Hipster Ways to Style Maxi Skirts

Actress Zendaya Coleman pairs her maxi skirt with a graphic tee and pop of neon pink for a fun hipster look at an event in Los Angeles in February 2013.
... Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Maxi skirts are a stylish, casual staple for summer. But part of their appeal is their versatility. Depending on what you pair with your maxi, you can give it a variety of looks. If you want your skirt to have some hipster style, save the plain white tank and gladiator sandals for another day. Instead, combine your maxi skirt with quirky, unexpected pieces that make it feel a little less mainstream.

1 Top It Off

When you want to give your maxi skirt some hipster style, the right top makes all the difference. Vintage T-shirts of your favorite band or movie are an ideal option, even if your skirt has a funky pattern like animal or floral print. Tuck the tee into your skirt or chop off the bottom to create a crop top. If your maxi skirt is a solid neutral color, spice up your look by adding a neon top – pair it with a boldly patterned tank top that has hot pink or chartreuse accents. In the fall and winter, try your maxi with a plaid flannel shirt – knot it at the waist to keep from looking too bulky. A denim or chambray shirt with snaps instead of buttons also exudes a chic hipster vibe.

2 Layer Up

Whether you’re wearing a graphic tee, neon tank or a simple camisole with your maxi skirt, layering a cool jacket over your top gives you a hipster look. For a low-key, casual outfit, wear your favorite hoodie with your maxi skirt. Try a bold purple style with an animal print maxi skirt or pair a rainbow-striped hoodie with a plain black skirt. Boyfriend cardigans also complement a maxi skirt, particularly styles that feature elbow patches. Layer a gray cardi over your favorite vintage T-shirt and floral maxi skirt. If you want a more dressed-up look, go for a double-breasted blazer; pair a tweed blazer with a colorful tee and floral print maxi skirt.

3 Put Your Best Foot Foward

You have plenty of shoe options when it comes to styling your maxi skirt for a hipster look. Keep it simple with a pair of old canvas tennis shoes – opt for a basic white pair when you’re wearing a colorful chevron tank top and black maxi skirt or choose a striking purple pair with a simple gray cardi, white tee and navy maxi skirt combination. Combat boots are another ideal option. Throw a classic black pair on with a vintage T-shirt and floral print maxi skirt for instant hipster style. You can also go a little Western with cowboy boots. Wear a red pair with an animal print maxi skirt and denim shirt combination. If you want to look a little more dressed up, go for a pair of vintage loafers with your maxi. Choose a pair of classic penny loafers with a black-and-white checkered maxi skirt and hot pink A-line tank top.

4 Sweat the Small Details

As with any look, it’s often the small touches that really sell a hipster outfit, so accessories are key. Start at the top – add a knitted beanie to your maxi skirt outfit. A simple black or gray beanie sets off a plaid flannel shirt and floral print maxi. If you want to stand out a little more, go with a fedora. In the summer, pair a plain black maxi with a sleeveless neon pink tee and a straw fedora for a look that’s plenty cool. Scarves are also fun layering pieces for a hipster outfit. Pair a graphic tee and striped maxi combination with a simple navy infinity scarf or go with a bold floral print scarf over a simple white tank and animal print maxi skirt. When it comes to jewelry, mix styles and layer up. Pair a wooden beaded bracelet with a couple of silver bangles. Wear a cameo choker with a pair of silver hoops or layer a gold cuff bracelet with some stretch-y rubber bracelets in neon colors.

Based in New York City, Jennifer Blair has been covering all things home and garden since 2001. Her writing has appeared on BobVila.com, World Lifestyle, and House Logic. Blair holds a Bachelor of Arts in Writing Seminars from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

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