How to Style a High-Waisted Maxi Skirt: Our Fashion Tips!

Do you love high-waisted maxi skirts and wonder if they would enhance your silhouette? Are you looking for fashion inspiration to style this ultra-trendy piece to suit your wardrobe?

I'll help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I absolutely loved the return of long skirts, especially pleated ones, on the runways a few years back. This essential piece offers the advantage of being easy to wear, very feminine, and simple to style in any season!

Today, I'm excited to share how to embrace the high-waisted maxi skirt, no matter your body shape. I've also put together some inspiring outfit ideas to make this garment one of your wardrobe favourites!

Contrary to what you might hear at times, a high-waisted maxi skirt flatters most body shapes. If you’re petite or have a curvier figure, make sure to choose lightweight fabrics and not overly long cuts that enhance your silhouette. Very trendy, the maxi skirt comes in a variety of styles: it can be classic in black and white, or rock ‘n’ roll when paired with a leather jacket. It is also a key piece in bohemian and ethnic styles, especially if it features patterns or prints. This garment can therefore be styled in countless ways: all you need to do is find the look that suits you!

Want to know more? Keep reading to discover:

• Can you wear a high-waisted maxi skirt when you're petite?
• Is this garment suitable for curvy women?
• How to achieve a bohemian or rock look with this type of skirt?
• Ways to style it for everyday wear to work or when catching up with friends.
• Numerous outfit examples to inspire you for your next shopping spree.

Which silhouette is right for you?

Recently in vogue, the long skirt has become a must-have in any trendy wardrobe. However, you might have some doubts about how this type of skirt will suit your body shape. Indeed, in advertisements and fashion shows, it's usually tall and slender women that we see wearing them! But what if you're shorter? Or curvier? I’ll address your questions in the following lines!

The high-waisted long skirt: Off-limits for petite women?

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

To help with this, I’ve got a few tips for you:

• Choose a skirt that isn't too long, falling above the ankles, so you don't trip over it,
• Opt for bright and light colours,
• Select lightweight fabrics: lace, silk, light material…
• Pick a style that is high-waisted and that, proportionally, covers two-thirds of your silhouette without the head,
• And if you can, wear some heels to elongate your legs!

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

Do you have curves and are wondering if a high-waisted maxi skirt is right for you? Just like for shorter women, there are no hard and fast rules: it’s all about choosing a style that flatters your body shape.

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

• Split skirts will elongate your legs and enhance your silhouette,
• Don’t hesitate to wear a high-waisted skirt that is fitted at the waist to accentuate your curves,
• Feel free to choose prints for your skirt: paired with a plain top, they will give you a fresh look,
• Avoid heavy fabrics like velvet or tweed,
• Opt for either:
• A bodycon skirt that falls just below the knee,
• A flared skirt that hits at the knee or lower.

Elegance and Simplicity: The Casual Chic Maxi Skirt

Are you looking for a casual outfit that is both feminine, stylish, and comfortable to wear? A high-waisted maxi skirt in a solid colour or with patterns, teamed with a top and classic footwear, will be your perfect companion for heading to work, spending a day out with friends, or going on holiday.

👉 To accentuate your figure, don’t hesitate to wear a leather belt. As mentioned earlier, it is often said that a well-fitted outfit highlights the following proportions:

• One third at the top,
• Two thirds at the bottom,

A belt will help highlight your proportions while providing a smart finish to an everyday outfit.

The wax fabric: a vibrant African-inspired style!

Have you ever heard of wax? This African fabric has the advantage of being treated on both sides with a special wax, making it nearly waterproof and very durable. This fabric is highly valued in Sub-Saharan Africa and is an integral part of the culture in that region of the world.

It is characterised by vibrant patterns: for African women, these patterns carry significant meaning and form an entire vocabulary. Depending on the pattern worn, it can indicate whether one is happily married or single, in search of love.

Brightly coloured, wax skirts should ideally be paired with a very simple and plain top. If you want to create the illusion of long legs and a slender silhouette, this is the outfit for you! Don’t hesitate to accessorise it with African-inspired jewellery for a complete ethnic look!

Dare to go rock 'n' roll with your long skirt

The pleated black maxi skirt is a key piece for a rock 'n' roll style: whether it's for an evening outfit or your everyday look, this garment will help you make a statement while looking super stylish!

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

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

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

Bohemian Trend with a Chic Ethnic Vibe

Do you love flowy and comfortable clothing? How about beautiful prints? The bohemian style is sure to resonate with you! Keep reading this post to find out how to wear a long skirt in a boho chic way!

How to achieve this look?

The bohemian maxi skirt is characterised by:

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

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

It suits all body shapes and can be worn in any season! To style it for a bohemian look, choose pieces such as:

• A Bardot-style off-the-shoulder top,
• A fluid blouse with lace details,
• A stylish hat,
• A small leather bag,
• A belt that accentuates your waist,
• Some ankle-strap sandals or leather boots for winter…

Our Pick of Bohemian Skirts

On our site Boho Via, we are passionate about bringing you stylish and accessible bohemian outfits all year round.

To get a glimpse of this style and perhaps, who knows, find the skirt that will make you fall in love, I invite you to check out our collection of bohemian long skirts now!

high-waisted bohemian skirt

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

On the hunt for a smart and stylish outfit for work or a special occasion?

A pleated maxi skirt, whether it's black or white, is perfect for achieving a dressed-up look. Simply pair it with a plain top such as a blouse or shirt, and wear black or white shoes like heels or lovely heeled sandals. I recommend playing with contrasts by wearing either a black skirt with a white top or the other way around.

This article has come to an end, and I hope that high-waisted maxi skirts hold no secrets for you now! Trust your instincts to find the style that suits you, allowing you to be yourself completely!

Want to learn more about pleated skirts? Check out our dedicated article!