How to Style a Maxi Skirt? Tops, Footwear, Layers, And More

While the loose A-line silhouettes of last season are getting replaced by pleated and Y2K styles, one thing we know for sure is that maxi skirts will be around for a good amount of time now. So, it is the need of the hour for every fashionista to know how to style a maxi skirt well, so they can stay ahead of their game. 

If styled right, such skirts can make your waistline look slimmer and legs look taller, whilst smoothing out any curves or bulges that may interfere with your aesthetic. That said, if you don’t style a maxi skirt well, it can make your ensemble look too baggy, disproportionate, and messy at the bottom hem. 

So, what can you wear with a maxi skirt to style it right? This blog covers different outfits to wear with maxi skirts, such as tops, shoes, accessories, layers, etc. But, before we jump in, let’s learn a bit more about them.

  

What Is a Maxi Skirt?

A maxi skirt refers to any full-length skirt that extends all the way down to the ankles or lower. Such skirts are available in various styles suited for different body types and seasons, especially summer and fall. When you wear a skirt like this, it is usually the focal point of a silhouette, owing to its visibly long length. Hence, while maxi skirt looks absolutely gorgeous, styling them correctly can be a bit tricky. 

Now, we can all agree that maxi skirts have a sophisticated, feminine flair to them. If we take a detour to the 1910s, such long skirts would be the norm instead of an option, having a traditional, formal appeal to them. Their style would typically be structured, pleated, or puffy. 

However, for the last few decades, maxi skirts have been seen as a bohemian style — more liberating and less formal. Think: flowy cotton fabrics, ethnic and floral prints, and ruffled hems. Other maxi skirt styles have a Y2K or 90s-inspired urbane aesthetic. They are often straight-fitted (think leather, corduroy, or denim), interpreted as high-fashion. 

The following are some common types of long skirts.

Types of Maxi Skirts:

1. A-line Skirt: Such a maxi skirt has a fitted waistband that widens down to a flowy hem, giving the shape of the letter “A”. A-line maxi skirts are typically summer skirts, adorned with floral prints and ethnic motifs. They are often loose and flowy. 

2. Pleated Skirt: Pleats refer to the equally wide folds of the skirt, which give it a neat, structured look. Pleated skirts have a similar silhouette as A-line skirts, but aren’t nearly as flowy. For those who love K-fashion, a pleated skirt with an oversized sweater would be the perfect combination. 

3. Straight Skirt: A trendy revival from the popular Y2K style, straight skirts comprise straight silhouettes. This means that the hem is just slightly wider than the waistband.

4. Tiered Skirt: These are really stylish layered skirts, which give a waterfall-like aesthetic. 

5. Asymmetrical Skirt: Often comprising curly or ruffled hems, asymmetrical skirts have a flowy appearance, and are often made with lightweight, cotton-type fabrics. 

6. Bodycon Skirt: Inspired by the hobble skirts of the 1910s, bodycon skirts are figure-hugging skirts that help flaunt one’s natural curves. They are structured yet elasticated.

7. Fluted/Mermaid Skirt: Suited for sartorial occasions, fluted skirts are form-fitting to the ankles or shins, where they flare out in a semi-pleated fashion. The wider hem makes such skirts more breathable whereas the figure-hugging structure works similarly to bodycon skirts.

Now, that we have understood maxi skirts in detail, let us learn what to wear with them. 

 

How to Style a Maxi Skirt?

Considering these skirts become the point in the ensemble where the eyes go first, it makes sense to pair them with subtle tops and footwear, especially if your maxi skirt is printed and flowy. For form-fitting skirts, you can go for looser, chunkier tops such as a sweatshirt, blazer, etc. However, the shoes should still be subtle and minimalistic. 

Further, you should refer to the color wheel to pick the right colors to go with your maxi skirt. Sandwiching the maxi skirt with the same colored top and footwear is a good idea. When in doubt, you can always add a pop of color to neutrals such as blacks, browns, tan, beige, etc. 

Tops to Wear with a Maxi Skirt:

1. Strapless Top: A fitted, strapless top paired with a flowy maxi skirt is an excellent outfit for classy events, fancy dinner dates, evening parties, etc. This look can also translate into high-street fashion with softer fabrics, floral prints, and ruffle detailing. This ensemble works even better if your strapless top has a cropped fit. 

2. Spaghetti Top: Long, flowy skirts also work excellently well with spaghetti tops, the reason being the same — it perfectly balances the proportions. When trying out this look, pair a minimalistic spaghetti with a printed skirt. You can elevate this look by layering with a minimalistic, clean-look denim jacket.

