'Great Lengths'

Long skirts hit the runway

Everyone remembers the maxi-length dresses of last summer, and now it’s time to welcome the new: maxi skirt. Whether it’s long and denim, sheer and flowing, or ruffled and bouncy, learn how to wear this Spring-Summer staple.

First, make sure to cinch your waist. It’s easy to get lost in all the fabric without adding a belt. Especially for the empire-like maxi skirts, a belt elongates your silhouette by drawing attention to a small waist.

Remember that a maxi skirt should always be matched with a piece that is tailored or form-fitting up top. Too much volume all around will make the wearer appear both larger, and in worst possible instances (think Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen), like a bag lady.

Invited to an evening function but not in the mood to don a leg-baring dress or skirt? Epitomize contemporary glamour with a fluid maxi skirt in a sumptuous silk. Complete the look with a fitted top or a cinched blazer. A style solution that leaves you covered, comfortable, and of course, chic.

Free People boho skirt

Feeling bohemian? Consider wearing a tiered maxi skirt in a spring floral. Wear with a long sleeve shirt, as styled by Free People. Once the weather warms, slip on a tank top and accessorize with a scarf and Panama straw brim hat.

Roberto Cavalli silk print skirt

Evoke the American West – a major trend on Spring-Summer catwalks in New York and Milan – by wearing a floor-sweeping print skirt with a button-down top in a solid or flannel print. Throwing on a cowboy hat might be a bit too much, but boots are certainly not out of the question.

A full-length skirt worn with tights and is a lesson in comfort on days you’d like to stray away from pants. One of my colleagues is infamous for this look, which she likes to layer with colorful accessories and jewelry. Dress down, but still stay dressed up in a cotton skirt by Rachel Pally.

-S. Gonzalez