AFRM Natalia Stripe Crochet Maxi Skirt in Dune Stripe: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
If you’ve been scrolling through Nordstrom’s website lately and found yourself stopping dead in your tracks at the AFRM Natalia Stripe Crochet Maxi Skirt in Dune Stripe, you’re not alone. This piece has been generating serious buzz among fashion lovers who appreciate the delicate balance between bohemian ease and elevated, resort-ready style. And if you’re specifically shopping in Size X-Large or XX-Large, you’ve probably already noticed how hard it can be to find detailed, honest information about fit, feel, and versatility in extended sizes. That’s exactly what this post is here for.
Whether you’re building a warm-weather wardrobe from scratch, refreshing your vacation looks, or simply searching for that one statement piece that can carry you from a beach boardwalk to a rooftop dinner, the AFRM Natalia Stripe Crochet Maxi Skirt deserves a serious look. Let’s dig into everything — the design, the construction, the styling potential, and the practical fit notes — so you can shop with full confidence.
What Is AFRM and Why Does It Matter?
Before we get into the skirt itself, it’s worth talking about the brand behind it. AFRM (which stands for “A Future Reference Model”) is a contemporary women’s clothing brand that has built a devoted following by creating fashion-forward pieces that don’t sacrifice wearability. The brand sits comfortably in the space between fast fashion and high-end designer — it delivers thoughtful design, quality fabrication, and trend-aware silhouettes at a price point that feels justified rather than inflated.
AFRM is known for leaning into textures, open-weave constructions, and feminine silhouettes with a modern edge. Their pieces tend to photograph beautifully, which certainly doesn’t hurt in the social media age, but they also hold up in real life in ways that purely aesthetic brands sometimes don’t. Nordstrom carries AFRM because it fits squarely into the retailer’s sweet spot — accessible luxury, dependable quality, and strong seasonal appeal.
When AFRM puts out a crochet piece, it’s worth paying attention, because the brand understands how to do open-weave construction in a way that feels intentional rather than costumey.
First Impressions: The Dune Stripe Colorway
The name “Dune Stripe” does a lot of work in a very short phrase. It immediately conjures warm, sandy tones layered with the kind of earthy contrast you’d find at the edge of a desert or along a sun-bleached shoreline. And that’s almost exactly what you get.
The Dune Stripe colorway in the AFRM Natalia skirt typically features a warm neutral palette — think cream, tan, camel, and soft brown tones woven together in horizontal stripe patterning through the crochet work. It’s the kind of colorway that photographs like a dream in natural light and flatters a genuinely wide range of skin tones. Unlike a stark white crochet piece, which can wash some complexions out, or a heavily saturated color, which can feel limiting in terms of outfit building, Dune Stripe occupies a beautifully versatile middle ground.
The stripe element adds visual interest without complexity. It gives the eye something to travel along without overwhelming the delicate texture of the crochet itself. It’s the kind of detail that makes the skirt look more expensive and more considered than a solid-color alternative, while still being highly wearable and easy to style.
For those who love a capsule wardrobe approach, the Dune Stripe colorway is a near-perfect anchor piece. It plays beautifully with whites, creams, and soft neutrals for a tonal look, but it also pairs well with warm terracotta, dusty rose, soft olive, and even bold cobalt or rust for a more striking outfit.
Design Details: What Makes the Natalia Skirt Special
The AFRM Natalia Stripe Crochet Maxi Skirt is a maxi-length style, meaning it falls to or near the ankle, which gives it that flowing, effortlessly romantic silhouette that has been a staple of warm-weather fashion for years and shows no signs of going anywhere.
The crochet construction is the centerpiece of the design. Crochet, as a textile, carries a rich history that spans decades of fashion — from the bohemian maximalism of the 1970s to the beach-club minimalism of recent resort collections. The reason it keeps coming back is because it does something few other textiles can: it creates texture, visual depth, and a sense of artisanal craft while remaining lightweight and breathable. On a maxi skirt, crochet becomes particularly effective because the movement of the fabric as you walk sends light filtering through the open weave in a way that is genuinely beautiful.
