Long skirts are classic staples.
Long skirt outfits are perfect for year-round weather, especially during transitioning weather and confusing temperatures. They instantly elevate and add a touch of femininity to any outfit!
Long skirts are also incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up or down, which makes it easy to transition from a casual to dressy outfit in a single day. You can go from brunching with friends in the afternoon to having dinner at a fancy restaurant in the same skirt.
You can even make long skirts weather and season appropriate by choosing the right material and style. Keep reading on for these tips!
However, wearing long skirts can be tricky. Some people avoid wearing long skirts because they don’t know how to wear long skirts without looking frumpy
This can easily be avoided and I’ll show you how.
Keep reading to learn my tips and get inspired with cute long skirt outfits!
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In This Post ➜
7 Outfit Ideas For Long Skirts
Struggling to figure out what to wear with your long skirts? Keep reading for inspiration for tops and shoes to wear with long skirts.
Get ready for some aesthetic long skirt outfits for all types of occasions!
- Slip Skirt
Slip skirts were traditionally worn as négligées or worn under skirts and dresses for a smoother look, but now it’s the main focus. These body-skimming pieces are super flattering and easy to wear. They can be office appropriate or dressed down for a night out with friends.
Wear it with a simple white tee and sneakers for a casual, but effortlessly chic outfit.
Heading to the office or formal dinner event? Switch the sneakers for a pair of strappy nude heels and swap the tee with a cute blouse. This outfit is a great way to wear long skirts without looking frumpy.
- Leather Skirt
A leather skirt is a classic staple for the fall and winter season. They also come in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns that you can experiment with. Elevate your wardrobe and add a bit of edginess with a leather skirt.
Keep the outfit casual and simple with a bodysuit for an instant and securely tucked in look. Wear a pair of sleek, black booties to complete the outfit.
Dress it up for business-casual events by switching the bodysuit with a chic, neutral colored sweater.
- Knit Skirt
Not only do knit skirts keep your legs warm in the cold, but they have an elegant and laid-back vibe that makes it so versatile. You can wear one to brunch with friends or to a fancy dinner without a problem.
They’re also perfect for transitional weather and baffling temperatures (a.k.a. a cold office). Wear a knit skirt casually with chunky white sneakers and pair it with a cute crop top.
Eating at a fancy restaurant? Swap the sneakers for a pair of heeled, black booties and switch the top to a crisp, white button down.
- Patterned Skirt
Patterned skirts are fun to experiment with and add an interesting detail to your outfit. I particularly love stripes, color blocking, snakeskin and floral printed skirts. A plaid print is also a very fall and winter appropriate pattern.
Wear your favorite patterned skirt with an off-shoulder top and a pair of sandals for a comfy and cute casual look.
Patterned skirts can be tricky to wear to dressy events. I would recommend wearing classic prints, such as thin stripes, in neutral colors and avoiding floral patterns for formal events. This fun outfit is a stylish way to wear long skirts without looking frumpy.
- Denim Skirt
The denim skirt is a classic staple that always seems to make its comeback every year. Denim skirts are the ultimate summer staple. It also comes in a variety of washes and distressed detailing.
Pair a denim skirt with a fitted tank and cute heeled sandals for a casual day out. Unfortunately, denim skirts are not recommended for dressy or formal events, though.
- Tulle Or Mesh Skirts
Tulle or mesh overlay skirts are so much fun to wear and exciting to style. They are made of a fine netting material that is sheer and lightweight. This voluminous and floaty fabric is feminine and whimsical. It’s the type of fabric you would imagine a princess wearing.
However, you don’t need to be a fairytale princess to rock a tulle skirt. They are surprisingly versatile too. Wear a fitted top to balance out the extra volume from the tulle skirt.
Contrast the feminine vibe with a pair of black faux-leather, pointed booties for a slightly edgier element. Swap the fitted tank for a chic blouse for dressier occasions.
Long tulle skirts are notoriously hard to style, so his outfit is a great way to wear long tulle skirts without looking frumpy.
This would also make a great long skirt outfit for weddings or other dressier events!
- Matching Skirt & Top Co-ord Or Set
Not ready to coordinate a full outfit yourself? Get a matching skirt and top set. These sets are designed to be worn together (or separately if you wish). They make outfit decisions in a snap and look effortlessly stylish.
Pair the matching set with your favorite casual shoes or put on a pair of pumps for dressy events.
How To Wear Long Skirts Without Looking Frumpy
Long skirt outfits can be difficult to coordinate if you don’t know what you’re doing. The key to looking amazing in long skirts is to balance your proportions. Otherwise, it can look very unflattering or frumpy.
The general rule of thumb is to wear form-fitting tops with flared, flowy, or voluminous long skirts. In contrast, oversized and loose-fitting tops will work well with long skirts that hug your body. The point is to have the bottom or top of the outfit loose.
