Maxi Skirt Outfits: 10 Ways to Wear a Maxi Skirt From Beach to Dinner

A maxi skirt is the easiest way to look dressed in hot weather. It covers the legs, it moves, and with the right top it can go from a beach lunch to dinner without a change. Here are ten maxi skirt outfits built around the new Aura shirred maxi skirt from Shona Joy at Coveti, plus the rules that make every one of them work. For more, browse designer skirts.

The skirt

1. Aura Shirred Maxi Skirt in Black

Cut from a lightweight semi sheer woven (84% lyocell, 16% polyester) with a soft hand and a subtle sheen, lined. Mid rise, an elasticated shirred waistband, a gathered yoke and a loose fitting maxi skirt. Fit: relaxed through the skirt. Sizes XS to XL.

2. Aura Shirred Maxi Skirt in Rosewater

The same skirt in Rosewater, a soft pink that suits a garden party and a summer wedding.

The rule: one fitted, one full

A full maxi skirt wants a top that is fitted, cropped and tucked in. Volume on volume works only when it is deliberate, in the same fabric and colour, like a matching set. Show the waist, and the long skirt reads as elegant rather than heavy.

Ten maxi skirt outfits

1. The matching set. The skirt with the Aura Semi Sheer Halter Top in Black in the same fabric and colour. Wear it like a dress.

2. Pink on pink. The Rosewater skirt with the Aura Semi Sheer Halter Top in Rosewater and gold sandals for a garden party.

3. The racer tank. The black skirt with the Sol Jersey Racer Back Tank in Black, a fitted lyocell jersey tank with a low racer back, tucked in.

4. Tonal brown. The black skirt with the Sol Jersey Racer Back Tank in Chocolate and tan leather.

5. The white tank. The Rosewater skirt with the Sol Jersey Double Layered Racer Back Tank in White, double layered so it is not see through.

6. The open shirt. The black skirt with the Celina Cotton Voile Shirt worn open over a bikini top on holiday.

7. The blouson top. The black skirt with the Aura Sheer Blouson Top in Ivory, tied at the hem so it sits at the waist.

8. Satin and shirring. The black skirt with the Savanna Scoop Neck Top in Champagne, a satin scoop neck top, for evening.

9. The scarf. The Riverton Scarf in Bandana Print knotted as a scarf top over the Rosewater skirt.

10. The office. The black skirt with a fine knit tucked in, a slim belt over the shirring, and a loafer.

Which shoes go with a maxi skirt

Flat sandals keep it easy, and a thong sandal suits the Aura skirt’s lightness. Heeled sandals lift the hem off the ground for evening. Loafers and ballet flats suit the office. Trainers work with a cotton maxi on the weekend. Avoid a heavy boot with a featherweight fabric.

Maxi skirt length

The hem should sit at the ankle with flats and graze the top of the foot with heels. If you are petite, wear the skirt with a small heel and a cropped top so the waist sits high.

How Shona Joy sizing works

Shona Joy cuts its dresses in Australian sizes, and an AU size carries the same number as a UK size, so an AU8 is a UK 8. The Aura separates, the Celina shirt and the Mirelle dress come in letter sizes, XS to XL. Coveti lists every style in UK sizes, and the size guide on each product page converts UK sizing to US, Italian, French and German sizes. Read the brand’s fit note before you choose: “designed to sit away from the body” leaves room, “slim fit through the waist and body” follows your shape without clinging, and “fitted through bust and waist” sits close where the shirring is. For more, read is Shona Joy true to size.

Caring for the Aura fabric

Shona Joy’s care label for the Aura pieces is gentle: turn the piece inside out, hand wash cold and separately with mild soap, rinse cold, and do not machine wash, wring, soak, bleach nor tumble dry. Dry it flat in the shade and cool iron on the reverse with a protective cloth. It can also be dry cleaned. Keep the fabric away from rough surfaces and jewellery clasps, which can catch a fine semi sheer weave.

Frequently asked questions

What top do you wear with a maxi skirt?

A fitted, cropped and tucked in top: a tank, a bodysuit, a cropped halter and a blouson top tied at the waist. A matching top makes a set.

What shoes go with a maxi skirt?

Flat sandals and thong sandals for day, heeled sandals for evening, and loafers and ballet flats for the office.

Can petite women wear maxi skirts?

Yes. Keep the waist high, choose a cropped and tucked top, and add a small heel so the hem clears the floor.

Is the Shona Joy Aura maxi skirt lined?

Yes. The Aura Shirred Maxi Skirt is a semi sheer lyocell and polyester fabric with a lining, and an elasticated shirred waistband.

Can you wear a maxi skirt in winter?

Yes, in heavier fabrics with a knit and a boot. A light semi sheer maxi skirt like the Aura is best kept for warm weather and holidays.

Related guides: halter tops, the Shona Joy Aura collection, how to wear sheer pants, Shona Joy resort wear, Shona Joy matching sets, designer skirts, Shona Joy summer dresses, how to style Shona Joy.