Casual Maxi Skirts: Yay or Nay

Cynthia

I used to wear a lot of quite long skirts, not floor length though, and a mid-calf skirt with boots is still one of my favorite styles. I wouldn’t wear this to work, but I don’t know, maybe, for some hypothetical casual event that is not work? It wouldn’t be a particularly daily-life-friendly costume for me. I can’t imagine going to the farmer’s market or the grocery store in a floor-length skirt, or doing weekend housework. Maybe to a restaurant or gallery-hop, or a concert where I’d be sitting down, but it would have to not be a ground-brushing skirt or it would get all gross on the street. I wouldn’t wear a long straight maxi like those for going ballroom dancing, either — it’d be dangerous. I guess I vote NAY — impractical!

January 19, 2011 at 4:03 am

Jenn

I love every one of these examples. Well, I don’t LOVE the pleated one. It’s giving me 90s flashbacks, but my vote is definitely YAH! This looks appeals to me very much. Of course, like everything, it has to be executed properly, and it doesn’t always look fab, but on the right person when done right, it’s lovely, I think. Full disclosure: I am very tall, so I feel this look was made for me.

January 19, 2011 at 4:07 am

rute

Veteran

For me nay either, with 5’2 it’s a difficult look to pull!

January 19, 2011 at 4:58 am

Queen Mum

Veteran

I actually I prefer the look of the maxi dress over the look of the long skirt. I most likely won’t we sporting either this spring or summer though.

January 19, 2011 at 5:04 am

Velma

Veteran

Not for me–although I do like longer calf-length skirts and always have one or two around for casual wear, even when they are not particularly in style.

January 19, 2011 at 5:04 am

Dusty

(website)

Active Member

Nay for me. I think long casual skirts look kind of awkward or sloppy most of the time. I don’t know why that is, though, exactly.

January 19, 2011 at 5:08 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Oh geez. Not another season of maxis! Nay. Not good for my height or body type. I wish this trend would gracefully exit stage left

January 19, 2011 at 5:15 am

Sihaya

Veteran

Not for me, thanks. I am too short for it. btw, I didn’t see it as part of a dress code in India growing up – at least in the city I was in though saris do go all the way to the ground and now I realize that they had “PPL” rules on saris way back then as well. There were those who liked them half an inch off the ground so as to keep them clean and those who wore them grazing the ground but had to change them out more often because of frayed bottoms!

January 19, 2011 at 5:33 am

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Not for me either even though I have the height to pull it off. Last summer I realized that I did not wear my only maxi dress exactly for this reason – it felt not appropriate and awkward for a day wear. I shortened it up and never looked back!

January 19, 2011 at 5:45 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I think this is hard to pull off without looking dowdy unless you’re young and tall and thin, or one of the Olsen twins.

That said, I have a maxi dress for summer that is adorable but never seems appropriate for a day here in the mid-Atlantic. I do plan on wearing it on my next tropical vacation though!

January 19, 2011 at 5:54 am

Jenn

I’m a hippie at heart Yay for me

January 19, 2011 at 5:55 am

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Nay from me. I wore mid calf skirts for about 20 years. Now I have finally seen the light and wear flattering knee length skirts/dresses I’m not going back!

January 19, 2011 at 6:09 am

Refugee

Veteran

For me, yay, with some caveats. The fit and cut really must be ‘just so.’ Where I live I see a lot of the long boxy denim skirts worn with over-sized shirts and that is a definite nay. I won’t be filling my closet with maxi skirts but if I find the right one, it would find a home in my wardrobe.

January 19, 2011 at 6:09 am

Dianne

Nope.

These skirts make me feel dumpy.

They made me feel that way when I was a kid, and its worse now.

January 19, 2011 at 6:11 am

Annie

Nay!

January 19, 2011 at 6:14 am

Nichole@40daysof

(website)

Nay. I’m another shortie (5’2″) who would be swallowed up by those. If I was really tall and had a casual way of dressing, I’d be all over those skirts.

January 19, 2011 at 6:20 am

greenglove

Love #3! I would wear that as it is styled. I also love the styling of #5 with the cropped jacket.
I think the look can be elegant and fun on the right body type. I would wear one, do not know if I will be purchasing one this spring but might if the right one shoes up. Nothing dowdy about this look for me- I wore long skirts all the time in the 90’s. I also like calf length skirts.

January 19, 2011 at 6:21 am

Kari

Veteran

You know, even looking at these very tall, thin models, the proportions just do not look right to me – I think because they are mostly wearing somewhat loose tops. Too much volume. The only one that comes close to looking right is the bottom center photo and I still don’t prefer the look.

Not for me! (Though I’d probably rather see maxi skirts than the nightgown-style maxi dresses.)

January 19, 2011 at 6:23 am

Joy

Veteran

Nay. My husband dislikes long skirts and was so glad to see me abandon mine. I’m too short anyway. Besides, shorter skirts are cooler in hot summer weather.

January 19, 2011 at 6:31 am

HBaber32

I like a maxi dress (5’8), but hold the maxi skirt for me. I feel frumpy in it.

January 19, 2011 at 6:44 am

wilson

Active Member

Like Greenglove, I wore long skirts in the 90’s too; almost every day! There is a certain beauty of a casual long skirt or dress that appeals to me but gets lost when coupled with a long sleeved top and full coverage shoes. The 2nd and 3rd outfits above look far better to me with the tank tops than the others with the long sleeved tops. I won’t be doing long casual skirts in the cooler weather, or probably even at all. I’d rather do a simple maxi dress (with racer back or tank top style) and sandals.

January 19, 2011 at 6:47 am

mary b

Nay for me. I am far too short (5′) and old to sport this look.
The only people it really works on are those who are tall, thin and under 21!
Everyone else looks dowdy or like they are trying to hard to look hip.

January 19, 2011 at 6:51 am

Lori

(website)

Active Member

nope – not for me…..

