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How to Wear a Maxi Skirt in 2024 (with pictures)

Maxi skirts have gone from becoming a hot fashion trend to a total wardrobe staple. Yet how to wear a maxi skirt is still a question I get asked–a lot!

Other than pairing your maxi skirt with a plain tank top, how else can you style a maxi skirt?

Spoiler alert: There are PLENTY of ways!

From tulle maxi skirts to column skirts, patterned skirts, pleated skirts, sheer skirts, striped skirts–there are tons of long skirts to choose from!

What’s more, long skirts work for just about anything, from formal events to casual summer outfits. They’re truly a wardrobe staple and look great on just about any body type.

chicwish timeless favorite yellow maxi skirt

Recently, I got a gorgeous chiffon maxi skirt and it made me fall in love with maxi skirts all over again.

It’s my favorite maxi skirt and makes me feel like a Princess.

Not to mention, it’s gorgeous for just about any event!

chicwish timeless favorite yellow maxi skirt

Check out this roundup of maxi skirt outfits so you can get some ideas on how to style long skirts.

 

How to Wear a Maxi Skirt: The Ultimate Guide

1. Try a Crop Top with Your Maxi

crop top maxi skirt

{Photo via This Time Tomorrow}

Just like you would with a pair of high-waisted jeans, a crop top looks great with a high-waisted maxi skirt and it’s arguably one of the hottest ways to wear a maxi skirt this season.

If you’re a little afraid of the crop top, try one that only shows a bit of skin.

I do this by sizing up and pairing it with a high-waisted maxi skirt.

It’s also a great way to style a long skirt in the summer months.

This floral maxi skirt (linked similar) looks gorgeous paired with a white top, which perfectly picks up the main shade of the skirt.

It’s probably one of my favorite ways to wear a maxi skirt and so easy to recreate.

PRO TIP: If you’re wearing a floral or print maxi skirt like this one, stick with a solid-colored top.


RELATED: How to Wear a Crop Top When You Don’t Have Abs


2. Pair Your Maxi Skirt with a Button-Down Top

belt maxi skirt button down

{Photo via The Memorandum}

A causal way to style a maxi skirt is with a belt and a cool and casual button-down. 

This pleated maxi skirt is just dreamy and I love how the button-down balances out the floaty feel.

Since the maxi skirt is a solid color, it looks great paired with a print shirt that picks up on the color of the skirt.

This linen maxi skirt outfit is effortlessly chic. The camel-colored leather Valentino belt adds a hint of luxury to this outfit and it perfectly matches the heels and handbag.

Linen simultaneously reads more casual and luxurious; leather accents are a clever way to make this look more polished

3. Try a Full Skirt with a Fitted Top

tulle-skirt-hello-fashion

{Photo via Hello Fashion}

Got a gorgeous tulle maxi skirt like this one? Or perhaps something chiffon, silky or a sequin maxi? Let the volume do all the talking and pair it with a fitted long sleeve top or a bodysuit.

Right now, I’m obsessing over gorgeous tulle maxi skirts like these from Chicwish that are under $100! 

This look is great for special occasions as it’s gorgeous and glamorous.

Here’s another example of a long skirt paired with a bodysuit:

CHICWISH TULLE SKIRT

This tulle skirt is technically a midi skirt, but you can see how the full skirt is balanced out with the bodysuit.

I love the ruffle details and styled it with my Dior J’Adore pumps.

A classic heel like this also works great if you’re looking for what shoes to wear with a maxi skirt!

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4. Belt Your Maxi Skirt with a Denim Shirt

maxi skirt with belt

Photo via Style Pantry

A skinny belt or statement belt are a great way to define your waist when wearing a maxi skirt, and it looks great with this denim shirt!

This maxi skirt look is easy to recreate with just about any top such as a short, long sleeve top or even a tank, too.

If you have a skirt in bright colors like this a chambray shirt is a great “neutral” to try. But you could also go bold in contrasting colors as well as stick to basics like a white T-shirt.

This chiffon skirt comes in 6 colors and is under $50! 

5. Layer Your Long Skirt

how to wear a maxi skirt: style a black maxi skirt with a belt and a blazer

{Photo via Style and Blog}

An easy way to add interest to any outfit is to layer, and the maxi skirt is no exception.

