It’s week three of “Basics…Anything But”! Now I totally realize that MY definition of “basics” may not be the same as everyone else’s. For example, I would qualify a slip dress and a kimono as “basics”. However, I’m trying my darndest to keep THESE basics ACTUAL basics that may be in the average person’s closet. After I’m done with those, I’ll probably move on to things like the slip dress and kimono and all that just to keep emphasizing how much every woman should have them in her closet! But for now, I’m trying to stick to BASIC basics!
Today, let’s talk MAXI SKIRTS! I decided to take a solid maxi skirt and show you some fun and unpredictable ways to mix in this basic with some other pieces you may have in your closet…or you may be looking to buy! As always, you can use a lot of different fabrics, patterns, and styles of skirt to change up this look! The sky is the limit! But let me tell you about what I used, and why!
THE SKIRT: I purchased this skirt from Free People new a few years ago. It was exactly what I was looking for, and at the time, there weren’t a lot of maxi skirts to be found, so I looked at it as an investment piece that I could wear a lot of different ways, and boy have I used the heck out of this skirt! Now truthfully, these kinds of skirts are a lot more plentiful, so getting one at a thrift store or at Target is highly likely, and at a fraction of the price.
FIT: The skirt I used has an elastic waistband, which is KEY for these looks. Why? Because the elastic allows you to wear the skirt at a variety of places and not just on your waist. I have done some of these looks with a non elastic waistband maxi, and it can work, it’s just not as comfortable or easy. I used a slightly gathered skirt, but a more gathered skirt will add a little extra bohemian glamour, while a non gathered one will be a more fitted look. Either way works just fine!
FABRIC: This skirt is a stretch jersey…again, you can use a non stretch cotton, but the stretchy flowy fabrics will lay a bit better, be less bulky on, and simply be more comfortable!
Let’s get down to it! A maxi skirt can go SO many different directions! This look is great with a solid, striped, floral, or aztec print as well. You decide :)
LOTSA LAYERS
To be honest, I bought these two skirts together…to wear exactly like this! I saw them in a Free People magazine and went out and bought them (they are the same in two different colors) because I needed a dress for a wedding and I couldn’t find one I liked! However, I have done this EXACT same thing with multiple different variations of skirts, so you do not need to have two of the same to do this!

Okay, so you get the idea? One skirt pulled up above your boobs like a strapless dress, the skirt underneath at your waist, belted, and…boom. Flowy strapless bohemian goodness. I’m a BIG fan of belts that tie on, but a regular belt would work just fine too! I love gladiator sandals with this look because it’s cool for summer and adds to the boho flair! The Free People skirts I have are sold out, but HERE is a really cool more fitted and rusched sides one (it has an extra sale code right now too!) If you want to splurge and get a great piece, try HERE.
THRIFTY TIP: Shop your local thrift shops for maxi skirts! They are much more common than they used to be. Also, places like Target, Old Navy, and Forever 21 often have them for around $20. Don’t forget to check ThredUp too!
SWAP IT OUT: Change out the gladiator sandals for cowboy boots or just regular boots. It changes the look of the outfit! Also, a cool pair of palazzo pants underneath instead of a second skirt is super fun! I’ve done this before and it looks really cool!
CRAFTY DIY: Don’t have a tie on belt? Get some thick ribbon or a strip of cool fabric (denim would be super cool!) and tie a bow at your waist! It adds a whole new look to the outfit! Wear it this way with some heels and you got yourself a brand new vibe to the same outfit!
COACHELLA? KIMONO-CHELLA
This look basically turns your maxi skirt into a dress…with a little extra flair!


Okay, so again, you pull up your skirt as a strapless dress, then use the kimono belt to create a “waist” for your new dress! I used some boho inspired accessories because it really seemed to go with the look of the kimono/skirt combo. For kimonos, a splurge is HERE or HERE and to save some $$, try vintage robes on Etsy or look HERE.
THRIFTY TIP: My necklace is from Child of Wild, so if you want to splurge on a statement piece, check them out. However, this look is available for SO MUCH LESS now!! Check THIS page out!
SWAP IT OUT: Use a more fitted stretchy skirt. Almost like a pencil fit maxi. You’ll get a really sexy sleek strapless dress effect!
CRAFTY DIY: If you don’t have a kimono, use a large square scarf, OR a large square piece of fabric, fold it in half, and put it over your shoulders with the point in the back. Tuck in the front pieces into a belt, and you’ll create a poncho like effect and still get the same type of look!
THE WILD WEST
The beauty of an elastic waist skirt is that it can sit anywhere on your body. It can be low waisted or high waisted…and that gives you versatility for what kind of top you can wear!


For this look, I pulled up my skirt to make it high waisted, allowing me to knot my denim top and go full western gal!
THRIFTY TIP: I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. Chambray tops tend to be fairly easy to find at thrift stores. Also, I got mine from Target and it is awesome!
SWAP IT OUT: Use a patterned top! A plaid flannel would be adorable!
CRAFTY DIY: Don’t have a bolo? I got mine from the FABULOUS Hillbilly Gypsy Boots (email her and ask for a custom order!) Here’s a SUPER fun DIY post on how to make your own out of things like bottle caps and stuff for all you UBER crafty peeps out there!
TOUGH AND TUMBLE
What’s not predictable with a flowy, girly maxi? A tough graphic tee! For this look I added some more masculine elements to balance out the skirt and make it interesting!

I thought that a Harley tee, desert booties, a belt, and a squash blossom would be a fun addition to the skirt.
THRIFTY TIP: I got these J Crew booties at a second hand store, but I highly recommend the Tom’s ones since the J Crew ones are sold out! HERE is a FABULOUS alternative however, and at half the cost!
SWAP IT OUT: Swap the booties for cowboy boots, and use a floral or a sweet girly print tee. Still adorable, but just changes the look a bit!
CRAFTY DIY: I got this shirt in the men’s section at Goodwill for $4. I took my scissors to it and made it more awesome! Find some great old tees and cut the sleeves down (makes the shirt look less like a men’s shirt!) and cut a few holes in it. You’ll have a great vintage looking tee for a fraction of the cost! Also, places like Forever 21 are doing GREAT replicas of band tees for CHEAP!
Give it a go! I hope these posts are super helpful for you and inspire you to be a tad more daring with what you already have! Once I discovered that I could wear some of my skirts like dresses, it opened up a whole new realm of possibility for my closet!
HAPPY MIDWEEK!
Katy