January 19, 2011 at 7:05 am

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, looks like I’m one of the few who will sport this once in a while. I have 2 or 3 in my closet already that I just couldn’t part with during my recent purge and now I’m happy to have held on to them. I live in a waterfront community so a beachy casual look fits right in. I’ll be pairing mine with a slim tank and low slung belt and strappy sandals. Maybe a nice big floppy sun hat as well

January 19, 2011 at 7:14 am

Inge

Once in a while I see someone pulling this look off splendidly, but personally it’s not my cup of tea. I completely agree with what you are writing about formal maxi skirts and calf length-skirts though, I’m definitely up for that!

January 19, 2011 at 7:21 am

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Not for me- I don’t care for the look, and it’s not practical.

January 19, 2011 at 7:21 am

Liz

Active Member

A maxi skirt would have to fit perfectly and be part of a smooth and sleek overall outfit, with no ruffles or flounces save for a slight flare, for me to even consider. (I do like the picture on the top right, with the black tank and smooth brown skirt–I’d wear that.) I do like the boho/beachy look, but it doesn’t suit me.

January 19, 2011 at 7:22 am

LeahJanes

Active Member

I love them! I have 3 in my closet and they get regular wear.

I’m not married to looking tall and thin and I love the way they move around the body. They are more comfy than jeans to me and feel very current.

January 19, 2011 at 7:22 am

Kate

Veteran

Not for me.

January 19, 2011 at 7:22 am

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Ack, I kind of like the skirt on the top row, third column. Will I wear one? Probably not. I can see the appeal though, especially in our hot, never ending summers.
And I can’t believe I just said that because I really don’t care for maxi dresses.

January 19, 2011 at 7:25 am

Christina

I guess I’m in the minority here! I’m 5’3″ and love the silhouette…in winter! I inherited a few floor length heavy-weight wool skirts from my mom, and I’m loving pairing them with a fitted cardigan and ankle boots for work. For me, the sleek look is necessary, so I try to pair with only fitted cardigans, and tuck my shirt underneath into my skirt. I will probably never pair floor length skirts with loose shirts like these models are doing, probably not even a very fitted jacket to help me stay away from the 19th century lady with a hat look. Granted, I work in a more casual work environment where the standard uniform is jeans and a sweatshirt, but I think I can make it work for the casual side of business casual. It’s also incredibly warm, like wearing a blanket at work. In the summer though, I just can’t swing the maxi skirt. Wearing maxi skirts in the Midwest heat just sounds like a terrible idea.

January 19, 2011 at 7:39 am

valleycat1

Just before your first post on the maxi skirt, I had decided that was something I wanted to try out. I agree, most are not work-friendly (I get up & down a lot at my desk, so would probably trip or at least rip out a hem). And I agree not to wear them shorter than ankle length & in softer fabrics. But for after-hours/weekends, they are easy. I’m fortunate to be tall. I took a full casual ankle-length skirt on a cruise & it was very versatile & more comfortable than pants & looked better than shorts on this woman of a certain age.

January 19, 2011 at 7:40 am

lynne

Veteran

Not for me. I did it in the 70s and that’s enough.

January 19, 2011 at 7:43 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’m surprised to hear this many nay sayers actually.

A few of you have verbalized my feelings exactly: dowdy, sloppy, impractical, inappropriate and disproportionate somehow.

Tell me ladies, why do long skirts make sense to you in hot weather?

January 19, 2011 at 7:43 am

Steph

Veteran

Most long skirts are too boho for my personal style, but I do like long skirts with a bias cut, as in the third photo in the top row. I’m not sure if I will personally wear something like that, but I can appreciate long skirts on others.

Angie, there might be another exception to your rule, which would be women who prefer long skirts in summer for health reasons. I have a friend who likes wearing long skirts in summer because they are still breezy, but they cover more of her skin and she has had a skin cancer scare. Of course, I do think there is some difficulty in saying that something is unstylish, unless someone has a religious or health reason. The reason doesn’t suddenly turn something stylish, does it? But again, I actually do think they can be stylish.

January 19, 2011 at 7:44 am

Ann

A maxi length is delightful in the heat/tropics after you have been in a swimsuit or shorts all day and you want a change for evening. A long skirt feels breezy and sexy especially if one’s legs tend to swell in the heat and humidity as mine do! Casual maxis work very well for me in a beachy-resort-hot weather setting- not so much here in the Pacific Northwest.

January 19, 2011 at 7:51 am

rae

(website)

Veteran

Huge nay for me. I am not bohemian enough for this (can’t stop thinking of Gypsy Halloween costumes and old-time peasant women when I see long casual skirts) , plus the season will be too hot in my area for a maxi.

January 19, 2011 at 7:51 am

gina

(website)

I like them! It’s not my favorite look, and I need to be careful about what I wear on top so as not to veer into dowdy territory, I do like the look of a casual maxi skirt.

January 19, 2011 at 7:58 am

cloud9

Veteran

nay for me… I think there will be just way too much fabric for me at my current weight. I like the idea of it though, but not something I can pull off with my porportions.

Of course it doesn’t make sense in 100+ degree weather, but in a cool summer day/night, a breezy long skirt definite has its appeal. A light fabric that doesn’t cling leaves the leg “breezy”. Also, in a a/c freezing office environment, a long skirt definitely provides some coverage. I’ve had goose bumps when just wearing a short skirt and I hate being so cold inside when it’s 90 outside!

January 19, 2011 at 8:20 am

Kathy

They get caught in chairs, and all kinds of other things. The pictures looks nice though. But, I just remember when they were in before and I used to wear them. They were always getting in the way.

January 19, 2011 at 8:21 am

Jennell

I like the long skirts! I live in central Fl where it is hot all summer. I wear the long skirt with a somewhat fitted top and low to flat sandals in the evenings. ( I have veins that show on my legs)I am 5’4 so perhaps I’m considered short-but I have received compliments on my outfits! Hopefully they are well intended:)

January 19, 2011 at 8:28 am

Diana

Veteran

I actually like them, as long as they are not too voluminous. Unlike with shorter skirts, I prefer a straighter cut on maxi skirts, at least through the upper portion (waist, hips, thighs). I am 5’4″ but have a high waist and relatively long legs, so I think I can pull them off. I think maxi skirts don’t have many of the downfalls of maxi dresses, namely the weirdly skimpy tops and the belly pooching.

