How To Style Long Skirts: Stylist Tips, Simple Tricks, and Outfit Inspiration
There’s been a recent fashion development happening as of late. I touched upon it in last week's blog. And as promised, this week I will dig a little deeper into specific trends and styles that are gaining traction and are, in my opinion, easily wearable.
It’s funny, many of you that also follow me on Instagram spotted it!! Last week, I did a style tip video explaining how to convert a crossbody bag into a belt bag, and in that video I was wearing a long denim skirt. There were quite a few comments professing love for the style, as well as a few questions about if this was still in or a new style. And the answer is kind of both…
Long skirts and long denim skirts in particular have remained a wardrobe staple for many through the years. And as I mentioned in my post about graphic tees, if there is a style that feels particularly authentic to you, keep wearing it, even if it’s not the most popular trend at the moment. That is precisely how I feel about graphic tees. They will always have a place in my wardrobe because they feel very me - however, when I style them I mix them with modern pieces so I feel current and not dated.
In full transparency, I wore denim skirts, both long and short, in previous decades. And, while I loved them, they did not make it through my wardrobe edits. I think it had to do with a few factors.
Fit (yep, I’ve gone up a few sizes since the early aughts)
Life roles - skirts were not easy for me to wear to mommy and me class or to soccer games. Jeans and sweats reigned supreme for that.
Trends - skirts were not necessarily “out” but they have not been majorly “in” until recently
So, as fashion does, things are coming full circle. And longer skirts are popping up a lot. I’d say we are in the beginning stages of this, so if you don’t feel quite ready for it, don’t fret. And of course, if it is entirely not your thing, take a pass on the trend all together.
There is something very 1970’s, Mary Tyler Moore chic (wasn’t she the ultimate working woman back in the day?) about the skirt styles I’m seeing. It’s long and lean, but with a bit of an a-line, so it’s quite flattering. And on top of that, it has a more casual, wearable feel than the pencil skirts we used to wear to work.
I wore this style skirt to hear Noa Tishby speak a few months ago and it felt perfectly business appropriate yet casual.
Unfortunately I scored that skirt on final sale, but here are a few similar ones to peruse.
This type of skirt has been on my personal wish list this season - it is one of those pieces that will be new and fresh rather than redundant in my wardrobe. By adding strategic pieces, in current silhouettes and colors, it helps my tried and true items feel new.
If you are intrigued by this skirt style and like the way it looks, but you’re not totally sure how to wear it, keep reading for some helpful styling tips.
Long Skirt Styling Tips
Define the ankle and/or foot
Longer skirts, like wider pants, are easiest to pull off when you can see the shape of your ankle or foot. Often that means a point toe, seeing some skin on the top of the foot or a strappy sandal.
Pay attention to boot length
Boots that go up and under the skirt - if pairing a long skirt with a bootie, make sure the shaft of the boot/bootie meets or ideally goes up and under the skirt. If not there will be too many horizontal lines cutting the bottom of your body.
Highlight the waist
Seeing the waist with this silhouette is important. This can be achieved by tucking, tying or even belting the top. I’ve recently been using the “CROP TOP BAND” when I want to highlight my waist but not truly tuck in my top or sweater. Use the code HALLIE10 for a discount on your Crop Top Band!
Opposites attract
Fuller skirt/slimmer top - this is the same drill as with pants. Slim top and slim bottom look like Jessica rabbit. And full top with a full bottom looks sloppy (and visually adds bulk). So, pick your poison - and if you decide to go slim in one area, balance it with some fullness in the other.
Leg-friendly skirt length
This one is individual and also very important! It might require a tailor too, but it is so worth it! Make sure your skirt hits you at the optimal point on your leg. Meaning NOT MID-CALF, because that is the widest part of your leg. Opt for a bit longer where your calf tapers or even down to your ankle. That will be more flattering.
I’m doing a live Q&A in my Facebook group on Wednesday evening where I will be answering your style questions! Click here to join the Facebook group and ask any questions in the group before the call for the best chance to get them answered!
How to Wear Long Skirts if You're Short
“But what if I’m short?”
I hear this one all the time from my petite clients and readers. I do not know who told you if you’re short you can’t wear long skirts (and dresses for that matter). BUT YOU CAN. And you should. Why? Because the longer line of the skirt creates the illusion of a longer leg and a taller person. Here are some things to keep in mind though.
3 Tips for Wearing Long Skirts if You’re Short
1. Make sure the proportion and scale of the skirt is suited to you.
Have it tailored if needed. Taking a quarter of an inch from the side or up from the bottom can make a world of difference if you’re petite.
2. Opt for solids or smaller scale prints.
If a skirt is long and you’re short, having a big print can feel like too much going on and can make the skirt wear you. Instead of the other way around.
3. Pick shoes in the same color.
Again, we are going for the optical illusion of height and length, so matching your bottom and footwear, color wise, helps the cause.
Long Skirt Street Style Inspiration
Even though she’s wearing a flat, the pointed toe gives her legs for days. And the tucked top with a belt helps too.
See how the boot goes up and under the skirt? And is in the same tone as the skirt so it gives a 2/3 to 1/3 proportion to the look.
While you see the top of the boot in this look because the slit is so high, it still works. If the boot hit lower it would feel too choppy.
I included this one because I think it’s cool, and you’re going to be seeing more ankle socks with shoes. However this is a harder look to pull off. And also note, the socks go up under the hem of the skirt so it’s still the same rule that’s applied.
I’m kind of obsessed with this look. It’s so easy yet polished and kinda perfect. Tucked top + boots same color as skirt.
This one breaks the rule, but let me tell you why it does work… Correct, the boots and skirt are not the same color BUT the rest of the outfit is, so it still achieves visual length. Also a good example of full on top and slim on bottom.
If this top was not tucked or tied it would be too much. But here it balances nicely with the slim skirt. And seeing foot skin also helps.
Shop Long Skirts
What do you think about long skirts? If you love them, great! If you have always wanted to wear them, but felt like they did not work for you, I hope these tips are helpful! And lastly, if this style is not for you, that’s perfectly fine as well! I’d love to see how you style long skirts this year! You can join my Facebook community, All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go, to share your OOTDS, ask style questions, and more! Click here to join.
