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

Wondering what type of long skirt to choose to flatter your curves? What should you wear with this trendy piece?

You're in the right place.

A few years ago, women with curvy figures were often left out of the fashion scene. Thankfully, times have 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 people. 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 just for you!

There are many flattering skirt styles for curvy women: pleated skirts, tutu skirts, high-waisted and fitted ones, as well as those with bold patterns (floral prints, 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 define your silhouette or to wear a crop top or a short jacket. Lastly, to balance your outfit, consider choosing a darker colour for your skirt compared to your top!

Want to know 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 colours to elongate your silhouette.

Which long skirt to choose if you have a curvy figure?

Have you ever fallen in love with a skirt, only to feel disappointed when you try it on because it doesn’t flatter 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 paragraphs, discover the best cuts for a curvy silhouette.

A pleated long skirt

Fashionable and versatile, the long pleated skirt is perfect for the summer and flatters most body shapes. It's great for daily wear as well as special occasions. Light and airy, it allows you to move freely without overheating. This piece is ideal for anyone with a style that's both chic and casual, a bit bohemian, and currently trending.

A light-coloured tutu skirt

The term "tutu skirt" refers to tulle skirts, inspired by dancers' tutus. It’s quite an original yet stylish skirt design that works particularly well for curvy women, especially in a longer cut. A solid-coloured tutu skirt showcases your fashion sense, making it perfect for dressed-up occasions. If you have wider hips or thighs—like an A-shaped silhouette—it helps you play with proportions to highlight your figure by creating a beautifully 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 accentuating your feminine curves.

Be sure to check out the long wax skirts, this vibrant fabric from Africa that’s perfect for putting together a unique and stylish outfit.

A bohemian skirt with big flowers

In the same vein, you might want to choose a long, bohemian-chic inspired skirt with a beautiful floral print. Bold patterns will flatter your figure more than tiny details: treat yourself to a design that you truly love, featuring large flowers, exotic leaves, or even more unique prints (fruits, animal patterns...)!

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

Which subject should you choose?

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

Choosing fabrics and cuts that tend to add volume might seem counterintuitive when you’re trying to enhance your curves, but it actually helps create a balanced and very feminine silhouette by balancing the width of your upper and lower body. Additionally, with cuts that aren’t too fitted, you’ll feel more freedom of movement and more comfortable to move around.

👉 Avoid shiny and silky stretch fabrics: they may not be flattering as they tend to cling to curves and emphasize them too much, which can overshadow the rest of your silhouette.

What top goes well with a long skirt when you have curves?

Once you've picked your skirt, it's time to find the rest of your outfit. Here are some tips to help you choose 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-coloured 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, don't hesitate to wear a cropped t-shirt with your skirt. Contrary to popular belief, they aren't just for very slim girls: in fact, they accentuate your bust and waist! If you prefer not to reveal too much skin, go for a style that sits just below the waist. 😉

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

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

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

🔸 Lastly, 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 highlights your bust.

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

It's always a smart move to bring a jacket, even a light one, to wear over your outfit, no matter the weather. If everything you wear matches well, you'll achieve a polished look that showcases your good taste and sense of style.

For a long skirt, my advice to you is:

• a denim jacket that falls at the waist, for a chic bohemian look,
• a short blazer in the same tones as the rest of your outfit, to create a smart and elegant ensemble,
• a not-too-long jacket with a lovely print, like a bomber or a small quilted vest, to add some texture to a plain outfit.

👉 In winter, do remember to accessorise your outfit with a beret, a scarf, or a hat… It’s important to strike a balance so your outfit looks stylish without going overboard. Try to wear matching accessories, and never more than two at the same time on your upper body. 😉

How to Use Colours to Flatter Your Figure?

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

If your skirt is white or very light, I suggest going for a light pastel top or a nude shade that 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. It can be your skirt or top. After all, combining different prints can be quite risky... The easiest way to find a complementary colour is to choose from the following:

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

Now you have all the tips to show off your figure with a long skirt! Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try out 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 long bohemian skirts, regardless of your body shape. 😉

Bohemian skirts