I actually also love comfy jersey maxi skirts as loungewear too – I think skirts are in general more comfy than pants for lounging!

January 19, 2011 at 8:30 am

Carole

Veteran

I like the shape and style of #2 and 3 and actually have a linen maxi skirt like #2 that I rather like in the summer with a pair of sandals and vneck T. I’m tall (5’9) and can handle the length, but probably wouldn’t consider adding any more to my wardrobe. I’ll have to post pictures of my skirt sometime and see if it should stay on the hanger or be shipped off to goodwill!

January 19, 2011 at 8:35 am

ticksgirl

I love them! I like all the looks you’ve shown except the first one, and to be fair I wouldn’t wear that top with *anything*. I will definitely wear this look this summer, though I will probably stick with straighter, bias-cut versions as I prefer them to fuller skirts. I do love me a classy bohemian look!

January 19, 2011 at 8:47 am

kimana517

(website)

Active Member

I actually like them, and have seen some cute ones while out thrifting the past few years, but at 5’10”, they’re never long enough for me. I hate long skirts that stop at the ankle. I’m kind of like you with your PPL, but mine is PLSL – Perfect Long Skirt Length! ;o)

January 19, 2011 at 8:48 am

sherrykay

I wear long skirts, dresses and longer length cardigans and tunics over pants-for both religious and health reasons. However, I do not feel condemned to be dowdy because of it. The pieces I buy are from boutiques and nicer department stores. I do have more difficulty in summer (also because I cannot get overheated). I dislike polyester linings in long floaty silk skirts. So-I put together my outfits to make my own look. Skirts are washed linen or rayon/modal, etc. that move, with enough drape to stay down if it is windy. Skirts are above the ankle, below where the calf starts, A line, but a bit straighter. I don’t favor prints. Then a longer very thin tee (so hard to find a longer length that isn’t cut low in the front). Then a very light jacket. sweater, shirt, etc. over that (but not that shrunken thing in the picture. I wear sandals, but not high heel-my feet need care. It is not a boho look, but I have been complimented many times-not that I am looking for that. I see the skirt and tee as a foundation, and the jacket is more colorful. This is just one way I wear them. I do not think of ‘restrictions’ when I dress, but that I have a unique opportunity for creativity.

January 19, 2011 at 8:54 am

Kristina

Yay. So long as it’s ankle-length and not all the way to the floor.

I live in a climate in central CA where there are weeks on end in the summer of 100+ degree weather. I prefer skirts to shorts (cooler, more pulled-together). Something long like this is comfortable to wear with a pair of cute sandals and a fitted tee, and (this probably sounds weird, but it reflects my life) I can do almost anything, including sitting comfortably on a picnic blanket on the ground, without flashing everyone.

I’m tall, so that also makes this easier for me to wear. I’m sure if I were shorter, I would have a different view.

I do agree about the “nightgown” comment above. I prefer the maxi skirt to the maxi dress, as it just makes me look like I didn’t dress after I got out of bed…

January 19, 2011 at 9:02 am

Maya

Veteran

I thought I was almost certainly going to be a nay on this, but looking at the pictures, and remembering a few girls I knew in high school who used to wear them, I’m not as against them as I thought. I think they look way better than maxi dresses, which just overwhelm the wearer and are usually skimpy and bare up top. At least with maxi skirts, there is a break in all of that fabric and the top. Don’t get me wrong here–I don’t like the look, and I think it’s best left to the ultra tall and lanky, so I can’t appreciate it as a mainstream look. But it’s not as bad as I thought.

The tighter hobble skirt styles do not appeal to me at all, though. I believe these had to have been invented by someone who hates women.

I agree with Steph that just because someone has to wear something for any reason, it doesn’t make it stylish. It just makes it the only option you have. I don’t really understand why a sari would be acceptable but not a maxi dress on the premise that long lengths = evening. For me, maxi dresses look like glorified nightgowns and I hate how bare they are up top, so that is the key difference.

January 19, 2011 at 9:11 am

Christie

I have one, like it, and will wear it. And I’m only 5’4″ but I think it looks good on me. I like maxi skirts better than the dresses, probably because the top can be changed up.

January 19, 2011 at 9:14 am

taylor

Veteran

3rd time around for me . so big fat Nay!

January 19, 2011 at 9:18 am

CK

Active Member

Not for me personally, but I like the look on those with a more Bohemian style.

January 19, 2011 at 9:21 am

Helena

I am 5’11’ and think I can pull of this look. I am on the look out for one but will not be investing a lot of money in it as I think this is a fad and will not have any staying power. But then… I might be so wrong on that…

January 19, 2011 at 9:22 am

LoP

Veteran

At my height, I’m on the fence. It’s not practical for everyday wear, but I can see myself wearing the brown/black one and even the last one. Will I go for t his look, probably not. I must confess that I have one long flowery skirt in my closet that comes out to play one or twice a year.

January 19, 2011 at 9:28 am

Heidi

I’m 5’5″ and a pear. After three kids, my legs aren’t what they use to be, so I love the longer ‘A’ line skirts. None of the above examples are my favorite, but for a fun casual summer day, I love them. Put on a fun top, and the eye goes up, elongating my lower half. Of course I can hid a small child under one, but also my larger thighs and bottom:)

January 19, 2011 at 9:29 am

Amy H.

I really like this look — but I’m 5’8″ so I think I can pull it off. I don’t currently have a maxi skirt (just a dress that’s actually in a more formal fabric) so I am on the lookout for one for spring. I’ve also been on the lookout for a long formal ball skirt for years — just haven’t found one in my price range yet! Maybe this year will be the year.

I think I just like long skirts generally. Two of my favorite work skirts hit just below the largest part of my calf and I love wearing those with boots.

