How To Wear A Maxi Skirt – 20 Best Outfits

The ultimate guide to style that maxi skirt in ways that will make you look spectacular.

Reviewed by Grace Thomas, Fashion Stylist
Written by Pratima Ati, MSc
Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)
Fact-checked by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant  • 

Just like maxi dresses, maxi skirts made an incredible comeback, too, and obviously, for all the right reasons – this type of clothing is easy to wear, comfortable, and always looks flawlessly trendy. So if you want to know how to wear a maxi skirt, then be glad to know that you have brought yourself to the right page. Today, in this article, we will teach you how to wear them in a way that you appear as a showstopper. You can team these skirts with literally anything – from a casual tee to an elegant top, from sneakers and sports shoes to chic heels. So, get ready to steal the show because we have got you covered. Now, go ahead and read this article. Come on!

Ace The Look
  • Pattern: People who are bottom-heavy can opt for maxi skirts in solid colors, whereas people with a petite figure can experiment with big patterns.
  • Color: People with an hourglass figure can don maxi skirts in dark shades like black, mahogany, or seaweed green, while boxy body shapes can go for vivid hues like yellow and fuchsia.
  • Makeup: Nude or soft-glam makeup styles create a delicate, feminine look with flowy maxi skirts.
  • Footwear: High-heeled pumps or any type of pencil heel can be paired with maxi skirts to make you look taller.
protip_icon Quick Tip
The length of a maxi skirt can range from lower calf to ground length. Skirts reaching the upper-calf lengths are called midi.

Different Ways To Wear A Maxi Skirt

  1. Vertical Striped Maxi Skirt With Jacket And Boots
  2. Chiffon Maxi Skirt With A Center Split
  3. Black Printed Maxi Skirt With A White Shirt
  4. Blue Printed Maxi Skirt With A Belt
  5. Burgundy Maxi Skirt With An Off Shoulder Top
  6. Pastel Pleated Maxi Skirt With A White Tank Top
  7. Gray Cotton Maxi Skirt With A Printed Sleeveless Top
  8. High Waisted Maxi Skirt With A Plain White Top
  9. Indian Ethnic Maxi Skirt With White Shirt And Tribal Jewelry
  10. Black Pleated Maxi Skirt In Sheer Fabric
  11. Floral Maxi Skirt With Denim Shirt/Jacket
  12. Long Blue Maxi Skirt With A Plain Top
  13. Light Maxi Skirt In Chiffon Fabric With A Side Split
  14. Knotted Maxi Skirt
  15. Tulle Maxi Skirt With Frills And A Plain Top
  16. Pleated Maxi Skirt With A White Lace Top
  17. Black Cotton Maxi Skirt With A Side Split
  18. Lularoe Maxi Skirt Converted Into A Tube Top
  19. Black Horizontal Striped Maxi Skirt
  20. Plain Black Maxi Skirt With A Tie & Dye Top

There’s no right or wrong way of doing this, so if we need to address the big question – “How To Wear A Maxi Skirt?”, I might give you more than one answer, more like 20! Yes, 20 ways of wearing a maxi dress! And, there’s one that’s meant for each of us. Something to lean on and build upon.

1. Vertical Striped Maxi Skirt With Jacket And Boots

Pair your vertical striped maxi skirt with a jacket
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Image: Shutterstock

Vertical stripes are a staple for maxis. You could go with a similar design in any color and match it with a contrast plain tank top, and throw on a leather jacket, fedora hat, and either boots or shoes (both look equally good). And it also makes for a perfect winter/fall evening dress.

Lead Stylist Grace Thomas recommends, “If wearing as an evening dress, I would pair the skirt with heels and a blazer or more formal jacket rather than a leather jacket.”

Lydia Tomlinson, a YouTuber, switches the leather jacket with a blazer for a formal work outfit. She feels the long oversized blazer with some elements on it pairs nicely with maxi skirt. “I think this cropped blazer really lands itself nice with a maxi skirt, especially if you want to elongate your legs and it’s a really easy way to do crop jacket with long skirt because it draws your eyes right down and creates that really nice long blend (i).”

