https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:28:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1945244 Sun, 05 Aug 2018 06:44:30 +0000 karen13 1945244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie </b>- those tanks look great, and you are right - I am finding a way to make this work - thank you!! And <b>thank you to everyone</b> for the great suggestions and comments. I tried a bunch of these ideas today and am warming to the look. I just posted my experiments <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maxi-skirt-workshop">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....t-workshop</a>&nbsp;.</p> <p>It looks like a long hot summer ahead, so this will be very helpful.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1945241 Sun, 05 Aug 2018 05:59:24 +0000 Gigi 1945241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maxis are tough. I have a couple and don't wear them much because the proportions are difficult to get right.</p> <p>I liked the first maxi better before you added the linen shirt. The shirt cuts the proportions in half, which is generally not the most flattering look.</p> <p>I agree with&nbsp;<b>jessikams&nbsp;</b>and&nbsp;<b>suntiger&nbsp;</b>that strappy tops look best with maxis.</p> <p>My most successful tops for maxis are a black tank, a tight-fitting black tee with a deep v-neck and very short sleeves, and a loose-fitting white tee that I wear untucked and tied at the bottom to make it more cropped. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1945128 Sat, 04 Aug 2018 21:14:11 +0000 Katerina 1945128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What lovely skirts, Karen! You look fab in both, I really like the tanks with the maxi skirts.<br /> I don’t wear maxi skirts myself because I don’t know how to style them to work with my body shape, so unfortunately I am not of any help here. Angie and the others have made great suggestions! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1945089 Sat, 04 Aug 2018 17:49:20 +0000 LaPed 1945089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, that Anthro tank Angie recommends is exactly the sort of thing I'm thinking of. Those look fantastic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1945087 Sat, 04 Aug 2018 17:40:19 +0000 Angie 1945087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Karen13</b>, I'll help you find your midi sweet spot, AND in future, you can look for midls with diagonal and high-low hems. I PROMISE that you can wear midis.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1945000 Sat, 04 Aug 2018 13:23:09 +0000 Suz 1945000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, that Anthro top looks great!&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll echo what Marilyn says. <b>Everyone</b> can wear midis. It's all in the styling. I'm 5'4" and shorter-legged and I wear them all the time. A couple of my own tricks:&nbsp;</p> <p>When starting to wear midis, if you are shorter legged, especially, and if you are hoping to wear flats, try the just-below-the-kneecap length first. It's typically easiest for your eye to adjust to that. (The tube skirt in my recent thread is just below the knee.)&nbsp;</p> <p>Narrow tube skirts can be worn longer than that (even with flats).&nbsp;</p> <p>Wider skirts can also go longer. You can wear them at the bottom of the calf curve if you don't like to cut off on mid-calf. (That's where my 1901 dress hits).&nbsp;</p> <p>Another good spot is a few inches below the knee just about where the calf starts to curve out.&nbsp;</p> <p>Tucking tops or wearing short tops is a good strategy.&nbsp;</p> <p>Wearing a duster with a long narrow skirt creates long lines.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944864 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 23:31:40 +0000 Marilyn 1944864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Love that top that <b>Angie</b> just posted.&nbsp; I'm going to check Anthro when I'm out tomorrow.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Karen</b>......I'd love to see the floral skirt pinned up to see what it looks like as a midi as well.&nbsp; I'm petite too, 5', and I'm all over midi skirts and dresses.&nbsp; Before last summer I couldn't have imagined wearing such a thing.....I was firmly an above the knee girl.&nbsp; Now I've got quite the collection of midi skirts and dresses.&nbsp; I've played around with the hems a lot to determine the best length for my body and shorten when needed.&nbsp; 24" is kind of my sweet spot but I have one that is 26" and I love the length.&nbsp; I've spent what seems like a ridiculous amount of time playing around with tops and toppers&nbsp; and such but it pays off.&nbsp;<b> Angie</b> always tells us to do lots of try ons. :)<br /></div></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944860 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 23:15:37 +0000 Carol 1944860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like #2 and #4 and wonder if putting on a topper gives you a narrower look on top? I love wearing toppers, and when it's hot I have a short-sleeved crocheted cardigan that does the trick.&nbsp; But I agree with everyone else that you look just fine in the other looks, too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944840 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 22:22:06 +0000 Angie 1944840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Karen13,</b> I found a top you might like with these skirts at Anthropologie today. It's short, you do not need to tuck, does not need a cami, and fits very neatly around the armholes. The XS fit me perfectly, so I guess a little narrow rather than TTS.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944729 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 17:10:03 +0000 JAileen 1944729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would like the skirts to be a little shorter, too. I love a border print, and Suz’s idea of shortening and reattaching the border is brilliant. The other one would be a snap to shorten. Both skirts are really pretty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944723 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:57:47 +0000 Elizabeth P 1944723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think these look good on you.&nbsp; I think tying the ends of the shirt in #2 is a great idea... it's a bit long as is, to my eye.