The request for formal skirt outfits to be featured in this weeks “One Item, Five Fashionable Ways” came via a Facebook Page subscriber and I thought it was a great one, especially given the time of year. Styling a formal skirt for an upcoming event can be a great way to change up a look for a night out and, maybe, give your little black dress a breather.
A formal skirt, like the one I am featuring today from Max Studio, is a versatile item to keep in your closet. It won’t go out of style any time soon and it can be changed up in a variety of different ways to keep it fresh and interesting. Imagine it like the basic black skirt of your formal wardrobe– the options are limitless.
Five formal maxi skirt outfits
Before I get into the looks, if you don’t like a maxi skirt, or feel you are too petite for one, you can always swap out a maxi skirt in these looks for a shorter formal skirt.
Here are outfits using this one formal maxi skirt for some inspiration and dressing tips.
Look #1
When I thought about how to style a maxi skirt I thought to put it with a crisp white shirt, like Carolina Herrera often does. Instead of just a basic white shirt, I chose one with delicate beading on the collar, by J. Crew, to give it a jolt of formality. Next, imagining the shirt would be tucked in, I added this metallic belt by Lilly Pulitzer for some drama. One bit of advice about a belt: If you’re large busted, avoid the belt. Belting this outfit, especially with such a wide belt, will shorten the torso and make the bust look disproportionately larger. Because of the detailing at the collar, I added simple black stud earrings by Stella & Dot, along with a bracelet, also by Stella & Dot, and one I’ve used in past weeks in this series. Remember, the goal of this series is to also show you how to re-purpose most of what you may already own. The outfit is finished with a pair of metallic pumps by Sophia Webster, that are on serious sale, and a Badgley Mischka clutch.
Look #2
If you look back in this series from a few weeks ago I used this exact J. Crew top and Reiss beaded cardigan in another look. Here I am recycling both pieces again with a formal skirt. I am also using the same Stella & Dot necklace from weeks ago and earrings from the last look. Added to the outfit is a black and gold cocktail ring that I have also used before. To finish things off, I added a metallic clutch by Vince Camuto and a pair of sparkly pumps by Enzo Angiolini.
Look #3
Don’t let the length of a maxi skirt fool you, you can still create a daring and sexy look with it. Here, I took a leather and lace halter by Zara and added a pair of Vince Camuto chandelier earrings and very edgy cocktail ring. To finish the outfit I styled the look with a bondage style strappy pair of MICHAEL Michael Kors heels and a studded clutch by Nanette Lepore. This outfit is 50 Shades of hot.
If you are narrow in the shoulders and flat chested, and very bottom heavy, stay away from halters. Halters and full skirts often mimic the shape you are trying to avoid– a triangle. Instead, choose a more fitted or fit-and-flare style skirt to balance the body.
Look #4
For a sweeter look, try soft, silky blouse that you might own, like this one from Modcloth. Again, in order for the look to be right, tuck it in, don’t wear it out. To give this outfit a playful, retro look, I added a Stella & Dot necklace and bracelet, a soft pink clutch by La Regale and the same pumps used earlier. Due to all the activity around the shoulders with the ruffles and the necklace I kept the earrings dainty.
Look #5
For a look that is modestly elegant, I chose another Modcloth blouse and, this time, instead of tucking it in, I decided to belt the waist. The waist is important when wearing a maxi skirt which is why I’ve been suggesting tops either be tucked in or belted if they don’t have a very defined waistline. This top is belted with a Fossil belt and the earrings are by Vince Camuto. For shoes, I chose classic, black satin pumps by Joan and David and, for a punch, added a bold red clutch by Nina.
