Welcome to The Essentials, our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.
There is maybe no more talked about summer fashion trend than the once-humble mini skirt. The viral micro-mini pleated iteration from Miu Miu, for instance, sparked a debate online (and one here at Marie Claire, when we asked how real women felt about it) within days of it first being spotted on some of fashion's most popular influencers and celebrities during the Fall/Winter 2022 fashion show season earlier this year. While some viral trends are mere flashes in the sartorial pan, the best mini skirts have stood the test of time.
I, for one, haven't worn a mini skirt since I was in high school almost a decade ago. Back then, my preffered pick was the gray one I had to wear as a part of my high school uniform at the time, which I would roll up as soon as I left the house each morning. Luckily, this season's most stylish iterations don't require any stealthly styling maneuvers because they're all already tailor-made with a hemline that sits far above your knee. And, instead of wearing a mini skirt with my school-mandated polo shirt, I can now (finally) style them as I personally see fit. Case in point: you'll most likely see me wearing my own favotite mini skirt with a pair of best-in-class loafers this summer, a sort of modern take on my schoolgirl looks of years past.
Ahead, I've rounded up all of the best mini skirt styles to shop right now. These are all editor-approved, so there's no need to worry about looking like a Gen Z impersonator in the process.
ZARA
Channel your inner ballerina with this baby pink wraped mini. Style this skirt with a white fitted tee and ballet flats for the ultimate sweet summer ensemble.
UNIQLO Pleated A-Line Mini Skirt
To really channel the retro high school uniform look, pair this pleated preppy mini with other classic colors like navy, white, and tan. White bunched-up socks and loafers complete the look.
H&M Mini Skirt
This micro-mini patterned skirt is very much inspired by the '90s thanks to the simple silhouette. It comes in four others colors and prints if green isn't in your preferred color palettte this summer.
Reformation Robbie Skirt
There are few mini skirts on the market that are as popular as this one from Reformaiton. It has a high rise and a subtle slit that shows some skin.
Simon Miller WII Skirt
This pick from Simon Miller is oozing with cool-girl energy. Wear this low-slung pick with a reto band tee and sneakers for an easy, effortless outfit.
AGOLDE Liv Mini Skirt
Just like your classic pair of black denim jeans, this mini skirt from AGOLDE is about to become your go-to summer piece. Great if you hate the feeling of denim shorts, it will go with just about everything.
MIAOU Mini Moni Skirt
This mini from MIAOU (a favorite of supermodels like Paloma Elsesser) is made to match with one of the brand's bestselling corsets. Prepare to look like a renessaince painting in the best way this summer.
& Other Stories 5-Pocket Denim Skirt
A reinvited classic, this denim skirt is just like the old version you used to wear when you were younger, with a few elevated details. The A-Line silhouette and high-rise at the waist make it the ideal wear-everywhere mini skirt.
LoveShackFancy Tanisha Ruffled Crochet-Trimmed Broderie Anglaise Cotton-Voile Mini Skirt
This white ruffled skirt comes in a summer-approved hue that allows you to incorporate it into your warm-weather wardrobe.
Mango Faux Leather Skirt
Add edge to your attire with this wrap-style faux leather skirt that embraces a bit of rock'n'roll thanks to the finish and a little bit of classic flaire thanks to its chic silhouette.
