Wearing relaxed tops with full skirts is one of my favourite outfit combinations at the moment because the proportions feel fresh, modern and new. My clients are generally excited about the look because it’s comfortable and easy to put together. A looser top also dresses down a full skirt, which makes it more versatile.
The photos below show an assortment of relaxed untucked tops worn with full skirts. The crucial part of the top styling is its banded bottom. That’s the part that creates outfit structure because it reins in the volume of the top and the flare of the skirt. This tiny bit of structure hints at a waistline, which makes the outfit flattering to my eye. The banded top also allows for easy semi-tucking.
The tops here are standard length, and pulled up a bit to create a shorter effect over the skirt. Their soft drape does help create additional structure, as does scrunching a long sleeve. The necklines are crew, but scooped, boat and V-necklines also work.
Although most of these skirts are above the knee, the relaxed banded top concept works for longer skirts too. Relaxed tops that are not banded will work with full skirts when they are cropped. The much shorter length highlights the waist thereby adding structure to the outfit.
While I still love the classic combination of a formfitting top tucked into a full skirt, I haven’t sported it for a while. I’m all over these new proportions this year, and will wear them until it’s time for a change. How about you? Do you like to wear a relaxed top over a full skirt. If you haven’t tried the combination yet, does it appeal to you? Or do you find it frumpy and juvenile?
