The 9 Rules for Wearing a Mini Skirt in 2022

What does this Goldilocks fit actually look like? Think slim-cut A-line. Skirts that are too flouncy (i.e. ruffled or pleated minis) can all too easily look very juvenile, and skin-tight pencil skirts or hip-hugging spandex is a bit too sexy for day-to-day. Look for a mini in a somewhat structured fabric that moves away from the hips for that perfect balance between loose and fitted.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew shirt ($80); Anthropologie skirt ($198); Jeffrey Campbell boots ($265)

Your hem needn’t be so high as to run the risk of flashing your undies every time you sit down in order to get the leg-lengthening benefits of a mini. This is especially true for tall women. Look for skirts that hit about three inches above the knee if you feel self-conscious about showing too much leg. They’ll look just as trendy without exposing too much skin.

Shop similar styles: Maeve blouse ($148); & Other Stories vest ($89); Marc Jacobs bag ($350); Club Monaco skirt ($150; $119); Anthropologie flats ($120)

Turns out Cake really knew what they were talking about when they wrote the song ‘Short Skirt/Long Jacket.’ The combination of a trench coat or duster and a mini gives the illusion of additional coverage without actually covering up your legs (after all, you chose a mini because you wanted to show off your stems, right?), making the whole thing feel much more grown up. And no, you don’t need to pick a matching set to make this tip work.

Shop similar styles: River Island jacket ($127); LoveShackFancy skirt ($275; $220); Gap T-Shirt ($25); Sam Edelman shoes ($150)

This is an especially good trick for petite gals: Layering an off-white knit over an off-white skirt helps to lengthen your torso and ensure your proportions look right despite a high hem. Another hot tip for lengthening your silhouette? Opt for boots (preferably with a flat or low heel) in a shade of brown or beige that’s close-ish to your skin tone. It’ll give the impression that you have mile-long legs, no matter your height.

Shop similar styles: Caslon sweater ($69); Silk Maison skirt ($55); Louis Vuitton bag ($1,350); Tommy Hilfiger boots ($129; $70)

High heels can look super sexy with a mini dress or skirt, but for a casual day look they’re just too much. Flat boots or a low heel—we’re talking 2-inches max—is not only easier to walk in, it will also help keep your proportions in check.

Shop similar styles: Tory Burch scarf ($158); Nasty Gal coat ($189; $57); Everlane T-shirt ($30); Free People skirt ($78); Jacquemus bag ($550); Sheertex tights ($29); Madewell boots ($198)

Tailoring is a surprising trend popping up in 2022, but more than that, a mini skirt and coordinating cropped jacket look enough like workwear to feel grown-up rather than juvenile. This is especially true if you opt for navy, black or dark gray. As for shoes, try flat knee-high leather boots or flat loafers to keep those professional vibes going.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew jacket ($178) and skirt ($148); Athleta turtleneck ($89); Tamaris boots ($200; $120)

Tennis skirts were a major trend in 2021, but we expect them to carry over into spring/summer 2022 as well. Luckily, they’re incredibly easy to style—just slip into some white sneakers and layer on a sporty polo or neat crew-neck sweatshirt—and look cute on everyone. (P.S. Try a skort with no pleats for a more polished effect.)

Shop similar styles: WSLY sweatshirt ($148); Cider shirt ($24); Lacoste skirt ($90; $63); Nike sneakers ($100)

It is possible to rock a denim mini like an adult, but it really only works if you opt for a dark wash with neat and polished detailing. Frayed hems, bleaching and distressing at the pockets are just too linked to high school (or at least the early 2000s) in our minds to look chic in 2022.

Having a brightly-colored crew sock or ankle-height fishnet peep out from a pair of loafers or sneakers can be a cute way to add some depth to your look. But when worn with a mini skirt, higher socks tend to look very much like a school uniform. Keep your socks to ankle height at a maximum unless you’re headed to a Gilmore Girls costume party.