shoes to wear with pencil skirt

5 TIPS FOR STYLING LONG SKIRTS TO LOOK CHIC, NOT FRUMPY

Forget the mini skirt—let’s dive into the best ways to style a long skirt without looking frumpy! I’ve gathered my top expert tips to help you wear maxi skirts in a way that flatters every body type and adds a chic, polished touch to your look.

I think long skirts deserve a spot in every woman’s wardrobe, right alongside a classic black pencil skirt. Not only are they incredibly versatile—easy to style for different occasions—but they’re also SO comfortable, making them a practical choice that doesn’t compromise on style.

Long skirts are a true wardrobe essential, especially if you’re building a mom capsule wardrobe. Their versatility and ease of wear make them a “win-win” addition you’ll reach for again and again.

Worried that all that extra length and fabric might end up looking frumpy instead of fabulous?

Here are my top tips for styling long skirts to keep your look polished and modern, plus some outfit inspiration from my own favorite long skirt looks that made me feel confident and comfortable!

TIP #1 BE AWARE OF PROPORTIONS

The secret to styling a long maxi skirt without looking frumpy lies in balancing proportions. Since the skirt’s length adds volume, opt for a top that accentuates your waist and draws the eye upward. This creates a balanced silhouette that elongates your overall look and adds a touch of elegance.

One of my favorite ways to achieve this balanced look is with a puff-sleeved top. The exaggerated shoulders create a flattering contrast, enhancing the illusion of a smaller waist and giving that coveted hourglass silhouette.

Another great option is pairing your maxi skirt with a more form-fitting top. A fitted top balances out the flowy skirt, ensuring that your curves aren’t lost under layers of fabric and keeping your overall shape defined and stylish.

TIP #2 CINCH THE WAIST

The golden rule for wearing a long skirt without looking frumpy is to cinch in your waist! Make sure the skirt sits at your natural waistline to define your curves and prevent your shape from getting lost in the fabric. This simple adjustment adds structure to your outfit and enhances your silhouette.

There are lots of ways that you can cinch in your waist when wearing a longer skirt!

  • Using a belt to accentuate your waist
  • Knotting your shirt to that it sits just at the top of the skirt
  • Wear a form fitting top pair with a higher waisted maxi skirt
  • Tucking in an oversized sweater or blouse to show off the waist
  • Wear a crop top paired with a high waisted maxi skirt

TIP #3 TUCK IT IN

To maintain balanced proportions and cinch your waist, as mentioned in the previous tips, try tucking in your flowy blouses or oversized sweaters. This will complement the long length of your skirt and highlight your shape.

For a more formal look, pair a pullover sweater with a pleated maxi skirt. Or, if you prefer a streamlined look, tuck your sweater into your bra. This gives the illusion of a tucked-in style without adding any extra bulk around the waistline.

TIP #4 ADD HEIGHT

Another great tip for styling long skirts is to choose shoes with height! Whether you go for high heels or knee-high boots with a taller shaft, the added height helps create a long, lean silhouette and gives you a super flattering look. The vertical lines from the boots or heels will elongate your legs and complement the flow of the skirt.

As someone who’s petite, I always opt for shoes with a bit of a heel—it instantly elevates my look and helps me feel longer and leaner. This is a great option if you’re on the shorter side or dressing up for a formal event. A slight heel not only adds height but also gives your outfit a more polished, stylish feel, making the whole look come together effortlessly.

TIP #5 PLAY WITH PATTERNS

Any look can be instantly more flattering if the patterns enhance your silhouette! Try pairing a patterned top with a solid-colored maxi skirt to draw the eye upwards, or opt for vertical pleats that create a longer, leaner appearance. This small detail makes a big impact, transforming your look from frumpy to fabulous.

You can also mix textures for an added level of style and sophistication! For example, I paired a silky maxi skirt with a sheer polka dot bodysuit. The mix of textures and patterns not only added visual interest but also created a flattering, chic outfit perfect for a dressier event.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, styling a long skirt doesn’t have to be intimidating or frumpy. By focusing on proportion, cinching your waist, choosing shoes with height, and mixing patterns or textures, you can create a flattering, chic look that works for any occasion. Whether you’re aiming for a casual day out or dressing up for a formal event, these tips will help you wear long skirts with confidence, enhancing your silhouette and keeping you comfortable and stylish!

12 BEST SHOES TO WEAR WITH SKINNY JEANS TO ROCK YOUR OUTFIT

When it comes to styling skinny jeans, you might think of a crisp button-down shirt or your favorite belt. And you may be wondering which pair of shoes would best compliment that outfit. Let’s take a look at the top 15 shoe styles for skinny jeans, so you can easily choose a suitable and budget-friendly option. Read on!

BEST HEELS FOR SKINNY JEANS

PLATFORM SANDALS

Just like several other shoes on our list, platform sandals have made a comeback. They are a fantastic match for skinny jeans, providing added height and elevating your overall appearance. Chunky platform sandals, in particular, have gained significant popularity recently. Simply slip into a pair of skinny jeans, slide into some chunky platform sandals, and confidently show off your style.

