8 Australian creatives show us how they style a denim maxi skirt
IMAGE VIA @elyse__aparo/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY RUBY STALEY
The more denim, the better.
Made to compliment a baby tee or oversized leather bomber, the latest iteration of the denim skirt is the timeless maxi. While recently wandering through Second Life Market’s Melbourne pop-up, I came across an insane rack full of denim maxis repurposed from old pairs of jeans by the incredible Libby Skender. To say I was in awe would be an understatement… you just know I’ve been thinking about them ever since.
For more style inspiration, head to our Fashion section.
In the interim between now and me owning a glorious Skender creation of my own, I asked some of my most-loved local creatives and denim brands how they like to style their longline denim skirts for future inspiration.
Bella Brown, she/her, designer and founder of Be Right Back
[Here] I’ve styled Lola in the Mormon Rodeo Skirt, the Goblin Hood Top and Prada kitten heels. While I’m sure everyone has seen a denim maxi, I doubt they have seen one like this. With curving panels, a frayed hem and draping folds, this skirt is a celebration of denim, balancing practicality with style.
Maggie Zhou, she/her, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Features Editor
I adore the maxi denim skirt trend and feel it works best when you lean into the ’00s style of it all. For me, that looks like a low-rise number sitting on the hips, one that brushes by the ankles. I always try to reach into my wardrobe to partake in trends, so my below-the-knee denim skirt from Nobody Denim is the closest item I have that fits the brief. I wore this outfit to PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival; I was so inspired by all the street-style denim!
I channelled my inner Lizzie McGuire, who iconically rocked layered dresses and skirts, and paired mine with a thrifted black dress on top. I loved the pop of frayed denim peeping behind the slightly sheer black material. Finishing the look off with a Hello Sisi bag, my inner child was very happy with the outfit.
Grace Holland, she/they, model and content creator
Maxi denim skirts are such a staple piece for any ’fit. For this ’fit, I paired it with a basic white tank and a brown cardigan… Doc Martens boots and a cross choker necklace for an accessory. They’re so cute and just such an easy piece to style up or down.
Maddie Edwards, she/her, content creator
This look is all over the place but there’s nothing a big chunk of denim material can’t pull together. I wear my denim maxi ALL the time because it’s so versatile. Just like jeans, but comfier and more fun. I’ve worn it to festivals with a singlet and sneakers [and to] dinners with pointy heels and a nice top, but I don’t think anything can beat the classic everyday ’90s look of a denim maxi, platform slides and a halter top. A true trans-seasonal staple that anybody can pull off!
Libby Skender, she/her, designer
I was on the hunt for the perfect denim skirt that could speak for itself. A statement piece but a classic silhouette [and] something that I didn’t need to overcomplicate with styling… I struggled to find this perfect skirt, so I decided to upcycle my own. Every time I wore the skirt, I got a custom order.
So I decided to start my own upcycled label. Every piece is mindfully upcycled from vintage jeans. I then carefully plan and design each piece based around the vintage denim and finish it off with my own hand-embroidered touch. Every piece is handmade with love by me here in Naarm.
Kesha Butterfly, she/her, founder of Love-Connection
We love the denim maxi skirt style! Our staff member Emma has perfectly paired our Gramicci denim skirt with a black, high-cut, one-piece swimsuit and headband to match. Comfy and cute.
Elyse Aparo, she/her, Neuw’s Marketing Coordinator
This look was from a recent Neuw event. I styled the denim maxi skirt in rinse denim with a white cropped shirt and finished it with a pointed heel. I’m loving denim maxi skirts, as they are so versatile and flattering. I find myself feeling that my outfit is more put together and feminine, while still getting that level of casual that you achieve with jeans. I normally style my favourite maxi skirt with a white baby tee or tank top and loafers.
Julia Lo Bartolo, she/her, Nobody Denim’s Marketing Coordinator
Our favourite silhouette of the season, the denim maxi skirt is holding us in all the right places. It is a high-waisted, full-length, slim fit, made out of FibreTrace rigid denim. The trending Avery Skirt, modelled here by Portia Talib, will soon be restocked along with an updated denim maxi style coming soon – stay tuned for this one!
The skirt is cinching in the waist, accentuating the shape of the body and exposing just enough leg, with a front slit. We particularly love how you can wear it casually with a cute knit, T-shirt or crop… or how you can dress it up, paired with heels.
For more denim styling inspiration, head here.
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