What is the one style item that keeps making a comeback, year in and year out? The maxi skirt, of course. That’s one of the best option for your summer skirt outfits. This year, though, we’ve moved on from the safe peasant shape of old. The maxi skirt has taken over as the perfect backdrop for funky designs, unusual fabrics, and interesting textures.
In 2004, the gypsy trend was all the rage. Remember those off-the-shoulder tops and ruffled peasant skirts? We’ve come a long way since then. The humble maxi has been given a revamp. Loose-fitting, form-fitting, strapless and oversized – there truly is a maxi for every body type out there.
It’s all in the way you style a maxi skirt. With options in so many different fabrics, this style lends itself to all seasons. They’re the perfect choice for autumn and winter layering. How about a voluminous maxi skirt worn under a fitted leather moto jacket? Instantly cool, urban, and on-trend. Fast forward to summer, and a maxi skirt or dress with its billowy cool fabrics makes the perfect choice for balmy, fair weather days.
Other ways to update your favorite maxi? Your choice of footwear. Unless you’re spending a day at the beach, for example, rather steer clear of flip-flops. There are so many more stylish options – flat gladiators, leather thongs… even Converse sneakers. For some extra elegance (and added height), choose between wedges, platforms, chunky heels, and stilettos.
The sky really is the limit when it comes to maxi skirts. We’ve rounded up our favorite looks with all the tips and tricks to get you maxi dressing!
Floral Finesse Style Maxi Skirts And Dresses
1. Bohemian Beauty
Boho is back, and right in time for Spring too! There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the season’s hottest trend than in a top-to-toe floral maxi dress. Round off the look with a chic boater hat and wedge sandals.
2. Feminine Charms
As the weather brightens and the sun comes out to play, a floaty floral maxi skirt is pretty and ultra-feminine. Add a sliver of skin around the midriff and your look is instantly flirtatious and coy – the perfect blend for an easy, carefree summer. This would work perfectly together with swimwear, or simply for a nice beach walk in the evening.
3. Floral elegance
Every girl wants to be attractive and elegant, while feeling light and comfortable at the same time.
Dress yourself light and elegant with this flowers-inspired maxi dress.
4. Festival fancy
Headed off to Coachella this year? Not to worry, neither are we. You can still take fashion inspiration from music-loving celebrities. Just throw on a 70s-inspired floor-length maxi dress and your favorite wide-brimmed hat. Complete the outfit with metallic temporary tattoos that say “Peace out, man!”
5. Blooming beautiful
Micro florals are a big trend this season. Small flower prints were all over the runways at fashion weeks around the world – everyone from Michael Kors to Tory Burch paid homage to the most beautiful blooms of the season. Pick a maxi dress that’s adorned with delicate flowers but set against a dark background for a look that is part-goth, part-girly.
Patchwork and patterns
Florals are not simply for the weekend. Bring your feminine favorites to the office and brighten up your workplace in a floaty maxi dress that is right on trend. Add a structured blazer and your look becomes businesslike and professional. Polish the ensemble off with a belt fitted around your waist and strappy wedge heels and you’re good to go – perfect for a day at the office.
6. Office chic
Designer Erin Fetherstone is known for her ethereal, ultra-feminine designs. Her Spring 2016 collection is no different, with the designer finding inspiration in heroines of yesteryear all the way from Anne of Green Gables to her constant muse, Jane Birkin. The floaty design carries on the micro floral trend, adding a deep V-neck and slit up the side. Easy strappy sandals complete the relaxed daytime look.
7. Easy living
It’s full on Spring time at Diane von Furstenberg. The iconic designer celebrated the 40-year anniversary of her legendary wrap dress by incorporating elements from her past into her Spring 2016 Ready-to-wear collection. She named her show Fortvna (in honor of the Roman goddess of luck) to commemorate the very first painting she ever bought. Like her bright and multifaceted past, this maxi dress shows the wonder of different patterns and colors coming together to create a thing of beauty.
8. Nostalgic nod
Geometric shapes and patterns were all over the fall and winter runways. Take the trend into spring in a beautifully draped split maxi dress, also from Diane von Furstenberg. With black and brown patterns set against a plain white background, the overall effect is cool and arty. Glam up the look with bold metallic jewelry for a chic city ensemble.
9. Blue magic
Going on an impromptu weekend sojourn to some exotic locale? Wearing this patterned number, you may just feel that way. Imagine yourself holidaying along the Mediterranean in this printed silk maxi dress by Australian-based designer Collette Dinnigan.
10. Golden girl
Actress Allison Williams took the maxi trend to heart as she covered up from top to toe in Diane von Furstenberg at the designer’s 2016 DVF Awards in New York City. Her look is edgy yet feminine – a deep V-neck in sultry black is perfectly paired with a floor-length maxi skirt finely adorned in flowers and butterflies with a touch of sparkle.
11. Simplistic chic
It was Coco Chanel who famously said: “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” And this uncluttered look proves her point perfectly. Against a backdrop of pure white, solid blocks of navy blue and magenta create a look that is both elegant and timeless.
