How to wear maxi skirts for work

How can I style maxi skirts so that I can wear them to work?

Maxi skirts have a breezy, casual vibe which makes them great for weekend outings. However, it is possible to make them appropriate for the office too, provided the environment is not overly conservative.

The main rules would be to stick to maxi skirts with clean, straight lines (nothing too bohemian or princess-like) and to balance the outfit with a structured top so that the softness of the bottom half is kept at bay.

Take this printed, pleated skirt from Michael Michael Kors (photo 1, £73 or S$156, from www.theoutnet.com). Tuck a simple tank top into the crepe skirt and top it off with this River Island blazer (photo 2, $73, from www.zalora.sg). The outfit looks graphic and fun, but classic in its silhouette.

You could also take a cue from designer Carolina Herrera and pair the maxi skirt from Michael Michael Kors with this crisp white shirt from Uniqlo (photo 3, $29.90, from 03-27 313@somerset). Herrera is known for tucking white shirts into ball-gown skirts, to chic effect.

With a simple black maxi skirt, such as this silk-blend piece from Theyskens' Theory (photo 4, £117 or S$250, from www.theoutnet.com), make sure you are not too covered up on top.

Instead, pair the skirt with this sleeveless shirt from Demoo Parkchoonmoo (photo 5, $199, from www.modajar.com). The asymmetrical collar gives the outfit a modern, architectural quality.

For those who prefer a softer look, pair the black skirt with this blue-knit sweater from Cos (photo 6, $89, from 03-23 Ion Orchard, available from next month). The ribbing at the waist and cuffs ensures the silhouette is sleek.

One more thing to remember regarding maxi skirts is that the length of the skirt depends on your height.

Taller women can get away with shorter lengths which hover around the ankle, but petite women should aim for lengths which almost touch the ground.

Shorter lengths on shorter women make for an unflatteringly stumpy effect.

This article was first published on July 4, 2014.
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