Level with me for a moment. Have you ever felt that some of your staples feel stale? It's only natural that as you continuously re-wear your essential wardrobe items, they begin to seem, well, worn. Don't get me wrong; it's undoubtedly good for your clothing to get the most cost-per-wear usage—especially if you've invested in foundational staples. However, chances are, even if you choose to abide by a capsule wardrobe, you might feel like your daily ensembles lack that element of elegance. Luckily, there's a simple solution that can make even the most "stale" staples feel fresh again: styling. That's no more apparent than with one particular piece, the black maxi skirt.
Practical, chic, and timeless, a black maxi skirt can make any ensemble far more elegant—if you know how to style it. Although the black maxi skirt may seem monotonous, there are many ways to make it one of the more exciting items in your wardrobe. Don't believe me? In an effort to showcase the staying power of this staple, I've rounded up 22 black maxi skirt outfits that show how to style them year-round. Plus, I've included clear formulas on what you'll need to recreate the look, along with a curation of the best black maxi skirts you can buy right now. From minimal summer ensembles to bold winter looks, there's no shortage of ways to breathe new life into this "boring" staple.
What You'll Need: White Knit Tank + Black Maxi Skirt + Cuff Bracelet + Handbag + Mesh Ballet Flats
Styling Notes: One of the easiest ways to make this simple skirt feel more stylish is by pairing it with other trendy items such as mesh ballet flats or cuff bracelets.
Pro tip: Opt for lightweight materials to make this skirt work during the warmer seasons.
What You'll Need: White Button-Down + Belt + Tailored Black Skirt + Black Pumps + Black Handbag
Styling Notes: It might seem straightforward, but styling this skirt with other staples is one of the easiest ways to make it feel more sophisticated. It will always look good with a crisp button-down, bold belt, and black handbag.
You'll wear this skirt all the time.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + White Button-Down + Tube Top + Tailored Black Maxi Skirt + White Flip Flops + Handbag
Styling Notes: If you want to dress this item down a bit, pair it with a tube top and flip-flops. It will give the black maxi skirt an air of effortless elegance.
You can't beat this price point.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Black Waistcoat + White Tank Top + Black Slip Maxi Skirt + Sneakers
Styling Notes: Not sure what to wear to the office during the summertime? Consider pairing your trusted waistcoat with a black satin maxi skirt and sneakers. Although it's a bit more business casual, it's an outfit formula sure to impress your boss.
No summer wardrobe is complete without a satin skirt.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Off-the-Shoulder Top + Belt + Column Black Maxi Skirt + Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: Black maxi skirts are only boring if you don't aim to balance out the silhouette. For example, if you've got an ultra-tailored column skirt, style it with a draped off-the-shoulder top to create a subtle visual contrast (see above).
Sublime. No notes.
What You'll Need: Headband + Sunglasses + White T-Shirt + A-Line Black Maxi Skirt + Black Kitten Heels + Woven Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: Besides balancing out the silhouette, another way you can make this skirt feel more stylish is to play with volume. Try pairing a large a-line black maxi skirt with an oversized white t-shirt to make these staples stand out.
So pretty.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Oversize Black Button-Up + Black Sequin Maxi Skirt + Flip-Flops + Tote Bag
Styling Notes: Another way to make the black maxi skirt feel shiny and new is to embrace shine (quite literally). Consider upgrading this staple by investing in a black maxi sequin skirt. It will not only make the item shine again, but if styled with other staples, it will also create the perfect day-to-night look.
I'd wear this with a tank top and sneakers during the day.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Halter Bodysuit + Low-Waist Black Maxi Skirt + Belt + Mules + Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: Sequins aren't the only way you can spice up this staple—case in point: the ensemble above. Consider styling a low-waist black maxi skirt with a halter body suit to give it a cool new take.
Linen skirts are the lifeblood of every summer wardrobe.
What You'll Need: Asymmetrical Top + Draped Black Maxi Skirt + Heels + Handbag
Styling Notes: If you're still not convinced that black maxi skirts can be cool, let the ensemble above change your mind. For those balmy summer evenings, there's nothing more stylish than a draped skirt styled with a matching asymmetrical top, heels, and a handbag.
Did your jaw just drop? Me too, fam, me too.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Bandeau Swim Top + Tie-Waist Black Maxi Skirt + Tan Flip Flops + Tan Handbag
Styling Notes: Although this staple is sublime for everyday life, it's also something you'd want to take on vacation. Black maxi skirts can not only be styled for excursions or an evening out, but they can also be paired with a bandeau swim top, sandals, and sunglasses.