January 19, 2011 at 9:41 am

Scarlet

Veteran

I am going to keep an open mind on this one. It could be a good solution for me in hot weather when I need to keep my legs covered for work. Usually I don’t like a boho vibe, but pairing a long skirt with clogs might be a welcome change for me given my dress restrictions. I will be thinking about this one.

January 19, 2011 at 9:46 am

Marie

I’d like to finally give it a try this summer. However, I think long, full, flowing skirts look better with something more fitted on top. Otherwise the whole outfit looks baggy.

January 19, 2011 at 10:04 am

Antje

Veteran

I don’t hate the look, but I don’t see myself sporting it. I consider my legs one of my better features so I’m not keen on covering them up! I hope to find some nice above-the-knee A-line skirts this spring, to add to my collection of pencil skirts.

January 19, 2011 at 10:15 am

klauren

Active Member

I’m a caution yes – while not a fan of floor brushing lengths, love the looks of long skirts and do wear a longer length skirt often.

January 19, 2011 at 10:34 am

Deb

Active Member

I cannot see the maxi-skirt as a go-to item for everyday wear, but I think the look has its place as an alternative to pants. I would wear the first outfit for a relaxed get-together at home, with the sleeves shoved up and a couple of bangles on one wrist, and the third out to dinner in the summer, just as shown.

January 19, 2011 at 10:55 am

synchronia

Active Member

I have lots of maxi skirts that I wore all the time when I was in college (liberal arts…), but I find I wear them less and less. This might be the year that I hem them all to knee-length, even if they are trending.

January 19, 2011 at 11:00 am

Bianca

Veteran

No to the skirt and no to the dresses. For a 5 footer gal like myself, they just seem to engulf me.

January 19, 2011 at 11:00 am

Kyrania

Active Member

Oh a great HUGE YAY for me….BUT I don’t really dig them unless they have a Dark Romantic, Victorian vibe to them. I DO wear floor length skirts regularly and it works for me.

January 19, 2011 at 11:02 am

mamark

Blech!!!!! No freaking way will you ever catch me in one of these. I live in Berkeley and #s 1, 4 and 5 have never gone out of ‘style’ here. I feel like one of the foundations of my personal style is being as anti-Berkeley fashion-wise as possible.

(And #6 just looks Branch Davidian.)

January 19, 2011 at 11:21 am

catgirl

Veteran

I remember when skirts WERE this long, and I wore them then. I think it depends on the style and cut – I like the first andf third onesa lot. I will give it a whirl, like everything else, and see if it works. How long does it have to be to count as a maxi-skirt?

January 19, 2011 at 11:27 am

marianna

Veteran

No thanks! Not for me.

January 19, 2011 at 11:31 am

yardshark

Active Member

Here we go with the usual “I’m too short for these” chorus that ALWAYS occurs in discussions of maxis – and it is NOT TRUE.

I am 5’1″ tall and I say YAY. Furthermore, I am a busty hourglass. Guess what, I have been rocking certain maxi skirts for 10 years, and will continue to do so. In fact, MAXIS CAN MAKE YOU LOOK TALLER.

The trick is to choose the right ones. The easiest are my straight black microfiber maxis (I have 3 or 4 different black ones). Easy to wear, go with everything, comfortable as a T-shirt, fabulous in hot weather, dress up or down, not too much fabric.

I also have a bit sexier one that has a diagonal Asian print in fiery colors and a side slit that looks AWESOME with black knee-high boots. It too is close to the body, but not tight.

(Speaking of Asian – in some cultures long maxi wraps are THE thing to wear. And we aren’t talking about sky high tall people!)

What shorter people might want to avoid are the tiered type if they get too wide at the bottom. BUT, I have a black and white Indian print one with a flounced hem that I love and always get compliments on, so you have to try them on!

Just don’t assume. ‘Cause it ain’t so.

January 19, 2011 at 11:50 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ah! Many more yay sayers. I was wondering where you were.

Steph, preventing skin cancer by covering up parts of the body from the sun is indeed practical.

Maya, pointing out that most casual maxi dresses are skimpy on top is an interesting point, and I never thought about it that way. With a maxi skirt you have more options to cover up on top for sure. However, formal maxi dresses (think gowns) are just as skimpy on top – and why do they work? I think it’s because they are dressy. And after thinking more about it, Indian saris and the Malaysian sarong and kebaya work to my eye precisely because they are dressy. Kyrania, your maxi skirt ensembles are very theatrical, gothic AND very dressy. I too think that they work

Mamark, you crack me up.

Heidi, you had me chuckling with visions of being able to hide your child underneath your maxi skirt.

Alaskagirl, any length around the ankle or floor grazing is a maxi skirt.

January 19, 2011 at 11:50 am

Ellen

Active Member

Though my general style leans toward tailored, I enjoy wearing long, flowy peasant skirts in summer. I keep things trim with a fitted knit T on top and nice sandals. They are cool, a more grown-up option than shorts, and easier for me to stay modest in when I’m chasing toddlers than a knee-length skirt would be. I’m actually planning on adding to my collection this summer because I liked them so much last year.

Non-peasanty maxi skirts look odd to my eye, but I feel like that’s a very personal preference, not so much an awareness of style trends.

January 19, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Ellen

Active Member

I should add that I am tall, so often the shorter skirts styles in stores are even shorter for me than for others. And of the styles pictured, I would probably only wear the bottom left one – cotton and casual but not sweats, fits my SAHM lifestyle.

January 19, 2011 at 12:03 pm

Crystal

Active Member

YAY!!! I know its not the best look for short/average gals like me, but I don’t care. I love maxis! I think its my desire to dress up all the time, but long formal gowns don’t work into my lifestyle… ever, so this way I still get to feel formal, while looking casual.

January 19, 2011 at 12:25 pm

Angela

(website)

I am 5’2″ and apple-shaped – and I love maxi skirts. Jersey ones are stretchy and comfortable, and I feel elegant wearing them. To my eye, they elongate my body. I feel most relaxed when my lower half is completely covered. When I wear shorter skirts, I’ll wear boots and/or tights to achieve the same coverage, but maxi skirts do all the work on their own – it’s just easy.

