Put down that mini skirt, because I have the best ways on how to wear a long skirt without looking frumpy! I’ve got you covered with my expert tips to styling long maxi skirts that flatter every body type.
I believe that long skirts are just as essential to a women’s wardrobe as a classic black pencil skirt. There are so many different ways to style long skirts that work for various occasions and they are SO comfortable to wear.
Style and function make long skirts a win win. They are also a great addition if you are building a mom capsule wardrobe as they can truly be worn in so many ways.
Are you worried that the longer length/excess fabric will have you looking frumpy instead of stylish?
Here are my top tips for styling long skirts without looking frumpy, and some long skirt outfit inspiration with looks I’ve worn that made me feel confident and comfortable!
Top 5 Tips to Wearing Long Skirts Without Looking Frumpy
Once you find a long skirt that fits your style, you’ll be surprised that many of the pieces you already have in your closet will already work well with them.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money in order to create outfits with long skirts, you just need to get creative and keep my expert tips in mind! Be sure to bookmark this post to refer back to in the future.
Tip #1 Be Aware of Proportions
The key to styling a long maxi skirt without looking frumpy is making sure to balance the proportions. Because of the longer length of the skirt, you will want to choose a top that will cinch in your waist and bring the eye upwards to elongate your look overrall.
One of my favorite ways to do this is to wear a puff sleeved top. The exaggerated shoulder is ultra flattering and really gives the illusion of a smaller waist and that hourglass silhouette.
Another way to do this is to wear a more form fitting top so balance out a flowy skirt on the bottom. This helps to not let your curves and shape of your body get lost in a bunch of fabric.
Tip #2 Cinch the Waist
I think the golden rule to wearing a long skirt without looking frumpy is to cinch in your waist! Be sure that your skirt hits your waist at the right spot to flatter your curves and not let it get lost in all of the fabric.
There are lots of ways that you can cinch in your waist when wearing a longer skirt!
- Using a belt to accentuate your waist
- Knotting your shirt to that it sits just at the top of the skirt
- Wear a form fitting top pair with a higher waisted maxi skirt
- Tucking in an oversized sweater or blouse to show off the waist
- Wear a crop top paired with a high waisted maxi skirt
Tip #3 Tuck it in
In order to watch for proportions and cinch your waist as noted in the tips above, try tucking in your flowy blouses or oversized sweaters to compliment the long length of your skirt!
Try a pullover sweater paired with a pleated maxi skirt for a more formal event, or to tuck your sweater into your bra to give that “tucked in” look and not create any excess bulk in my waist line.
You can also seamlessly get the “tucked in” look by wearing a bodysuit with a maxi skirt! This is such a simple and great way to create a flattering look for any occasion.
Tip #4 Add Height
Another tip when styling long skirts is to choose shoes with height! Whether it be high heels, or knee-high boots that have a taller shaft, the height in the boot creates a long lean silhouette and super flattering look.
I am on the petite side and I always tend to opt for shoes with a bit of a heel, it instantly gives my look a more stylish feel and I feel longer and leaner in my outfits.
This is a good option if you are on the shorter side or if you are dressing up for formal events.
You will be ultra comfortable in a flowy skirt but have the added height from your shoes to give the dressed up feel – it is a win, win!
Tip #5 Play with Patterns
Any look can be instantly more flattering if the patterns enhance your silhouette!
Try mixing a patterned top with a colored maxi skirt to bring the eye up, or use vertical pleats to give a longer silhouette.
This is a small detail that makes a big impact and can instantly turn your look from frumpy to fabulous.
You can also mix textures to create a flattering and stylish look! I paired a silky maxi skirt with a sheer polka dot bodysuit and the mix of textures and patterns created a flattering look for me to wear to a dressier event.
Best Tops to Pair with a Long Skirt
There are so many options for tops to pair with a long skirt!
You can opt for something more casual likeh a graphic tee or plain tank top, or something more formal like a satin blouse or lace top.
- Puff Sleeve Top
- Fitted Top
- Crop Tops
- Button-down shirt
- Plain Tank Top
- Plaid shirts
- Graphic tee
- Oversized sweaters
- Off Shoulder Tops
- Denim Jacket
- Leather Jacket
For a full round up here of the best kind of tops to wear with maxi skirts
Best Shoes to Pair with a Long Skirt
My top tip for the best shoes to pair with a long skirt is to think of comfort and think of your personal style.
You want to feel comfortable so that you feel confident, and you also want your shoes to represent the style and look you are wanting to achieve, combine those two tips and you will have the perfect maxi skirt and shoes pairing.
- Ankle boots
- Knee-high boots
- Sneakers
- Pointed toe heels
- Wedges
- Espadrilles
- Ballet flats
- Sandals
- Strappy heels
I have a full guide of the best shoes to wear with long skirts here.
Long Skirts to Buy Now
There are so many different types of long skirts that make it easy to find one that truly fits your personal style and silhouette.
You can find plenty of longer skirts in various skirt lengths, whether it be a long maxi skirt or a midi skirt. They also come in tons of different fabrics which help to making them appropriate for truly any occasion!
A tiered maxi skirt or leather skirt can be worn as formal wear with a black top, while floral maxi skirts and sheer maxi skirts lend a breezy style and are perfect for summer months and warmer weather events.
No matter the event you are attending, you can create a trendy look with a maxi skirt that will fit your personal style and will be ultra comfortable
The golden rule to remember when wearing long skirts without looking frumpy is finding a maxi skirt that hits you on the right place on your waist to flatter your curves and give you all of the confidence to rock your outfit!
