The (Literal) Rise and Rise of the Miniskirt

How happy our legs have been cosseted away in midi-skirts over the past half a decade, but now it's time for a shock to the fashion system, because the mini is back and it's already booming. We noticed the trend for rising hemlines actually started earlier in the summer when the classic denim skirt—you know, the kind you definitely had in the '00s—reappeared in some very cool wardrobes and started noticeably selling out in various stores. 

With eveningwear and dressing up high on the agenda for the autumn/winter 2016 season, it's no wonder that the fast-track item to feeling party-ready is staging something of a comeback. A-listers are, of course, keen to get the pins out: From L.A. natives like Kendall Jenner through to London girls like Phoebe Collings-James, there's no, erm, shortage of love. As the sun has emerged so has the look on the streets, with girls finding their own, unique route into the look without feeling over-exposed. 

How to wear a miniskirt now? We've got 11 easy-peasy ways for you to try—and the sweet styles to shop from too.

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Miniskirt Tip #1: Be a Hippy
(Image credit: Sandra Semburg)

Not all miniskirts have to be sassy—some can be interpreted in a more bohemian way. Choose a suede style and wear it with lace-up gladiator sandals and a long-line cardigan. 

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Miniskirt Tip #2: Channel Skater Vibes
(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Make like model, Binx Walton, and give your micro mini a tomboy-over with skate sneaks, socks and a loose-fitting shirt. 

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Miniskirt Tip #3: Balance Out Prettiness With a Bomber
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Trust Olivia Palermo to make the miniskirt look ladylike but casual in one swoop. Her printed number gets an urban makeunder thanks to a scrunched-sleeve bomber jacket. Clever stick.

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Miniskirt Tip #4: Go Go-Go Girl
(Image credit: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images)

Lauren Remington-Platt has dipped back into the decade where the mini began: the 1960s. Knee-boots and bare legs can be offset by a demure shirt.

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Miniskirt Tip #5: Wear With a Retro Tee
(Image credit: Alo Ceballos/GC Images)

Of course Alexa Chung looks good in this mini—she designed it for her AG range! A button-through style nods to the '70s, so it makes sense to wear it with a motif tee such as hers.

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Miniskirt Tip #6: Smarten Jersey Styles With Tailoring
(Image credit: Sandra Semburg)

A slick blazer can instantly up the sophistication of a stretchy mini.

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Miniskirt Tip #7: Mid Heels Are a Miniskirt's Best Friend
(Image credit: Ace Pictures/Rex/Shutterstock)

Elsa Hosk has found the perfect cute-to-casual ratio with this miniskirt and football-jersey top. Also, mid-heel sandals are a safe way to venture into short-skirt territory as you won't feel too overdone.

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Miniskirt Tip #8: Wear It as Suiting
(Image credit: Nick Harvey/Rex/Shutterstock)

The cool girl's route into the mini trend is to wear it as a suit. Shake off the Clueless vibes by taking Phoebe Collings-James's tack: chunky flatforms and a crew-neck will do nicely.

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Miniskirt Tip #9: Wear Pointed Toes in the Evening
(Image credit: Neil Rasmus/Rex/BFA/Shutterstock)

Model Hailey Clauson has softened the bad-girl vibes of a black leather skirt with a cute cropped tee. For nights out, pointed stilettos are the most leg-lengthening choice.

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Miniskirt Tip #11: Wear Flat Boots With Denim
(Image credit: BuzzFoto/Rex/Shutterstock)

Kendall Jenner has adopted the classic denim mini and made it modern with patent ankle boots—see more of Kendall's favourite brands.

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Miniskirt Tip #12: Emphasise Your Waist With a Belt
(Image credit: MediaPunch/Rex/Shutterstock)

It's Elsa Hosk again, and this time she's wearing a longer-line style to balance out a crop top. Not only that, her jean-belt is a great tip for making the most of your waist.

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Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.