January 19, 2011 at 12:39 pm

crasdy

Active Member

I love them. I can’t help it. I tried to give them up when I started reading the negative opinions of them here awhile back, but I can’t. Nothing makes me feel prettier and more feminine than a long swirly skirt in the summer, with a fitted tank and long beaded necklace on top and strappy flat sandals on the bottom.

January 19, 2011 at 12:40 pm

Vida

Yay for me. Here in the hot season in Greece we can get lots of mosquitos and a light cotton maxi skirt can be a real life saver for my legs! I wear it with strappy flat sandals, a casual top, some funky accessories and a tan and it hits just the right note for informal dinners with friends. I’m not tall either (5’4) but I don’t think that height has too much to do with the look. To show a bit of leg when it’s appropriate I’ll often wrap and tuck the skirt higher, flamenco style. I’ll be shopping for these skirts this spring!

January 19, 2011 at 1:18 pm

Evie

Active Member

I love the #1 and #2 looks in the pictures. I would love to try #2 in reality, so I think if I might buy a silky-breezy maxi skirt come spring/summer to wear with looser camis and halter tops perhaps (inspired by the pic).
Not a big fan of long peasant/hobo skirts on myself, but I do enjoy seeing them on other women. I think it’s an extra feminine (perhaps even even sexy) look

January 19, 2011 at 1:26 pm

Irene

Veteran

I say Yay. Used to wear a green one (militar green) when I was 17 or 18 and loved it. It’s too big on me now, though. I’d pair it with a black tank top and feel feminine and quite nice when wearing it. I wore it with sandals though.

January 19, 2011 at 1:31 pm

Louise

Veteran

I rather like the idea of a maxi skirt with a sleeveless top tucked in and thong sandals for the summer. Our summers aren’t particulary warm so a maxi skirt may help keep me warm!!!! x

January 19, 2011 at 1:34 pm

san

Being in the been there done that catagory, I say that casual maxi skirts are just not comfortable, there is so much fabric. I would only consider one if I was going to be sitting around an outdoor deck for an evening party. I’m pretty sure even then I would opt for something else. I guess the answer is, they don’t appeal to me.

As for calf length skirts, another been there done that. I’m getting old! I liked the look in the 80’s but I’m over it now.

January 19, 2011 at 1:36 pm

Lindsey in AL

(website)

Yay, yay, YAY! I am 5’8″ with legs more suited to someone 6′ or more and love long skirts. I can never find them much longer than my calf and I hope this trend means I might be able to find them to my ankles.
I am a homeschooling mother of 5 young children, in other words, home all day unless it’s errand day and then we’re out all day because we live in the sticks. I don’t wear them out of a particular religious conviction, I just love them. I love this look for its comfort (as long as the skirt isn’t fitted like the one on the top right) as well as casual elegance. I can see I’m in the minority, but that’s ok with me

January 19, 2011 at 2:24 pm

Lindsey in AL

(website)

As for hot weather- a long loose skirt that can circulate lots of air is the best! Has to be cotton or rayon though. Rayon challis is my favorite to sew with and to wear. I can get plenty of fullness without any poofiness. I haven’t worn shorts in a decade (except to bed) and I live in Alabama. In the summer I like to wear this type of skirt with a sleeveless top or tank. I really like the shirt in #3 (even if I don’t like the skirt.)
They also hide the lovely varicose veins in my legs, especially evil when pregnant

January 19, 2011 at 2:30 pm

Tiffany

I have one very simple black jersey maxi skirt and I love it, but I wear it mostly in the evening for summer barbecues, etc, just with a silk/cashmere blend tank or the like and flat sandals. It’s comfortable and I think I can get away with it as I am narrow hipped. It’s dressier than jeans, but I don’t have to wear heels or worry about what my legs look like. On the other hand, I can’t stand the super bo-ho versions (tiers, prints, volumet, etc); the only thing worse is a mid calf-length skirt, which for mine is the ugliest silhouette in existence.

January 19, 2011 at 2:49 pm

Beth

Veteran

A big old nay from me, for all of the reasons already listed:)

January 19, 2011 at 3:01 pm

April

Veteran

As a pareo on the beach, yay.

Otherwise, a big nay. I don’t like this look at all.

January 19, 2011 at 3:03 pm

Amrita

As another poster (Kari?) has already said, the proportions of the skirts paired with the long, loose tops in these pictures just look off. Paired with more fitted tops the skirts wouldn’t look so dowdy and droopy, IMO. I saw a young woman the other day at the library in a pleated maxi (like #1) and she looked good. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve seen anyone wearing such a long skirt that wasn’t part of a dress. The look was fresh and interesting. However, her skirt was just ankle length and she’d paired it with round-toed boots, a snug long-sleeved t-shirt tucked in, and over it a jean jacket that was high-hip length. She was about 5′-5″ or so and not particularly thin but her outfit worked, I think, because the proportions were right for her.

January 19, 2011 at 3:21 pm

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Nope, absolutely not. It has no appeal. And unlike many people, I don’t find long skirts or dresses remotely cool on hot spring and summer days. This jjust defies logic for me.

January 19, 2011 at 3:59 pm

Fiona

Yay! I can’t stand shorts, so these are absolutely my solution to when the activity level and weather would require shorts. Whenever I travel to a warm climate, I pretty much live in maxi skirts and dresses. I often spend my weekends in them as well. For me, they’re supremely comfortable, allow for a lot of movement, and even allow for a lot of active movement while still maintaining modesty. For instance, you can sit on the ground in a maxi skirt.

January 19, 2011 at 4:27 pm

Stef

I really like this look. I used to wear maxi skirts during high school in the 90’s, but they were usually much crazier-looking than this (thrift-store finds). I’d pair them with fitted tees. I think the key for me about why maxi skirts appeal to me more than the maxi dressed from recent seasons past is that on the maxi dresses, they were usually empire waist and so the fabric really started to flow from the bust. With these skirts, you can team them up with a fitted top to keep from drowning in material. I really like the last one pictured. I will be on the lookout for this style.