2. Chiffon Maxi Skirt With A Center Split

Chiffon maxi skirt with a center split in summer
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Image: Instagram @shop.ltk

An outfit that screams summer – airy, breezy, and chic. A simple white tank top, wedges, and a pair of shades are all you need to add oomph and individuality to your summer day out.

3. Black Printed Maxi Skirt With A White Shirt

Wear your black printed maxi skirt with a white shirt
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Image: Instagram

We can never have too many maxi skirts, can we? There are so many ways of styling your maxi skirt, yet, when you look at a new style, it feels fresh. Here’s one such effortless outfit idea you must try if you have not already.

4. Blue Printed Maxi Skirt With A Belt

Wear your blue printed maxi skirt with a belt
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Image: Instagram @nirtakenna22

An outfit idea that is slightly offbeat, but a lot of fun. Just tuck in your printed T-shirt and bump it up with a belt, peep toes or platform heels during spring and summers. You can match the outfit with boots if it’s fall.

5. Burgundy Maxi Skirt With An Off Shoulder Top

You thought you could not wear a maxi skirt to a slightly formal setup, didn’t you? A beautiful burgundy skirt matched with an off-shoulder lace top makes for a classy outfit.

Grace Thomas advises, “Make sure to pick a maxi skirt made or a dressier fabric like silk or chiffon for this type of event.”

6. Pastel Pleated Maxi Skirt With A White Tank Top

Wear your pastel pleated maxi skirt with a white tank top
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Image: Instagram @elisafymrock

Pleated maxi skirts in pastel colors with undertones of peach, pink, mint green, olive green, etc. give you an elegant feminine silhouette. Either wear a plain top or a floral one, and a chunky piece of necklace or a string of pearls – anyway, it’s a total win-win.

7. Gray Cotton Maxi Skirt With A Printed Sleeveless Top

Wear your gray cotton maxi skirt with a printed sleevless top
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Image: Instagram @sdiosas

If you do not have a gray maxi skirt yet, just get one already. There is just something about the color that makes it go fabulously with almost everything.

8. High Waisted Maxi Skirt With A Plain White Top

Wear your high waisted maxi skirt with a plain white top
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Image: Instagram

A high waistline maxi skirt needs no other accessories. Just the skirt and a crop top will complete the look. You can opt to tuck in a top if you are not comfortable with crop tops. Minimalistic, yet stylish.

protip_icon Quick Tip
If you have a short build, high-waisted maxi skirts can help create the illusion of height. Wear a pair of heels to complement the effect.

9. Indian Ethnic Maxi Skirt With White Shirt And Tribal Jewelry

Wear your ethnic maxi skirt with a white shirt
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Image: Instagram @stylepatakha

The best part about the ethnic maxi skirts is that they swing both ways. A simple ikat pattern  long skirt can be paired with a crop top, an off-shoulder, a tank, whatever, for a Bohemian theme. Go with chunky pieces of oxidized silver jewelry to take it to the next level. Or, you could wear it with traditional tops made with Banaras or raw silk material to make it work for special occasions. Women with just about any body type can wear these skirts. If you fall under the pear or apple shaped body type and have apprehensions, just drop it all and go with this maxi skirt style.

10. Black Pleated Maxi Skirt In Sheer Fabric

Wear your black pleated sheer maxi skirt in summer
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Image: Instagram @euphoria_capitola

If you have a petite body and think long, overarching maxi skirts fall flat, here’s something that is meant for you. The sheer fabric gives definition to the inner skirt, and it goes with almost any kind of top. Add a pair of heeled sandals to elongate your legs even more so.

11. Floral Maxi Skirt With Denim Shirt/Jacket

Wear your floral maxi skirt with denim jacket
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Image: Instagram @jackiegiardina

Keep up with the spring vibes in this floral maxi skirt, but add extra layering with a denim jacket or shirt to look urbane and chic. If pairing this look with a denim jacket, opt for a style that hits right at your waist. You can opt out of it too, but floral with denim is an eclectic choice of outfit.

12. Long Blue Maxi Skirt With A Plain Top

Wear your long blue maxi skirt with a plain top
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Image: Instagram @churchchicfashionista

Are you struggling to style your printed maxi skirt? Hang on for a second. Just pick that plain black T-shirt, tuck it in, pull up your pumps, and add some junk jewelry if you please. High-neck T-shirts work both ways – with or without neckpieces. The hemline is just right, ending at the ankles.

