The essentials in brief
You can style a maxi skirt by pairing it with a top that balances the volume of the skirt, using accessories strategically and playing with layers and textures. Click here to find more details!
To avoid looking frumpy in a maxi skirt, focus on maintaining a balanced silhouette, choose appropriate pairings and remember to use accessories and colour effectively. Find more tips here!
You should choose a maxi skirt for its versatile style, figure-flattering silhouette, comfort and ability to seamlessly adapt to any occasion or season. Want to know more?
You’ve always wanted to wear a maxi skirt but didn’t know how to style it? Fear not, we’re here to help! This blog post will answer all of your questions about how to wear a maxi skirt the right way, how to avoid looking unfashionable in it and why you choose it as an item of clothing in the first place.
Table of Contents
How to style a maxi skirt – the basics
A maxi skirt is a multitalented piece of clothing that never goes out of style. The floor-length skirts work well in any season and for almost any occasion, whether you’re going for a chic, sophisticated look or something more relaxed and bohemian.
However, dressing up a maxi skirt can sometimes be tricky, with the risk of looking too casual or not knowing what to wear with it. Here are some tips and guidelines on how to dress up a maxi skirt to look stylish and feel comfortable.
Choose the right top
The first step in dressing up a maxi skirt is choosing the right top. Depending on the style and cut of the skirt, different types of tops can enhance or ruin the look. Here are a few options we put together for you:
Form-fitting tops
If your skirt is flowing or has a lot of volume, pair it with a fitted top to balance the look. This could be a plain T-shirt, a chic bodysuit or a slim-fit button-down. Just choose one of the options that you like the best.
Loose tops
Conversely, if your maxi skirt is more fitted, you could opt for a looser, blouse-like top. Just make sure it is tucked in or half tucked in to add some waist definition and avoid looking shapeless.
Crop tops
Crop tops are a stylish option to pair with a high-waisted maxi skirt, showing a little skin without revealing too much.
Experiment with layering
Layering is a great way to dress up a maxi skirt. You can add a jacket, blazer or cardigan depending on the occasion and the weather.
Jackets and blazers
A leather jacket can give you an edgy look, a denim jacket offers a casual vibe, while a well-tailored blazer can make your maxi skirt look more formal and office-ready.
Cardigans and kimonos
A long cardigan or kimono can add an arty vibe to your outfit, and they’re also perfect for transitional weather or when you need a light layer.
Play with accessories
Accessories can make all the difference to your outfit. Want to know how? We’re here to tell you!
- Belts: Adding a belt not only accentuates your waist but also adds a fashionable element to your outfit.
- Jewellery: Depending on the occasion, add statement necklaces, chunky bracelets or simple, elegant pieces to play up your outfit.
- Bags and shoes: You can pair your maxi skirt with anything from strappy sandals and a cross-body bag for a more casual look, to high heels and a clutch for a dressier occasion. It all comes down to where you want to bring your maxi skirt.
Think pattern and colour
When dressing up a maxi skirt, keep an eye out for patterns and colours. If your skirt has a bold pattern or bright colours, pair it with a solid and neutral top and vice versa. Remember, the skirt is the star of the show, so don’t let the other pieces overwhelm it.
Safety Tips
It might sound a little weird at first to point these out to you, but there are definitely things you should keep in mind when wearing a maxi skirt and we’re going to tell you which safety precautions you should remember.
Pay attention to the length of the skirt. It shouldn’t be so long that you trip over it.
If you’re wearing heels, make sure the length of the skirt matches the height of your heels.
Consider the material of the skirt. Some fabrics can be quite slippery, so be careful when climbing stairs or walking on smooth floors.
The best tips on how to avoid looking frumpy
Styling a maxi skirt without looking frumpy can sometimes feel like a balancing act. But fear not, with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can rock this all-around garment with confidence. So let us dive into these golden rules for wearing your maxi skirt without sacrificing your unique style.
Understand your proportions
First of all, it is important to understand your body proportions. Maxi skirts, by their very nature, can take up a lot of visual space and, if not balanced correctly, can overwhelm your figure. So consider your height, body shape and where your natural waist lies.
