Peasant skirts, like any other garment, have had highs and lows on the trendy scale. You stock up on them when the fashion gods cast a favorable eye on all things boho, and then — in the very next season — you’re wondering what to do with those flowy, patterned bottoms.
In truth, the peasant skirt can be part of your rotation even when boho takes a step back from the limelight. Let’s talk about how to wear this style no matter what’s trending.
What to wear with your peasant skirt
Peasant skirts are not as easy and versatile as, say, a straight-leg pair of jeans. This skirt style has motion and, often, a pattern to manage. The trifecta of loose-fitting, unstructured and colorful can squash all imagination and leave you boxed into pairing your skirt with a white t-shirt and flat-heeled sandals. While that combination ifs a reliable choice, it can get a tad boring.
To keep your peasant skirt outfits fresh and fun, lean on our big list of coordinating garments and accessories.
Read next: The Budget Fashionista’s guide to skirts
Tops to wear with peasant skirts
The length and shape of this skirt create a balance problem with many types of tops. As a general rule, pairing long, flowy bottoms with long, flowy tops will be unflattering. And tucking in your looser top won’t work either — you’ll end up with a nice, sexy bulge of fabric below your waist.
Instead, stick with casual, tops that follow the shape of your body. I say ‘casual’ because something like a button-down usually looks odd with this skirt style. Try these options:
- Peplum top
- Wide-strapped tank top
- Embellished tank
- Halter top
- Layered tanks in different colors
- For the bold: crop top
- For the boho: off-shoulder, ruffled top with an elastic bottom hem. Add a wide belt if the ensemble looks too puffy.
Read next: What to wear with a maxi skirt
How to accessorize peasant skirts
Peasant skirts work fabulously with natural jewelry. We’re talking woods, leather, stones, crystals, geodes—the stuff in that vein. Go with a chunky, beaded necklace if you’re wearing a simple tank top. But reach for a daintier jewelry style if you’ve paired the skirt with a ruffly top.
You can also try non-jewelry accessories:
- Thick leather belt
- Thin rope-style belt
- Scarf
- Straw hat
- Outerwear, such as a denim jacket or cardigan
Shoes that go with peasant skirts
The go-to shoe for a peasant skirt ensemble is the thong-style, flat-heeled sandal. But these skirts work equally well with gladiator sandals, slides and block heels. Just avoid a shoe that’s too formal, like an ankle-strap heel or a pump.
Read next: How to wear a pencil skirt
Putting it together: 7 peasant skirt outfits
- Embellished tank top + wide leather belt + block heel sandals
- Simple tank + denim jacket + gladiator sandals
- Off-shoulder top + dainty necklace + thin belt + slides
- Peplum top + stone bracelets + slides
- Two tanks layered + chunky necklace + flat sandals
- Straw hat + t-shirt + aviator sunnies + flat sandals
- Crop top + denim jacket + slides
Peasant skirt FAQs
When did the peasant skirt style first become popular?
According to VintageDancer.com, peasant skirts first became popular in the U.S. in the 1940s.
Where did peasant skirts originate?
These colorful, A-line designs were initially imported from Mexico. U.S. designers eventually borrowed from the Mexican designs and similar garment trends in South America, Hawaii and Australia to produce U.S.-made peasant skirts.
What characteristics are peasant skirts known for?
Peasant skirts usually have a relaxed, flowing shape with gathered tiers or panels, a soft waistband, and a lightweight fabric that moves when you walk.
How do you style a peasant skirt?
The trick is balance. Pair your peasant skirt with simple, modern pieces like a fitted tee, ribbed tank, denim jacket, or sleek sandals. Let the skirt bring the romance, and keep the rest of your outfit clean and minimal — that’s how you get high style and high cost per wear.