&nbsp; I like the length of the shirt in #3, but I think that look needs less heavy footwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944714 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:45:16 +0000 Angie 1944714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ooooh. I adore the pattern of the floral maxi. Happy and Summery. Any chance you want to give the maxi a midi hack?</p> <p>Tucked tank looks GREAT with the skirt. Why ON EARTH do you hate it? You look gorgeous - NOT dorky. It looks much better than the draped shirt worn as a jacket with the tank. May I suggest you tie the ends of the shirt at the waist to create a cropped look?</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944711 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:43:16 +0000 karen13 1944711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As always – YLF offers discerning eyes, constructive suggestions and kind words! Thanks all. I want to make this work as it is so much cooler than pants! Any thoughts on better skirt shapes?&nbsp;</p> <p><b>londonkiwi, Joy, jussie,Bijou,Marilyn, LaP</b> - Facepalm – contrast! You think I’d recognize it after my time on the forum! I was trying to echo the white sandals, but might try a white bag or jewelry to accomplish the same thing. Bijou – that oufit looks fab! And I need to find a welted top that is pretty cropped to try – even petites hit me at a wider palce because of my short waist</p> <p><b>Je</b><b>ssikams, suntiger</b> - - you are spot on – showing more skin= structure. I need to find a supportive bra with cuter straps, or at least thinner strapped tanks – the halter is a great idea – I think I have something in my closet.</p> <p><b>Kkards </b>–I’m a terrible knotter/tucker – I might need to find a linen shirt with tails or designed to be tied, as the straight bottom and side slits on this one are beyond my abilities.</p> <p><b>Liz, Suz </b>– I wish I liked the look of midis on me better – they cut across my muscular low attaching calf at a place I just can’t find JFE. But I will try hiking it up a bit to experiment to see how high I can go – then I can lower for sun coverage as needed. ! will try my new b.o.c. sandals with these to show more skin and lengthen the leg if I can figure out a way to echo the blush or make it look intentional – maybe in jewelry as I don’t need a bag.</p> <p><b>L’Abeille </b>– good observations – I think that additional length on the top &nbsp;#3/4 is part of what I like better. And I may have a more critical eye for myself as I’m not used to this style on me. I will see what I can find with a higher neck to try. My broad shoulders/bust often make wovens with any volume look too ten-like, but maybe a drapey woven.</p> <p><b>Efbegn</b> - Thank you! And excellent thought - I need to get some simple accessories in”bridging” colors – I don’t always carry a bag, but maybe some simple necklaces or statement &nbsp;earrings in colors that echo my footwear would help a lot.</p> <p><b></b><b>Marilyn</b><b></b> – Thanks – I love you in these kind of outfits, so maybe I need to let my eye adjust. And you just gave me an idea to try my subtle bling jacket as a topper with the navy skirt - if it is cropped enough. Since I haven't worn skirts or dresses, short toppers are definitely a hole in my closet.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944697 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:19:18 +0000 Suz 1944697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are lovely skirts! Gorgeous colours in that turquoise. And you look good in the outfits.&nbsp;</p> <p>Speaking honestly, I wouldn't feel fab unless I hemmed them both to midi length. (And I think we're a similar height.) The added structure (visible skin on legs, even if only a few more inches) would go a long way towards addressing the proportion and the visual "weight" of the skirts.&nbsp;</p> <p>I know it would be tricky with the navy skirt because of its border, but I'm sure it could be cut and reattached to make it the length you want.&nbsp;</p> <p>And of course that doesn't address your desire for coverage in that area. So it is probably off the table.&nbsp;</p> <p>Such a pain. Skirts and dresses are by far the coolest things to wear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944694 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:14:56 +0000 LaPed 1944694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well these look really good to me! My inclination, if you want to tweak proportions, would be to keep an eye out for welted tops, or any kind of banded-bottomed tops. Just a little bit of gathering will give the illusion of a waist without the hassle of tucking. Another possibility might be a boxy cropped shirt in a structured fabric that stands away from the body (the more modern, figure-surrendering approach). And I often find that a shirt knotted at the waist works when tucking does not. </p> <p>Jussie's point about white seeming to jump forward is a good one. Pure white really wears like a bright on me, but I think a lot of that depends on one's natural colouring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944689 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:02:45 +0000 Marilyn 1944689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>I think #1 and especially #3 are great.&nbsp; I like the lower contrast between the top and the skirt.&nbsp; I much prefer your outfits without the the toppers.&nbsp; If one is needed I would opt for something cropped such as a denim jacket.&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't see stumpy at all.&nbsp; Perhaps your eye hasn't adjusted yet to this new for you look.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The way you're wearing them with your top tucked is exactly how I wear my midi skirts.&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944686 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 15:52:41 +0000 Anonymous 1944686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think what you have posted is absolutely wonderful ( disclaimer- totally what I would buy and wear;-)<br /> The only suggestion is in #1 I might add a necklace or scarf in a color in skirt- but that is not necessary- just my craziness of needing neck bling lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944676 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 15:08:41 +0000 Bijou 1944676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like all of these too but agree that the higher contrast of the first maxi skirt and T-shirt creates a strong horizontal line.