5 ways to wear a maxi skirt to work

Maxi skirts are a wardrobe staple for many, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. But can they work for the office? Absolutely! With the right styling, a maxi skirt can easily be dressed up for a professional, yet chic look. Here are five simple ways to wear a maxi skirt to work that will have you looking sharp and feeling comfy all day long.

How to style your maxi skirt

1. Pair it with a fitted blouse

One of the easiest and most classic ways to wear a maxi skirt to work is by pairing it with a fitted blouse. The contrast between the flowy maxi skirt and the structured top creates a balanced, polished look. Opt for a blouse with a crisp collar or something with a bit of a modern twist like a button-down shirt or a tie-neck blouse. Tuck the blouse in for a more structured look or leave it untucked for a laid-back vibe. A simple, solid-colour blouse works best here - think white, blue, or even soft pastel shades. This combination is perfect for an office meeting or a day of desk work.

A fitted blouse is a versatile piece that complements almost any maxi skirt. Whether your skirt has a bold pattern or is a solid colour, the blouse will help tone it down and give you a sophisticated look. Don’t forget to add some sleek, professional shoes like a pair of flats or low heels to complete the outfit.

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Sweet Harmony Maxi Skirt - White China Plate

Good Fortune Knit Singlet - Cobalt Blue

2. Tuck in a sweater for a cozy yet chic look

If the weather is cooler, try pairing your maxi skirt with a fitted sweater. This cozy combo works particularly well for fall or winter. Choose a sweater that’s thin enough to tuck into your skirt without bulking up too much. A fitted turtleneck or a simple crewneck works perfectly for this look. The key to pulling off this style is keeping the lines clean and smooth. Tucking the sweater into the waistband of your maxi skirt creates a sleek silhouette, which makes you look both chic and put-together.

For an added touch, go for a monochrome look - pairing a black maxi skirt with a black sweater, for instance - or mix neutrals like grey, navy, and beige. This not only adds a professional edge but is also easy to accessorise. Pair it with a belt, a sleek handbag, or a minimalist scarf to add some extra polish.

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Pier skirt - autumn jungle

3. Dress up with a blazer

If you want to take your maxi skirt to the next level, add a blazer! This is a simple yet effective way to elevate your look without trying too hard. Whether you’re working from the office or from home, a blazer instantly adds a professional touch. Stick to a fitted blazer for a more structured look, or go for an oversized, relaxed fit for something a bit more casual. If your maxi skirt has a fun print or bold colour, a neutral-coloured blazer - like black, grey, or navy - will help balance the outfit. For a more playful approach, you can match a patterned blazer with a plain maxi skirt.

A blazer works best when it's kept neat and clean. Make sure the blazer is well-fitted, and the shoulders sit perfectly. Pair it with a simple blouse or a t-shirt underneath, and you’ve got yourself a work outfit that says “business casual” with ease.

4. Maxi skirt with a button-up shirt

If you’re looking for a classic, clean look for the office, try pairing your maxi skirt with a button-up shirt. This look is timeless and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The beauty of a button-up shirt is that it can be tucked into the skirt, left untucked for a more relaxed look, or even knotted at the waist for something a little fun and edgy. You can roll up the sleeves for a more laid-back vibe, or keep them down for something more formal.

You can go for a basic white button-up or opt for a striped, patterned, or light blue version. If you want to get a bit trendy, try a blouse with statement sleeves or a high-low hemline for a bit of personality. Whether you’re pairing your button-up with a denim maxi skirt or a flowing pleated one, this look is always a winner.

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Loyal maxi skirt

Perfect match shirt - Black colt

5. Go for a maxi skirt and a long cardigan

Long cardigans are the perfect layering piece for a maxi skirt, especially during transitional seasons. They add a touch of sophistication without going overboard. If you want a cozy, stylish look that still feels professional, a long cardigan works wonders. Choose a simple, neutral-coloured cardigan that falls either slightly below the thighs or just above the hem of your maxi skirt. This length will give you a leaner look without overwhelming your outfit.

Pair this combo with a basic top - like a fitted tee or turtleneck - and keep the colour scheme minimal. Think black, grey, or soft earth tones for a polished look. You can also add a belt to the cardigan to bring in some structure to the outfit and avoid looking too slouchy. Throw on some classic shoes, like loafers or ankle boots, and you’re good to go!

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Seaside Cardi - Navy Stripe

Bonus tip: Keep accessories simple and classy

When styling a maxi skirt for work, keep accessories minimal and professional. A classic watch, simple stud earrings, or a leather bag will complement your outfit perfectly without drawing too much attention. Too many accessories can overwhelm the simplicity of a maxi skirt, so less is often more when you’re aiming for a professional look.

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Stevie Blanket Stitch Bucket Bag - Black

Wearing a maxi skirt to work is easier than you think! Whether you’re pairing it with a fitted blouse, tucking in a cozy sweater, layering a blazer on top, or keeping it classic with a button-up shirt, there are plenty of ways to make your maxi skirt look professional. The key is to balance the flowy silhouette of the skirt with more structured, tailored pieces, creating a look that’s polished, comfortable, and stylish.