How to Wear a Long 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 super trendy garment?

You’re in the right place.

A few years ago, women with curvier figures were often marginalised in the fashion world. Thankfully, this has 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 this, I've created this comprehensive guide for you!

There are many flattering skirt styles for curvy women: pleated skirts, tutu skirts, as well as high-waisted and fitted ones, not to mention those with bold patterns (flowers, geometric shapes…). Opt for loose and lightweight fabrics that give your skirt some volume, while avoiding anything too shiny or silky. Don’t hesitate to tuck your top into your skirt to give your silhouette some definition, or to wear a crop top or a short jacket. Finally, to balance your outfit, consider wearing a skir t in a darker colour than your top!

Would you like to know more? Continue reading to discover:

• The most suitable long skirts to enhance your curves,
• Which fabric to choose,
• Which 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 shades to slim your silhouette.

Which Long Skirt to Choose When You're Curvy?

Have you ever fallen in love with a skirt only to be disappointed when you try it on because it doesn’t suit your shape at all? If so, you’re not alone! It’s crucial to know which skirt styles are flattering for your figure so you can feel beautiful and comfortable in your clothing! In the following paragraphs, discover the most suitable cuts for a curvy figure.

A Pleated Maxi Skirt

The pleated long skirt is very trendy and perfect for summer, flattering most body shapes. It’s ideal for everyday wear, but also suitable for special occasions. Very lightweight, it allows you to be free to move without feeling hot. It’s perfect for you if you have a style that’s both chic and relaxed, a bit bohemian, and in tune with the latest trends.

A light-coloured tutu skirt

The term “tutu skirt” refers to tulle skirts, inspired by the tutus worn by dancers. This style of skirt is quite unique yet very stylish, and it suits curvy women particularly well when designed in a long cut. A solid colour tutu skirt will showcase your fashion sense, especially during formal occasions. If you have slightly wider hips or thighs - for instance, in an A-line silhouette - it will allow you to 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 are often styles featuring bold or graphic prints, which are perfect for accentuating your feminine curves.

Be sure to have a look at the long wax print 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 vein, you might choose a long, bohemian chic skirt with a lovely botanical print. Bold patterns will flatter your figure more than small details: treat yourself by selecting a style you truly love, featuring large flowers, exotic foliage, or even more unique prints (such as fruits, animal patterns, etc.)!

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

Which material to choose?

To feel inspired to wear an outfit every day, two key elements are essential: comfort and style. If you have a few curves, I recommend combining the two by opting for light fabrics that add volume to your long skirt without weighing it down, such as tulle, cotton, or even linen.

Choosing materials and styles that tend to add volume may seem counterintuitive when you're aiming to enhance your shape, but it can actually create a harmonious and very feminine silhouette by balancing the width of your upper and lower body. Additionally, with cuts that are not too fitted, you'll feel freer in your movements and more comfortable to move around.

👉 Avoid silky, shiny stretch fabrics: these often aren't flattering, as they tend to cling to curves and highlight them too much, detracting from the rest of your silhouette.

What top to wear with a long skirt when you are curvy?

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

🔸 If your long skirt has patterns, I recommend opting for a simple, plain top to make your skirt the focal point of your outfit. This also works well with a plain 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 common belief, they are not just for very slim girls: on the contrary, they enhance your bust and waist! If you’d prefer to keep a bit more coverage, choose a style that falls 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:

• by tucking it in only at the front, allowing it to drape down over the hips and back,
• by fully tucking it into your skirt.

Choose the one that suits you best and in which 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 will accentuate 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, regardless of the weather. If everything you wear coordinates well together, you'll achieve a well put-together look that highlights your good taste and sense of style.

With a long skirt, I recommend:

• a denim jacket that falls at the waist for a chic bohemian look,
• a cropped blazer in the same tones as the rest of your outfit to create a smart and elegant ensemble,
• a shorter jacket with a lovely print, such as a bomber or a little quilted gilet, to add interest to a plain outfit.

👉 In winter, don't forget to accessorise your outfit with a beret, a scarf, or a hat… It's essential to strike a balance so that your outfit looks stylish without being over the top. Try to wear matching accessories, and never more than two at once on your upper body. 😉

How to Use Colours to Enhance Your Silhouette?

If your plus-size maxi skirt is a bright or dark colour, you can achieve a very flattering slimming effect with a simple tip. 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, I recommend opting for a light pastel top or one in a nude shade, matched with your shoes or with jewellery or accessories you are wearing.

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

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

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

For some inspiration, feel free to check out our online shop: you will find a wide variety of clothing, including unique and flattering bohemian long skirts, no matter your body shape. 😉

Bohemian skirts