The maxi skirt is a closet staple that's supposed to be effortless. While it's that and more — comfortable, flattering, versatile — it also can look dated and dowdy if not styled correctly. Stylist and À La Mode Wardrobe Consulting owner Carly Gatzlaff shares her tips and tricks to rock the maxi.
1. Tuck in your shirt or wear a cropped layer over the top to smooth out any lumps and bumps you might want to conceal. Or, leave the top untucked but place a belt close to your waistline to draw attention to the waist, not the hips.
2. Pick a maxi with a waistband to help create waist definition. If it doesn't have a defined waistband, tuck your shirt in anyway and place a belt at the intersection of the skirt and the top.
3. Style skirts with tank tops and ¾-sleeve tees, then top with shorter cropped layers. T-shirts are too heavy-looking with a long skirt. And any jacket or layer that does not stop in the small of your back (above your bum) is too long.
4. Wear wedge-heeled sandals or heeled boots with a more flowy/A-line maxi skirt. If the skirt is more straight and not super flowy, wear flats or heeled sandals.
Skirt, $75; tank, $29; jacket, $62; necklace, $175; all from Minq, 1637 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park.
