How to Wear a Maxi Skirt When You’re Curvy?

Are you wondering what type of long skirt to choose to enhance your curves? What should you wear with this ultra-trendy piece?

You’re in the right place.

A few years ago, curvy women were often left out of the fashion world. Thankfully, that has changed, and more and more plus-size women are feeling beautiful and dressing with confidence.

However, wearing a long skirt can still be a source of stress for some. The key is to find the skirt style that flatters you the most: to help you out, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on the topic!

There are many flattering skirt styles for plus-size women: pleated skirts, tutu skirts, high-waisted and fitted styles, as well as those with bold patterns (florals, geometric shapes…). Opt for loose and lightweight fabrics that provide volume to your skirt while avoiding anything too shiny or silky. Don’t hesitate to tuck in your top to define your silhouette, or wear a crop top or a short jacket. Lastly, to balance your outfit, consider wearing a darker skirt than your top!

Want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• The best long skirts to enhance your curves,
• Which fabric to choose,
• What top to wear with your long skirt and how to style it,
• What jacket to wear in winter with your long skirt,
• How to play with colors to elongate your silhouette.

What Long Skirt Should You Choose If You’re Curvy?

Have you ever fallen in love with a skirt only to be disappointed when you try it on because it just doesn’t suit your body shape? If so, you’re not alone! It’s important to know which skirt styles flatter your figure so you can feel beautiful and comfortable in your clothes! In the following sections, discover the best cuts for curvy figures.

A Pleated Maxi Skirt

Very trendy, the pleated maxi skirt is perfect for summer and flatters most body types. It’s great for everyday wear, but also suitable for special occasions. Very lightweight, it allows you to be free to move without feeling hot. It’s ideal for you if you have a style that’s both chic and casual, with a touch of bohemian flair that’s right on trend.

A Light-Colored Tutu Skirt

The term “tutu skirt” refers to tulle skirts, inspired by dancers’ tutus. This is a rather unique yet stylish skirt design that works beautifully for curvy women, especially in a longer cut. A solid-colored tutu skirt showcases your fashion sense, particularly at a formal event. If you have wider hips or thighs—like with an A-shaped silhouette, for instance—this skirt will allow you to play with proportions to accentuate your figure, creating a very feminine flared outfit.

A skirt with a wide belt at the waist

Some skirts are designed with a wide waistband (at least 2 inches high) at the waist. These are often styles with bold or graphic prints, which will beautifully highlight your feminine curves.

Be sure to check out the long wax skirts, this vibrant fabric of African origin that is perfect for creating a unique and stylish outfit.

A Bohemian Skirt with Bold Flowers

In the same spirit, you can choose a long, chic bohemian-inspired skirt with a beautiful floral print. Larger patterns will be more flattering on your figure than small details: treat yourself by selecting a style that you truly love, with big flowers, exotic foliage, or even more unique prints (fruits, animal patterns, etc.)!

This type of long skirt is perfect for enjoying a beautiful summer day, whether you’re going out with friends, heading off on vacation, or celebrating a special occasion.

Which Material to Choose?

To feel motivated to wear an outfit every day, two elements are essential: comfort and style. If you have a few curves, I recommend combining the two by choosing lightweight fabrics that add fullness to your maxi skirt without weighing it down, such as tulle, cotton, or linen.

Choosing fabrics and styles that tend to add volume might seem counterintuitive when trying to enhance your figure, but it actually helps create a balanced and very feminine silhouette by balancing the width of your upper and lower body. Moreover, with cuts that are not too fitted, you will feel freer in your movements and more comfortable to move around.

👉 Avoid shiny, stretchy fabrics: these materials often don’t flatter your figure, as they tend to cling to curves and draw too much attention to them, overshadowing the rest of your silhouette.

What Top to Wear with a Long Skirt When You’re Curvy?

Once you’ve chosen your skirt, it’s time to find the rest of your outfit. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect top to match it:

🔸 If your maxi skirt has patterns, I recommend pairing it with a simple, solid top to make your skirt the focal point of your outfit. This also works with a solid skirt, but if it’s white, consider choosing a top in a different shade to create contrast.

🔸 If you have a defined waist and wider hips, with an A or X body shape for example, don’t hesitate to wear a crop top with your skirt. Contrary to what you might think, they’re not just for very slim girls; in fact, they highlight your bust and waist beautifully! If you’d rather not show too much skin, choose a style that falls just below your waist. 😉

🔸 You can also choose a classic top that you can tuck into your skirt. There are two ways to go about it:

• by tucking it in just at the front, allowing it to fall back over your hips and rear,
• by tucking it completely into your skirt.

Choose the one that suits you best and in which you feel most comfortable!

🔸 Finally, if you want to wear a shirt or blouse with your long skirt, you can also tie the ends together at your waist. This will help you balance your silhouette by elongating your legs and creating a V-neckline that highlights your bust.

What Jacket to Wear with a Maxi Skirt When You Have Curves?

Bringing along a jacket, even a light one, to wear over your outfit is always a smart idea, no matter the weather. If everything you’re wearing matches well, you’ll achieve a polished look that highlights your good taste and sense of style.

When it comes to a long skirt, my advice is:

• a denim jacket that falls at the waist for a chic bohemian look,
• a cropped blazer in colors that match the rest of your outfit, to create a polished and elegant ensemble,
• a jacket that’s not too long with a nice pattern, like a bomber or a fitted quilted vest, to add some depth to a solid outfit.

👉 In winter, remember to accessorize your outfit with a beret, a scarf, or a hat… It’s important to find the right balance so that your outfit looks stylish without being overdone. Try to wear coordinating accessories, and never more than two at a time on your upper body. 😉

How to Use Colors to Highlight Your Silhouette?

If your plus-size long skirt is a bright or dark color, you can create a slimming effect that’s very flattering with a simple trick. Just choose a top that is lighter than your skirt to draw attention to the brighter color and create a visual gradient.

If your skirt is white or very light, I recommend pairing it with a light pastel top or a nude shade, matching it with your shoes or the jewelry and accessories you are wearing.

👉 Unless you are a true expert in mixing colors and patterns, stick to just one print in your outfit. It can be your skirt or your top. In fact, it’s always risky to combine different prints… The easiest way to find a color to pair it with is to choose either:

• the most prominent, if the print is on your skirt,
• the least represented in the pattern.

You now have all the keys to show off your figure with a long skirt! Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone by trying out new outfits!

To get inspired, feel free to check out our online store: you’ll find a variety of clothing, including original and flattering bohemian long skirts for every body type. 😉

Bohemian skirts