The right accessories can transform a maxi skirt outfit from simple to sensational. Because maxi skirts cover so much of your body, the accessories you choose become particularly important focal points, drawing attention and completing your overall look. This guide explores the art of accessorising floor-length skirts, covering everything from footwear foundations to jewellery finishing touches.
Footwear: The Foundation of Your Maxi Look
Shoes arguably have the greatest single impact on how your maxi skirt outfit reads. The same skirt can appear casual, professional, or evening-ready depending entirely on your footwear choice. Understanding which shoes work best with different maxi styles ensures you always strike the right tone.
Flat Sandals
Flat sandals are the quintessential maxi skirt companion for casual warm-weather styling. They create a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic that suits beach holidays, weekend markets, and laid-back brunches. Leather gladiator sandals add visual interest while simple thong styles maintain an easy, uncluttered look.
When choosing flat sandals, consider your maxi's hem length. The skirt should graze the top of your foot or hit at the ankle—anything longer risks a frumpy appearance or, worse, tripping hazards. Petite women might find flats create a heavy visual line; if so, consider nude-toned sandals that blend with skin tone to elongate the leg.
Heeled Sandals and Espadrille Wedges
Adding height with wedges or heeled sandals elevates casual maxis for dressier daytime occasions. Espadrille wedges in particular offer comfortable height with summery appeal, perfect for outdoor events or waterfront dining. Block-heeled sandals provide stability while elongating your silhouette.
These options work beautifully for occasions that require more polish than flip-flops but feel too warm or relaxed for closed shoes. Garden parties, lunch dates, and casual celebrations all suit maxi skirts with elevated sandals.
Pumps and Heels
Classic pumps transform maxi skirts into sophisticated professional or evening attire. Pointed-toe pumps in black, nude, or complementary colours create elegant lines visible beneath floor-length hems. Stilettos add drama for formal occasions, while block heels offer similar sophistication with improved comfort.
Consider your skirt's fabric and formality when selecting heels. Structured wool or crepe maxis pair naturally with polished pumps, while silk or chiffon evening skirts suit strappy heeled sandals. Avoid overly casual heels like cork platforms with formal fabrics.
When shopping for maxi skirts, bring or specify the approximate heel height you plan to wear. Most maxis look best when hemmed for your most-worn shoe type. Having skirts hemmed for both flats and heels requires owning multiple versions or strategic purchasing.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots create wonderfully modern looks with maxi skirts, bridging the gap between casual and polished. This combination suits cooler weather beautifully while adding edge to bohemian styles. Choose boots that hit at or just above the ankle bone—higher shaft heights can create awkward proportions where boot and skirt hem meet.
For classic pairings, pointed-toe ankle boots in black or tan leather work universally. Western-style boots complement bohemian maxis, while sleek Chelsea boots suit more minimalist skirt styles. Avoid chunky combat boots unless intentionally creating contrast.
Sneakers: A Modern Approach
White leather sneakers have become acceptable—even fashionable—with casual maxi skirts. This combination reads as effortlessly cool when executed correctly, though it requires some style confidence. The key is ensuring your sneakers are clean, minimalist, and quality-looking. Athletic training shoes generally don't work, but fashion sneakers absolutely can.
Pair sneakers with casual cotton or jersey maxis for shopping trips, casual outings, or travel days. This combination prioritises comfort without sacrificing style, making it perfect for situations requiring significant walking.
Match your footwear formality to your maxi skirt's fabric and intended occasion. Casual fabrics suit casual shoes; dressy fabrics demand polished footwear. Mismatched formality levels create confusing visual messages.
Bags and Purses
Bag selection completes your outfit and serves practical needs. Consider both aesthetics and functionality when choosing bags for maxi skirt ensembles.
Crossbody Bags
Crossbody bags are perhaps the most practical choice for maxi skirts. They keep hands free while sitting comfortably across your torso, away from billowing fabric. Small structured crossbodies suit dressier occasions, while slouchy leather options complement bohemian aesthetics.
Consider strap length—bags that hit at hip level work better than those resting at thigh level, which can get tangled with flowing fabric. Adjustable straps offer flexibility across different outfit combinations.
Tote Bags
For casual daytime styling, quality tote bags pair naturally with maxi skirts. Structured leather totes add polish for professional settings, while canvas or straw totes suit beach and market outings. Large totes accommodate daily essentials while creating balanced proportions against floor-length silhouettes.
