I’ve been living in this white linen maxi skirt lately. Like, embarrassingly often. I’ve worn it a few different ways in the last couple weeks and Tommy hasn’t even noticed... The post How to Style A Maxi Skirt (the Grown-Up, Non-Frumpy Guide) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.
I’ve been living in this white linen maxi skirt lately. Like, embarrassingly often. I’ve worn it a few different ways in the last couple weeks and Tommy hasn’t even noticed it’s the same skirt. Is that a compliment, or is Tommy just not that observant?
If you’ve been nervous about the length or worried it’ll look like too much fabric or shapeless. I get it. Length can feel tricky, especially if you’re on the shorter side like me. I’m 5’1″ and one of my favorite tricks is to shop midi skirts instead, because a lot of maxis don’t come in petite. On me, a midi hits right at the ankle and reads as a full maxi.
But whether you’re petite or not, a good maxi skirt works in just about every season. It can feel really polished without being too fussy. I’ve figured out a few things that make all the difference, and I’m sharing all of it below. How to style a maxi skirt–the grown-up edition.
My Favorite Maxi Skirts
Linen Maxi Skirt – This skirt is the one I referenced above that I’ve been wearing nonstop. First, it’s linen and flows beautifully. Second, it’s white and goes.with.everything. If you only have one maxi skirt in your wardrobe. This is the one.
Quince Organic Poplin Tiered Maxi Skirt – This Quince skirt is a great dupe for my favorite Prado Maxi skirt from Tuckernuck, which is unfortunately sold out. I love how instantly polished this one feels, even paired with just a white tee. It’s lightweight and flowy, which is basically the whole job of a maxi skirt. If you’re curious about the quality, my Quince review covers everything you’d want to know before ordering.
Amazon Cotton Poplin Skirt – This one is a frequent wear for me because it’s so lightweight, easy, and affordable. This is technically a midi skirt, but a perfect example of where I went with a midi vs. maxi and it hits me near the ankle. And both lengths are cute in this A-line silhouette.
How to Style a Maxi Skirt
The biggest thing I’ve learned (especially being on the shorter side) is that proportion is everything. You don’t want to drown in fabric, but you also don’t want to feel constricted. A few things that consistently work for me:
- Define your waist. Whether it’s a tuck, a belt, or a fitted top, you need something to break up the length and give your silhouette shape. Skipping this step is usually what makes a maxi look frumpy instead of intentional.
- Balance the volume. If your skirt is flowy and full, keep your top fitted or structured. If your skirt is more streamlined, you have room to play with a looser top or a cropped layer.
- Think about your shoes. Even a small heel or a simple slide sandal adds just enough length to keep the proportions balanced. Flat sneakers work too, but if you’re petite, a little height goes a long way.
Maxi Skirt Outfits
Below are seven maxi skirt outfit combinations. Three of them are built around the same white linen skirt (because yes, I really have worn it that many times).
1. Oversized Shirt + White Linen Maxi
There’s something about this pairing that feels so classy. Out of all the looks, I think this is my favorite combo and the one that earns “the grown up maxi guide” title. I wore this exact outfit to run errands and ended up at an impromptu lunch and felt completely appropriate for both. The key is the tuck. Pull the front in loosely at the waistband and let the rest fall.
And if you want more ideas on how to style a button-down, this button-down styling post has a ton of ideas, including some of my favorite Frank & Eileen pieces that work really well with a maxi.
Shop the Look:
Poplin Oversized Shirt / The Linen Maxi Skirt / Straw Tote / SAM EDELMAN Loraine Bit Loafer / Agape 18k Gold Necklace / Fisher Sunglasses
2. Structured Vest + Maxi Skirt
Structured vests are everywhere right now and I think a maxi skirt is one of the best ways to wear one. I love pairing a structured vest like this one with a cotton poplin maxi and it brings instant polish to the outfit. Go monochrome for a clean tonal look, or mix in some texture like linen or tweed. This one translates really well to the office too. Throw on any of these comfortable work shoes and you’re good.
3. Cardigan + White Linen Maxi
I feel like a cardigan over a fitted tank is the easiest maxi skirt outfit to pull off because you likely already have a lot of these options in your closet. A cropped cardigan can keep the proportion right and is perfect for in-between weather without making the outfit feel heavy. I like this style with a fitted tank, that way you can throw the cardigan on or drape it over your shoulders. And if you want more cardigan styling ideas, this cardigan styling post has a lot of good options.
