The black skirt is the workhorse of your closet. When you're ever in doubt about what to wear, whether it be a date, a dinner, or a work event, the black skirt can be your go-to. Whenever you're thinking of wearing jeans or pants, a black skirt can often work just as well (and make you feel like you put more effort into your outfit).

Do you prefer a mini so you can show off your legs, or do you like the lengthening power of a maxi? Do you envision yourself taking it on vacation, or is this your cold-weather staple? You don't need a different black skirt for every single context, though—a black skirt is one of the most versatile pieces you own—so which ones will work best for your aesthetic and wardrobe?

Take a look at the pics below—you may come up with more ways to style the items you have and find the gaps in your wardrobe.

Leather Midi

Karolina Kurkova shows us how it's done: This black leather skirt is particularly multifunctional because the zipper allows you to make the front slit longer or shorter. Work, an event, a date—you name it, this skirt works for most occasions. A graphic sweater like this one adds a posh, elevated note.

Leather Mini

A thick, substantial leather mini like this one is appropriate for fall and winter—it looks and feels substantial instead of light, and it's designed to hold up even in rough weather. This would be okay for work if you wear tights, a cropped blazer, and over-the-knee boots.

Simple Maxi

A black maxi knit skirt is kind of like a white t-shirt—you can throw it on and go, and it pairs with lots of things in your closet. If you want to near-match with a navy top and wear some chunky heels, you're ready to go to a happy hour and stand comfortably for hours.

Short Skirt

A black skirt for the summer is a bit lighter and more flowy (and in this case, it's a slightly more a-line shape) to be a bit more easy-breezy. If you like tights but it's too warm to wear them, opt for light, thigh-high socks.

Mini Mini

While this probably isn't the pick for work (unless you have very opaque tights underneath) this is a great warm-weather skirt for casual activities. Imagine wearing this while sightseeing and shopping somewhere sunny.

Black Satin

Black satin or silk is a great material for a skirt (if you're only going to have one skirt in your closet, this is a good choice). You can dress it up with a button-down, but the crop top underneath feels appropriate casual for drinks with friends.

Black Fringe

For those fashion mavens among us, a black skirt can be a base layer for a fabulous, edgy outfit (hello leather blazer and graphic tee!). This skirt has a cool fringe effect that matches the sneakers and shirt—it ties the look together, in other words.

Black Sporty

This wouldn't be the right move for every occasion since it's so casual, but the "athleisure black skirt" has its time and place. This is the perfect choice to run errands—just throw on a sweatshirt and sneakers and you're ready to go.

Black With a Slit

Just in case you thought a black skirt couldn't make a statement: voila! This one, with a thigh-high split, is perfect for a long night out. A matching crop top pairs beautifully, and an overshirt helps with layering if it's cold.

Black A-Line

It's giving Carrie Bradshaw..but modernized! Keep the rest of the outfit more structured, because this is a deeply feminine skirt—so it needs something to balance it out. You'll be resisting the urge to twirl all day.

Black Flare

Admittedly, you don't see this skirt shape every day. But the ruffle that starts at the hips and flares outwards gives an interesting shape—in contrast to the bulkier sweatshirt on top. It may be an adventurous look, but why not try it?

Black Midi

For an everyday walking-around look, the simple (cotton or knit) midi skirt can easily take the place of jeans or sweatpants. They can elevate a look that might otherwise feel too casual, and help you feel instantly more put-together.

Black Sheer

By contrast, if you want to elevate everything about your look, a black skirt can play along with that aesthetic too. See-through mesh material is very trendy right now, but this skirt can go over bike shorts, leggings, and pants as a cool, edgy addition.

Black With a Zipper

Unlike with the earlier leather midi, the zipper on this mini is just for decoration (meaning you can't create a slit or play with shape). Nevertheless, it's still a fun detail and adds some "toughness" that you don't get from this oversized sweater.

Black Flowy

If you're going somewhere where you're planning on eating a ton and hanging out with friends for hours, consider the loose-flowing skirt. You'll look chic, but you'll also feel like you're wearing pajamas. Bonus: wearing a poncho on top!

Black Pinstripe

A subtle pinstripe is perfect for work, sure, but it also works as a layering piece (and a nice pairing with gray pieces, since the light stripe works well with a slightly lighter color).

Black Denim

A denim maxi in black functions in much the same way any denim skirt would—to bring a casual element to your look. This highly structured top and bag need a little slouchiness, and this skirt does exactly that.

Black Pencil

A slim-fit skirt that's cut close to the body gives length to an outfit (you look and feel taller, in other words), so if you have a huge, wide jacket, it can help you look more svelte and less bulky. Also, a pencil skirt works for a ton of different contexts.

Black Suiting

A structured a-line black skirt works well in place of wide-leg black trousers. In any context where you might reach for your pants, try the skirt instead. That's a good rule of thumb when you're making any of your outfits—the black skirt may become your favorite wardrobe item.

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