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Fashion / Women's Clothes
By Jenna Curcio, CNN Underscored
Published 9:05 AM EDT, Wed June 19, 2024
What's in this guide
- Editors’ favorite maxi skirts
- Best maxi skirts
- Frequently asked questions
Maxi skirt quick picks
Editor favorite: Old Navy High-Waisted Crinkle Gauze Maxi Skirt
Casual maxi skirt: Gap Crinkle Gauze Tiered Maxi Skirt
Dressy maxi skirt: By Anthropologie The Tilda Maxi Slip Skirt
Best maxi skirt for summer: The Somerset Collection by Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Skirt
Maxi skirts are one of my favorite things to break out of my closet for the spring and summer months. Although they are a timeless piece, it’s always interesting to see how the styling codes for maxi skirts have adapted to the current trends each year. For summer, they are the perfect way to add an extra touch of breeziness to any outfit, whether you’re going for a more casual vibe or an upscale look.
Celebrity stylist Cher Coulter notes that maxi skirts have always been a “boho” trend, but now they aren’t confined to just one aesthetic. According to Erin Noël, Los Angeles-based personal and celebrity stylist, “the way we style a maxi always changes, but one of the details I always pay attention to is the fabrication and cut. We have seen cotton maxis, denim maxi skirts, fishtail-style maxis, [maxis] cut on the bias and many other variations.” This summer, Noël says you can expect to see stand-out maxi skirt trends including “the drop-waist style, mixed-media stretch waist with a poplin skirt and the bubble hem.”
Read on for some expert recommendations and the best maxi skirts we’ve found to add to your summer looks.
Editors’ favorite maxi skirts
Editor Favorite
This is the only maxi skirt editorial director Chelsea Stone owns, and the only one she needs. The versatile style is made with light cotton and comes in four colors, sizes XS to 4X and regular and tall lengths.
Editor Favorite
A tiered maxi skirt is one of the classic variations of the style. Reviews editor Tobey Grumet Segal loves this one because "it goes out to dinner and to the beach."
Editor Favorite
Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman says she's fallen for this smocked-waist, tiered maxi skirt, renting it through Nuuly several times. She finds it comfortable and flattering, and highlights that it has pockets to boot. It's also available to buy straight from Anthropologie in standard, petite and plus sizes.
Editor Favorite
This sleek satin option is social lead Stephanie Griffin's absolute favorite maxi skirt. It can easily elevate sneakers and a tee or be paired with heels and a going-out top. For ultimate versatility, it has an elastic waist so you can wear it high or low.
Editor Favorite
"Wearing cream knit around NYC does terrify me, but this piece is actually super versatile and something I wear year-round," says associate editor Jillian Tracy. The soft and stretchy column skirt can even be pulled up to be worn as a strapless dress.
Editor Favorite
For work, date night or brunch with the girls, associate editor Sophie Shaw says this satin maxi skirt is easy to style for a number of occasions. And the pretty champagne shade is ideal for summer.
Best maxi skirts
This super-sleek option is a classic piece you can’t go wrong with, coming in a variety of neutral colorways. Noël adds that it’s great for transitioning from day to night.
Yes, we noticed that retailers love to style maxi skirts with crop tops and bare midriffs too — but that doesn't mean you have to. Try layering a maxi skirt over a bodysuit or with a T-shirt and a cardigan on top for more coverage.
Finding a maxi skirt for tall and petite sizes can be tricky, but thankfully this airy cotton maxi skirt comes in three lengths. Plus, it has a smocked waist for extra comfort and stretch.
Linen is light and breathable, making it an ideal option for summer. Noël likes this 100% linen floor-length skirt that has an effortlessly relaxed look to it.
Denim is always in style, and this straightforward maxi skirt perfectly captures its ease. The straightforward style leans utilitarian, and can be substituted in any look where you'd typically reach for a pair of jeans.
This body-hugging skirt is a top-rated option from Amazon. It works for petite sizes and long legs alike, as you can fold the top over to adjust the length.
One of Coulter's picks, this breezy cotton maxi skirt features beautiful tonal embroidery to bring a bohemian feel to your outfit.
Coulter also loves this sunset-hued knit maxi skirt that gives vacation vibes to the fullest.
This jean skirt has a frayed hem for a grunge-inspired touch. We recommend styling it with the super-popular Adidas Sambas for a laid-back look.
Hollister's breezy sundresses and skirts have gone viral, and it's easy to see why. With a cute design and attention to detail, this skirt has a drawstring waist for an adjustable fit, pockets for added convenience and pretty lace stripes for a coastal cowgirl feel.
If you’re looking for something more elevated, this pick from Noël is the perfect option. The sheer silk is romantic but not too revealing.
Frequently asked questions
The defining feature of a maxi skirt is its length, which is ankle-grazing or floor-length. (A maxi skirt is essentially the longest skirt silhouette, while midi skirts fall between the knee and ankle and a mini skirt will end above the knee.) Because of their length, maxi skirts are extremely versatile across the seasons and flattering for all body types. They can be formal or casual, fitted or loose, high-waisted or low-waisted and, as the stylists note, can even work as a substitute to trousers.
Noël advises exploring and evaluating the pieces that you already have and trying to figure out how a maxi skirt will best complement them. “Most people who don’t wear dresses probably won’t like skirts, but someone who often wears tops with pants or trousers, might be open to a skirt since it’s a similar variation of putting together a look,” she explains. “If you have never worn a maxi skirt before, I would look at what style suits your taste best — is it long and cut on the bias (more fitted) and worn in the evening? Or would you wear a cotton poplin maxi during the day with yourfavorite white T-shirt?”
Putting together foolproof outfit formulas that work well within your wardrobe is the key to making maxi skirts work for you. Noël emphasizes the importance of balancing proportions, depending on the fit, length and fullness of the maxi skirt. For example, “If you are wearing a full skirt on the bottom, generally you should try to wear a more fitted tank or T-shirt,” Noël explains. If you opt for something like a minimalist slip skirt, the stylist suggests opting for an eye-catching top or a bold accessory like a statement earring and a cuff bracelet. For an office-appropriate effect, a crisp button-down shirt works with a fitted or full maxi skirt. A maxi skirt matching set is a foolproof way to master the trend sans the effort.
In order to ensure a flattering fit and not get overwhelmed by the fabric, Coulter says to pick a skirt that “hits just above the ankle; you don’t want it dragging or drowning.”
Maxi skirts are a year-round style, since there are so many variations on the trend. Layer tights underneath for the cooler months or opt for a thicker knit maxi skirt for extra warmth. Maxi skirts look just as great with boots as they do sneakers or sandals, so you can easily adjust the seasonality of your complete maxi skirt look. Lighter materials like cotton and linen will be your best bet for keeping cool during the spring and summer. For an elevated look, silk and satin are appropriate any time of the year.
Since maxi skirts are so versatile, they’re a great option to pack when traveling. If you’re headed on a sunny vacation, keeping things simple and airy is a general rule of thumb. Coulter recommends wearing a “more relaxed style that starts at the hip and grazes the ankle with an amazing sandal, a very light fabric, maybe half lined so you’re not boiling hot.”
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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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