Tulip Skirts and Mermaid Skirts: The Designer Edit and How to Wear One

A tulip skirt is fitted through the hip and knee and then opens into a fluted hem, so its silhouette looks like an upturned tulip; the deeper version is the mermaid skirt. Our lead is the Sergio Hudson White Tulip Skirt and its black twin, the Black Tulip Skirt; browse more in designer midi skirts and pencil skirts.

Key facts

• Searches: about 6,600 a month worldwide for tulip skirts and 18,100 for mermaid skirts
• Pieces in this edit: 7, from 3 houses
• Price range: $400 to $4,070
• Tulip vs mermaid: a tulip flares gently at the knee; a mermaid flares more dramatically
• Best for: the office, weddings, cocktail parties

Tulip, mermaid and trumpet

The three names describe how far down and how wide the flare is. A tulip skirt opens just below the knee with a soft fluted hem. A trumpet opens a little higher, mid thigh to knee. A mermaid stays fitted longest and then flares most, which is why it appears so often in evening dresses. All three need a fitted waist and a good lining to fall properly.

The tulip skirt edit

1. Sergio Hudson White Tulip Skirt, $2,300

Stretch wool crepe, fitted to the knee before a fluted tulip hem. Lined in silk, made in the USA.

2. Sergio Hudson Black Tulip Skirt, $2,300

The black version, for the black collarless suit.

3. Sergio Hudson Green Tulip Dress, $4,070

The Sergio Hudson tulip dress in green: the same fluted hem on a fitted wool dress with bell sleeves.

4. Sergio Hudson Black Tulip Dress, $4,070

The black tulip dress, with a floral appliqué at the shoulder.

5. Sergio Hudson Black Pencil Skirt, $1,710

The Sergio Hudson black pencil skirt, for when you want the line without the flare.

6. Camilla and Marc Mahdavi Elasticated Tulip Skirt in Black, $400

Camilla and Marc Mahdavi elasticated tulip skirt in black, the easy option.

7. Markarian June Cornflower And Mint Brocade Asymmetric Flounce Midi Skirt, $2,558

Markarian June asymmetric flounce midi skirt in cornflower and mint brocade.

How to wear a tulip skirt

Keep the top fitted and tucked, so the waist stays defined: a fine knit, a bodysuit, a white button down shirt. A matching jacket turns it into a suit; the Sergio Hudson tulip skirts were cut to go with the White Collarless Jacket and the Black Collarless Jacket. Wear a pointed heel, as the flare needs height to swing. For winter, add sheer black tights. More ideas in how to wear a pencil skirt and midi pencil skirts.

What makes a good tulip skirt

Three things: a firm waistband that sits at the natural waist, a cloth with enough weight to hold the flute, and a lining. Stretch wool crepe, as Sergio Hudson uses, is ideal, because it fits closely without pulling and keeps the hem sculpted. Look at the back too: a vent and a zip that sits flat tell you the skirt was cut for walking, not only for standing still.

Tulip skirt, tulip dress: which to choose

If you want one piece that works for the office and for dinner, the skirt is more versatile because it changes with every top. If you want a single outfit for events, the Sergio Hudson tulip dress gives the same shape with bell sleeves and a mock neck, and needs only a heel.

Frequently asked questions

What is a tulip skirt?

A skirt fitted through the hip and knee that opens into a soft fluted hem, like an upturned tulip.

What is the difference between a tulip skirt and a mermaid skirt?

A mermaid skirt stays fitted for longer and flares more dramatically at the hem.

Are tulip skirts flattering?

Yes. The fitted top defines the waist and hip, and the flare balances the shape.

What shoes go with a tulip skirt?

A pointed heel, ideally, so the hem can swing. Slingbacks work for daytime.

What top goes with a tulip skirt?

Something fitted and tucked: a fine knit, a shirt, a bodysuit, a matching jacket.

Can you wear a tulip skirt to work?

Yes, in black, white and navy wool, with a jacket.

Keep reading: collarless blazers, white button down shirts, designer pencil skirts, suede skirts and Sergio Hudson Fall 2026.

Sources and method

Brand facts come from sergiohudson.com (the product pages, read on 27 October 2026) and published interviews and coverage of the label. Prices are the Coveti prices on 27 October 2026, and every piece listed was in stock at Coveti that day. Search demand figures are worldwide monthly averages from Google Ads keyword data (DataForSEO), cross-checked in Ahrefs. Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Coveti.