The maxi skirt is a comfortable and forgiving choice for most body shapes and a nice fill-in when you forget to shave but don’t want to wear pants. Admittedly, that description makes maxi skirts sound as stylish as an old pair of sweats — but the opposite is true. Style and comfort co-exist in this piece, and I’m going to show you how.
Quick read: Easy maxi skirt outfits
Styling your long skirt for maxi-impact is simple. To start, try one of these easy options.
- Cropped denim jacket. A cropped jacket provides nice structure and weight atop a flowy, lightweight maxi. This look works well with sneakers. The result is a polished ensemble that keeps you comfortable for city sightseeing and running-around days.
- Plain white t-shirt. Don’t underestimate the power of a clean white t-shirt. This simple piece works beautifully with a patterned skirt. If it’s not a cropped t-shirt, tuck it in so your waist is on display.
- Blouse and belt. Upgraded maxi skirts take on an elevated, classy tone when paired with a statement blouse and belt.
- Cropped knit. A tidy knit top shows off your curves in all the right ways.
- Cute vest. A vest hugs your body like a knit, but is slightly more forgiving. The body contouring top balances out a maxi’s volume nicely.
- Graphic t-shirt. An edgy t-shirt works surprisingly well with a girly maxi skirt. See the proof below.
Read next: The Budget Fashionista’s guide to skirts
1. Cropped jacket
With all that length, the maxi skirt creates a lean, flattering silhouette. Play that up by pairing your skirt with a cropped jacket, as seen here on @kateogata. You’ll have legs for days!
2. Plain white tee
Who says plain white t-shirts are boring? They’re anything but when you use them as the partner for a peasant skirt or an eye-popping maxi skirt, as @elyssedw shows so masterfully. The brilliant orange-red hue demands something less ostentatious on top. And white is fresh, summery, and feminine all at once.
3. Blouse and belt
The style of your maxi skirt also plays a role in determining what you wear with it. An upgraded style demands a higher-end top, as shown by @s.tylin. She pairs a satin skirt with a statement blouse, taking care to keep the palette nearly monochrome. The addition of a narrow black belt provides a lovely waist-defining, finishing touch.
4. Cropped knit
A short sweater or cardigan teamed with a maxi makes for a fabulous transition outfit. If you want ultimate versatility, unbutton the cardi and wear it over a t-shirt.
As @melodydefrias demonstrates, this combo works in total balance — while retaining the easy, breezy vibe of the skirt. You can customize your shape to some extent with this ensemble, too. Melody leaves the bottom cardi button undone, for example. You could opt for a different hem length or experiment with the shape of your cardigan, such as a peplum or banded-hem style.
5. Cute vest
If you’re feeling like maxi-skirt outfits create a proportional imbalance between your top and bottom halves, try a long or short vest. @_ssiana shows how her choice of vest elongates her top half, creating beautiful balance for the whole outfit.
6. A graphic tee
There are some looks that just don’t seem very plausible when you lay them out on your bed. But putting a body in those clothes always changes the dynamic — especially when you can top the outfit with a confident glow. That’s the beauty of pairing a graphic tee with a vibrant skirt, as @lieben_____wir (Bianca) so brilliantly shows off. It’s fun, fearless, and spirited all at once.