Somewhere between April and May, a lot of women quietly pack their skirts away and don't see them again until October. It's understandable — the logic of cold weather suggests trousers, and a skirt in a Hawke's Bay southerly or a Wellington gale seems optimistic at best. But winter skirts, worn with the right layers, are practical and stylish — and the women who've cracked the formula tend to look considerably more interesting in winter than those who've retreated entirely to pants.
Here's how to wear a skirt this winter — and five looks to get you started.
The Layering Formula
The rule with winter skirts is warmth from the ground up. Opaque tights or thermal leggings under the skirt deal with the temperature. A longer top or tunic that extends below the skirt waistband keeps the core warm. A knit mid-layer adds the rest. The skirt itself can be as light as you like — it's the layers around it doing the thermal work, not the skirt fabric.
Look 1 — A-Line Skirt + Knit Tunic + Ankle Boots
Any skirt from the Skirts collection worn with the Touch of Wool Tunic in Charcoal Marle is a complete winter outfit. The tunic extends well below the waist, the skirt shows from below, and the combination creates a flowing, layered silhouette that's both comfortable and polished. Add ankle boots from the Ankle Boots collection and opaque tights.
Look 2 — Printed Skirt + Polo Jersey + Knit Vest
The Skirts page from the AW26 Look Book shows how well a printed skirt anchors a neutral top — the print does the styling work, the plain jersey keeps it balanced. The Touch of Wool Polo Jersey in Sky Marle is a clean, polished layer that reads formal without stiffness. Add a knit vest from the Knit Vests collection for warmth without bulk.
Look 3 — Midi Skirt + Cardigan as Coat
A midi-length skirt in a ponte or structured fabric pairs with a longer-line cardigan worn like a coat — unbelted, draping over the skirt. This look works particularly well when the cardigan and skirt share a tonal relationship (navy cardigan with navy-base print skirt, charcoal cardigan with grey or black skirt). Browse the Knit Jackets and Cardigans collection alongside the Skirts collection for colour matching. Add mid-calf boots for maximum warmth and a clean, modern silhouette.
Look 4 — Skirt + Jersey
Knit fabrics aren't just for tops — a knit skirt is one of the most comfortable options going in winter, with a warmth and stretch that makes it feel more like wearing a layer than putting on a garment. Worn with a Stripe Touch of Wool Jersey tucked in at the front, this is a look that's casual enough for a Saturday and considered enough for lunch out. See the Skirts collection for current styles.
Look 5 — Smart Skirt + Blazer for Occasion Dressing
When a skirt needs to work harder — a work meeting, a lunch, an event — pair it with a structured blazer from the Blazers collection. The jacket replaces the cardigan as the mid-layer, creates a polished silhouette, and takes the whole look into occasion-appropriate territory. A printed skirt, a plain blouse, and a blazer is one of the most versatile outfits in any winter wardrobe — smart, re-wearable, and completely appropriate for every situation.
Browse the AW26 Look Book | Winter Dresses | All Dresses — or book a free Seasonal Makeover in-store.