Ask Allie: How to Style a Kilt

I have a knee-length red plaid woolen kilt I picked up on a college trip to Scotland almost 20 years ago. I trek it out once a season or so, usually around the holidays, but I like it and am trying to think of ways to get more wear out of it beyond the expected “Going to the Nutcracker” kind of look. Any ideas?

Yes, that skirt deserves to come out more than once a year! However I do understand the issue with looking too holiday, as though you’re wearing a costume, or trying to fit into a style that doesn't feel as natural as other styles may be. The best way to wear a kilt is to style it as though it is not a kilt, confusing I know, but we'll get into it a bit more. Steer clear of traditional pairings and add something unexpected and it will look fresh and modern.

If you're reading this and 2025 and feel like it looks familiar, that's because it is. I originally posted this in 2014 but felt like it needed new life breathed into it. Kilts are incredibly chic and trendy, I even touched on this in my recent post about how to style long skirts. Now, let's look at a few new ways to style a kilt with today's trends.

How to Style a Kilt

Gray will tone down the red and keep it from feeling Christmas-y. While a cashmere crewneck and white button-front is pretty classic, pairing the look with modern black leather ankle boots keeps it modern and even a little edgy. Hair and makeup can really make this look; keep both relaxed and a bit disheveled. Beachy waves and a bit of kohl will go a long way and look far more modern than polished hair and red lips.

Add a bit of a tough edge to your classic kilt with leather. A black leather jacket and biker boots will be a modern contrast. Unlike the above look, style such an ensemble with very polished hair and face to keep it from looking like a costume; smooth hair with red lips and gently flushed cheeks will look fresh.

A bit of purposeful rumpling will take a look from prep overload to modern cool. A gray tweed blazer with a tailored fit is a great pairing for your kilt; roll the sleeves and maybe pop the collar to keep it from feeling like a uniform. A classic Breton tee is a pattern that will mix nicely with the plaid and also keep it from feeling too much like a uniform. A pair of tall boots with a solid heel will finish the look and keep you warm.

Kilt Outfits For Women

Casual Weekend Vibes

From brunch to relaxing afternoon strolls, a kilt is the perfect choice for an elevated but laid-back look. This tie-waist pleated skirt is long enough to be comfortable and relaxed, but not too long to where you feel like it's impossible to style. Depending on the setting, you can almost get away with any shoe style as long as it isn't a chunky boot that will catch the hem the wrong way. Black ankle boots and a block heel create a versatile, minimalistic design, but sneakers will look just as complimentary and be even more comfortable.

As for the top goes, a turtleneck in a neutral color will create a sleek and streamlined effect that keeps you cozy. You can always opt for a fun pop of color, but I recommend making sure it's complementary to the skirt (for example, since this skirt only features a red and black design, you may want to stick with red.)

Elevated Office Chic

Because kilts are making such a comeback, don't be afraid to incorporate them into the business casual portion of your wardrobe. It's a fun way to maintain a polished, office-appropriate look. This brown herringbone kilt from Boden trades the traditional tartan-inspired design for a more solid print style, making it feel fresh and modern.

Because the skirt features a more neutral design, you have a little more creative freedom with your top. Look for soft fabrics like silk or chiffon and subtle prints like pinstripe or polkadot. The lightweight fabric will make it easy to gently tuck the top into the skirt and you won't have to worry about clashing colors or patterns. For a pop of color, this “Topiary Green” oversized pocket shirt is both stylish and professional. Maintain the cohesive, professional vibe with black heeled loafers or pointed-toe pumps!

Smart-Casual With a Blazer

If you're creating an outfit for meetings, brunches, or a casual Friday at work, a kilt can bring a sort of modern edge that still feels refined. Since you're going bold with your skirt choice, a crisp white button-down with the sleeves rolled up makes an effortlessly chic look. To keep it from looking to “school-girl”, try wearing a tailored, oversized blazer to complement the outfit and give it a classic, timeless feel.

Similar to earlier, you can pair this kilt with heels or loafers to maintain a more cohesive, professional look, or you can wear a pair of trendy sneakers to keep it modern and fun—it all depends on the level of comfort and formality you're aiming to achieve. A structured handbag and simple jewelry can tie everything together for an overall polished look.

Flowy and Fun

Sometimes all a woman wants is a flowy skirt to feel feminine and free. A flowing, wrap-style kilt in a soft plaid or muted checkered print will drape over soft curves beautifully, and you can layer the look however you feel best accommodates the temperature. A simple knit sweater, a cardigan, a denim jacket—your options are endless. If the weather is too warm for layers, leave them at home and style the kilt with trendy tee, instead.

Ballet flats, low-heeled boots, or sneakers would pair perfectly with this look. It keeps it fun and versatile, and you won't feel like you're dressing up to go to a fancy dinner. For a chic summertime look, you can even accessorize with a wide-brimmed hat, because why not?

Elevated Edge For a Night Out

You may not think of a kilt as an “edgy night out look” but fashion is ever-changing and there are no rules. That's the fun of creating looks as a Grown-Ass Woman, you get to wear whatever you want!

As far as tops go, it can feel hard to find that “going out top” as a Grown Woman, which is why I made this post dedicated to tons of top options. When styling a kilt, you can go for a one-shoulder style, skin prints, a dramatic drape, or a traditional black top, there's no “wrong answer.” And for shoes and accessories, wear what makes you feel best. If that's a pair of sneakers, great. If it's your tried-and-true going out heels that haven't failed you for the past decade, great. All that matters is that you find comfort and joy in what you wear. At the end of the day, that's all every woman wants!

I hope these tips help you style kilts in a new, modern, and fresh way. Kilts may have found their way into the fashion world a long time ago, but they've made a comeback and are ready for a place in your closet. How would you style a kilt in 2025? Let me know in the comments, I'd love to read all about it!