How to Wear a Long Skirt When You're Curvy?

Are you wondering what type of maxi skirt to choose to accent="strong">enhance your curves? What should you pair with this ultra-trendy piece?

You’re in the right place.

A few years ago, women with curvy figures were often left out of the fashion world. Thankfully, that's changed, and more and more plus-sized 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 with that, I've put together this comprehensive guide!

There are many flattering skirt styles for curvy women: pleated skirts, tutus, high-waisted cinched skirts, and those with bold patterns (flowers, geometric shapes, etc.). Opt for loose and lightweight fabrics that add volume to your skirt, while avoiding anything too shiny or silky. Don't hesitate to tuck your top into your skirt to create structure in your silhouette, or to wear a crop top or a short jacket. Lastly, to balance your outfit, consider choosing a skirt in a darker color than your top!

Want to know more? Keep reading to discover:

• The most flattering long skirts to enhance your curves,
• What 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 colours to elongate your figure.

Which Long Skirt Should You Choose if You're Curvy?

Have you ever been smitten by a skirt only to feel disappointed when you try it on because it doesn’t suit your body shape at all? If so, you're not alone! It's important to know which skirt styles are flattering for your figure, so you can feel beautiful and comfortable in your clothes! In the following lines, discover the best cuts for a curvier silhouette.

A Pleated Maxi Skirt

Very trendy, the long pleated skirt is perfect for summer and flatters most body shapes. It’s ideal for everyday wear, but it can also be dressed up for special occasions. Extremely lightweight, it allows you to be free in your movements while keeping you cool. It’s a great choice if your style is a mix of chic and casual, with a touch of bohemian flair that’s in vogue.

A Light-Coloured Tutu Skirt

The term "tutu skirt" refers to tulle skirts, inspired by the tutus worn by dancers. This is a rather unique and stylish skirt style that suits curvy women well, especially when it has a long cut. A solid-coloured tutu skirt will showcase your fashion sense, particularly at formal events. If you have wider hips or thighs—like in an A-shaped silhouette, for instance—it will allow you to play with proportions to highlight your figure by creating a very feminine flared outfit.

A skirt with a wide waistband

Some skirts are designed with a wide waistband (at least 5 centimetres in height) at the waist. These often feature bold or graphic prints, which are perfect for highlighting your feminine curves.

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

A Bohemian Skirt with Large Flowers

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

This type of long skirt will be perfect for enjoying a beautiful summer day, whether you’re out with friends, going on vacation, or attending a festive event.

Which Material Should You Choose?

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

Choosing fabrics and cuts that tend to add volume may seem counterintuitive when trying to enhance your shape, but it actually helps create a harmonious and very feminine silhouette by balancing the width of the top and bottom of your body. Furthermore, with cuts that aren't too fitted, you'll feel freer in your movements and more comfortable to move around.

👉 Avoid shiny, silky stretchy fabrics: these may not be flattering, as they tend to cling to curves and highlight them too much, overshadowing the rest of your figure.

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 for finding the perfect top to match it:

🔸 If your long 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 for contrast.

🔸 If you have a defined waist and wider hips, with an A or X-shaped silhouette for instance, don’t hesitate to wear a crop top with your skirt. Contrary to popular belief, they aren't just for very slender girls; on the contrary, they accentuate your bust and waist! If you'd rather not show too much skin, opt for a style that falls just below the waist. 😉

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

• tucking it in only at the front, letting it fall over your hips and back,
• tucking it completely into your skirt.

Choose the one that fits 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 at the waist. This will help balance your silhouette by elongating your legs and creating a V-neckline that highlights your bust.

What jacket to wear with a long skirt when you have curves?

It's always a good idea to bring a jacket, even a light one, to throw over your outfit, regardless of the weather. If everything you wear coordinates well, you'll achieve a polished look that showcases your good taste and sense of style.

With a long skirt, I recommend:

• a denim jacket that ends at the waist for a chic bohemian look,
• a fitted blazer in tones that match the rest of your outfit, to create a polished and sophisticated ensemble,
• a jacket that's not too long with a beautiful print, like a bomber jacket or a short quilted vest, to add some flair to a plain outfit.

👉 In winter, also consider accessorizing your outfit with a beret, a scarf, or a hat… It's important to achieve a balance so your outfit looks stylish without going overboard. Try to wear matching accessories, and never have more than two at the same time on your upper body. 😉

How to Use Colors to Enhance Your Silhouette?

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

If your skirt is white or very light in colour, I recommend pairing it with a light pastel top or a nude shade, which matches your shoes or the jewellery and accessories you’re wearing.

👉 Unless you're a true expert in matching colours and patterns, stick to just one print in your outfit. This can be your skirt or your top. Indeed, combining different prints can be quite risky... The easiest way to find a matching colour is to choose either:

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

You now have all the keys to showcase your figure with a long skirt! Don't hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try new outfits!

For some inspiration, feel free to check out our online store: you’ll find a wide variety of clothing, including unique and flattering bohemian long skirts that suit every body type. 😉

Bohemian skirts