How To Style a Maxi Skirt (At Any Age)

Hello!

Today’s post was a request from my beautiful Mama. She was looking for some maxi skirt outfit inspiration for (in her words) “older” women. 🙂

Maxi Skirts can be overwhelming to put outfits together with. Learning to get the right proportions for your body type is important when styling a long skirt. So I’ve done a lot of research and compiled a list of tips for styling your maxi skirts this Spring and Summer! I’d love your feedback and to hear any of your tricks for styling maxi skirt outfits.

Tip #1: Don’t Pattern Mix

I’m sure if you searched my blog for “pattern mixing” I tell you to do it somewhere, but I think when it comes to Maxi Skirts, you should shy away from pattern mixing. When you start adding more than 1 pattern, your look gets busy and can take away from an otherwise stellar outfit.

Tip #2: Pick the Right Print

If you carry your weight in your waist/hips/bottom half, choose a medium size print or abstract print maxi skirt. Avoid the skirts that fold over at the top, you don’t want to add that bulkiness. Also avoid horizontal stripes. Then, accent it with a solid colored top. White, black, or light gray can really compliment a print without taking away from it.

I avoid the clingy cotton maxi skirts and go for the solid color polyester maxi skirt. They are little more forgiving in the hip region and you can easily mix and match tops and cardigans/jackets with them.

Tip #3: Know When to Tuck Your Top

Depending on the material and shape of the skirt, you can tuck your top in, or even half-tuck it. Another cool option is to knot it on the side! If you skirt is not too flowy, you can even wear your top out. If you do this, add a denim jacket or an unbuttoned chambray blouse on top to polish the look off. For a dressier look, add a leather jacket.

PS- I know I just said ‘avoid horizontal stripes’ but with the skirt I’m wearing below I consider that more of a “color block” than stripes. Just wanted to clarify- haha! I tucked my white tee here and added a longer vest to even out my proportions since I am short waisted.

Here I am wearing my shirt out completely and added this utility jacket to even out the proportions and hide any bulkiness that my happen with the shirt being untucked.

Tip #4: Accessorize Sparingly

When you rock a maxi skirt, you’re already very “swishy” if you will, when you walk, hah! So… when you add 85 bangle bracelets and a few long necklaces, you’re like a walking jingle bell. Avoid this by choosing a neutral flat or dressy pair of sandals and ONE long necklace to elongate your torso. 🙂

Another option is to skip the necklace and add a belt. This is especially a good idea if you’ve added a cardigan or duster to your look. “Belting” a look like this gives the needed shape to an otherwise very flowy or shapeless outfit.

Here I went for the statement earring and bracelet + pop of color bag, where as above, I went with the statement earring and necklace + belt combo! It’s all about balance and moderation with the accessories.

Tip #5: Choose the Right Shoes

For a dressier look, choose a closed toe flat or wedges. For casual outfits, flip flops and open toed chunky heels work really well with maxi skirts!

I hope these tips help you to style more maxi skirt outfits!

Thanks for reading!

xoxo – Taylor