The Natalia skirt typically features an elasticized or pull-on waistband, which is both practical and flattering. An elastic waist on a maxi skirt eliminates the fit anxiety that can come with zipper closures — there’s no worrying about whether a specific waist-to-hip ratio will work with a fixed closure. The waistband sits comfortably and accommodates natural variation in body shape throughout the day, which is especially important for those of us who want to actually enjoy a vacation meal without tugging at a waistband.
The length is another key design choice. Maxi skirts have a well-earned reputation for being universally flattering because they skim the body rather than clutching it, and they draw the eye vertically in a way that elongates the silhouette. The crochet fabric on the Natalia skirt has enough body to maintain its shape while still moving fluidly with the wearer, which means it hangs beautifully whether you’re standing still for photos or actually walking around exploring a new city.
One important practical note about crochet maxi skirts: because the weave is open, most styles — including this one — are designed to be worn with a slip or lining, or layered over a swimsuit or shorts. The open weave is part of what makes the piece visually stunning, but it does mean the fabric itself is not fully opaque. This is entirely expected and by design, and it gives you real styling flexibility. More on that in the styling section below.
Sizing in X-Large and XX-Large: What to Expect
Let’s talk about what you actually came here to find out. Shopping extended sizes online, especially for something as nuanced as a crochet maxi skirt, requires a bit more information than the standard size chart.
First, the good news: the elasticized or pull-on waistband that AFRM typically uses on the Natalia skirt is genuinely accommodating. Because there’s no fixed closure, the waist has real give, and the skirt is designed to sit comfortably on a range of hip and waist measurements within the size range. If you’re between sizes or carry more volume in your hips than your waist, an elastic waistband is your friend.
In X-Large and XX-Large, the maxi length should still fall at or near the ankle for most heights, though if you’re on the taller side — say, 5’9″ or above — you may find it sits slightly above the ankle rather than grazing the floor. For petite shoppers in XL or XXL, the length may benefit from a slight tuck or could be worn as a midi-style skirt depending on your preference, though many petite wearers in larger sizes find that maxi length actually works well for them because the vertical line is flattering regardless of height.
The crochet fabric itself has some natural stretch, which helps the skirt move with your body rather than pulling or bunching at the hips. That said, it’s worth checking Nordstrom’s specific measurements for the XL and XXL sizing on this skirt, as AFRM’s size ranges are detailed on the product page and can give you hip and waist measurements to compare against your own.
One consideration specific to extended sizing in crochet pieces: the scale of the crochet pattern sometimes shifts slightly between size ranges, though this is not always the case. A larger pattern repeat can actually be stunning in a larger size because it makes a more dramatic visual statement. Check the product photos to see if Nordstrom has included images from multiple size models, as many retailers now do.
For reference, X-Large in AFRM’s sizing generally corresponds to approximately a size 16-18 in US women’s sizing, while XX-Large typically corresponds to approximately an 18-20. Always cross-reference with the brand’s actual measurements on the product page, as these numbers can vary.
How to Style the AFRM Natalia Stripe Crochet Maxi Skirt
This is where the Dune Stripe colorway really earns its keep, because the styling potential here is genuinely broad.
The most natural starting point is a beach or resort look. Pair the Natalia skirt directly over a swimsuit — a one-piece works particularly well — and add a pair of flat woven sandals or slides. Throw a lightweight linen or cotton button-down over your shoulders as a cover-up layer and you have a look that goes from poolside to beach bar without a second thought. The Dune Stripe palette pairs especially well with swimwear in terracotta, sage green, navy, or warm white.
For a daytime outfit built around the skirt, try a fitted ribbed tank or a simple cotton crop top in cream or camel to stay tonal with the Dune Stripe palette. Flat espadrilles, a woven raffia bag, and minimal gold jewelry — a delicate chain necklace, small hoop earrings — complete the look with ease. This outfit is perfect for a farmers’ market morning, a casual lunch, or a day of exploring a coastal town.