The tie-up detail will look great with a bikini top or tank top.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Cropped Puff-Sleeve Top + Tiered Black Maxi Skirt + Sandals + Raffia Bag
Styling Notes: As mentioned earlier, this skirt is such a great piece to pack for a summer vacation. It can be styled with just about anything, but if you pair it with a matching crop top, sandals, and raffia bag, you'll surely be the most sophisticated person at your resort.
Nothing's better than a matching set, IMHO. Pair with the matching Opihi Top ($152).
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Black Open Back Top + A-Line Black Maxi Skirt + Ballet Flats
Styling Notes: Not into matching sets? The next best way to make this skirt feel more stylish is to pair it with separates in a matching shade. The great thing about a black skirt is that it will go with just about any black top—although we'd recommend an open-back one to make it a bit bolder.
I'm personally obsessed with all of Staud's skirts, they make for the perfect staples.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Earrings + Leather Jacket + White T-Shirt + Tailored Black Maxi Skirt + Pumps + Handbag
Styling Notes: Are you wondering how to wear a black maxi skirt beyond summertime? Let the outfit above inspire you. You can transition this skirt into the fall by pairing it with outerwear, such as a leather jacket.
Minimalists, this skirt is all you.
What You'll Need: Headband + Hoops + Cropped Trench Coat + Tank + Tailored Black Maxi Skirt + Mesh Ballet Flats + Handbag
Styling Notes: In addition to the leather jacket, styling a cropped trench coat with your black maxi skirt is another effortless way to elongate the usage of this item into the colder season.
Note the styling of this skirt, it's perfect for the fall!
What You'll Need: Headband + Sunglasses + Black Blazer + T-Shirt + Tailored Black Maxi Skirt + Black Ankle Boots + Tan Handbag
Styling Notes: For transitional temperatures when it's too hot to pull off heavier outerwear, consider styling your skirt with a matching blazer.
The styling of this skirt is so sophisticated.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Gray Turtleneck + Black Tailored Maxi Skirt + Handbag + Black Slingbacks
Styling Notes: Beyond outerwear, the simplest way to transition this skirt into the fall is to pair it with other cold-weather staples, such as a turtleneck sweater. Based on the temperature, you can add more layers or keep it simple, like the outfit above.
Make this skirt more practical for cold-weather by pairing it with closed-toe shoes.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Gray T-Shirt + Black Leather Maxi Skirt + Black Slingback Heels + Handbag
Styling Notes: In addition to incorporating cold-weather staples, a surefire way to make this skirt work for colder seasons too is to pay attention to materials. For example, once fall rolls around, swap out black maxi skirts made from linen and cotton for leather, wool, and knitted materials.
Leather maxi skirts are a must-have in my book.
What You'll Need: Stretchy Headband + Sculptural Earrings + Long Leather Coat + Crewneck Top + Black Leather Maxi Skirt + Heeled Mules
Styling Notes: If you really want to make your black leather maxi skirt feel even edgier, consider styling it with a matching coat. It will keep you warm when it's cold outside while also making you look incredibly chic.
Love, love, love.
What You'll Need: Yellow Suede Jacket + Black Knit Top + Black Pleated Maxi Skirt + Belt + Ankle Boots
Styling Notes: Although opting for leather versions of a black maxi skirt or styling it with leather outerwear is a simple way to transition this item into the colder season, it's not the only way. Consider incorporating other quintessential fall items—e.g., a suede shaket, ankle boots, or a knit top—for a quirkier way to wear this skirt year-round.
The pleats make this piece even more polished.
What You'll Need: Camel Coat + Cropped Top + Black Tailored Maxi Skirt + Belt + Black Slingbacks + Hoops + Frame Bag
Styling Notes: Another way to make this skirt seasonless is to opt for timeless separates. You can't go wrong with pairing a black wool maxi skirt with a simple top, slingbacks, and a sophisticated wool coat.
Don't be fooled; you can dress this skirt up or down.
What You'll Need: Red Crewneck Sweater + Studded Belt + Black Maxi Skirt + Sandals + Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: Consider this your sign that a black maxi skirt doesn't have to be paired with neutral colors to look chic. If your ensemble is feeling drab, adding a dash of color through a sweater, sandals, or shoulder bag is the simplest way to make this skirt feel special again.
Simple yet stunning.
What You'll Need: Gold Earrings + Black Faux Fur Coat + Black Cropped Sweater + Black Maxi Skirt + White Knee-High Boots
Styling Notes: By now, I've hopefully proved my point that this piece is not only a practical staple but can be downright polished. Black maxi skirts aren't another "boring" staple, and they can be bold if you're willing to be creative with how you wear them—look to the outfit above as proof. Whether you choose to wear them in the winter with a faux fur coat and knee-high boots or a tank top and mesh flats in the summer, this skirt is the secret to looking sophisticated, no matter the season.
The slit will allow you to show off your favorite boots.
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