</p> <p>I like knit tops with a band to wear with maxi skirts. I also like wearing a top tucked that is less high contrast. Today I wore my maxi skirt with a shirt tucked (in finds). I found because the olive shirt was similar in colour and tone with my skirt, it felt elongating. I plan to wear this skirt with the knit top in finds that has a defined band, so is great to wear untucked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944633 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 14:10:39 +0000 L'Abeille 1944633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I think you have these proportions just right. Not sure what you mean about the stumpy torso look, perhaps because I am always battling the too-long-torso look. I suspect it is more the proportion to your eye, ie there is so much length in the skirt you are wanting more length in the top to balance it out.</p> <p>Anyway, if you want something different, I would go the other way, with a higher necked top. I am picturing a sleeveless woven top with a jewel or crewneck height neckline, and cut looser and straighter than a tank. Maybe a cutaway or swingy back; not truly cropped, but stopping at the waist like the tops you are showing here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944588 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 12:12:26 +0000 Liz 1944588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I think I'm the mirror image of kkards! I like #3 the best -- the top and the skirt work together. I agree I'd like a different shoe, maybe a strappy flat sandal. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, I find maxi skirts very hard to wear, because of trying to get the tops right. LIke Jessikams, I don't do the strappy tops or tanks that look best with them. My solution with your skirts would be to shorten them to midi length. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944573 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 11:18:18 +0000 kkards 1944573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i really like #1 &amp; 4....the open toe and slight heel creates a nice line. i like #2, but maybe would try tieing the linen shirt to create more focus on the waist and give a longer line....for me, the only one that doesn't work is #3...i'd try a dark shoe so that there is a continuation of color </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944546 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 09:54:28 +0000 jussie 1944546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually rather like each of these outfits. I can’t see any problem with the proportions. If it makes you feel any better, I usually find white tees and tops make me feel a little self conscious because white “jumps forward” visually so always seems to stand out.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944541 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 09:44:33 +0000 Anonymous 1944541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the version best with black tank, but the shoes draw the eye down.<br /> Jessikams is right, maxis seem to work best with skimpier tops- tank or halter neck are good. Ideally (at least for my short waisted 8 shape) the top is slightly past the waist of the top with a curved hem and low-ish neckline if not halter. Fitted princess seam tanks are perfect, though haven't seen any for a long time.<br /> I like metallic thong sandals with maxis best.<br /> I used to wear them much more than i do now, since tops to go with them have been so difficult. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944537 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 09:19:58 +0000 Jessikams 1944537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like maxi skirts look best with skimpy/strappy tops, to balance out the volume and coverage on the bottom. But I’m not too comfy in skimpy tops, so I struggle with this style too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944527 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 06:24:36 +0000 Anonymous 1944527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always feel stumpy in maxi skirts although maybe it is the tops I am wearing with them. I like both skirt outfits on you, especially the first one but love the turquoise color. A belt to match the top color will help if you are short waisted, but cuts off some visual length from the bottom. It may be worth experimenting. Have you tried your navy top in #2 with the outfit in #1 instead of the white? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944524 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 05:58:44 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 1944524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if the difference isn’t the tucking or not but the contrast between top and skirt.</p> <p>Your outfit today is lower contrast and more like the column of colour idea. Same when you added the shirt to your first outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-maxi-proportions#post-1944511 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 04:27:31 +0000 karen13 1944511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie's post is timely as I am struggling with this. I bought my first skirt in years last fall (floral in pic 1) because it had lots of colors I wanted to work with. I like the maxi for sun coverage and I like the calf coverage. I found it much cooler and more comfortable than I expected so I bought the same brand in the navy print (#3/4) last week. I am trying to move from liking the comfort but not feeling fab, to some form of JFE.</p> <p>I wore #1/2 last week - hated the stumpy torso look tucked, so tossed on the turquoise linen top and added sandals and felt ok (and comfortable in the heat).</p> <p>Today Angie's post inspired me to try again with#3 for errand running and #4 for my inspired-by-Jenn evening quick change, adding low heeled sandals and cardi. I think my challenge is finding a shorter top that is still in my comfort zone that I can leave untucked. The waistband of the skirts wants to sit at my high natural waist (what little there is), so tucking doesn't work and semi tucking just looks dorky. The navy shell in #3/4 is actually longer, but I turned the ribbed band under to short it.</p> <p>What can I do to improve? Match a belt to the top color? Get misses sized maxis that would be a few inches longer? Different colors? </p>