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The How-To’s of Wearing a Tulle Skirt

For many of us fashion lovers, the image of Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a ballet-style tulle skirt in the intro of Sex and the City will forever be engrained in our consciousness. Tulle skirts come and go in terms of trendiness, but at the same time they’re classic and elegant—if you know how to wear them.

They can be one of the trickiest types of clothing you can wear, particularly because you don’t want it to look as if you’re in a costume or dressed like a toddler heading to ballet class.

So how exactly do you wear a tulle skirt and look more Carrie Bradshaw and less little girl?

Here are some styling tips:

  • One of my absolute favorite things to pair with a tulle skirt of any length or color is a motorcycle jacket. A motorcycle jacket is going to instantaneously balance out the femininity and whimsical nature of a tulle skirt and give it a sense of street style and edginess. Choose a motorcycle jacket in a material like leather or suede to ensure you really get that balance between the soft, delicate style of your skirt. The contrast in styles and textures works really well.
  • Another very basic piece you can pair with a tulle skirt is a tee shirt—whether it’s a plain tank or a vintage-style V-neck, this is a look that’s fresh, clean and again, balanced. That’s really the trick with a tulle skirt—it can be such an overwhelming look that you need to be able to balance that out with some simplicity and clean lines. When you’re styling your skirt with a basic tee or tank, add on the look of effortless elegance with a top knot or a messy bun and a pair of ballet-style slippers.
  • Chambray shirts and tulle skirts are modern, clean and chic. It’s kind of like the reverse idea of wearing a very frilly, feminine blouse with a pair of jeans. You can the timeless simplicity of denim on top, with the fun, whimsical look and feel of tulle on the bottom. Something else that’s a bit in line with this styling tip is to pair your tulle skirt with a plaid or tartan shirt. It’s a little 90s grunge and a little pretty princess.
  • Pull out your favorite sneakers. Want the look of tulle without feeling like you’re ready to head off to a fancy event? Sneakers and tulle are instant street chic style—if you have a favorite pair of Converse sneakers, don’t be afraid to put them on with your skirt and head out the door.
  • A tailored blazer mixes well with the free-form shape and silhouette of a tulle skirt. You get structure on the top with this type of jacket, and you can pull of a more voluminous skirt on the bottom as a result.

What are your favorite tips to style a tulle skirt so that’s it’s stylish, modern and street-ready?