Long skirt outfits have swished their way back into the spotlight – and this time, they’re bringing serious boho energy. Whether you’re heading to an event or just trying to survive the heatwave in style, there’s a flattering option for everyone.
Bohemian maxi styles – a key player in the spring/summer fashion trends for 2025 – are dominating across the board. From what to wear to a festival, to occasion-ready styles, think tiered silhouettes, breezy fabrics and prints ranging from gingham to polka dots, with just the right amount of ankle on show.
They’re not exactly new (the ‘70s got there first, of course), but maxi skirts have returned with a fresh sense of fun. And the best bit? Knowing how to style a long skirt gives you a look that works for just about any occasion – dress it up, pare it back, team it with boots or throw it over a swimsuit on holiday, the options are endless.
LONG SKIRT OUTFITS: Here's how to wear a maxi skirt according to a fashion editor
“I love the versatility of a long skirt - they’re really easy to wear and make a great addition to every wardrobe,” says stylist and presenter Emma Lightbown.
Long skirt outfits are great for pretty much any occasion, plus they go with a variety of different tops making getting dressed super easy. If you need some long skirt outfit ideas, here are seven ways to wear a maxi skirt, whatever the weather, to get you started.
1. How to style a long skirt with a T-shirt
While you can’t get more classic than teaming a long skirt with your best white t-shirt, for an edgier and more directional look, try a graphic print tee. A jersey or denim maxi skirt teamed with a cool printed t-shirt, chunky gold jewellery and trainers is the ultimate in dressed-down cool. Alternatively, choose a full circle, or wide A-line long skirt with more volume, a plain, fitted t-shirt and some ballet pumps for a nod to ‘50s casual aesthetic.
To make this look evening breeze-ready – and tap into one of the denim trends of 2025 – try pairing a denim maxi skirt with a matching denim jacket or shirt. A denim shirt, worn as a jacket, in particular, is an easy layering piece: it complements the casual vibe of a T-shirt while offering the throw-on ease of a cardigan, but with a bit more attitude. Bonus points? It works with every colour of maxi skirt.
Styling tip: If you don't like tucking in your tee, choose a pencil or tube skirt fit to team with a longer-length t-shirt. This silhouette elongates your frame and as there's no volume in the skirt, it means you won't feel like you're losing your shape.
Lace skirts are having a moment right now and while you may assume they’d only be good for dressier events, they actually work really well teamed with a print T-shirt and trainers. The high/low mix keeps things modern and wearable – giving lace a more relaxed, everyday feel without losing its impact.
A simple slogan tee is a wardrobe essential. The colourful print on this one adds just enough personality while still being easy to pair with almost everything you own. It’s the perfect finishing touch to a white jeans outfit or looks just as good tucked into relaxed linen trousers.
Straw bags may be a seasonal go-to, but this one proves they can be as refined as they are relaxed. The deep reddish-brown tone adds an elevated edge to the classic weave, making it the perfect partner for crisp whites, soft neutrals, or sun-faded denim. Understated yet impactful – this is summer accessorising at its most effortless.
2. How to style a long skirt with a blazer
When it comes to how to wear a maxi skirt, pairing it with a blazer is a chic, office-ready option that nods to the sharp tailoring we often associate with women’s trouser suits. But don’t reserve this long skirt outfit idea solely for work – choose a design in a luxurious fabric like satin or silk and you’ve got a look that easily transitions to evening. Need something that's party-ready? A sequinned maxi skirt will deliver all-out glamour.
Not sure how to style a blazer with a maxi skirt? Try the rule of thirds: the skirt should make up two-thirds of the look, while the blazer takes up the top third. That usually means your blazer should finish around the hip, any longer, and you risk looking swamped. Alternatively, a cropped blazer can help define your waist and balance out the volume of the skirt, creating a flattering silhouette.
Styling tip: Taller ladies can get away with comfortable trainers or flats, but if you’re on the petite side, get your best heels out.
Nailing how to style a satin slip skirt with a maxi hem adds a refined edge to any wardrobe and suits almost everyone. Dress it down with a graphic tee, trainers and a denim jacket, or smarten it up with a crisp shirt, heeled boots and a tailored blazer for a polished look.
This cropped jacket from Spanish clothing brand Zara can be styled countless different ways, thanks to the shorter silhouette. We recommend sticking with high waisted bottoms or a longline dress for a sophisticated look.
Simple thongs are one of the big summer shoe trends – add a heel and you’re ready to glam up any outfit. They strike the perfect balance between laid-back and polished, whether you’re heading out for dinner or just want to elevate your everyday look.
3. How to style a long skirt with a blouse
A blouse and maxi skirt is the perfect event dressing outfit – elevated, elegant, and far more comfortable than your average occasionwear. For maximum impact, go monochrome: tonal pairings in bold shades or soft neutrals always turn heads, and choose sleek shapes such as a satin slip skirt with a matching satin blouse.