January 19, 2011 at 4:32 pm

puffenstuff

(website)

Veteran

That would be a YAY from me but then again the maxi skirt has been a fringe trend in Australia for the Spring/Summer season. My only specification is that it must be a sleeker silhouette and not like the ones in the pictures above. As long as the skirts and long and lean, I dont see the difference between this and wearing jeans.

January 19, 2011 at 4:45 pm

Melody

Active Member

So at first, I’m thinking absolutely no way … then start reading the responses. As I’m scrolling through, I recall a long plaid skirt and a slim fitted black sweater that I wore to my wedding rehearsal dinner 15 years ago! I remember feeling so good in that outfit, and when I look back at the pictures I still think I looked good. But the outfit was in no boho. So instead of nay, I’ll say maybe.

January 19, 2011 at 5:10 pm

Ginger

Active Member

Not for me.

I live in an area with several religious groups that go for the covered-up tradition. I can’t look at this kind of skirt without associating it with those groups, and I don’t belong to one so it’s not my look.

I’d rather wear pants.

January 19, 2011 at 5:16 pm

Jeri

(website)

Yay for these! I have a few. I’m a tall, curvy, larger woman and I think it’s a flattering look for me. The big differentiato is that I like ankle length – but floor length is a bit much. Maybe that’s because I love shoes too.

January 19, 2011 at 5:24 pm

Nicole

As a resident of hot sunny Australia I love maxi skirts for so many practical reasons that I’m glad I like the look of them as well. In summer a long floaty skirt keeps you so much cooler than a short skirt because it provides shade for your legs. They give a bit of protection from mosquitoes as somebody else mentioned. And another benefit for me is camouflaging hairy legs if I haven’t shaved for a couple of days! They’re also more comfortable than pants and yet allow me to sit cross legged without flashing everyone like I would in a short skirt. To conclude my thesis in defense of long skirts, I love the way they swish around when I dance

I do agree that up top has to be more fitted to balance proportions, and the length has to be perfect – too long and they drag on the ground, a bit short and it’s not as flattering.

January 19, 2011 at 5:27 pm

Meredith

Active Member

Nay for petites. Yay for talls!

January 19, 2011 at 5:32 pm

Kyle

Not for casual wear, thank you very much. Too bohemian. I could totally rock a super long dressy skirt and turtle or perfect white blouse with amazing pearls though.

January 19, 2011 at 6:00 pm

Maya

Veteran

I think it’s more acceptable and even expected to be a little more skimpy up top for evening events. Women are also more likely to wear better foundation garments for evening events. Walking around with so much skin during the day, though, is considered tacky (personally I’m a prude and always find tons of skin tacky, but that’s not the point).

Maxi dresses have to overcompensate for being so covered on the legs by being virtually invisible on top. I personally think nothing is more unflattering than a woman with a small bust going braless and exposing her bony chest to the world. Except maybe a woman with a large bust who isn’t wearing a proper bra and trying to get away with a skimpy top. No wonder maxi dresses are so unflattering–they just don’t suit anyone!

One thing worth pointing out is that saris aren’t necessarily dressy. Many Indian women wear simple casual cotton saris for their everyday life and only bring out the beaded, embroidered silky formalwear for events.

January 19, 2011 at 6:08 pm

Patience

Veteran

Nay for me, although the color of that blue skirt is really nice. What about skirts that end at the bottom of the calf? I have worn these in the past (maybe they were supposed to hit mid-calf and I am just short.)

When I was a teenager I owned a black pinstripe ankle length, high waisted pencil skirt with matching waistcoat. I loved that outfit.

January 19, 2011 at 6:26 pm

Bookarella

Veteran

Though I am sure these are very comfy I will not be wearing them. I am too short, too round, and find them a little sloppy looking. :p

January 19, 2011 at 6:27 pm

Virginia

(website)

I’m with you….only for a formal event and I DO wear a crisp white shirt with mine…tons of pearls.

January 19, 2011 at 6:31 pm

Debora

Veteran

A nay from me. I find all that excess fabric overwhelming. I remember wearing maxi dresses in the ’70’s, but I can’t recall ever having a maxi skirt.

January 19, 2011 at 6:34 pm

Anchi

(website)

Active Member

I’m in a huge minority with this, but I adore casual maxi skirts! They’re very popular in South Asia where I’m from, and I love the look of Indian-print long skirts. I have one that’s actually from India and one from the Gap, of all places.

I don’t like the look of straight maxi skirts, but definitely ones with an A-line or flare. And if they’re tie-dye — even better! ^_^ I’ve got my eye on the Ella Moss one in the bottom left photo. Would love to own that one day!

I’m not tall. I’m only 5’4″. But whenever I wear maxi skirts I get compliments.

January 19, 2011 at 7:16 pm

Lena

Active Member

I’m neutral. I think they can look great on somebody tall, and if the skirt has the right shape and drape.

I wonder how they feel in hot weather? I’d guess that something from light and breathable fabric could be very comfy for ultra casual wear.

I’m much more opposed to maxi dresses.

January 19, 2011 at 8:37 pm

Annette Piper

(website)

I’m a fan of maxis – dresses and skirts.

I’m mid40s not short or tall, fat or thin (ms. average!) but find maxis can be very flattering if you get the fit right and match the right top. I stay away from 70s layered versions and tiny prints, but otherwise I think they are more feminine than trousers, but still cover up the aged knees, slightly heavier than desired calves etc.

Mind you I also run from any skirt/dress above mid-calf anyway. I may not be on ‘trend’ but at least I feel confident in what I do wear. The fact that they’re trending is a bonus – it means I’ll be able to find suitable skirts/dresses in more shops!

January 19, 2011 at 10:48 pm

Marley

Veteran

I am leaning on the side of the “Nays” – but will certainly be open to the possibility that there is a maxi skirt out there for me that I might like. I just haven’t seen it yet! And because I am an average height I think that maxi skirt would have to be pure magic to work for me. I am sure that I will enjoy seeing taller women wearing this style, but I really hope that not every bodytype jumps on the maxi skirt style cart and thinks that they can pull it off too – because I think there is only a certain body type that can consistently wear these well – tall and lanky! Soooo not me!

