How to Style a High-Waisted Maxi Skirt: Fashion Tips You Need to Know!

Do you love high-waisted maxi skirts and wonder if they would enhance your figure? Are you looking for fashion inspiration to incorporate this trendy piece into your wardrobe?

I'll help you out.

As a fashion enthusiast, I've loved the return of long skirts, especially pleated ones, on the runways a few years ago. This wardrobe staple is incredibly easy to wear, very feminine, and easy to pair with different outfits in any season!

Today, I’d like to show you how to wear a high-waisted maxi skirt, no matter your body shape. I’ve also put together some inspiring outfit ideas to make this garment a staple in your wardrobe!

Contrary to what you might sometimes hear, a high-waisted maxi skirt flatters most body shapes. If you're petite or curvy, make sure to choose lightweight fabrics and lengths that aren't too long, as these will enhance your figure. Very trendy, the maxi skirt comes in a variety of styles: it can be classic in black and white, or have a rock ‘n’ roll vibe when paired with a leather jacket. It's also a key piece in bohemian and ethnic styles, especially if it features patterns or prints. This garment can adapt endlessly: all you need to do is find the look that suits you!

Would you like to know more? Keep reading to discover:

• Whether it’s possible to wear a high-waisted maxi skirt if you're petite
• If this garment is suitable for curvy women
• How to achieve a bohemian or rock-inspired look with this type of skirt
• How to style it for everyday wear at work or when catching up with friends
• Plenty of outfit examples to inspire you for your next shopping spree

Which Silhouette?

In vogue over the past few years, the long skirt has become a must-have for every trendy wardrobe. However, you might have some doubts about how this style of skirt would suit your body shape. Indeed, in advertisements and fashion shows, it’s often tall and slender women showcasing them! But what if you’re petite? Or curvy? I’ll answer your questions in the following lines!

The high-waisted maxi skirt: off-limits for petite women?

It's often said that long skirts and dresses aren't suitable for shorter people: they supposedly make the silhouette look squat and don't enhance it. However, I don't agree with this, and I'm not alone: it's entirely possible to wear this type of clothing when you're petite, as long as you choose wisely!

To help with that, here are a few tips:

• Choose a skirt that isn't too long, one that falls above the ankles, so you won't trip over it,
• Opt for light and bright colours,
• Select lightweight fabrics: lace, silk, or other lightweight materials…
• Pick a design that is high-waisted and, proportionally, makes up two-thirds of your silhouette without the head,
• And if you can, wear heels to elongate your legs!

Can you wear a high-waisted maxi skirt if you are curvy?

Do you have curves and are wondering if a high-waisted long skirt is right for you? Just like for petite women, there's no rule against it: the key is to choose a style that flatters your shape.

Here’s how to find the perfect skirt to enhance your curvy figure:

• Splits in skirts will elongate your legs while flattering your figure,
• Don’t hesitate to wear a high-waisted skirt that is fitted at the waist to accentuate your curves,
• Feel free to experiment with prints on your skirt: paired with a solid top, they’ll give you a fresh look,
• Avoid heavy fabrics like velvet or tweed,
• Opt for either:
• A fitted skirt that falls just below the knee,
• A flared skirt that reaches the knee or lower.

Elegance and Simplicity: The Casual Chic Maxi Skirt

Are you on the lookout for a casual outfit that is both feminine, stylish, and comfortable to wear? A high-waisted maxi skirt, whether solid or patterned, paired with a top and classic shoes, will be your perfect companion for going to work, enjoying a day out with friends, or heading off on holiday.

👉 To highlight your waist, don’t hesitate to wear a leather belt. As mentioned earlier, it’s often said that a well-fitted outfit accentuates the following proportions:

• ⅓ at the top,
• ⅔ at the bottom,

A belt can highlight your proportions while also providing a smart finish to your everyday outfit.

The wax fabric: a vibrant style inspired by Africa!

Have you ever heard of wax fabric? This African textile is specially treated on both sides with a unique wax, making it almost waterproof and very durable. This fabric is highly valued in sub-Saharan Africa and is an integral part of the culture in this region of the world.

It is characterised by vibrant patterns: for African women, these patterns have significant meanings and form a whole lexicon, which can indicate whether one is fulfilled in marriage or single and searching for love, depending on the pattern worn.

Extremely colourful, wax skirts must be worn with a very simple and plain top. If you want to create the illusion of long legs and a sleek silhouette, this is the outfit to wear! Don’t hesitate to pair it with African-inspired jewellery for a complete ethnic look!

Dare to rock the long skirt look

The pleated black maxi skirt is a key piece for achieving a rock 'n' roll style: whether it's for a night out or your everyday look, this garment will help you make a statement while keeping you ultra-stylish!

To achieve this look, I recommend wearing the high-waisted black skirt with:

• A perfect black leather jacket,
• Some healed shoes,
• A black top (like a blouse), if you prefer to go for a monochrome look,
• A white or light-coloured top, if you'd like to add a bright touch to your outfit!

👉 You can also achieve this style by choosing a skirt in shades of old rose, mauve, or purple and pairing it with black clothing!

Bohemian Trend with a Chic Ethnic Flair

Do you love flowy and comfortable clothing? Beautiful prints? The bohemian style is just for you! Keep reading this article to discover how to wear a long boho chic skirt!

How to achieve this look?

The bohemian long skirt is characterised by:

• pastel colours (pink, blue, green) or natural tones (ivory, beige, khaki...),
• flowing fabrics (silk, viscose, linen, cotton...),
• a loose fit that flatters the silhouette.

It can be plain or feature floral patterns and bright prints.

It suits all body types and can be worn in any season! To match it and achieve a bohemian look, opt for pieces such as:

• A Bardot neckline top (exposing the shoulders),
• A flowy blouse with lace details,
• A hat,
• A small leather bag,
• A belt that accentuates your waist,
• Sandals that wrap around the ankles or leather boots for winter…

Our Selection of Bohemian Skirts

On our website Boho Via, we are dedicated to bringing you stylish and affordable bohemian outfits all year round.

To get a glimpse of this style and perhaps, who knows, find the skirt that makes your heart skip a beat, I invite you to explore our collection of bohemian long skirts right now!

high-waisted bohemian skirt

For a classy and sophisticated look: dare to go black and white!

Are you on the lookout for a smart and stylish outfit for work or a special event?

The pleated maxi skirt, whether black or white, is perfect for achieving a dressed-up look. To pull this off, simply pair it with a solid-coloured top, such as a blouse or shirt, and wear black or white shoes like high heels or lovely heeled sandals. I recommend playing with contrasts, wearing either a black skirt with a white top or the other way around.

This article comes to an end and I hope you now have no secrets left about high-waisted maxi skirts! Trust your instincts to find the style that suits you and allows you to be yourself 100%!

Are you keen to learn more about pleated skirts? Check out our dedicated article!