Transitioning the skirt into an evening look is easier than you might expect. Swap the casual top for a fitted bodysuit in a neutral or warm-toned color, add a pair of strappy heeled sandals in tan or gold, and reach for a small crossbody bag in leather or woven straw. The crochet texture immediately reads as intentional and elevated in an evening context, especially when the rest of the outfit is kept clean and minimal. The Dune Stripe skirt has enough visual presence to carry a look without needing a lot of accessory support.
For those in cooler climates or shoulder seasons, the Natalia skirt can transition beautifully with the addition of a lightweight knit sweater or a linen blazer. Tucking a fitted turtleneck into the waistband and adding ankle boots creates a surprising and very chic contrast between the bohemian crochet and the polished, structured layers above. This kind of styling demonstrates that crochet isn’t just for tropical destinations — it can work as a year-round texture when paired thoughtfully.
Because the skirt has an open weave, you have styling flexibility in what you wear underneath. A nude or skin-toned slip creates a seamless, elegant base that lets the crochet pattern take center stage without distraction. A bold-colored slip — think dusty rose, sage, or even a deep burgundy — turns the open weave into a feature by letting that color peek through in a way that feels intentional and layered. Bike shorts or lightweight shorts in a neutral tone are a practical option if you’re planning to be active or want to keep things casual.
Crochet Care: Keeping Your Skirt Looking Its Best
Crochet garments require a little more care than your average jersey piece, but the effort is minimal if you build the right habits from the start.
First and most important: always check the care label on the garment itself. AFRM’s crochet pieces are often made from acrylic, cotton, or a blend, and the fiber content determines the appropriate care method. Most crochet garments benefit from hand washing in cool water with a gentle detergent, or from being placed in a mesh laundry bag and run on the delicate cycle. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can distort the weave.
Lay crochet pieces flat to dry rather than hanging them. Because the fabric is an open weave, gravity can pull it out of shape when it’s wet and heavy. Laying it flat on a clean towel preserves the original silhouette.
Store the skirt folded rather than on a hanger for the same reason — crochet can stretch at the waistband if stored hanging over time.
With proper care, a quality crochet piece like the AFRM Natalia skirt can stay looking beautiful for multiple seasons, which makes the investment worthwhile.
Why Buy From Nordstrom?
If you’re going to invest in a piece like this, buying from Nordstrom is a genuinely good choice for several reasons beyond just the convenience of a major retailer.
Nordstrom’s return policy is among the most generous in retail, which means if the skirt doesn’t work for you in terms of fit or feel once it arrives, you have a clear and straightforward path to returning or exchanging it. For online fashion purchases — especially in extended sizes where fit can be harder to predict — this flexibility is genuinely valuable.
Nordstrom also frequently offers free shipping and free returns, which eliminates the financial risk of trying something new. And if you’re a Nordy Club member, purchases like this contribute to your rewards points.
The retailer’s product pages tend to include detailed size guides, customer reviews, and increasingly, photos from shoppers across a range of sizes, all of which help you make a more informed decision before you buy.
Final Thoughts: Is the AFRM Natalia Stripe Crochet Maxi Skirt Worth It?
The short answer is yes, and the longer answer involves everything we’ve covered above. The AFRM Natalia Stripe Crochet Maxi Skirt in Dune Stripe at Nordstrom is a piece that delivers on multiple fronts: it’s visually striking, deeply versatile, seasonally appropriate across a longer stretch of the year than you might expect, and available at Nordstrom with the shopping protections that make trying something new online feel less risky.
For shoppers in Size X-Large and XX-Large specifically, the pull-on construction and elastic waistband make this a more forgiving and flattering option than many crochet styles, and the Dune Stripe colorway is one of those rare choices that works beautifully on a wide range of skin tones and body types.
If your wardrobe has room for one standout piece this season — something that photographs beautifully, travels well, transitions from day to evening, and earns you compliments every time you wear it — the AFRM Natalia Stripe Crochet Maxi Skirt in Dune Stripe might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
