The 13 Best Mini Skirts, According to Stylists

"I love a pleated skirt, whether it is a suiting-inspired version or a dark wash denim version," says Rose. This wrap-over mini with accordion and box pleats from COS is an ideal option for spring 2023, says Rose, as preppy style is currently experiencing a cool-girl-approved resurgence. "The A-line shape is super flattering, and the pleats add dimension and movement." 

J. Crew's Natasha Mini Skirt offers an approach to playful glitz and glam that won't turn you completely into a disco ball—unless, of course, that's the desired vibe. In that case, you'll want to team this understated yet shiny tweed skirt with over-the-top shimmer—like a silver camisole top and your best high-shine jewelry. Alternatively, you can also tone down the mini's party-ready energy: all you would need is a roomy tee shirt, an oversized blazer, and your favorite black sneakers.

Calling all sporty girls (or those who don't necessarily have a gym membership but dress predominately in athleisure-adjacent clothes): This breathable cotton seersucker skirt from Adidas is the ideal slip-on-and-go option for summer. It features two spacious side pockets, tapping into that utilitarian and gorpcore vibe that's greatly influencing 2023's trends, and a generous elastic waistband to keep you comfortable all day long. Also to note is that it boasts a tailored hem and A-line silhouette, making it the perfect combination of casual-meets-put-together.

"If you are a more practical dresser, maybe opt for a skort to add more comfort and security," like this Reformation one that's "perfect for all wardrobes," says Rose. "It is super versatile and can be worn across all seasons and styled in many different ways. The white iteration is the perfect spring-summer option to throw on with a tank and flat sandals as an elevated daytime look. I like that the front pockets add an interesting design element with a' 60s-inspired flair." 

This is a mini skirt to try if you're fond of an above-the-knee silhouette but want something other than a sultry or sensual vibe. Combining a put-together, preppy feel with subtle yet flirtatious flair, Topshop's Tailored Miniskirt is like ending a professional handshake while batting your eyelashes, perhaps even tossing in a quick wink, too, to round out the deal. Consider styling this polished pair of bottoms with a thin black leather belt, a cropped button-down shirt, and barely-there strappy kitten heels.

"The mini skirt would keep its youthful and sexy connotations well into the 1990s and 2000s, as it was popularized by celebrities like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Christina Aguilera, who adopted the mini trend, especially the micro-mini skirt," explains Rabinovitch-Fox. H&M's mini skirt, with its digitally-inspired pixel graphic and streamlined silhouette, perfectly encapsulates the sartorial vibes of that era. Plus, It comes in four others colors and prints if green and black aren't in your preferred color palette this summer. 

"A tennis skirt is a great option for a comfortable and casual day-to-day outfit," explains Rose. "It can be a great way to elevate any spring or summer athleisure look." Not to mention the hard-working tennis skirt is integral to the tenniscore phenomenon, a TikTok-fueled fashion aesthetic that consists of precisely the court-ready styles you'd expect. Snag this classic white iteration from Alo Yoga, the activewear brand beloved by all your favorite celebrities and fashion folks (Victoria Beckham, Katie Holmes, Jennifer Garner, and Kendall Jenner, to name just a few).

"Denim maxi skirts are super popular currently, and I think denim mini skirts will be a great alternative for hotter weather," says Rose. "A denim skirt is a super timeless staple wardrobe piece because of how versatile it is"—case in point: this AGOLDE option. Just like your classic pair of black jeans, this dark-wash mini skirt is about to become your go-to summer piece. It's especially great if you hate the feeling of denim shorts (summer thigh chafing—let's talk about it!), and it will go with just about everything. 

"Alice + Olivia has managed to bring meaning to the phrase, 'structure in motion' with this brilliant pleated mini that instantly takes its spot as a staple piece," describes Freeman. The stylist shouts out this vegan leather style as an ideal option to wear into the office as part of a summer business casual outfit. Consider trying it with a white button-down and your best loafers for a put-together prepster look. Alternatively, you could lean more causal by teaming this faux leather mini skirt with a well-worn graphic tee and 2023's trendiest sneaker, Adidas' Samba.

You know cargo pants are one of the year's top trends. The multi-pocked bottoms dominated the fashion field with such a force that they inspired a handful of off-shoot trends, like baggy utilitarian and carpenter-style jeans and cargo skirts. The Frankie Shop's fit-and-flare tan mini is a perfect example of the latter in that it does have pockets that, in theory, could serve a purpose, but the overall garment is more cutesy than practical. The vibe is more of a fashion girl bopping around downtown than a handyman keeping his tools within arm's reach.

So you want to turn heads this spring and summer. This quirky-cool PH5 skirt—what you can safely assume to be a piece that'll have masses of people asking you, "Wow—where did you get that?"—is what to add to your cart. The wavy-hemmed style with a freshly graffitied spray paint print will kickstart your maximalist pursuit with a bold bang. As Freeman describes, "in this very unique PH5 mini, avant-garde, athleisure, and street fashion seem to all be in perfect harmony."

"Who said you can't wear corduroy in the summer? Commonly considered a fall and winter staple, this chic corduroy A-line mini skirt by AKNVAS will allow you to maintain your cool factor on those cool summer nights as well," describes Freeman. And to the stylist's point about corduroy being a prominent textile in the colder seasons, this AKNVAS number is an investment piece you can reach year-round—all you need to do is slip into a pair of tights once temperatures take a plunge.

This mini skirt from MIAOU (a favorite of supermodels like Paloma Elsesser) is guaranteed to become a hero player in your going-out rotation. Team it with one of the cult favorite brand's fitted corset tops—how about this long-sleeved one in a matching brown polka-dotted print?—and prepare to look like a Renaissance painting in the best way this summer. Also, another element to love about this magical mini: the front ruching adds visual intrigue, giving this piece a bit more fashion-y flair than a traditional straight-lined skirt.