The beauty of this long skirt outfit, however, is how adaptable it is. Swap silk for cotton, heels for flats, or wear the blouse loose over the waistband for a more relaxed, daytime look. Have fun playing with contrasting colours and textures to make the look feel more modern and personal. From garden parties to long lunches, this duo delivers every time.
Styling tip: If you’re petite, make sure your blouse is fitted and tucked into your skirt to avoid being swamped by the longer length. The taller you are, the more volume your shirt can take, try a high neck collar and a full sleeve style for an on-trend feel.
One of the standout shades this season, this powder pink maxi brings a pop of colour and a sense of joy to your summer capsule wardrobe. The flattering A-line cut makes it endlessly versatile – pair it with an embroidered blouse for something more polished, or keep it casual with a simple vest top and sandals.
If you’re not a fan of tucking in, a slightly cropped blouse is a great alternative. The delicate broderie detailing adds just enough texture – perfect with a long skirt and a clever choice too if you’re wondering how to style wide leg jeans without overwhelming your shape.
This is the kind of clutch that does all the talking. Bold, bright and full of personality, it’s perfect for adding punch to a pared-back outfit or for leaning into summer’s love of colour. Style it with linen, denim, or even a floaty maxi, it’ll hold its own.
4. How to style a long skirt with trainers
Whether it's your best white trainers or nailing how to wear high tops, working trainers into your long skirt outfits creates a modern, stylish look. It doesn’t mean the rest of your ensemble has to be casual though - in fact, a chunky dad trainer can give a cool edge to a dressier maxi skirts.
For a classic look that never dates, team your maxi skirt with a Breton top or white shirt, slip on your trainers and you’ll be ready for anything that the day throws at you. For a slouchy or casual long skirt outfit, take inspiration from how to style oversized t-shirts and go for a loose tee and slip skirt ensemble.
Styling tip: “Maxi skirts look fantastic with trainers, but getting the right length is crucial,” says Emma. “A skirt that finishes around the ankle is perfect for showing off your trainers.”
Not really a skirt person? Try a denim maxi skirt. They're just as easy to wear as your most comfortable jeans and go with everything. For summer, try a white denim version, which will look great with tan accessories or a striped tee for a laid-back, Riviera-inspired look.
The stripe shirt is becoming a must-have capsule wardrobe item. Infinitely versatile, you can try knotting your oversized shirt at the waist for a more casual feel or wear tucked in to a high waisted skirt for smarter occasions.
Give outfits a retro touch with these great adidas Samba alternatives. The retro styling works with everything, while the blue shade adds a pop of colour to outfits. Don’t save them for your sporty favourites though - they'll give your best summer dresses or a maxi skirt a cool, vintage touch while also keeping you comfortable.
5. How to style a long skirt as a beach cover-up
Thinking about some sun? If you're planning holiday outfit ideas but space is at a premium in your suitcase, putting together a few long skirt outfits is key to maximising your vacation wardrobe. Not only will it look chic in the bar come sundowner time, but a maxi skirt also works as a stylish beach cover up.
Emma recommends opting for something a bit floatier to make sure your long skirt outfit screams beach-ready. You could also try a hi-lo hemline or tiered maxi skirt for a more runway-inspired look. Choose a design in a cheesecloth or chiffon fabric for super easy, non-creasing packing, that's also lovely and light in the heat.
Styling tip: Emma advises an elasticated waist for the ultimate in holiday comfort. “Stick to those with elasticated waists rather than buttons or a zip and choose colours that complement your swimsuit,” she recommends.
The ultimate summer piece, this lime stretchy maxi skirt will inject any outfit with a little bit of happiness. Super cool in warm weather, this maxi skirt gets maximum holiday points as it also doubles up as dress, which means more room in the case for accessories and shoes.
When is a swimsuit not a swimsuit? When it doubles up as a pretty holiday top, that’s when. This cobalt frill design looks just as good paired with a sarong or denim shorts as it does poolside – and with its belted waist and flattering neckline, it’s a great example of choosing swimwear for your body shape without compromising on style.
A holiday outfit isn’t complete without a stylish sun hat. This one adds a pop of colour with its bright woven stripes and contrast trim, it's the perfect blend of fun and sun protection. Just add oversized sunglasses – one of the sunglasses trends of 2025 – and you’re good to go.
6. How to style a long skirt with a jumper
“When the weather starts to get a bit cooler you can’t beat a sweater and maxi skirt combo,” says Emma. Whether you team your best cashmere sweater with a more tailored skirt or a chunky knit with frothy tulle, it’s a great way to get more mileage out of a long skirt after the summer has gone.
Many people think that maxi skirts are only for warmer months, as they're the obvious choice when exploring what is boho style, but a long skirt with a cosy knit is ideal as it gives extra coverage when the weather dips. Just avoid floor-sweeping styles; instead, get skirts shortened to ankle length for practicality. For an alternative look, Emma recommends pairing your long skirt with a sweatshirt and trainers for a sports luxe-inspired look.