13. Light Maxi Skirt In Chiffon Fabric With A Side Split

Wear your chiffon maxi skirt with a side split in summer
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Image: Instagram @impresaboutiquenc

Wondering what to wear to a date night? Is a maxi skirt one of your options? You should go with it. It looks effortless and totally fitting.

14. Knotted Maxi Skirt

Wear your knotted maxi skirt with a denim jacket
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Image: Instagram

Just like knotted maxi dresses, knotted maxi skirts are so in. See the difference a simple design element can make to an outfit.

15. Tulle Maxi Skirt With Frills And A Plain Top

Wear your tulle maxi skirt with a plain top
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Image: Instagram @frillfashion

A tulle or lace maxi skirt by itself is an accessory that needs nothing else. Be it an evening soiree you have planned or a date night, this classic yet modest outfit are dreamy and whimsical.

16. Pleated Maxi Skirt With A White Lace Top

Wear your pleated maxi skirt with a white lace top
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Image: Instagram @huxleyandharper

Here’s another way to style your pleated maxi skirt. Because we can never get enough of off shoulder tops.

17. Black Cotton Maxi Skirt With A Side Split

Wear your black cotton maxi skirt with a side split for parties
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Image: Instagram

You know what is better than a long black cotton skirt? A long, black, cotton skirt with slits. Yes, that with a crop top will make you look like a diva. If you are not comfortable with crop tops and have a curvy body type, just go with any top of your choice. That’s the thing with maxi skirts – people of all body types and proportions can wear them.

18. Lularoe Maxi Skirt Converted Into A Strapless Dress

Convert your maxi skirt into a tube top
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Image: Instagram @lularoesheenaanderson

I’m not sure if you have heard of this, but the flattering Lularoe maxi skirt has been a rage since its inception. The concept is to take one piece of garment and convert it into many styles. Like a maxi style skirt, it can be styled as a strapless dress, a high waisted skirt, or a low waisted skirt, etc. It’s also perfect for pregnant women because it stretches and takes your body shape.

19.  Black Horizontal Striped Maxi Skirt

Wear black horizontal striped maxi skirt with belt, boots and hat
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Image: Instagram @pentecostalgirlclothing

Another design option for the hourglass and petite body types. You can pair this skirt with simple tank tops, shirts or loose and flowing tops. Accessories like belt, boots, hats, and statement jewelry are other interesting ways to customize your look.

protip_icon Quick Tip
As a general rule horizontal stripes have a widening effect, therefore, they do not go well with plus-size body types. Vertical stripes on flowy cuts are a better option for a slimming effect.

20. Plain Black Maxi Skirt With A Tie & Dye Top

Wear your plain black maxi skirt with a tie and dye top
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Image: Instagram

An uber chic way of styling your plain black maxi skirt is to pair it up with a tie and dye top. Looks like a maxi dress from the front and a maxi skirt from behind. Style your hair into some beachy waves, and you’re well on your way to your next beach vacation.

  • How To Wear A Maxi Skirt In Summer
Ways to wear your maxi skirt in summer
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Image: Instagram @dresses_oxox

Keep your summer maxi skirts airy, flowy, soft, and breezy. Make it all about tanks and asymmetrical maxi skirts. Pair it with spaghetti tops, go for cotton skirts with tank tops, or convert maxi skirts into strapless dresses. Style your hair in a messy bun or beachy waves, strut around in flip flops, throw on statement jewelry, and enjoy the weather. Don’t worry if you were not able to crack the summer body this season, you can still have a work around.

  • How To Wear A Maxi Skirt In Winter
Ways to wear your maxi skirt in winter
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Image: Instagram @dressing_the_world

In winters, it is all about layers. So, do a lot of denim, leather jackets, sweaters, and scarves. Like we discussed, boots are welcome too!

Here are some tips to style your long skirt in winter.