In addition, tucking in the top, especially with oversized tops, will help define and highlight the waist area. Tucking in the top with high-waisted skirts will also elongate the legs, which is perfect for long skirt outfits.
The point is to have the bottom or top of the outfit loose.
Also, follow the Rule of Thirds or the Golden Ratio Strategy to create flattering proportions. Essentially, the unbalanced ratio of ⅓ or ⅔ is the most aesthetically pleasing and interesting to look at. Read more about how the Rule of Thirds can be applied here.
Following these tips will make your long skirt look good and help hide insecurities, such as a big stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Tops Can I Wear With Long Skirts?
The key to looking good in long skirts without looking frumpy is to pair a flowy skirt with a fitted top. This fit contrast will help balance out the proportions, elongate your legs, and prevent the clothing from wearing you!
Moreover, you can pair a fitted top with a slimming skirt. Just avoid wearing a voluminous or flowy skirt with oversized tops.
For instance, a bodycon midi skirt would look best with an oversized top or a fitted top. However, don’t pair a voluminous tulle skirt with a boxy t-shirt. This will overwhelm your figure and will not be flattering at all.
Here’s a few cute tops to wear with maxi skirts, midi skirts, and other long skirts:
- Converse: Cropped Button Front T-Shirt – This cute fitted crop top with ribbing and button details is perfect to pair with any flowy or voluminous skirts. It will look amazing with high-waisted skirts.
- Converse: Desert Rave Oversized Art T-Shirt – This beautiful graphic t-shirt has a boxy fit, it will look great paired with slimming and tighter skirts like slip skirts and bodycon skirts.
- Reebok: Classics Graphic Tank Top – This sporty yet chic cropped tank looks will look great with high-waisted long skirts!
What Shoes Do You Wear With A Long Skirt?
Believe it or not, but the shoes you wear will impact whether or not you will look frumpy in a skirt! The shoes you wear can make or break an outfit, so take note.
Here’s a couple of great options to wear with a long skirt:
- Flat Sandals – If you’re going for that beachy or boho casual vibe, then some strappy sandals would look great with longer skirts. Get a pair with some minimal detail, such small gold studs to add an interesting detail to your outfit!
- Platforms – Platforms give you a few more inches in height, but are much easier to walk in than heels! Don’t underestimate the small boost in height. It really helps lift a long skirt up and balance out your proportions.
- Ankle Boots – My favorite go-to shoes with long skirts in the fall and winter are ankle boots. Go for ankle boots with a block-heel, so that it’s easier to walk in.
- Heels – Heels are undeniably one of the cutest things to wear with a longer skirt, but definitely not the easiest to walk in (unless you’re experienced, which I’m jealous of by the way!). Heels make it easy for petite girls to wear long skirts, such as maxi skirts, without looking frumpy.
- White sneakers – If you don’t have a basic pair of comfy white sneakers, I highly recommend you go out and get one now! They go with just about any casual outfit and will mostly likely work with any long skirt that you wear. Plus, white sneakers are comfy and easy to wear.
How Do Women Over 40 Wear A Maxi Skirt?
Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you can’t rock a long skirt, such as a maxi skirt. However, if you’re looking for ways to make a long skirt look more sophisticated, then I have a few easy tips for you!
The most important thing to pay attention to is the proportions of your maxi skirt. First off, you want to make sure that the maxi skirt is not touching the floor. This is a tripping hazard and it also doesn’t look flattering!
If your maxi skirt is too long, you can get it altered so that it doesn’t skim the floor. You can also wear a pair of heels to help give you some height.
Moreover, make sure to cinch in or emphasize your waist area. This will help add more structure to the outfit and prevent a flowy skirt from overwhelming your overall figure.
You can emphasize your waist by wearing high-waisted maxi skirts or by adding a belt around the waist area.
What Do You Wear Inside A Long Skirt?
If you’re someone who is uncomfortable wearing long skirts without extra coverage, there are actually a lot of options to wear underneath.
Long skirts tend to have the advantage of not accidentally blowing up (a Marilyn Monroe moment!). However, sometimes it’s a good idea to have that extra protection just in case.
Here’s a few options to wear inside a long skirt:
- Full Coverage Underwear – Underwear that covers the back is better at stopping a long skirt from getting caught in between the butt cheeks. Yes, that happens sometimes! 😉
- Half Slips – These are my favorite things to wear under long skirts. They’re thin, lightweight, help smooth out any panty lines, and add coverage to sheer skirts. A half slip in white, black, or in your skin-tone color are great to have on hand for maxi skirts.
- Tight & Leggings – Semi-sheer leggings and tights go great with long skirts, especially in the fall and winter. You can opt for black or skin-tone colored leggings or tights.
Can Maxi Skirts Look Good On Everyone–Even Short People?
Yes, maxi skirts can look good on everyone. It doesn’t matter what body type you are or if you’re petite or tall.
What really matters is if the maxi skirt fits YOU! Take note of the length of the maxi skirt and your outfit proportions.