Styling tip: If you can't do the current oversized look, you can still very much wear a jumper with your long skirt. “A French tuck - where you tuck in only the front of your top - will also elongate the body and emphasise your waist,” advises Emma.
A tiered maxi skirt is ideal for transitional dressing, as it is both floaty and full coverage. Team with a chunky knit and your best winter boots on cooler days or chunky sandals on holiday. Choose a shade, like khaki, that straddles the seasons and goes with everything for maximum wearability.
In warmer weather, swap your jumper for a sweatshirt instead. This red one gives a pop of colour to a plain long skirt, and is a great shade for lifting your mood and outfit. Team it with comfy jeans for those days when you want to chill - but still look put together.
Veja have earned its spot among the best white trainers thanks to its clean design and effortless versatility. The subtle pop of red adds just enough colour to lift an outfit, making them a perfect match for floaty long skirt outfits or your go-to jeans. Stylish, comfortable and endlessly wearable – these are trainers that truly go the distance.
7. How to style a long skirt with boots
Chunky boots, or ones with a decent heel height, are some of the best knee high boots to invest in and will ensure that your maxi skirt outfits don't end up dragging on the ground. After all, no-one wants a soggy hem. But for something on-trend and seasonless, there's no going wrong with cowboy boots.
Not sure how to wear knee high boots as part of your long skirt outfits? Choose a pair with a block heel for a boho, 70s take on the look that will work for transitional weather. If you want your maxi skirt outfit to be super chic, stick to a monochromatic palette.
Styling tip: Choosing a long skirt with a split or asymmetric hem will show off your boots and tie your whole look together.
There’s something super elegant about a maxi pencil skirt – it skims the silhouette, adds instant polish, and works just as well with a crisp shirt as it does with a slouchy tee and sandals. It also pairs brilliantly with knee-high boots, making it a great transitional piece when the weather turns. A true wardrobe chameleon.
This Whistles tie-front top is the definition of easy elegance – with its flattering fit, textured finish and versatile shape, it’s the kind of piece you’ll reach for all season. Thanks to best tie front top hacks, it’s endlessly wearable – knot it high with a maxi skirt or leave it loose over wide-leg jeans for a more relaxed feel.
Suede boots are a great investment as they work just as well teamed with denim cut-offs for festivals as they do with a maxi skirt or longline shorts – two big 2025 trends. These beige ones will go with everything, while the pointed toe gives them a sharp, modern edge.
How to style a long denim skirt
Denim never really goes out of fashion – it just comes back in fresh new guises. As stylist Natalie Robinson puts it, “The Madonna of all trends, denim is a classic that reinvents itself in various guises every season.” And right now, it’s the long denim skirt that’s having a moment. Whether you go for a sleek column cut, a ‘90s-inspired bodycon shape, or Natalie’s pick – the A-line denim skirt, which she says is timeless – it’s a wardrobe staple that works hard across seasons.
For a polished, grown-up take, pair your long denim skirt with a crisp white shirt tucked in and belted at the waist – it’s a simple styling trick that instantly elevates. Natalie says long denim skirts can also easily be dressed up for a night out.
“Shoulder-robe a tailored jacket while rocking your long denim skirt with black, flat, knee-high boots,” she suggests.
Want to keep it casual? Swap in an oversized tee or simple knitted waistcoat – easy, wearable and very right-now.
What tops to wear with a long skirt
When it comes to styling a maxi skirt, getting the proportions right can make all the difference.
“Picking out the right shape top is important when wearing a maxi skirt,” says Emma. “If it has a full, A-line or relaxed silhouette, stick to a more fitted top. For a curve-hugging pencil style, try pairing it with something more structured like a blazer.”
As a general guide, the more volume your skirt has, the simpler you want your top to be – and vice versa.
A slinky, straight-cut skirt can handle a bit more shape or texture up top, while fuller silhouettes tend to work best with clean, tucked-in pieces.
That said, fashion rules are made to be broken so experiment with different combinations to find the long skirt outfits that work for you and your lifestyle.
Working within the fashion and advertising industry for over 20 years Emma’s diverse range of talents span across everything style based. From wardrobe styling, to set building Emma is as happy with a power tool as she is with a Prada handbag. Emma's podcast Off the Hanger was recently in the top 10 UK fashion and beauty charts, she interviews guest about their favourite fashion pieces and the stories behind them.
Natalie Robinson is an award winning style expert, luxury personal shopper and livestreamer at Style Icon Ltd. She began her career working in Harrods as a brand specialist for Donna Karan and other top international designers and has since worked for Browns and Selfridges. Launching Style Icon Ltd in 2005, Natalie aims to inspire, create, innovate and educate through her work as a personal stylist, style writer, and content creator.