Whether you’ve got a denim vest in your closet or are thinking of layering with a tank and cropped leather jacket, layering is a smart way to add style to your maxi skirt outfit. 

A black maxi skirt like this one is a versatile piece to add to your wardrobe. While this photo above is technically a maxi dress, the concept works for both!

Another popular way to layer with a long skirt is to try a denim jacket. It’s a great look for the spring season and looks cute styled with a statement necklace.

To get the look, let the necklace and skirt do the talking and pick a shirt that is solid-colored or striped.

Don’t have a statement necklace? Try a cute scarf like this look seen on Extra Petite. It’s a classic combination that will never go out of style.

She also proves that you can wear long skirts if you’re short! The length of the skirt elongates her frame for a look that’s casual yet put together.

PRO TIP: If your maxi skirt is too long, consider getting petite sizing or visiting a tailor.

6. Keep it Simple with a T-Shirt

maxi skirt t-shirt

{Photo via Cichic}

If you’re looking for ideas on how to wear long skirts casually, try this look with a basic tucked-in T-shirt.

Even though this blush maxi skirt is on the dressier side, the casual top makes the look less dressy.

This is probably one of my favorite ways to wear a maxi skirt as it looks effortlessly stylish and everyone has a cute tee in their closet.

7. Style a Graphic Tee with a Maxi Skirt

maxi skirt with graphic tee outfit

Speaking of T-shirts, you can also style a graphic tee shirt with a maxi skirt like this outfit.

Since my T-shirt was a little on the long side, I did a simple knot to balance out the look. It’s tucked underneath with a small hair tie!

This floral maxi skirt is gorgeous for spring and summer, and would make a cute summer brunch outfit, too!

7. Try a Monochromatic Look

chicwish velvet maxi skirt

If you’re looking for an elegant maxi skirt, this velvet tiered skirt from Chicwish is a great choice.

I paired this with a blush-toned tank but you could also wear this with a simple white tank top (for warmer weather) or a long-sleeve top in the winter .

8. Go for a White Maxi Skirt

A white maxi skirt is a warm weather must-have and looks gorgeous for beach vacations!

Try an all-white look like this two-piece set from Lulu’s, which also comes in pink and sage green.

Keep it simple, and summer-ready, with a pair of wedges or flat sandals.

An off-white maxi skirt paired with a short-sleeve knit is a great way to try the white skirt trend in the spring months.

backless white summer maxi dress from Lulus

PRO TIP: When it comes to summer maxi skirts and dresses like this, I personally don’t mind if the skirt drags a little.

9. Style Your Maxi Skirt with Boots

I’ll be the first to admit that wearing a long skirt with boots isn’t the easiest look to pull off, but when it’s done right it’s such a chic look!

To pull this off, look for a maxi or midi skirt that shows a bit of ankle. This print skirt is gorgeous for fall and looks great styled with a plain black top or crop.

10. Keep it Simple with a Matching Set

rosette maxi skirt with matching top

I’m a sucker for a matching maxi skirt moment. It’s very on-trend for 2024 and so simple–you have an instant outfit!

The skirt does run large on this set so I would recommend sizing down. Crop top is sold separate.

Still not sure what top to wear with long skirts? Keep it simple and go for a matching set.

There are soooo many good ones to try, like this glamorous look (sold as separates) featuring an ultra shimmery fabric that would look outstanding at a special summer event or other formal occasions.

Headed on a beach vacation? This gorgeous flowy maxi skirt is bright and beautiful.

11. Try a High-Low Maxi Skirt

This wouldn’t be a complete roundup of long skirt outfits if I didn’t include the high-low maxi skirt.

If you want to wear ankle boots, regular boots or show of a pair of sandals, then a high-low maxi skirt like this one is the way to go.

A long skirt like this still shows some leg so your boots (or sandals) still show.

amazon maxi skirt outfit

Speaking of a high-low maxi skirt, you may find one like this one that shows a little leg!

I love the ruffle detail on this maxi skirt (an Amazon find!) and styled it with some sandals and a lace cami.