January 20, 2011 at 12:43 am

crutcher

Veteran

Dump the frumpy look…I work too hard not to look like that…LOL…Although I have the long legs to wear the extra length…On me, it does look incredibly frumpy…I had one from ages ago still lurking in my closet and I gave it away…

January 20, 2011 at 3:39 am

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Wow this post has generated a lot of comments! I really like this look, but are you surprised given that I’m a self-confessed maxi dress wearer.

January 20, 2011 at 5:26 am

Nanne

(website)

I like casual maxi skirts, so I’ll go for them this summer! Not at work however, because it’s not practical, but at home and on my leisure time – absolutely! The really good thing about maxi skirts are that they are both comfy and stylish at the same time. I also like the look of a jersey maxi dress worn under a sligtly loose top.

January 20, 2011 at 6:08 am

Lisa

Veteran

I’m another nay vote. This is one of the few times I do not like this look for myself or on others. Just as I do not like very flared trousers for all the material swooshing around, I do not like maxi skirts for the same reason. The only time I find this much fabric ok is for religious or medical reasons or a gown. Even on a tall person, these swallow the wearer up. I’m a fan of skin exposure with skirts.

January 20, 2011 at 7:01 am

Claire

After seeing the photos, especially number 2 and 3, I remember why I wore this look a lot in college. Very feminine and pretty while also being a quick, easy and comfy outfit formula. Just pair with a cute top/sandals/earrings and go. Also looks good with low-maintenance hairstyles. I like it as a way to add a touch of boho while using modern fabrics.

My take on the height issue is that the long line of this look is great for 5′ shorties like me. I think the key is to choose the length, fabric and volume carefully so that it doesn’t overwhelm a petite frame and/or delicate features. A tip I’d like to offer up for short gals like me who want to make this style work is not to let the hem brush the floor, as that can skew as “little girl playing dress-up in a long skirt”. Keep the shoes you’ll be wearing with the skirt in mind and keep the length at the ankle or just above the floor for a sweet, chic, petite style!

January 20, 2011 at 9:27 am

RoseandJoan

Veteran

No, No, No, Nopety, Nope, No.

All I envision is unexpected Edinburgh downpours resulting in yards of wet fabric slapping my legs. No thank you.

January 20, 2011 at 11:20 am

Yes to long skirts

I’m 4’11” and I love the way they feel, so for me it’s a ‘yay’ even though I’m sure I look shorter. I just try to wear slim maxi skirts rather than the ones with more fabric because they are more proportioned to my figure. I still have three that I love from the 90s.

January 21, 2011 at 4:42 am

Sarah

I absolutely love them. I predict that your eye will adapt to them eventually, as it becomes more of an established mainstream look and less of a short-lived trend. And I think it WILL be longer-lived than you might think, because this look is about ease and I think it is actually much more flattering than some seem to think. For example, at least in long leanish dress form, it definitely makes one look thinner because of the long lean line. Even the skirts I think are still more flattering than the chopped-off above-the-knee boxy skirts that do nothing but emphasise width.

I admit that when maxis first came in a year or two ago, they looked as bad to my eye as they do to yours, but I now wonder if that was because the ones I saw were those hippy-ish empire waist patterned ones, and I still don’t like those. The more recent ones are fab, and I love the way some of the fashion bloggers are styling them.

I also like the maxi skirt/dresses that are not completely straight, the ones that billow out a little to the floor from the hips, with high slit. Not a narrow column with a high slit, which would look tacky, but a more flowy look, worn with leggings or something.

I love the look partly because it feels fresh and new and interesting, partly because it is flattering (yes, really), and partly because it is soooooo comfortable physically while still looking stylish. Sorry: I’m a YAY!

January 21, 2011 at 7:46 am

Fran

Active Member

Yay Yay Yay!. They make you look taller and slimmer by creating a longer line, and if you can wear 6^ heels you can look half a foot taller! Did I say, Yay? Yay!

January 23, 2011 at 11:42 am

Sarah

Yay for me. saw this trend coming back in the fall and made/bought myself some maxi skirts…already loving the trend, especially long, flowy, full ones. They feel so feminine!!

January 24, 2011 at 8:30 am

Becca

Active Member

Its a yay for me too! Although I can only pull off the look in cooler weather and I agree it can look very sloppy, so must be approached with caution.

I only have one maxi skirt, in a beautiful fine layered floral print, which looks gorgeous with black long sleeved top, belt, boots, scarf and my hair out and wavy.