WEDGES

Concluding our list, we have another fabulous option: wedged heels. Not only are wedged heels comfortable to walk in, but they also add an appealing touch to your outfit. A stylish wedged heel can maintain the casual vibe of skinny jeans while accentuating your calves and highlighting your legs in a flattering way.

BEST SNEAKERS FOR SKINNY JEANS

CANVAS SNEAKERS

Pam Beesly’s beloved pair of Keds truly deserved the “whitest tennis shoe” Dundie award. Canvas shoes, in general, not only go well with a pencil skirt but also look fantastic with skinny jeans. The low-rise laces of canvas sneakers, such as Keds, have a flattering effect, making the foot appear smaller when paired with form-fitting jeans. However, it’s important to note that while low-rise canvas sneakers are a great match for skinny jeans, we advise against wearing sneakers like Converse, as they can create a disproportionate look for your feet.

CAMPUS SNEAKERS

Campus sneakers have experienced a resurgence in popularity, and they make a stylish statement when paired with skinny jeans. To showcase your sneakers’ logo, ensure that the bottom hem of your skinny jeans hits just above the sneaker tongue. Whether you choose Reebok, Adidas, or Nike campus sneakers, you’ll exude a street-style vibe that looks like it came straight out of a fashion photoshoot.

CHUNKY SNEAKERS

Chunky sneakers have experienced a resurgence in popularity, making a comeback from the 80s and early 2000s. These sneakers now come back even better than before. Just like campus sneakers, chunky sneakers add a touch of retro style to any outfit, especially when paired with skinny jeans. Give them a try, and you’ll rock a look as cool as Sporty Spice herself.

WHITE SLIP ON SHOES

When it comes to pairing shoes with skinny jeans, slip-on or laceless options are versatile and complement them well. You can have fun with patterns, such as Vans, to add a playful touch. However, our top pick for slip-on shoes is the timeless white Rothys. The contrast between a white slip-on shoe and dark skinny jeans creates a stylish and polished combination that is truly delightful. It’s like the perfect finishing touch to elevate your skinny jean and sneaker ensemble.

BEST BOOTS FOR SKINNY JEANS

COWBOY BOOTS

Let’s welcome our first boot choice with a resounding ‘howdy’: the cowboy boot. Western boots have made a comeback, and many argue that they never truly went out of style. While cowboy boots are traditionally paired with bootcut jeans, they also make a stunning combination with skinny jeans. For a trendy look, you can try pairing a light wash skinny jean with an animal print boot. Alternatively, a blue distressed skinny jean paired with a white western boot creates a stylish and eye-catching ensemble.

ANKLE BOOTS

We have the ankle boot. Skinny jeans and ankle boots are a perfect match. One of the reasons they complement each other so well is that ankle boots sit right at the hem of the skinny jean, accentuating the fitted silhouette of the pant leg. This creates a beautiful contrast and adds a touch of sophistication to the overall look. If your ankle boots have a heel, they can further elevate the style of your skinny jeans. The presence of a heel can make your feet appear smaller and your legs look longer, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

COMBAT BOOTS

Moving on, let’s talk about combat boots. Depending on your personal style, combat boots could be the perfect choice for you. Just like with cowboy boots, skinny jeans can be tucked neatly into combat boots. They provide an edgy and sometimes grungy aesthetic to your overall look. If you’re looking to try out this style, a pair of original Dr. Martens would be a high-quality option to pair with distressed skinny jeans.

BEST FLATS FOR SKINNY JEANS

LOAFERS

Let’s start with the classic loafer, our first flat shoe on the list. You can never go wrong with the combination of loafers and skinny jeans. Loafers are a versatile option that can easily elevate a pair of skinny jeans. For a professional and work-ready outfit, try pairing loafers with dark skinny jeans and a blazer. Chunky loafers, in particular, are currently in trend. Not only do they provide extra height, but they also add a stylish touch to your entire ensemble, taking it to the next level.

BALLET FLATS

Another flat shoe option is the classic ballet flat. Rothy’s has gained popularity as a brand known for their ballet flats. While flats may not provide extensive support, they are a comfortable and breathable choice. When paired with skinny jeans, ballet flats create a flattering look. To maintain style and maximize comfort, it’s recommended to wear no-show socks with them.

MULES

Lastly, we have the quintessential mule, another flat shoe option. Similar to loafers, a pair of leather mules can bring an elegant touch to a skinny jean ensemble. They have the ability to dress up the entire outfit and make for a stylish choice, especially when wearing skinny jeans to the office or for a more formal occasion.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing shoes to wear with skinny jeans, the options are plentiful, allowing you to create various stylish and fashionable looks. The key is to find a shoe style that complements your personal style and the occasion you’re dressing for.