  1. Pair your long skirt with a chunky knit sweater. You can tuck in the sweater partially or fully, depending on the waistband of the skirt.
  2. Add accessories like a scarf, gloves, or a beanie to complete your look and stay cozy in the cold weather.
  3. Wear leggings or tights underneath your skirt for extra warmth.
  4. Long skirts look fantastic with knee-high or ankle boots during the winter. They offer a stylish look while keeping your feet warm.
  5. You can pair your maxi skirt with a trench coat or faux fur jacket for added warmth and style. Also, depending on the length of the skirt, you can experiment with different lengths, going for a cropped or longer coat.
  • How To Wear A Maxi Skirt In Spring
Ways to wear your maxi skirt in spring
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Image: Instagram @yaniragiselle

Add a lot of floral, colour and fun while styling your maxi skirt. Because that is what spring is all about, isn’t it?

Infographic: 8 Stylish Summer Maxi Skirt Looks

Fashion trends may come and go, but a maxi skirt has a charm of its own. Most of us prefer maxi skirts for cooler and breezier weather. However, you should know that maxi skirts are just as amazing for summer. We have listed a round-up of maxi skirt combos that are perfect for the summers. Check them out in the infographic below.

8 stylish summer maxi skrit looks (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The types of maxi skirts are endless. We are spoilt for choice, and we cannot blame ourselves for it, can we? And now that you know how to style a maxi skirt with different tops, it is time for you to flaunt it on all your outings. So get yourself a maxi skirt, and experiment with it to create different looks. But as you look for one, make sure that the fabric is of supreme quality. Your body deserves love. Do not suffocate it with an unbreathable fabric that irritates the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to wear a maxi skirt without looking fat?

Avoid a head-to-toe figure-hugging outfit. The idea is to leave either the top or the bottom part of your outfit more flowing. So, the fabrics you choose and the tops you pair them with will make all the difference, meaning, make you look slimmer. Another way is to add subtle layers like a half denim jacket, plaid shirts tied at the waist, etc., to steer the focus away.

How to wear a maxi skirt if you’re short?

Do not go for long and billowed upskirt models. Go with straight cuts, and preferably with vertical stripes. The design makes you look taller by creating an illusion. Of course, always go for platform heels, wedges, or pumps; otherwise, you might be unable to keep your balance and topple over your skirt.

How to wear long skirts without looking frumpy?

Pair prints with plain and do not go overboard with the colors, design, layers, etc. Too much of anything is not good. Balancing out the proportions by picking one slimming item in your look will help.

What shoes to wear with a maxi dress?

Usually, anything elevated should be your choice of footwear for maxi dresses. Even if you are tall, a little elevation adds to the silhouette. For shorter women, it will prevent your skirt from falling under your feet. Having said that, gladiators, flip-flops, pumps, boots, shoes, and just about anything goes with maxi skirts.

Are maxi skirts out of style in 2022?

Not at all. With new creative ways of styling old outfits being a constant trend, the maxi skirt is thriving and fits perfectly with spring and fall styling options.

Do maxi skirts look good on everyone?

Yes, there is a maxi skirt out there for everyone. Maxi skirts are versatile in terms of styling. Therefore, as long as one knows their body type, they can find a maxi skirt style that would suit them.

Do you tuck the shirt into a maxi skirt?

You can tuck your shirts into your maxi skirt for casual, party, and semi-formal looks.

Are maxi skirts practical?

Maxi skirts are a perfect combination of comfort, practicality, beauty, and grace. Flowy maxi skirts allow much room for movement and are airy.

What is the difference between a maxi skirt and a midi skirt?

A maxi skirt is ankle or floor-length. The midi skirt falls between the knees and calves in length.

Can you wear a maxi skirt as a dress?

You can wear certain types of maxi skirts as a dress. Many fashion influencers on the internet share wonderful tips to pair maxi skirts with belts, shirts, and jackets to make super stylish dresses out of them.

Key Takeaways

  • You can style your maxi skirts for every season with different kinds of tops, shoes, and accessories.
  • Maxi skirts with bright colors, floral prints, and flowy fabrics are ideal for summer and spring.
  • You can pair your breezy maxi skirts with spaghetti, tube, cotton, and lace tops and throw on a piece of statement jewelry for added style, confidence, and attitude.
  • Pair up dark-colored maxi skirts with leather jackets, sweaters, and scarves to look uber cool and chic during the winter.
How To Wear A Maxi Skirt

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Find the perfect maxi outfit to wow everyone! Check out this video to learn 5 different ways to style a maxi skirt!

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