January 25, 2011 at 6:29 am

Lyrebirdgully

Active Member

No wonder so many of us are put off by casual maxi skirts, when what we see are frumpy stylings like those in the post photos –they remind me of what I might wear when having a sick day at home! to prevent both wide and narrow maxiskirts looking like the bottom half of a nightie, a closefitting top is needed – and some real waist or hip definition too, preferably achieved with a belt.
Styled this way, I love the wide, full casual maxi for being a classic flattering and sun-wise weekend alternative to shorts. Here it is in neutral, minimalist white:
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q.....WLh1FUJJfj
What a difference the addition of a belt makes:
http://usercontent.hypeed.com/.....33-480.jpg
And you don’t have to have long hair to carry off a long skirt. Short hair plus a fedora (not a wide-brimmed floppy hat) automatically projects a more modern air:
http://allaboutstyle.blog.com/.....-style.jpg
I personally love the full-skirted maxi for giving the wearer a feeling of freedom:
http://www.newsgab.com/attachm.....-22906.jpg
But what’s exciting now are the the maxiskirt incarnations which are not beach/resort styles at all. It’s great to see so many confident women pioneering the dressy maxiskirt for Smart Casual and Business Casual wear– such as at Academichic:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com.....321b4f.jpg
The Guardian:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gCmd.....20763a.jpg
Fashionjunkii –how edgy is this?
http://media.onsugar.com/files.....xlarge.jpg
Note the quality fabrics, and clean, non-droopy, chiselled and structured lines that elevate the look to a smarter level. Angie, I second Sarah’s prediction that we will see you wearing this elegant look before the year is out – perhaps with a hip belt:
http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna.....1289500084
Note that if it weren’t for the leather jacket Miranda Kerr (below) is wearing- if she were wearing, say, a softly draping silk cropped jacket instead – the whole look would tend to suggest “bedjacket, nightie and slippers”. Unfortunately, soft Jiffy flats are the culprits for giving the impression of a dressing-gown.
http://www.myfashioncents.com/.....a-kerr.jpg
This very on-trend stretchy pencil maxi skirt has been purged of all sleepwear associations by being worn with heeled booties and sharp clean lines for a more professional silhouette (styled by Karen Chung)- petites take note!:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com.....054e50.jpg
Helen Mirren shows that you do not have to be tall, adolescent, long-haired or model-slim for the pencil maxiskirt look! Although this is a dinner dress outfit (note skirt length), you can easily see how such a skirt could be styled for Business Casual:
http://m16.tmstatic.com/f/2/ml....._14_40.jpg
However , I am yet to own a single maxiskirt. The reason? For the full wide style, with such large and dominant area of fabric on display, I want the fabric and pattern to be first rate; but every patterned maxi I’ve seen feels and looks cheap and unattractive. I may have to try and find one designed by one of our top screen-printing artists….in the meantime I’m looking forward to finding a synthetic maxi skirt in heavyweight silk jersey or lycra, in a dark colour- gored or circle cut- to wear to work!

January 25, 2011 at 2:22 pm

LibraCyn

Active Member

I love this. I have several long skirts in my closet that I wear and they make me look thinner. It makes sense to me as I’m pretty self conscious about my skinny legs—so it the trend is “in” I say, yay!

January 28, 2011 at 2:02 pm

Helen Tilston

(website)

Yes, definitely. I also particularly love the styles as posted by lyrebirdgully. Stunning sytles.
I feel the design, tailoring and fit of the skirt is important and living in a warm climate long linen skirts are a part of my wardrobe.

January 28, 2011 at 8:07 pm

Stef

Hmmm…I have just been looking at maxi skirts that were presented on the runways recently. I may need to temper my original endorsement for this look. So many of the stylings I saw used SO MUCH fabric! And they were often shown topped with a chunky,baggy sweater that fell to the knees! Flats were in abundance. There often was no waist definition shown and it gave that Olsen Twin-esque bag-woman effect, which is very messy and unkempt. I will probably embrace the maxi skirt trend if I can find a skirt in a long a-line that will give a more trim silhouette, wear them with some sort of heel, and a fitted top with maybe a belt for some added waist definition. I don’t want to be swallowed by yards of fabric.

January 31, 2011 at 7:37 am

carrie hodges

I have always loved a maxi skirt–the drama is wonderful. In the summer, you can look floaty and etherial and not have to worry about the tan issue. I love them with boots in winter. I have no body issues, so it’s not a cover up for me. I just like the look.

February 16, 2011 at 1:27 pm

Rachel

I am staying in a hot and humid country and yet love the maxi skirt and maxi dress so much! and yeah I’m short and petite.Not even a 5ft. I find this look is appealing to me. It’s stylish & comfy. I have several of them with patterns and plain jersey. I’m glad this is in. Most important thing is to choose the right fabric and length. I prefer cotton/Lycra than chiffon.You can wear a plain maxi skirt to work e.g black or grey with a cardigan. I know not all women like to wear it but I think it boost my confidence in styling. A yay for me!

July 16, 2011 at 7:33 pm

Anna

Love, Love, Love Maxi everything! I am short 5’2″ but with heels Maxi’s make me look so tall and long! I love to wear a maxi skirt with a belt over it and top tucked in with heels. Makes my legs look like they go on for miles

September 18, 2011 at 1:32 pm

Za

A yay for me….just pair with a good sandals…really like it.

November 4, 2011 at 4:35 pm

eye4beauty

Active Member

I have 3 of these made of beautiful, very light-weight crinkle silk. Light violet, shrimp, and gold. They’re by Savannah. I love the way they flow.

November 19, 2011 at 7:16 am

Kc

I’m 5’3″, in the arts field, and have big crazy curls–anything on me turns bohemian. I love my maxis, the swirly feel, and the fact I can remain cool and not have to show my legs in horrid shorts. I just keep everything else slim & fitted. My friends tease me sometimes but they can look a bit boring sometimes. I like a little variety in folks!

April 1, 2012 at 9:53 am

Pardon My Hips

I come VERY late in the game, but here is my big YAY. A true maxi skirt (sweeping the floor that is) helps my pear shaped self look fragile and svelte. On the pictures of the first link I am 5 months into my second pregnancy that came less than a year after my first one. And no pants (let alone any other skirt) would ever make me look (and feel) as slim, as I am on these pics.

http://pardonmyhips.tumblr.com.....ping-skirt.

I love it for travelling too. A bit more sophisticated that chino pants. ain’t it?

http://pardonmyhips.tumblr.com.....t-in-denim

August 2, 2012 at 5:04 pm

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

As a pear-shaped hijabi, I find maxi skirts to be very flattering (& modestly appropriate) on me.

For all the people complaining that maxi skirts might restrict your movement, how do you get away with jeans?! I don’t know about you, but I find they chafe, pinch & pull even more than a maxi skirt ever would (but maybe that’s again due to my pear shape)!

Besides, if you wear a maxi skirt in a soft/ drapey material (like jersey) & with leggings/ slim pants & boots underneath, then you don’t need to worry about flashing your legs whilst walking

I do have 2 maxi skirts like shown on the bottom left (tiered ‘gypsy’ style), but that’s more because I like to dabble in the ‘bohemian’ style sometimes- otherwise it’s all elegantly draped maxi skirts for me, please!

March 20, 2013 at 2:49 am

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