How to Style a Long Skirt: 8 Maxi Skirt Outfit Ideas

A maxi skirt is a long article of clothing that falls from the waistline to the mid-calf or ankle. Maxi skirts can be loose and flowy or tight-fitting, and they come in many colors, prints, and materials. You can wear your favorite slitted maxi skirt on a date night with knee-high boots and a leather jacket, or pair a pleated maxi skirt with sneakers and a solid color T-shirt for a comfy daytime look.

There are three main categories of skirts: mini, midi, and maxi.

1. 1. Maxi skirts: Also known as long skirts, maxi skirts fall between the mid-calf and ankle. You can wear long maxi skirts for all occasions, whether social or professional.
2. 2. Midi skirts: These skirts fall between mini and maxi skirt lengths, with a hemline that ends at or near your knee. Midi skirts are popular for both professional and social settings, as they’re a versatile garment you can dress up or down. For example, you can wear pencil skirts to work with a button-down or opt for a graphic tee for a casual look.
3. 3. Mini skirts: A mini skirt has a hemline that falls above the knee, typically around the mid-thigh.

Learn how to wear a maxi skirt with these styling tips:

1. 1. Contrast a flowy skirt with a fitted top. Tight crop tops, tank tops, or camis work well with long skirts that feature layers of chiffon or tulle. Tuck a plain tank top into a high-waisted tulle skirt, or during the winter, create a similar high-waisted maxi skirt look with a fitted turtleneck.
2. 2. Dress up your outfit with heels. For a formal event or special occasion, swap your sneakers for a pair of high heels. Try wearing a short, chunky heel or wedge with your long skirt, or create a more formal look with stilettos or knee-high boots.
3. 3. Finish the look off with a jacket. You can stay warm while still making a fashion statement by pairing your long skirt with a jacket. Wear a denim jacket with your long skirt for a casual daytime look, or pair your maxi skirt with a leather jacket to create an edgy look. Opt for a business casual look by pairing a pleated skirt with a blazer.
4. 4. Go for a casual look with sneakers. Comfy and versatile, sneakers can turn a long dressy skirt into a playful casual outfit. Wear your skirt with a white T-shirt or denim shirt, and finish the look with white sneakers.
5. 5. Mix prints and fabrics for a bold look. Incorporate prints and patterns to create a fun outfit. Pair a floral maxi skirt with a boho long-sleeve shirt, try a printed maxi skirt with a lace top, or wear a long denim skirt with a floral-print cami or pastel-colored top.
6. 6. Opt for a monochrome look. Maxi skirts create a long silhouette that works well for elegant, minimalist looks. Embrace a sleek, monochromatic look by pairing a black maxi skirt with a sleeveless black top or a white maxi skirt with a white T-shirt.
7. 7. Pair your skirt with a sweater in cold weather. Style your long skirt with a cardigan or pullover sweater during colder months. Tuck your sweater in, or wear it over the top of the skirt and cinch your waist with a belt.
8. 8. Style with an off-the-shoulder top. Pairing an off-shoulder top with a long skirt creates a chic look. This summer outfit style works well with monochromatic pieces—try a white skirt with a white top and flat sandals for an easy, beachy look.

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