How To Style Long Skirts: From Beach Days to Evenings Out
We do love a long skirt. It’s one of those pieces that quietly becomes a wardrobe staple - versatile, flattering, and surprisingly easy to wear once you get the hang of it.
That said, long skirts can feel a little tricky at first. It’s easy to worry they might look bulky, outdated, or a bit shapeless. But with a few simple styling choices, a long skirt or maxi skirt can feel modern, effortless, and incredibly wearable.
Lyn always says she loves a long skirt because it’s so easy to style. She’ll often wear a long lace skirt with a rugby shirt or an oversized linen shirt - something relaxed that balances the shape. They can be worn casually for the beach, made a little prettier for social occasions like a BBQ, or dressed up with a wedge when needed.
In this guide, we’re sharing how to style long skirts for different seasons and occasions, so they feel flattering, current, and easy to wear.
How To Style Long Skirts
Long skirts have made a strong comeback in recent years. Once considered a little old-fashioned, they’re now very much part of modern dressing. A well-chosen skirt style can feel relaxed, elegant, or even quite contemporary depending on how you wear it.
The key is understanding proportion and balance. Pairing a fuller skirt with a more fitted or structured top, defining the waist, and choosing the right footwear all help create a skirt outfit that feels intentional rather than overwhelming.
Once you find that balance, long skirts become one of the easiest pieces to style - adaptable across seasons and suitable for everything from everyday wear to more dressed-up occasions.
Are Long Skirts In Fashion
Yes - long skirts are definitely in fashion. In fact, they’ve become a key part of modern wardrobes, particularly with the move towards more relaxed, comfortable dressing.
Current trends lean towards softer silhouettes, natural fabrics, and more fluid shapes. Maxi skirts, lace styles, and slightly more structured versions are all popular. What makes them work today is how they’re styled - often with more casual or unexpected pieces to keep the look fresh.
As Lyn says, long skirts used to be seen as a bit dull, but now they feel fashionable and on trend again - which is great, because they suit so many people and are incredibly flattering.
What To Wear With Long Skirts
Oversized shirts
A big linen shirt or oversized cotton shirt works beautifully with a long skirt. The relaxed top balances the length of the skirt and creates an effortless, modern silhouette.
Fitted tops
A more fitted top helps define shape and prevents the outfit from feeling too loose. This is especially useful if your long skirt has more volume.
Chunky knits or rugby shirts
Lyn loves pairing a long lace skirt with a rugby shirt or knit. It adds contrast and keeps the outfit from feeling too delicate or overly feminine.
Simple sandals or flip flops
For casual days, sandals or flip flops keep the look relaxed and wearable - ideal for beach days or warm-weather dressing.
Wedges or heels
If you want to dress things up, adding a wedge or heel instantly elevates the look and makes the skirt feel more suitable for evenings or events.
How To Wear A Long Skirt
Choose a high-waisted skirt for a more flattering silhouette
High-waisted styles help elongate the body and create a more balanced shape, especially with longer lengths.
Define your waist
Tucking in your top, adding a belt, or choosing a cropped piece helps avoid the outfit feeling shapeless.
Balance proportions
Pair fuller skirts with more fitted or structured tops to keep the overall look balanced.
Select shoes carefully
Shoes make a big difference. Flats keep things casual, while wedges or heels make the outfit feel more polished.
Add layers thoughtfully
A jacket, knit, or shirt layered over the top can add interest, but it’s important not to overwhelm the silhouette.
Use monochrome for a longer look
Wearing similar tones top and bottom can help create a longer, leaner line.
Show a bit of ankle
Choosing the right length, or styling to show a hint of ankle, can prevent the outfit from feeling heavy or shortening your frame.
5 Long Skirt Outfits
1. Casual beach outfit
A soft maxi skirt styled with a floral top and sandals creates an easy, breathable outfit for warm days.
We have styled Kate in a Crossley skirt, floral Tanavana shirt and EMU Selene sandals. The outfit is accessorised with a Bell & Fox Robyn Hand Woven Crosbody bag.
Maxi skirt styled casually for beach days and relaxed summer dressing.
2. Floral skirt with a matching blouse
A long viscose floral skirt paired with a matching blouse.
We have styled a mannequin in the me369 Jasmine skirt with pair with the Poppy Ruffled Cami blouse. The outfit is accessorised with the Bell & Fox Liberty Crossbody bag in metallic silver.
A me369 visose long skirt styled with pair with the Poppy Ruffled Cami blouse.
3. Linen shirt and long skirt
A long skirt styled with an oversized linen shirt creates a relaxed but polished look - ideal for everyday wear.
4. Social occasion look
A long skirt styled with a softer top and simple accessories works well for social occasions like BBQs or relaxed gatherings.
A long skirt styled for social occasions - relaxed but considered.
5. Dressed-up evening look
Add a wedge and some jewellery to transform your long skirt into an evening outfit. It’s one of the easiest ways to dress the piece up.
We have styled Eleanor in a long blue skirt with matching top. The outfit is accessorised with Waterhaul Fitzroy sunglasses and a Wild Spirit Wildhorn Beaded necklace.
Long skirt dressed up with wedges and jewellery for evening wear.
For more relaxed outfit ideas, you can also explore our guide on what to wear on holiday.
Ultimately, long skirts are one of the most versatile pieces you can own. They’re flattering, easy to style, and work across different occasions with just a few small changes.
As Lyn says, they really can work for anyone - it’s just about finding the right way to wear them for you.