You may recall late last year when Mrs Woog went shopping minutes before she was jumping on a plane to Bali and came home with a maxi skirt. Turns out it was a little on the hot and chafing side in Bali for that fabulous skirt to get trotted out for cocktails at Ku De Tah but now she’s home embracing the mundane, it’s high rotation.
Yes, the maxi skirt is alive and well and kicking fashion butt this season. I’ve picked myself up Country Road’s grey marle winter version of Mrs Woog’s summer pick ( I blogged about it last week). It’s love. On a cost per wear basis, it will have paid for itself by next week. And I may need another.
So it was no surprise really to last week receive this email from Mrs Woog:
Dear Nikki
Today I did something stupid. Again.
I was walking past Sportsgirl and spotted this skirt. It is called the Into the Wild Maxiskirt. And now I own it.
I have a thing for Maxi anything (apart from maxi-pads) and a slight obsession with leopard print.
But it is in the bag with tags on, as I am not sure what to wear it with? It is a bit of a statement skirt. Remember please I am a curvy girl with an allergy to heels.
Can you help?
Mrs Woog
xo
Within seconds I was on the Sportsgirl website checking out this latest purchase and replying with my big tick of approval. It’s 100% viscose, which means no ironing if you hang it up straight after it’s washed. Shape wise, it drops straight over the hips from an elastic waistband. (If you have *ahhem* hips of child-bearing proportions such as my own, then please avoid the maxi skirts which are gathered off a high waistband. I’ve tried them on and it’s not pretty.)
Now, back to the skirt at hand.
Sportsgirl Into The Wild maxi skirt $89.95
Yes, it’s definitely going to make a statement. I wouldn’t be trying to compete with that statement. Opt for a black top and black strappy flats. As the weather cools down, throw on a denim or black jacket for a little comfortable, effortless chic.
The tricky part of the maxi skirt trend in winter is not looking too hobo-chic, a la Mary-Kate and Ashley, which they kind of get away with because they’re mega-millionaire celebs and have been since they were in nappies.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen may get away with hobo chic ... you and I probably won't
You and I may have difficulties pulling this look off. And that’s what you need to keep in mind when turning your trans-seasonal maxi into a winter favourite. If you’re not going to show any skin (because it’s cold) then you should aim to create a bit of shape, which is why I suggest a cropped blazer style to bring the look together. Even if left open, it will still show you have a waist.
Footwear can get a little tricky too. Some flat boot styles will work. As will some ballet flats – as long as they don’t create the illusion of shortening your feet. Stumpy feet will make the skirt seem all out of proportion. The young fashionistas out there will work a lace-up heel with a maxi skirt – and good luck to them. Me, I grew up watching A Little House of the Prairie. Let’s just leave it at that.
And, as the seasons, change swap your statement necklace with a scarf – or wear both together.
Below are some more maxi skirt winter buys. Add one to your wardrobe this week.
1. Country Road jersey maxi skirt $99
2. Evil Twin plain block coloured maxi skirt $79.95. Ph 02 9212 4788 for stockists
3. Supre fitted maxi skirt $18
4. Evil Twin print sheer maxi skirt $109.95. Ph 02 9212 4788 for stockists
5. Sportsgirl striped maxi skirt $69.95
6. Evil Twin print sheer maxi skirt $109.95. Ph 02 9212 4788 for stockists
Comments 47
I too love Maxi skirts! I have recently purchased the sheer red leopard maxi from Evil Twin and a regular leopard maxi from Don’t Ask Amanda. Along with the maxi trend I’ve bought A really thick jersey like zippered maxi dress for winter.
I’ve always had a leopard obsession but now its the maxi too! So easy to wear!
Author
Ooh, I know the Evil Twin maxi you’re talking about – love it!!
I can totally relate to Mrs Woog – anything maxi I have to have – I will have one of all six shown thank you! (just don’t tell my credit card)
Author
I promise I won’t tell …
Nikki, I LOVE my country road skirt. Am now off to buy the grey one. (Have the black & khaki). I am now addicted to maxi skirts, i (like everyone) just struggle with the tops.
And um, as they are skimming, any knicker suggestions? I’m not a gstring gal, so am always looking for good no VPL knickers!
thanks xx
Author
Belle, you are a girl after my maxi skirt heart – and I can so lead you to THE best no VPL knickers – https://www.stylingyou.com.au/blog/2009/06/injeanious-underwear/ – I have these in black and nude – and they get me out of a whole lot of trouble. They don’t leave any bulges!
