The Denim Maxi Skirt Is Back - Here's How To Style It Without Looking Outdated

Trend alert! While mini skirts have slipped onto the fashion scene, maxi skirts are continuing to top trend charts because you can style them all year round, and because they're as versatile as they are practical. Denim maxi skirts are extremely adaptable to your wardrobe with a variety of styles and washes of denim, making them perfect whether you're on a trip to Trader Joe's, or out to brunch with the girls.

Simply put, the term maxi means that the skirt at least grazes your ankles, if not the floor. The style has existed in both bohemian and vintage styles, but you can transform a denim maxi into a modern look with new silhouettes that flatters almost any body type, as Vogue gushes. Some styles include flare, peasant, or side-slit options. Plus, with A-list names like Gigi Hadid reviving the style, the trend appears to keep cycling back, but this time, with more styling options than ever before. So, with so many versions of the skirt to choose from, here's how you can modernize your next maxi denim skirt.

The mermaid — or flare — maxi denim skirt is a fitted style in the waist and thighs, with seams running down the face of the skirt. The fabric then flares out past the knees, closer to the ankle. This particular style is popularly paired with cowboy boots for a dash of western flare (no pun intended), however, can be styled in many other ways. To modernize the look, go for dimension with tops or sweaters that have longer, billowy sleeves, or even off-the-shoulder, asymmetrical tops. Pastel and neutral purses, belts, or sunglasses also make for a great modern twist.

A great rule of thumb for styling a maxi denim skirt is to go all in. Who says denim on denim is reserved for Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake? Playing into the denim and rocking a classic Canadian tuxedo is a great way to modernize the skirt. Pair it with a denim vest or cropped jean jacket to accentuate lines and create cohesiveness in the look. To break up all that blue, add a pop of color, either in the shoes, lip, or other accessories like headbands or hats: you can always follow in Timberlake's footsteps and opt for a cowboy hat.

Bodysuits work well with maxi denim skirts because of the variety of waist rises for the skirts. Thus, they can tie into a plethora of styles while also offering both maximum, or even minimum coverage. This is due to modern bodysuit styles like lace, corset, or other sheer materials. Opting for sweetheart or smocked bodysuits too, can make your denim maxi skirt go from merely a trend, to timelessly modern. Among the popular bodysuit style choices are bright pastels (when going sheer) or classic black (when opting for minimalist, or chic).

Wearing a blazer is a great layer to add to your denim maxi skirt. The length of the blazer (especially if it's oversized) will complement the tight fit of the skirt. You can wear the blazer with a thin layer underneath (like a tank or tee) to accentuate the blazer's loose fit, and therefore, your waist. Plus, to make this a modern, preppy look, add a pair of flats or loafers — both of which could be of solid-color leather, like white, black, chocolate brown, or burgundy. 

Shackets are a great way to both modernize, and play down your maxi denim skirt. Colors like burnt browns, rusts, or blacks complement darker denim, while creams and teals tend to complement lighter denim. Shackets also come in a variety of fabrics, though denim and corduroy are top favorites. This is a great look for anyone who wants to remain laid back and have that jean feel but does not want to slip on a pair of actual pants. Finish the look by adding a graphic tee or a crop top as the base.

Just like jeans, denim maxi skirts range in a multitude of washes other than your typical shades of indigo. Black maxi denim skirts, for example, are great staple pieces that pair well with oversized, cream sweaters, cardigans, and even tube tops (but more on those later). The darker denim also pairs well with boots, kitten heels, as well as dark, graphic sweatshirts (cropped and full-length). If opting for the sweatshirt, utilize the black skirt by adding a pop of color in accessories, like a purse or sunglasses.

Nothing beats a crisp, white t-shirt, especially when paired with a denim maxi skirt. The white tee can be either solid or graphic, oversized or cropped, and either tucked into the skirt or left out. As mentioned before, the white top can be a button down if you so choose, but opting for a white tee or top and pairing it with a belt and sneakers, or even loafers modernizes the denim maxi skirt by making it an easily casual, transitional, and errand-running worthy outfit choice.