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

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

You’re in the right place.

A few years ago, women with curvy figures were often sidelined in the fashion world. Thankfully, this has changed and more and more plus-size women now feel beautiful and dress with confidence.

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

There are plenty of flattering skirt styles for curvy women: from pleated skirts and tutus to high-waisted and fitted options, as well as those featuring bold patterns (like flowers and geometric shapes). Opt for loose, lightweight fabrics that add volume to your skirt, while steering clear of anything overly shiny or silky. Don’t hesitate to tuck your top into your skirt to define your silhouette, or to wear a crop top or a cropped jacket. Lastly, to create balance in your outfit, try to choose a skirt in a darker colour than your top!

Looking for more details? Keep reading to find out:

• The most suitable 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 colours to slim your silhouette.

Which Long Skirt to Choose if You're Curvy?

Have you ever fallen for a skirt only to be disappointed when you try it on because it just doesn’t suit your shape? If so, you’re not alone! It’s important to know which style of skirt flatters your figure, so you can feel beautiful and comfortable in your clothes. In the following lines, discover the cuts that work best for a curvy silhouette.

A pleated maxi skirt

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

A light-coloured tutu skirt

The term "tutu skirt" refers to tulle skirts, inspired by the tutus worn by dancers. This is quite a unique style of skirt, but it is very chic and suits curvy women particularly well, especially in a longer cut. A solid-coloured tutu skirt will showcase your fashion sense, especially for a formal occasion. If you have wider hips or thighs - as is often the case with an A-line silhouette - it can help you play with proportions to enhance your figure by 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 5 centimetres high) at the waist. These often come in styles featuring bold or graphic patterns, which will perfectly complement your feminine curves.

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

A boho skirt with large flowers

In the same vein, you might choose a chic bohemian-style long skirt with a lovely floral print. Bold patterns will be more flattering on your figure than small details: treat yourself to a design that you truly love, featuring large flowers, exotic foliage, or even more original prints (fruits, animal patterns, etc.)!

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

Which material should I 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 volume to your long skirt without making it heavy, such as tulle, cotton, or linen.

Choosing materials and styles that tend to add volume may seem counterintuitive when you're trying to enhance your figure, but it can actually help create a harmonious and highly feminine silhouette by balancing the width of your upper and lower body. Moreover, with cuts that aren't too fitted, you'll feel freer in your movements and more comfortable to move around.

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

What top goes well with a long skirt when you’re curvy?

Once you've selected 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 opting for a simple, solid top to make your skirt the focal point of your outfit. This also works with a solid-coloured 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 shape for example, don't hesitate to wear a crop top with your skirt. Contrary to popular belief, they're not just for very slim girls: in fact, they accentuate your bust and waist! If you'd prefer to keep a bit more covered, choose a style that falls just below the waist. 😉

🔸 You could also go for a classic top that you tuck into your skirt. There are two ways to do this:

• by tucking it in only at the front, letting it fall over your hips and back,
• by tucking it fully 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 the waist. This will help balance your silhouette by elongating your legs and creating a V-neckline that enhances 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 wear over your outfit, no matter what the weather is like. If everything you wear matches harmoniously, you'll achieve a sophisticated look that showcases your good taste and sense of style.

With a long skirt, I recommend:

• a denim jacket that sits at the waist, for a bohemian chic look,
• a cropped blazer in colours that match the rest of your outfit, to create a smart and elegant ensemble,
• a jacket that’s not too long with a lovely pattern, like a bomber or a fitted quilted gilet, to add depth to a plain outfit.

👉 In winter, also consider accessorising your outfit with a beret, a scarf, or a hat… It’s important to strike a balance so your look is stylish without being over the top. Try to wear matching accessories, and never more than two at the same time on your upper body. 😉

How to use colours to enhance your silhouette?

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

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

👉 Unless you’re a true expert in matching colours and patterns, stick to just one print in your outfit. It can be your skirt or your top. Indeed, combining different prints can be quite risky… The easiest way to find a colour to pair it with 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 show off your figure with a long skirt! Don't hesitate to step outside your comfort zone by trying out new outfits!

For a bit of inspiration, feel free to check out our online store: you'll find a wide range of clothing, including original and flattering bohemian long skirts, no matter what your body shape is. 😉

Bohemian Skirts