You are too ace! thanks xx
I love this! Great to know I can wear they are around this Winter. I bought the CR one and have hardly taken it off this summer. Hmmmm I will need to look into the Winter options you suggest…
Author
It will certainly bring the cost per wear down on that skirt!
I am medium height and built like a watermelon but these skirts make me look taller and less melon like. Great advie Nikki as usual. Am def going to get the grey CR one xxx
Author
You NEED the grey one. And it’s true, I feel less melon like as well. It’s the line of the skirt that does it.
I’m a shortie /and/ a chubby thing – every time I’ve worn a maxi skirt/dress I’ve looked not unlike a small mobile postbox 🙁
Author
Way too harsh on yourself, Swatchgirl!
I am the same as you Nikki. If you have a butt and/ or hips then gathered maxi’s tend to make one look pregnant :S
I also have a problem with maxis… being tall they are usually shin length on me *rolls eyes!
So I will be sticking with the lady length skirts this winter ie. calf or just below knee length.
Author
There are some longer styles around – and they annoy shorter people because they’re too long.
Oh Kellie, have you tried the CR Jersey Tank Maxi Dress…..I am pretty tall and even the small was a bit too long for me. I am a pear shape but the gathering around the middle makes it very forgiving. It would look great with a jacket for winter…….hmmmmm might take my own advice!!
Author
I would, Kerri – sounds like great advice!
I will have to have a look… thanks Kerri 🙂
I have the black Country Road maxi and I am looking forward to winter as I have always felt it is too dark and heavy over summer – even when I wear it with a sleeveless/tank style top. I love #5, the Sportsgirl maxi, but wonder – is it too young for my *ahem* late 30s years? And if not, what would I wear on top?
Author
Christie, no it’s perfect for you – I’m older than you and I’d wear that one. Wear it with a black over-sized top that skims the hips (or is worn belted on the hips). And congrats with getting the black one – I missed out!
I want a maxi skirt! But not the one with horizontal stripes!
Author
Horizontal stripes aren’t all bad, Kristin. Often they can create the right illusion. We’ll play when we shop in a couple of weeks!!
Opps I meant to add too that I already have the black one that I got when they first came out, and love it but have hardly worn it as I’m a stay at home mum and don’t thinks it’s appropriate to wear to playgroup/music/mall!! Need to go out more! I like the grey one too and want to get it but not sure what I’ll wear on top!
Author
Firstly, Sarah, I would wear it to the mall – it can be quite a casual look with flats.
Secondly, on top wear an oversized tee that either skims the hips, or comes on to a band at the hips or can be belted. It’s an effortless casual look.
I wore my grey one last Saturday to afternoon drinks with friends at their house with a black tee/top that has great shape but skims the hips. Teamed it with a long necklace and black bling flats.
You’re making me want the grey one even more!! Not good for a CR addict! I think I should wear my black one more! I could wear it with my new black ankle boots that I got a couple of weeks ago too when it gets a bit cooler. Thanks Nikki!!!:)
Author
Great idea, Sarah!
Nikki what do you wear on top with your grey Country Road maxi skirt?
Hmmmm. I still can’t get my head around them, being slightly challenged vertically. I feel like I would be swamped.
Any advice for short – but NOT petite (sigh) ladies like moi??
I’m with you Cate…..vertically challenged, waist challenged (I don’t have one), and age challenged. (5′ tall, 60kg and 54yrs old) – but somewhere inside me I’m 5’6″, 50kg and 30! and I want one! 🙁
Author
Hi Cate and Gillian – definitely look for the streamlined maxi like the grey Country Road one I refer to in a previous blog post and team it with a top that skims rather than adds volume. You may have to take up the skirt to suit but it is a look that can work if you play around with proportions.
Now own two of the country road maxi’s, which I am a whole lot in love with (actually thinking of getting another – would that be overkill?). That issue aside, might be making a trip to Sportsgirl this week…..love both maxi’s that you have featured…..now just have to work out how to pay for it all…….it is an investment after all 😉
Author
Not overkill if it’s a look that works for you and makes you feel fab.
Love it. I’ve been eyeing off those Country Road maxi skirts since challenge number 1. I even tried one on. I may have to stop trying to resist – it’d be a great alternative to my stock-standard jeans look over winter.
Author
I resisted last year (well, actually I just plain missed out) and am very happy with my new purchase – and yes, great alternative to jeans.