"I have always been someone who gravitated toward dresses. To me, they have always been the secret weapon of fashion—a one-stop shop outfit that helps you look pulled together without ever having to think too hard about it. And, while my love of dresses certainly has remained since having kids, I will say that I have realized one fatal flaw in the design of some of my midi or mini dress styles when there are young humans running around: They will do anything they can to pull them up.
Between the amount of time you spend on the ground with an infant or toddler and the amount of running after them you have to do as they get older, the short and midi dresses I often opted for quickly became an aspirational piece rather than a realistic one. I was spending far too much time freaked out about flashing people instead of just living in the moment with an outfit where that wasn’t a concern.
While, of course, bike shorts under dresses and skirts are always a great option, I soon discovered many of my favorite brands had a secret weapon that seemed made for this problem: skorts and skort dresses. These skirts and dresses come with hidden shorts underneath, making them not only stylish but also functional as a parent who doesn’t want to flash the public at a moment’s notice.
And as we enter the warmest time of the year, I’ve been recommending this style to all my mom friends as the perfect item to stock up your closet with for summer.
Why skorts are the perfect fashion pick for moms
Am I the only parent who didn’t realize how much time I’d be spending on the ground with the 5-and-under set? From newborn tummy time to playing with dolls, I find I am constantly lying down on our living room floor to entertain children. And, honestly, that is simply not the most comfortable time to be wearing a dress sans shorts.
Whether it’s playing on the ground with your kids or just wanting to run out and do some errands in a quick comfy outfit, my secret weapon is wearing a skort or skort dress. This style comes in a variety of options, from denim mini skirts with interior shorts to athletic dresses with built-in compression shorts. But they all have one thing in common: They’re comfortable, look great, and don’t come with the added fear of flashing anyone. And for that reason, they are my number one fashion item for the summer season.
How to style a skort
Whether it’s dressing up for an outdoor event (a must in the summer!) or simply hanging around the house and running errands, there are numerous options for skorts and skort dresses that can fit any occasion.
For skort dresses, one of my favorite options is the Show Me Your Mumu Nina Skort Dress. This skort dress can be dressed up or down. While the mini skirt length may look intimidating, don’t be scared. There are built-in shorts to make it particularly practical! For daytime, style it with an oversized denim jacket, or pair it with some heels for a nighttime look.
Mini skorts are also an option, giving you the choice to wear a shorter length with built-in shorts for comfort. This Gap Sailor Skort is a particularly great look for a nautical moment. It’s one that would pair perfectly with the striped DOEN Andrea Tank.
Finally, you can take a bit of athletic inspiration for a more athleisure-inspired skort dress or skort. Whether you actually are going to hit the pickleball courts or simply want a comfy athletic-inspired look (I’d fall into the latter category), the Tuckernuck x Studio McGee White Regan Sport Dress comes with a pleated skirt and compression shorts underneath. Pair it with a pullover for an outfit that can be worn on or off the courts.
My favorite skort picks
Popflex’s Pirouette Skort went viral last summer when Taylor Swift was pictured wearing the style. Now, you can purchase both a skort version as well as a full babydoll dress (with built-in shorts, of course). The skirt is incredibly flirty and fun, and the simple top works perfectly on its own or underneath a crop top for a fun look. I’ve worn this one out with a denim jacket for errands and out with friends.
10+ colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – 3X
This is a skort dress I recommend to everyone. I have multiple colors of the Abercrombie Traveler Dress, which is as cute as it is comfy. The style has been a favorite of mine to wear at Disney World, where I’ve worn it open-to-close at the theme parks without any issue (which is just about the biggest test you could put a piece of clothing through).
2 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL
Made with moisture-wicking fabric, the pleated skirt can be worn for tennis and pickleball or paired with a tank or T-shirt for a day out. It’s incredibly versatile and comes in a few different colors you can play with!
3 color available
sizes XXS – XXL
When I want a skort dress that I can really take from day to night, this style is it. The corset bodice is fashionable and fun, while the shorts underneath make me feel a little more confident wearing the mini length. The Blissful Garden Gala print is my top pick for summer and looks great with a denim jacket or dressed up with some heels for a night out.
5 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – XXL
I am not at all an athletic person, but I often like to dress like one. This pleated sports dress is incredibly comfortable, with a built-in sports bra and compression shorts. But it also is wearable workout gear, meaning you won’t get any looks wearing it out with the kids or to run errands.
sizes XS – XXL
Other skort options to shop
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The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Morgan Flaherty, Contributing Writer
Morgan is full-time writer, editor, and mom. Along with her work as a contributing writer for The Everymom on all things Disney World, beauty products, and the latest fashion trends, her writing has appeared in Well + Good, InStyle, Scary Mommy, Byrdie, and Baby Chick.