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

Do you love high-waisted maxi skirts and want to know if they would enhance your figure? Are you looking for fashion inspiration to incorporate this super trendy piece into your wardrobe?

I’m going to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I absolutely loved the comeback of long skirts, especially pleated ones, on the runways a few years ago. This essential piece has the advantage of being easy to wear, very feminine, and easily paired with outfits in any season!

Today, I’d like to show you how to embrace the high-waisted maxi skirt, regardless of your body shape. I’ve also gathered some inspiring outfit ideas to help make this garment one of your wardrobe favourites!

Contrary to what you might sometimes hear, a high-waisted maxi skirt flatters most body shapes. If you are petite or curvy, make sure to choose lightweight fabrics and cuts that aren't too long, as these will enhance your figure. Very trendy, the maxi skirt comes in many styles: it can be classic in black and white or rock ‘n roll when paired with a leather jacket. It’s also a key piece in bohemian and ethnic styles, especially if it features patterns or prints. This garment can be styled in endless ways: you just need to find the look that suits you!

Would you like to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

  • If it's possible to wear a high-waisted maxi skirt when you're petite
  • If this garment is suitable for curvy women
  • How to achieve a bohemian look or a rock style with this type of skirt
  • How to wear it daily for work, socialising with friends,
  • Plenty of outfit examples to inspire you for your next shopping spree

For which silhouette?

In recent years, long skirts have become a must-have for any fashionable wardrobe. However, you might have some doubts about how this type of skirt suits your body shape. Indeed, in advertisements and fashion shows, it’s often tall and slender women who are seen wearing them! What if you’re petite? Or curvy? I’ll answer your questions in the following paragraphs!

long skirt for women

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

It's often said that long skirts and dresses aren't suitable for shorter people: they supposedly make you look shorter and don't flatter your figure. I want to share that I completely disagree with this, and I'm not alone: it's absolutely possible to wear these garments when you're petite, as long as you choose them wisely!

To help with this, I’d like to offer you a few tips:

  • Choose a skirt that isn't too long, reaching above your ankles, so you don't trip over it,
  • Opt for light and bright colours,
  • Select lightweight fabrics: lace, silk, or other light materials…
  • Choose a high-waisted style that, proportionally, makes up ⅔ of your silhouette without your head,
  • And, if you can, wear heels to elongate your legs!

Can you wear a high-waisted long skirt if you have curvy hips?

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

long skirt plus-size women

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 fitted skirt to accentuate your curves.
  • Feel free to go bold with prints on the skirt: paired with a plain top, they will brighten up your look.
  • Avoid heavy fabrics like velvet or tweed.
  • Opt for either:
    • A fitted skirt that falls just below the knee,
    • An A-line skirt that reaches the knee or lower.

Elegance and Simplicity: The Casual Chic Long Skirt

Are you looking for a everyday outfit that is both feminine, stylish, and comfortable to wear? A long, high-waisted skirt in a solid colour or print, paired with a top and classic shoes, will be the perfect companion for heading to work, going out with friends during the day, or even going on holiday.

everyday skirt

👉 To highlight your waist, don't hesitate to wear a leather belt. As mentioned earlier, it is often said that a well-fitted outfit accentuates the following proportions:

  • ⅓ at the top,
  • ⅔ at the bottom,

A belt will accentuate your shape while providing a smart finishing touch to your everyday outfit.

The wax fabric: a vibrant style inspired by Africa!

Have you ever heard of wax fabric? This African material is treated on both sides with special wax, making it almost waterproof and very durable. This fabric is highly valued in sub-Saharan Africa and is an integral part of the culture in this part of the world.

maxi wax skirt

It is characterised by vibrant patterns: for African women, these patterns carry meaning and form a whole lexicon, indicating whether one is fulfilled in marriage or is single and looking for love, depending on the design worn.

Brightly coloured, wax skirts are best worn with a very simple and plain top. If you want to create the illusion of long legs and a slim figure, this is the outfit for you! Don't hesitate to pair it with African-inspired jewellery for a total ethnic look!

Dare to rock the look with your long skirt

The pleated black maxi skirt is a feminine asset of the rock 'n' roll style: whether it's for an evening outfit or your everyday look, this garment will help you make a statement while staying ultra-stylish!

pleated skirt

For this, I recommend wearing the high-waisted black skirt with:

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

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

Bohemian Trend with Chic Ethnic Style

Do you love flowy and comfortable clothing? Fancy pretty prints? The bohemian style is definitely for you! Keep reading this article to find out how to wear a long skirt in a boho chic way!

How to Achieve This Look?

The bohemian long skirt is characterised by:

  • pastel colours (pink, blue, green) or natural shades (ecru, 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.

bohemian maxi dress

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

  • A Bardot-style off-the-shoulder top,
  • A flowy blouse with lace details,
  • A stylish hat,
  • A small leather bag,
  • A belt that accentuates your waist,
  • Sandals that lace up around the ankles or leather boots for winter...

Our Selection of Bohemian Skirts

On our site Boho Via, we are committed to offering you ultra-trendy and accessible bohemian outfits all year round.

To get a glimpse of this style and maybe, who knows, find the skirt that you'll fall in love with, I invite you to check out our collection of bohemian maxi skirts right now!

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

    Looking for a smart and stylish outfit for work or a special event?

    A pleated maxi skirt, whether in black or white, is perfect for achieving a dressed-up look. To achieve this, simply pair it with a solid-coloured blouse or button-up shirt, along with black or white shoes, such as high heels or lovely heeled sandals. I recommend you play with contrasts by wearing either a black skirt with a white top or the other way around.

    jumpsuit for work

    This article comes to a close, and I hope that high-waisted long skirts are no longer a mystery to you! Trust your instincts to find the style that suits you, allowing you to be yourself 100%!

    Are you keen to learn more about pleated skirts? Check out our dedicated article!

    Need some inspiration? Explore stylish ways to effortlessly wear a high-waisted maxi skirt. View Our Maxi Skirt Inspirations