fashion

'A stylist dressed me in 5 outfits with the same denim maxi skirt. Here's my verdict.'

Have you ever looked at a popular item of clothing on someone and known it looks good on them but probably wouldn't on you? That's how I felt about the denim maxi skirt when it first arrived on the scene.

I came up with so many excuses for why I wouldn't be able to pull it off.

Then The Iconic's Head of Style, Nicole Adolphe, offered to style me in one, with five different outfits in my existing wardrobe. It was time to get out of my comfort zone – I said yes, feeling both excited and weary. 

Like our previous article together, these are looks I would never usually consider wearing. They have surprised me (in a good way!) and reignited my love for fashion.

Wearing the Pull&Bear Long Denim Skirt, ($65.99), here are five outfits The Iconic's Head of Style dressed me in. Plus, my honest thoughts.

Look 1 - Knitted jumper, tucked in at the front with boots.

Image: Supplied/Charlotte Begg.

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Why Nicole chose this outfit: A cosy knit is the perfect transeasonal item to pair with your denim midi as the weather starts to warm up, but you still need something for those colder mornings and nights. 

The great thing about knits is there are so many different colours and all colours go great with denim, so you could either incorporate some colour to brighten up your outfit or keep it neutral.

My thoughts: This was the first outfit I tried with the skirt and I was dubious – more because I wasn't sure about the skirt. On me. Lo-and-behold, I LOVED it.

My beige knit jumper paired with the skirt and my cowgirl boots felt very relaxed and very me – it was a good outfit to ease my way into the denim maxi skirt trend.

I have worn outfits almost identical to this before, but with jeans instead, so it didn't feel that different, but I liked the fact there was a split in the middle of the skirt to show some skin and break up the fabric.

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Look 2 - White tee, leather jacket and black boots.

Image: Supplied/Charlotte Begg.

Why Nicole chose this outfit: A leather jacket is the perfect layer to throw on when it's still a little cold in spring. Lighter than your winter coat but still thick enough to keep you warm, a leather jacket is good year-round. The best part? It goes with just about everything… including a denim midi skirt.

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My thoughts: This was hands down my favourite outfit of them all (with one further down coming in close second). It just felt so cool. 

But I would've never thought to pair these pieces together if I saw them hanging in my closet. The jacket is brown, the boots are black and there's silver hardware on the belt. I just wouldn't think to grab them!

On though, they make so much sense. Western chic.

Look 3 - Top, blazer and a heel.

Image: Supplied/Charlotte Begg.

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Why Nicole chose this outfit: A heel instantly elevates any look, so if you need your outfit to last from day to night, a heel and blazer is the perfect pairing. I would suggest a kitten heel and a lighter material style blazer, such as linen. 

My thoughts: This is such a me outfit – all black with some denim and little heels. But that's actually why it wasn't a favourite.

My default outfit is all black with some denim. I probably wear it once a week to the office, on days when I can think of an outfit. It felt too familiar, too safe. 

I realised through this process that it was the outfits Nicole got me wearing that I'd never consider putting on myself that I loved the most.

Look 4 - Casual with a stripe tee and flats.

Image: Supplied/Charlotte Begg.

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Why Nicole chose this outfit: Pairing a denim midi skirt with a timeless stripe tee and comfortable flats not only exudes a sense of laid-back sophistication but also strikes the balance between comfort and style. 

Style them with trending ballet flats or sandals which will not only provide practicality but will ensure you look effortlessly chic.

My thoughts: This was fun and casual. I've been wanting to buy a striped t-shirt for ages so I was stoked to get to wear one here. I paired it with my favourite platform sandals and my usual mix of gold and colourful jewellery – I felt very Pirate-esque.

I loved this look – again, very relaxed and just easy to throw on. I will definitely wear it in summer. Argh me hearties!

Look 5 - Crisp shirt with a singlet and loafers.

Image: Supplied/Charlotte Begg.

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Why Nicole chose this outfit: Trends come and go, but a great crisp shirt is forever. One of those wardrobe staples you’ll reach for over and over again, seeing you through every job interview, weekend brunch and date night. 

Re-create your own street style-worthy look with a shirt tucked in or thrown over a singlet with the denim midi skirt and loafers, which are getting bigger and bolder as each new season passes. 

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My thoughts: Ahhh, this outfit. I loved her so much. Although Nicole suggested loafers, these clogs were the closest I had and I think they worked!

Paired with my stripy oversized shirt and white singlet, it was giving 'I'm on holiday' / 'I'm ready for spring'.

My final thoughts.

This has reminded me that it's so easy to assume you won't like something or it won't work for you, but you don't really know until you try it on.

I was so sure a denim maxi skirt that gave no shape would look ridiculous on me, but in reality, because of the split in the front, it didn't. 

I've actually worn it on so many more occasions than just these five office days recently, and I've loved it.

Plus, I've received many a compliment, so that's reassurance it's a winner.

Charlie Begg is Mamamia's morning editor and senior lifestyle writer. For more fashion recommendations, read her articles here and follow her on Instagram.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Which outfit was your favourite? Let me know in the comments.

Feature image: Supplied/Charlotte Begg.

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