t stiff.

This style comes in midi or maxi versions. Both are great and work well with all of the styling tips and outfit ideas here. The great thing about this piece being cotton poplin, is that it’s a fabric you can truly wear all year round. It’s appropriate for hot summer days because it’s a breathable natural fabric, but it’s not linen so it can be worn in the winter as an acceptable winter fabric.

Best Tops to Pair with a Poplin Skirt

Since a poplin skirt has a lot of volume, there are a few tips I like to think about when choosing a top to pair with it. First, choose a good length. I want a top to hit at the waistband, or be tucked in completely. This helps to create a defined waist and separation so that you aren’t swimming in fabric. The only time I would let this rule slide is if you are wearing a vest that is more cinched in the waist and falls over the skirt nicely.

That leads me to the next style tip, which is to choose a fitted top. Whether it’s a fitted tee, or tank, or yes the vest that is fitted at the top and maybe flares out with the skirt. A fitted top helps to balance out all that fabric on the bottom half.

• Tees and tanks
• Graphic tee
• Sweatshirt
• Button down
• Vests

Best Shoes to Pair with a Poplin Skirt

There are so many great shoes you can wear with a poplin skirt. Here’s a list of the shoes you can wear.

• Ballet flats or Mary Janes
• Loafers
• Slim sneakers like an Adidas Samba or Gazelle, or Converse. I’d skip the dad sneaker here
• Strappy sandals and heels
• Knee high boots – great for fall and winter

Best Outerwear And Third Pieces To Pair With A Poplin Skirt

The best outerwear for your poplin skirt will probably depend on the top you choose. If you opt for a more fitted top, you can probably get away with a more oversized third piece like a boyfriend blazer. Having something fitted underneath allows your figure not to get completely lost in fabric.

I’d also choose a cropped jacket to help create more balanced proportions. A cropped moto or denim jacket are great options. This is always a safe bet when wearing more voluminous pieces on the bottom.

Cotton Poplin Skirt Outfit Ideas

Cotton Poplin Skirts For Date Night Or A Nice Event

Choosing a cotton poplin skrit for date night or a nicer event is a great base for an outfit. They feel like a more elevated piece since they’re a bit of a statement. Simply add a pretty top from silky tops, to crisp button downs or this fun suede vest for something different.

For shoes, a strappy heel or stiletto are perfect shoe options to dress up your cotton poplin skirt. In the spring and summer, I like an open toed shoe. But for fall and winter, a suede stiletto or even a knee high boot are a great option.

Don’t forget to add in a nicer bag, this is an easy swap to make from your everyday tote, to a nicer clutch or small handbag. This is a great combination to wear for date night or even nicer work dinners or events. And PS, I love pairing brown with lilac, it’s one of my favorite color pairings!

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Cotton Poplin Skirts For Casual Days

When styling a cotton poplin skirt for a more casual everyday look, I love to simple add my go-to casual pieces. From sneakers or comfy sandals, and t-shirts and even graphic sweatshirts. This combination feels cool and effortless. It also helps to balance out the ultra feminine vibe of this skirt. I still stick to the same rule of creating a waist. So tuck in those t-shirts, and even those sweatshirts.

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Cotton Poplin Skirt Styling Tips for Every Season

A cotton poplin skirt is an ideal item to add to your closet because it is so versatile. From styling it for dressy to casual looks, but also for every season. Since these are usually made out of 100% cotton, this is a fabric that can be worn in every season. With the right styling, you can make your cotton midi or maxi skirts work for spring and summer, but also fall and winter. Here’s how to style cotton poplin midi skirts for every season.

Cotton Poplin Skirt Outfits For Fall And Winter

For styling your cotton poplin skrits for fall and winter, lean into the shoe options like loafers and knee high boots. When we’re in early fall, try loafers or ballet flats and Mary Janes. But for those colder days, you can do a knee high boot with your poplin skirts.

As for tops, try cropped sweaters or beautiful turtlenecks that are fitted to the body. Button-down cardigans that are also fitted are a great option here.

When it comes to jackets to pair with your cotton poplin skirts in fall and winter, I like to try either a cropped jacket like a cropped trench or moto jacket. Or go super long with a long trench or wool coat. This is always my rule when it comes to midi or maxi skirts. Either cropped or super long. The in-between coat length that hits at the hip or mid-thigh cuts your body off in a weird spot and the balance and proportion will feel off.

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Cotton Poplin Skirt Outfits For Spring And Summer

Come spring and summer, I am leaning into all the easy tees, tanks and sandals. You can opt for a graphic tee to add a bit of edge to this sweeter bottom silhouette. Or try a fitted tee or tank. I love a simple sandal, slim sneaker or a Mary Jane for a shoe option.

To dress this up for spring and summer, just add heels and a nicer top like I did with the brown skirt, suede top and heels. I love this denim vest and a high heel with a poplin skirt. The vest hugs the skirt perfectly making it look like it’s almost one piece and meant to be together. I prefer this silhouette over something that’s more oversized and loose over top. But if you like a more oversized and relaxed vibe, I think a nice summer button down with a skirt works great too.

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