Shop the Look:
Mongolian Cashmere Cropped Crew Cardigan / FREE PEOPLE Clean Lines Muscle Camisole / The Linen Maxi Skirt / The Fonteyn Ballet Flat in Cognac Nappa / MUUN Sophiecoton Straw Bag in Ecru / Silverlake Frame Sunglasses
4. Chunky Knit Sweater + Maxi
This combo is a great seasonal transition outfit. Try a chunky knit sweater half-tucked into the waistband of your skirt. The texture plays really well against a flowy maxi and it ends up looking a lot more put-together than it sounds. If your sweater has a pattern or fun detail, choose a solid more simple maxi skirt. If you have a basic sweater, dressing up the outfit with a floral skirt would be a fun option. Just don’t go bold with the top and bottom.
A pointed boot or flat is all you need to finish it off. And if you’re trying to stretch your warm-weather clothes a little longer, these summer to fall transition outfits have a lot of good ideas.
5. Fitted Top + Maxi Skirt
This is the easiest, most obvious way to style a maxi skirt. A fitted sleeveless top tucked into a high-waisted maxi takes about three minutes to put together and it’s simple and chic. The accessories in this combo can often make the outfit. A raffia bag and a cognac sandal are what make a more plain outfit look intentional.
Shop the Look:
IVY CITY CO Journey Top / The Linen Maxi Skirt / Women’s Nina Sandals in Cognac / J.CREW Handknotted Raffia Clutch / Silverlake Frame Sunglasses / Rectangle Ring
6. White Tee + Maxi Skirt
A white tee and a maxi skirt sounds too simple to be a real outfit, but it’s not. Tuck a white tee into a maxi skirt, and add a leather belt and a crossbody bag. A pair of my favorite white sneakers or neutral sandals from this roundup work really well with this simple and comfortable look. You’re ready for errands, lunch, or school pickup.
7. Graphic Tee + Maxi Skirt
I feel like people underestimate how good a graphic tee looks with a maxi skirt. Abercrombie has really good vintage-inspired graphic tees right now. Knot the tee or tuck it in. There isn’t a better look out there made for a skirt with sneakers. This look is the most casual and will win you points in the “cool mom” department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a maxi skirt?
A maxi skirt is a long skirt that falls to the ankle or grazes the floor. They come in everything from flowy linen to ribbed knit to satin, and the silhouette ranges from straight and sleek to tiered and voluminous. There’s a style for pretty much every closet and every occasion.
Are maxi skirts in style?
Yes, and they’ve gotten a lot more popular and easy to style in recent years. I’ve seen them styled with everything from sneakers and graphic tees to blouses and ballet flats. They work for almost any occasion and have moved well past the boho-festival look they used to be associated with.
What’s the difference between a maxi skirt and a midi skirt?
Length. A midi skirt falls somewhere around mid-calf, while a maxi hits at the ankle or floor. Midi skirts tend to feel a little more structured; maxis have more of a relaxed, flowy feel. And one of my favorite petite tricks: shopping midi lengths often gets you the look of a maxi without the hemming. On me at 5’1″, a midi hits right at the ankle and looks like a maxi!
What shoes look best with a maxi skirt?
Sandals, ballet flats, loafers, and boots all work well. Sneakers can work for a casual look too. The one thing I’d avoid is a very chunky platform. It tends to look off-balance with the length of a maxi.
Are maxi skirts flattering for all body types?
I think so, but the styling matters. The key for most people is waist definition. Tuck in your top, add a belt, or choose a fitted layer on top. This helps the skirt look flattering regardless of your shape. The “frumpy maxi” look almost always comes from skipping that step, not from the skirt itself.
I’m off to wear my white linen maxi in another one of these outfit combos to see if Tommy notices. I think I’ll try outfit #7 to score myself some “cool-mom” points while I’m at it. I also rounded up my favorite purses if you’re looking for a bag to finish any of these looks.
Shop The Post
The post How to Style A Maxi Skirt (the Grown-Up, Non-Frumpy Guide) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.