12. Denim diva
A classic denim shirt never goes out of style. Pair it with a geometrically patterned maxi skirt and the effect is eclectic, urban and bang on trend. Polish off your weekend look with edgy aviator sunglasses and your favorite beaded jewelry.
Bold and the beautiful
13. Draped and daring
You’re sure to turn a few heads in this gorgeous dark coral number from an online store, Lulu’s. Metallic heels and sparkly accessories vamp up the look from daytime casual to nighttime luxury.
14. Bronzed beauty
Want to look like a fashion week street styler? Invest in a draped maxi dress in a rich burnt orange and smile for the camera!
15. Off-the-shoulder chic
There’s nothing more breathtaking than a maxi dress in an all-over stand-out color. This Alice & Olivia number in candy apple red injects a healthy dose of fun and flavor into your daytime look.
16. Dip-dye darling
The ombre effect on this halterneck evening gown is breathtaking. Add in a high slit up the leg and the effect is simply stunning. A patent leather black belt cinched at the waist completes this feminine night-time ensemble.
17. Lady in red
What better way to turn heads on a night out than in a fitted floor-length deep red maxi dress from Missguided? Accessories are kept to a minimum. All that’s needed are simple stiletto heels and a metallic box clutch bag for an evening look unlike any other.
Feminine and floaty
18. Pleats please
For those chillier days when a little more coverage is needed, a full maxi skirt paired with a long-sleeved patterned top is ideal. This pleated maxi skirt in pale pink is beautifully feminine, classic and easy to wear – appropriate anywhere, from work to a wedding.
19. Beguiling boho
Summertime and the fashion is easy. This form-free off-white maxi dress is crisp, comfortable and undeniably cool – everything you’d like your summer to be.
20. Fitted flair
The Kalahari maxi dress is a firm favorite at Sabo Skirt – and we can see why. With a defined sweetheart neckline and fitted bustier-style bodice, the overall effect is classically feminine. Jewelry is barely there, while light makeup and a simple side parting in the hair create a natural, carefree effect.
21. Green supreme
Olive green was a firm favorite among designers at the fall runway shows. Céline, Prada and Vivienne Westwood all showed their love of the earthy shade. Find your own olive inspiration with a stylish accordion pleated skirt, like this one from Lulu’s. Wear with a pure white crop top and matching white strappy stilettos for a chic, sophisticated look.
Dark and demure
22. Beachtime babe
Model Lily Aldridge is cool and collected in Victoria’s Secret’s Open-back Cover-Up maxi dress. This casual summer style will take you effortlessly from the beach to the cocktail bar – a style staple for easy holiday dressing.
23. Tones of leather
Isabel Marant’s embellished silk crepe de chine maxi skirt is a bestseller among online shoppers. It is incorporated here into a look that is earthy and casual – a simple black vest is perfectly offset with a strappy leather belt, tassled black handbag and matching leather sandals.
24. Black & white dream
Make a statement in this asymmetrically striped two-tone gown. A simpler halterneck leads into an A-line skirt, the effect of which is slimming and flattering. The look is complemented with decadent stacked pearl bracelets.
25. Gotham glam
Moody and gothic? Cara Delevingne shows us how it’s done in an epic long-sleeved black maxi dress. The form-fitting, figure-hugging style gives off a sexy yet covered-up effect – perfect for colder days and nights.
26. Vintage glamour
Victorian is a huge trend right now. Stay ahead of the fash pack and drape yourself in a floor-length maxi dress straight out of a Jane Austen novel. Paired with chunky platform heels, gold accessories and a burgundy handbag – perfect!
27. Leopard luxe
Thakoon’s Addition range is a certified best seller, and with good reason. This midnight blue number has a delicate leopard print throughout the length of the satin-jacquard fabric. The floaty shape drapes the body perfectly – ideal to pair with comfortable flat sandals and an edgy jacket.
Daytime delight
28. Tomboy chic
Take tomboy up a notch and pair a maxi dress with a pair of classic Converse All Star sneakers. This gray cotton dress is effortless and lightweight enough to wear all day. Pair with a funky fedora and you’re set for an easy day on the town.
29. Naughty and nice
The nautical theme is not going anywhere and classic all-American brand Ralph Lauren is right on-trend. The designer’s Spring 2016 campaign has a feeling of “sleek and luxurious sportiness”, as he describes it while drawing inspiration from the glamorous French Riviera. Channel his ocean style sensibilities by combining a layered maxi skirt in navy blue with a striped navy and white vest. Top off the look with a chunky black belt and strappy wedges.
30. Shine on
Metallics are oh so cool this season, no matter where in the world you are. This edgy street styler was spotted at the Fall 2015 shows at Milan Fashion Week. Combining multiple trends into one, she wears a crisp white button-down blouse along with a sequined gold floor-length maxi skirt. The ensemble ups the cool factor with suede sneakers in burgundy.
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