TIME to get acquainted with your knees again: we’ve rounded up the best mini skirts that’ll give the humble midi a run for its money this season.
Long hemlines in the winter may seem logical, but there’s always something fun about a daringly short skirt – plus just think of the layering opportunities. From woolly tights teamed with your mini to chunky jumpers, scarves and hats that’ll keep you super-cosy from the waist up, the mini skirt is a bonafide year-round staple that every wardrobe needs.
Popularised by London designer Mary Quant in 1963 (who named the garment after her favourite car, the Mini Cooper), mini skirts really took off in the swinging 60s, becoming a sartorial icon of rebellion and liberation. From models of the London scene Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton to international stars like Bridget Bardot, the short hemline is firmly cemented in the decade’s fashion legacy – and it’s still just as relevant today.
On the runways, the mini skirt has been getting some serious love of late from the likes of Dior, Miu Miu, Chanel, Max Mara, Prada, Balmain and Versace. And while the SS22 collections have us looking forward to warmer climes, there’s no reason why the trend can’t work right now: celebs like Emily Ratajkowski and Rihanna prove that longline, enveloping coats are the perfect mini skirt accompaniment.
When it comes to style, there are many directions you can go with the mini skirt: from fitted silhouettes and A-line shapes to floaty tiered skirts and on-trend tennis skirt designs. Denim and leather mini skirts will forever stand the test of time, while colour-popping brights and sequinned numbers are perfect for party season.
Ready to raise the hemline? Check out our pick of the best mini skirts below.
READ MORE:
Cult sustainable brand Reformation is a must-shop for mini skirts – the options are practically endless, plus it now does extended size clothing for even more inclusivity.
Preppy checks are massively on-trend right now, so we’ve opted for this Clueless-esque mini skirt in a chic black and green plaid colourway.
Featuring an A-line silhouette and fitted waist, this will look great worn with a fitted turtleneck jumper or loose jumper in the cold weather months. Just add tights and loafers and you’re ready to go!
Wolf & Badger is a great place to shop for independent brands online – like family-run business, Baukjen.
The brand celebrates slow fashion by using sustainable practices, recycling garments and fabrics and giving back by donating to charities. Tick, tick, tick!
Decorated with a charming woodland print, we’re loving this tiered skirt which features subtle frill detailing and a drawstring waist which means it’ll be super-comfy to wear.
Team with knee-high flat boots for a stylish weekend look.
Tennis skirts are officially back – and we’re loving New Look’s leather-look interpretation.
Part of the Anne-Marie Loves selection, this high waisted pleated design features a fit-and-flare silhouette that skims out gently from the hips and will suit practically all body types.
Dress it down with cosy knitwear or wear it with your best boots and fanciest top: it’s a versatile mini skirt that’ll look great either way.
Want to make more of a statement with your mini skirt? This zebra print style by New Look is bold, fun and will definitely get noticed!
Made from a lightweight woven fabric, this is a mini you can wear across seasons with just a few clever layering additions.
The button-front A-line fit is a classic shape too, worn exceptionally well with a heeled Chelsea boot.
When it comes to mini skirt staples, a denim style is a must in every wardrobe – and if you’ve not got one, this black denim number by Mango is a bargain at just under £20.
Also available in a choice of blue and white denim, the frayed hem lends a laidback edge to this skirt – it’s perfect for casual days.
Wear with a jumper now, and a relaxed tee come the warmer weather. You really can’t go wrong!
Right in time for party season, this stunning skirt by Anthropologie is decorated with multicoloured sequinned embellishments that can be worn with pretty much any colour palette you like.
Boasting a scalloped hem that adds yet more interest, the straight silhouette features side-zip fastening for a sleek finish.
Styled with a gold lurex top, this is shimmering perfection.
Mango’s Plus Size collection is on fire right now – we love the tailored element of this high waist stretchy skirt which really elevates things with decorative button detailing.
Buy it now and make it a workwear-to-weekend staple.
Mini skirts can sometimes feel a little unstructured and unforgiving: but not this wonderfully tailored design by & Other Stories!
Made from a woven fabric that looks nicely rigid (without being overly stiff), the real talking point is that square buckle belt which brings lashings of 60s drama.
Snap it up now as we have a feeling this will go fast.
If you thought florals were just for spring, Ted Baker is here to prove you wrong with a gorgeously flowery mini skirt that’s knitted for the season.
Featuring asymmetric tiered ruffles and plisse pleats, it’s a pretty and floaty skirt you defiantly wear with a bomber jacket and boots right now – and a camisole and sandals when the weather warms up.
Mini skirts can be found all over – so prices can really vary. We found some ultra-stylish options on the high street from as cheap as £17.99, while on the more luxe end of the scale, you can be looking at spending upwards of £100.
Mini skirts are a classic trend you can pretty much always shop – but with the trend being so dominant right now, you can expect to find loads of choice on the high street and online.
We’re big fans of stores like Mango and New Look for affordability, as well as Reformation for excellent choice and & Other Stories for its refined and sophisticated offering. You can’t go wrong with a peruse around department stores like Selfridges either, where you can shop plenty of designers at once.
Shopping mini skirts? It’s time to think silhouette, fabric and pattern – the three features that will dictate how your skirt looks and feels.
This season, look out for pleated silhouettes that are perfectly on-trend – especially when clad in plaid and checks. Tiered designs are ideal if you want to add volume and movement: just make sure you play with proportions so as to maintain balance. Structured mini skirts offer a smarter, more tailored look, while a classic black mini skirt and everyday denim are staples you’ll always come back to.
Enjoyed our roundup of the best mini skirts? Then you might also like our selection of the best handbags for women.
We’ve also rounded up the best women’s tights.
And check out our dedicated Sun Selects fashion section for more style tips, trends and products.