You could also add a blazer on top for a chic look.

And, in the fall, I’ve worn this same maxi skirt with boots!

12. How to Wear a Maxi Skirt in the Winter

Velvet in the winter is always a good idea. So I also styled this maxi skirt during the holidays!

I layered this gorgeous cardigan over my shoulders and wore a lace cami and heels.

Knit Sweater with Maxi Skirt in Winter

via @marvaldel

The light shade of this maxi skirt makes this a perfect piece to transition to spring fashion.

Layer with a light neutral sweater and coordinate your handbag with your shoes for a timeless, classic outfit.

Choosing the Right Top for Your Maxi Skirt

  • Instead of a voluminous top, look for more fitted tees, tanks, bodysuits and crop tops. Sometimes I just take a plain top and knot it! Just be sure you don’t choose one with too much fabric.
  • In the colder months, try a sweater that’s either slightly cropped or somewhat tucked in. Don’t go for a sweater that’s too chunky and will look bulky under your skirt.
  • When in doubt, try a white blouse. It goes with pretty much anything.
  • Stay away from peplum tops, which have pretty much gone out of style in 2021.

The Right Shoes to Wear with Long Skirts

Figuring out what shoes to wear with maxi skirts can also be tricky business. Generally speaking, you’ll want high heels, whether that be open-toe or a classic closed-toe heel.

In the summer season, if your skirt doesn’t drag, then you can get away with wearing your maxi skirt with sandals. But if it’s dragging, definitely bust out the heels!

You can also try wedges if you’re wearing a long skirt in the spring and summer months. Just make sure your shoes aren’t so tall that your skirt looks awkwardly short.

Can You wear boots with a maxi skirt?

You sure can! This look can really be ultraaaaaa chic.

I styled that black ruffle skirt above with some boots in the fall and it looks great! It’s also an excellent way to wear your maxi skirts year-round.

Where to Shop for Long Skirts

One of my personal favorite places to shop for long skirts is Chicwish, they have some of the best maxi skirts and gorgeous styles to choose from.

From solid-colored maxi skirts to prints, florals and more, there is a huge variety and the quality is great.

If you’re looking for a dressy maxi skirt, maybe to wear to a wedding or special occasion, definitely peruse the selection at Revolve. They have some seriously sexy long skirts and both dressy and casual styles.

Right now, they also have a huge selection of maxi skirts with matching tops. So if you’re wanting in all-in-one outfit that’s foolproof, definitely check them out.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are so many different ways to wear long maxi skirts. And it’s a trend you can wear during the cold weather months or the spring and summer, too!

Try floral skirts for spring; styling your skirt in the fall? Try accessorizing with a floppy hat and a cropped jacket or blazer.

If you’re still feeling unsure, you can always keep it simple with a white tee or plain blouse. You can play around with layers, like necklaces, scarves and jackets, until you’re ready for a more fashion-forward look.

SHOP MAXI SKIRTS

What’s your favorite way to style a maxi skirt? Let me know in the comments below!

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9 Comments

  1. I have to try these tips and put them with a guy styling. See I am a dude that’s so into maxi skirts, but don’t want them to look girly. Plus you gave me some great ideas. Like adding a mens button up shirt a belt. I could leave part of the top unbuttoned and let my chest hair do the talking. Like a 1970s disco or I can add a classic neck tie for that dress casual look.

    I can do a pair of loafers, sneakers or dress shoes.

    You got my mind blown with endless ideas

    1. Hi Dave, so happy this was helpful! I agree a men’s button up + loafers would be a good look. Thanks for reading!

  2. I’m still not sure how to choose.
    I have rectangle shape so I’m supposed to wear it high waisted so I don’t look too boxy but at the same time, I’m quite busty and short so my stomach just disappear which in turn makes me look shorter.

  3. Love the tip. I am 5.9″ and I mostly wear long pleated skirts with a loose top , like simple tee. Love it and I have decided to wear only skirts everyday for summer. Lol. I have lose to 25 maxi skirts.

  4. I’m afraid I have tried every which way to wear this skirt and I still look like a frumpy oomph loompa 🙁 I’m only 5’3 and curvy so the look doesn’t for me 🙁 boo

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