As a short, full-figured woman, I’ve always avoided flowy maxi skirts. This is because I’ve seen them looking quite frumpy and overwhelming on several women.
Needless to say, my opinion has changed after seeing Kim Kardashian in matching sets of flowy maxi skirts in the last year. Considering she’s only 5’2 and has hips for ages, the reality star has figured out how to pull off this intimidating look.
As it turns out, the secret is to wear a skirt that hugs your hips elegantly and then flows from there. Tall women do not have to worry about this part as most flowy maxi skirts will elongate their legs and slim them down. However, the right top and shoes also matter a lot, and that’s what we will discuss here.
What to Wear with a Flowy Maxi Skirt
Keep It Simple with a Fitted Top
A plain top, a tank top, a body suit, a camis, and even a fitted t-shirt will work really well with a flowy maxi skirt. Try to tuck in the top if it goes past waist length. Allowing the skirt’s entire length to show helps make you look taller and shapely. If you wear a t-shirt, you can make a knot on the waist instead of tucking it in.
For my friends under 40 years, a somewhat loose crop top can really make the skirt shine. It’s a simple summer look that feels like you put some thought into the outfit.
Try a Button-down Shirt for a Classier Look
Flowy maxi skirts have a very casual vibe in most cases. The one way I found to counteract this is to wear a button-down shirt, depending on the look you want to achieve. For a more semi-formal look, go with a crisp official shirt and tuck it in the skirt with a belt.
You can fold back the sleeves if you want a more relaxed look or make a knot on the waist instead of tucking in. A denim button-down also looks great with a flowy maxi, and it’s a better option for cooler months.
Pair the Skirt with a Sweater in Cold Weather
Plain flowy maxi skirt with a loose-fitting sweater-the perfect casual outfit in fall. It really doesn’t get easier than this, and yet it looks so damn good. You can let the sweater stay free and loose like that or tuck the front part in the skirt a little bit. Feel free also to fold back your sleeves and accessorize over the sweater to make it look classier.
If you are not a sweater fan, a cardigan will do just fine. Choose a simple cardigan that doesn’t go below your hip bone. It should be the same length as a regular blazer to avoid cutting your body. Leave the sweater open, and then wear a long necklace and earrings to elongate your torso.
Layer the Skirt
Layering is the easiest way to add interest to a maxi skirt. For casual situations, a nice denim or leather jacket over a fitting top works perfectly. You can even do a denim vest when it’s hot and simple shoes.
This outfit, however is more official, as you can see. That flowy black skirt with a pink blazer looks like a match made in fashion heaven. The black top she’s wearing tones down the outfit even more so it looks more formal, and the belt does wonders as well.
Belt Up
There’s something about wearing a belt on a flowy maxi skirt that makes all the difference. This works best if the skirt has a true waist or a low waist. So far, I have only seen women wearing brown, black, or gold belts because these colors pop without crashing with the outfit.
The size of the belt depends on the look you want to achieve and the skirt itself. If you aim for a formal look like the one above, a wider belt is best to structure the skirt. Save slim belts for more casual situations. Here’s a discussion on how to pull off a belt if your skirt doesn’t have loops.
Wear Back Closed Shoes
If you have ever worn a flowy maxi skirt, you know they tend to get stuck inside the back of your open shoes, so you step on them and trip yourself. It’s really a dangerous and annoying thing. The solution to this is to wear back-closed shoes or fully closed shoes like Barbie flats. So now that I’m a fan of flowy maxi skirts, I have invested in closed flats, wedges, and strappy heels with a closed back and espadrilles.
Accessorize like a Boho Chic
With the exception of a formal office look, flowy maxi skirts are a boho woman’s style. This look, therefore, calls for jewelry, shoes, and accessories that befit a bohemian woman. Start with colorful, overwhelming jewelry but stick to your taste.
If you like natural jewelry, stick to that, so you feel comfortable. For those of us who prefer gold and silver, feel free to go overboard with bangles and ring stacks as Kim Kardashian does.
Sometimes you can also switch the necklaces with a scarf and your classy handbag with something more bohemian. Boho women are very fun, so feel free to lean into the look to the best of your ability.
Yes, all you have to do is balance proportions. Find a flowy skirt that skims your hips and then flows elegantly. Match this with a fitting top, shirt or sweater, and accessorize accordingly. You can also try layering with a hip-length jacket or blazer.
Most flowy maxi skirts go all the way down to the floor and get trapped in your open shoes. You can avoid this by wearing back-closed shoes like gladiators, pumps, flats, wedges, and sneakers. Also, if you are short, look for a shoe with some height to make you taller.