If you’re petite, look for skirts that are cut slightly shorter, ending at the narrowest part of your ankle. This gives the illusion of longer legs. If you have an hourglass or pear shape, accentuate your waist with a high-waisted skirt and a tucked-in top.
Hint: There are five main body shapes called rectangle, inverted triangle, hourglass, pear and apple. Once you know which one of these applies to you, it’s going to be a lot easier to figure out which pieces of clothing are going to look flattering on you and which ones won’t do it for you.
Choose the perfect pairing
Pairing your maxi skirt with the right top can make all the difference. If your skirt is floaty and full, pair it with a fitted or semi-fitted top. A slim-fit T-shirt, a sleek bodysuit or even a body-hugging jumper would work well. Conversely, if your maxi skirt is more fitted, a loose top tucked in or tied at the waist could create a flattering contrast.
Embrace layers and texture
Who said layering was only for winter? Incorporating structure and layering can add depth to your outfit and prevent it from looking too plain or frumpy. A tailored blazer or cropped leather jacket adds an element of structure, defines your silhouette and prevents the “frump” factor. Remember, it is all about balance.
Tip: Choose breathable, comfortable fabrics that allow freedom of movement and always do a sit-and-walk test before you go out.
Choose strategic accessories
Accessories are your best friends when it comes to completing your maxi skirt look. A belt can accentuate your waist and add interest to your outfit. Opt for statement pieces like a bold necklace or big earrings to draw the eye up and balance out the heavy lower half.
Remember that your choice of footwear is also crucial – strappy flats or wedges can work well with maxi skirts, but avoid shoes that are too chunky or heavy.
Master the art of colour and print
When it comes to colour and print, remember that less is more. If your skirt is brightly coloured or has a bold pattern, balance it with a neutral top. However, if your skirt is a solid colour, feel free to experiment with a patterned or brightly coloured top. Harmony is the key to avoiding looking frumpy.
Why you should choose a maxi skirt
Maxi skirts are a classic staple in every woman’s wardrobe. They’ve been popular for decades, and their appeal doesn’t seem to be waning. But why? What is it about maxis that keeps them in fashion? Here’s a look at some compelling reasons why you should consider adding maxi skirts to your fashion repertoire as well.
Versatility
One of the main reasons for wearing maxi skirts is their versatility. You can dress them up or down to suit almost any occasion. Need a casual outfit for a day out? Wear a maxi skirt with a simple t-shirt and flats. Going to a formal event? Try a silk blouse and heels. The possibilities are endless.
Comfort and ease
Maxi skirts offer an unrivalled level of comfort. They’re not constricting, so you can move freely. And they come in a variety of fabrics, from light, airy cotton for summer days to warm, cosy knits for winter. We’re sure that you will find something that will support your needs.
Figure flattering
Whatever your shape or size, there’s a maxi skirt for you. They’re great for stretching your figure and making you look taller and slimmer. High-waisted maxis can accentuate the waistline, while A-line styles are perfect for balancing wider hips. So it’s not that you have to fit into the maxi skirt but the other way around. Clothing should always be made to fit you.
Seasonless style
Maxi skirts transcend the seasons. They’re just as suitable for a summer barbecue as they are for a winter holiday party. They can be worn with sandals in summer and boots in winter, making them a year-round wardrobe staple.
A long history
Maxi skirts have a rich history and were once associated with the feminist movement in the late 1960s and 1970s. Women began to wear them as a symbol of liberation, comfort and a break from the more constrictive clothing of previous decades. They are popular around the world and can be found in many traditional dress styles, from the vibrant skirts of Mexican folklorico dancers to the sarongs of Southeast Asia.
Maxi skirts – the all-round talent in your wardrobe
The epitome of style, versatility and comfort, maxi skirts are a timeless piece that can enhance any wardrobe. They allow you to transition effortlessly between occasions and seasons, promising a look that is always chic, sophisticated and comfortable. By understanding how to style and accessorize these skirts, you can truly embrace the myriad of fashion possibilities they offer.