Clutches and Evening Bags
For formal occasions, clutch bags provide elegant finishing touches. Opt for sizes that hold essentials without overwhelming your ensemble. Consider colours that complement or intentionally contrast with your maxi skirt—a metallic clutch adds sparkle to solid-coloured evening skirts, while matching tones create sophisticated cohesion.
Belt Bags and Waist Pouches
Modern belt bags offer hands-free convenience while emphasising the waist—particularly useful with maxi skirts where waist definition matters. Wear at actual waist level rather than hip level for the most flattering effect. Quality leather versions have moved beyond casual associations and now suit many daytime occasions.
Belts and Waist Definition
Because maxi skirts cover your lower body completely, defining your waist becomes crucial for balanced proportions. Belts serve both aesthetic and structural purposes with floor-length skirts.
When to Add a Belt
Add a belt when wearing loose-fitting tops tucked into maxi skirts, when the skirt's waistband is plain or underwhelming, or when you want to break up monochromatic ensembles. Belts are particularly valuable when your top and skirt are similar colours, adding visual interest at the waist.
Belt Width and Style
Medium-width belts (around 3-4cm) suit most maxi skirt outfits. Wide statement belts work with high-waisted full skirts for bohemian looks, while skinnier belts complement more minimalist styling. Match belt width to your overall aesthetic—chunky vintage-style belts suit boho skirts, while sleek leather options work for professional settings.
Belt Placement
Position belts at your natural waist for the most flattering effect. This draws the eye to your narrowest point while breaking up what might otherwise be a long, uninterrupted line of fabric. With high-waisted maxis, the belt may sit just below the ribcage—this creates a particularly elongating effect.
Jewellery Selections
Jewellery provides finishing touches that complete your maxi skirt ensemble. Because maxi skirts cover your legs, attention naturally travels upward, making upper-body jewellery particularly visible.
Earrings
Statement earrings pair beautifully with maxi skirts, particularly when wearing hair up or sleek styles. With flowing bohemian maxis, tassel or chandelier earrings complement the aesthetic. For professional settings, structured geometric earrings add visual interest without excess drama.
Simple studs or hoops work for casual everyday maxi styling, allowing the outfit itself to remain the focus. Match earring formality to occasion—sparkly dangles for evening, understated options for daytime.
Necklaces
Necklace styling depends heavily on your neckline. V-necks suit pendant necklaces that echo the neckline's angle. Crew and high necklines pair with longer chains or layered options. Strapless or off-shoulder tops worn with maxi skirts benefit from statement collars or chokers.
Long pendant necklaces create elongating vertical lines, which can help balance full maxi skirt silhouettes. Layered necklaces add bohemian interest to casual summer styling.
Bracelets and Watches
Wrist jewellery provides subtle finishing touches visible throughout your day. Stacked bangles complement bohemian maxis beautifully, while quality watches add polish to professional ensembles. Cuff bracelets make statements without excessive movement or noise.
When your maxi skirt features bold prints or heavy detailing, keep jewellery minimal. With solid, simple skirts, you have freedom to add more accessory interest. The goal is overall balance rather than competing focal points.
Hats and Hair Accessories
Head accessories complete summer maxi styling particularly well. Wide-brimmed hats pair naturally with bohemian maxis for beach and outdoor occasions, providing sun protection while enhancing the relaxed aesthetic. Straw fedoras and Panama hats suit slightly more polished warm-weather ensembles.
Hair scarves and headbands add interest to simple maxi outfits, drawing attention upward toward your face. Match colours to your outfit for cohesion, or use contrasting accessories as intentional accent pieces.
Layering Pieces as Accessories
Though technically clothing, layering pieces function as accessories that complete maxi looks. Lightweight cardigans draped over shoulders add polish and practicality. Denim jackets create casual-cool vibes with bohemian maxis. Blazers transform casual maxis into professional attire. Kimonos and cover-ups extend summer maxi outfits through cooler evenings.
Choose layering weights appropriate for conditions while considering their visual impact. A structured blazer communicates different messages than a flowy sheer kimono, even with identical base outfits.
Putting It All Together
The best accessorised maxi skirt outfits feel cohesive rather than assembled. Start with your skirt and occasion, then build appropriate accessories that work together. Generally, if your skirt makes a statement (bold print, dramatic silhouette, unusual fabric), keep accessories quieter. With simple skirts, accessories can carry more weight.
Consider your overall colour story. Accessories that echo colours from your skirt's print create intentional harmony. Metallic accessories—gold, silver, or rose gold—add polish to any colour palette. When uncertain, neutral accessories in quality materials rarely steer you wrong.