A maxi skirt should not drag or touch the floor–this can be a real tripping hazard. The perfect length of a maxi skirt should be between your ankles and top of your toes.
If the maxi skirt is too long, you can either wear heels to add height or get a tailor to adjust the length.
Moreover, pay attention to your outfit proportions. Pair a flowy or voluminous maxi skirt with a fitted top. If your maxi skirt is fitted, contrast that with a boxy or oversized top or complement it with a fitted top.
What Do You Wear With A Long Skirt In The Winter?
Just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean that you can’t rock a long skirt out. There are plenty of things to pair with a long skirt to help you stay warm and stylish all winter long. Plus, you can still wear long skirts without looking frumpy
Here’s a few tips to help you coordinate outs with a long skirt in the winter:
- Wear leggings or tights under your long skirts. This will help your legs stay warm throughout the day.
- Ankle boots with a heel look amazing with long skirts and are winter appropriate shoes!
- Pair fitted long skirts with chunky oversized knit sweaters and french tuck the front of the sweater for a more flattering look.
- Opt for long skirts made of thicker material, such as leather, wool, or any knitted fabrics.
How Do You Style A Skirt Casually?
Long skirts can easily be dressed up or down. It’s not just for formal or dressy events! Here’s a few of my favorite ways on how to wear long skirts casually:
- Pair a long skirt with your favorite casual top for an easy casual look. For instance, oversized tees, denim shirts, crop tops, or off-shoulder tops go well with long skirts and make an instant street style chic look.
- Keep the accessories minimal and avoid over-accessorizing. Simple and minimal gold jewelry works really well. You want accessories to add a bit of shine and complement your outfit, not overwhelm it.
- Wear your favorite comfortable casual shoes. Sneakers, sandals, and flats are great casual outfit options to complete long skirt outfits.
- Choose long skirts made of fabrics, such as denim or jersey cotton. These fabrics immediately give off the casual vibe.
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What Are The Main Long Skirt Lengths?
There are two main types of long skirt lengths that you should be aware of when coordinating long skirt outfits. The first one is the midi skirt. The length of the midi skirt hits around mid-calf of the leg.
The second type is the maxi skirt. A maxi skirt is longer than a midi skirt. It hits below mid-calf and ends closer to the lower-calf.
What Type Of Skirt Is Best For The Body?
It’s actually pretty difficult to find the right fit for skirts, which makes it tough to coordinate long skirt outfits. Unfortunately, sizing varies substantially across retailers. Preference also plays a part too. Some prefer a high-waisted fit and others prefer a midi length skirt.
Unfortunately, sizing varies substantially across retailers.
Depending on your body type, there are certain skirts that just work better for you. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines and are not meant to be followed strictly.
If you still wondering how you can wear long skirts without looking frumpy, the tips based on body shape below can help!
Read on to find out my tips on which skirts work best for certain body types. Feel free to bend the rules as you see fit!
Related: How To Dress For Your Body Type & Flatter Your Figure
Curvy Or Hourglass Body Shape
If you are curvy or have an hourglass figure, wear a pencil skirt to show off and emphasize your curves. Pencil skirts cinch in the waist, hug the hips, and fall loosely over the knees and calves. This creates a very flattering lower body silhouette.
Pencil skirts can give off a corporate vibe. If that’s not what you’re going for, there are plenty of casual styles to choose from, such as floral prints and knit fabrics.
Pear Shaped Body Shape
If you have a pear-shaped figure, the lower half of your body is wider than the top half of your body. A-line skirts to add balance to the silhouette by cinching in the waist and flaring out at the bottom.
Also, try adding a belt to highlight and draw attention to the waist area even more.
Rectangle Or Banana Body Shape
A rectangle body shape has fewer curves and a straighter silhouette. Wear skirts that have asymmetrical details, ruffles, large patterns, or anything that visually adds volume or the illusion of curves.
Also, any form fitting or body-con skirts will look great too because they help emphasize the curves.
Apple Body Shape
Curvy bodies with a less defined waist are most likely an apple shape. This body type typically has a larger bust and their shoulders are broader than their hips.
Since more weight is gathered in the midriff area, you want to create a more defined waist area. Wear high-waisted skirts that flare out and flow away from the body, such as flounce skirts.
Inverted Triangle Or Athletic Body Shape
An inverted triangle body shape has shoulders that are broader than the hips. The bust may be larger and the hips and waist area are narrower.
You want to enhance the volume near your hips to help create balance. Wear skirts that flare out, such as A-line skirts, to help add the volume near the hip area.
Also, wear strappy heels to help elongate the legs. Avoid wearing thick soled shoes or wedges.
I hope this inspires you to experiment with ways to wear long skirts without looking frumpy.
A long skirt is incredibly versatile and chic. Plus, there are so many styles out there, so I’m positive that you will find one that you love–if you haven’t already! 🥰
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclaimer for more info.
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