3. Fitted Full-sleeved Top: Imagine a black, form-fitting, full-sleeved turtleneck paired with a contrasting long skirt. When it comes to high-street fashion, this is as good as it gets, especially for the fall season. 

That said, your full-sleeved top can comprise of any color other than black. However, ensure it doesn’t have any prints on it, so the skirt can shine! You can elevate this look with a texture contrast, such as rib-knit with leather/corduroy. 

4. Fitted Sleeveless Top: Such tops are in vogue these days and are often seen paired with flared jeans and culottes. Maxi skirts, too, can join the club of bottoms that look fantastic with such tops. Remember the key here — printed/textured bottom with a minimalist top. You can elevate this look with a metallic pendant and layered bracelets. 

5. Knotted T-shirt: A classic half-sleeved T-shirt, especially with letterhead graphic prints, would look very chic when knotted over a gingham or solid maxi skirt. Chenille, woven, or denim skirts can look great, too. Plus, this is the perfect look to wear with flat white sneakers.

Shoes to Wear with a Maxi Skirt:

1. Strappy Sandals: The best thing about strappy sandals is that they add a stylish touch to your look without pulling too much attention. Moreover, they are not very chunky, so you don’t have to worry about the shoes stacking clumsily under the hem of your maxi skirt. 

2. Slides: Flats with straps that are braided, tufted, criss-crossed, belted, etc. work really well with long skirts. Such footwear humbly envelops itself under the skirt’s cover, peeking out slightly, just to give a hint of its cute aesthetic, while tying the whole look together. 

3. Gladiator Sandals: These sandals are bare and ornate at the same time, which makes them perfect to wear with maxi dresses. Gladiator sandals with roped straps or a basketweave aesthetic blend beautifully with summer skirts (picture yourself strolling through a beach in that outfit!). For sartorial occasions such as parties, metallic gladiators would be perfect to spruce the look of your maxi skirt!

4. Ballet Flats: Casual maxi skirts work really well with ballet flats, too. This can be a pair made in heaven if the skirt has minimal embellishment, such as a denim or corduroy skirt. Moreover, a little bow on the shoes can work as a cherry on top for this ensemble!

5. Pumps: While long skirts make you look taller as they are, adding a chic pair of pumps to the mix can enhance this further! Low pumps, or even kitten heels can work well for this. While black is the color best suited for this look, you can sandwich the maxi skirt by throwing in heels of the same color as your top — a more put-together ensemble! 

That said, you don’t necessarily have to wear a long skirt with heels, as the outfit itself can elongate your figure well on its own. If you still have to go for heeled sandals, pick a minimalistic pair that doesn’t fight for attention or extinguish the look of your skirt.

Accessories to Wear with a Maxi Skirt: 

1. Straw Hat: You can create a tropical goddess look by simply throwing in a wide-brimmed straw hat to go with your floral maxi skirt. The hat works perfectly to tie the look together. This is the go-to ensemble for beach days and vacations — something that never goes out of style! 

2. Crossbody Bags: Like the straw hat, a crossbody bag with a basketweave or fringed aesthetic can add that beachy, nature-inspired touch to enhance the appeal of your maxi skirt. And, the two accessories complement each other quite well, too.

3. Danglers: If you’re pairing your maxi skirt with a sleeveless, strapless, or spaghetti top, danglers would be the perfect type of earrings to go with it. Fringed, feathered, layered metallic threaders, chandeliers, and statement earrings are some types that would look absolutely stunning with the outfit!

4. Layered Bracelets: The tops mentioned right above can leave your wrists feeling bare. Hence, it is a great idea to accessorize your maxi skirt look with stacked bracelets. The kind of bracelets you go for depends on the aesthetic of the skirt.

Cooling rocks, pearls, charms, and shells look incredible with summer skirts, whereas dainty metallic wristlets look gorgeous with leather or corduroy skirts. Colorful braided and strapped bracelets look incredible with denim maxi skirts, especially if you’re going for a suave, street-style look.

5. Layered Outerwear: Clean-look denim jackets, leather jackets, and belted blazers can elevate the look of a maxi skirt. However, avoid layers like kimonos and shrugs, as they exaggerate the loose droopy look of the skirt, making your ensemble look bleak and untidy. 

Many people appreciate how beautiful maxi skirts look, but shy away from adding them to their wardrobes as they can be difficult to pair and style. Learning how to style a maxi skirt helps you explore different aesthetics and elevate your style. In addition to balancing proportions and selecting the right color palette, it is important to choose the right outfits to go with your body type. So go ahead and style your favorite long skirts! Happy styling!