How to Wear a Mini Skirt

Co-authored by Kalee Hewlett

Last Updated: June 29, 2021 References

Mini skirts are fun fashion items that are never really out of style. They come in many different styles and can be added to many different types of outfits. To wear a mini skirt in a way that’s attractive and true to your style, choose the right cuts and materials, complete the outfit with cute accessories and tops, and remember to create coverage balance.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Cuts and Materials

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Wear a skater mini for versatility. Skater skirts, also known as circle skirts, flare out away from the body in a flattering, girly way. They’re usually worn around the waist, which makes them shorter, but also versatile. You can wear skater mini skirts all year around, and when styled correctly, you can wear them to work, date night, and weekend festivities.^{[1]
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Show off your shape with a bodycon skirt. If you go to a nightclub or bar, you’ll likely see many wearing this style. Bodycon mini skirts are very form-fitting and are often made of a thin fabric.^{[2]
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Research source} Go for this mini when you’re wanting to embrace a sexy style.

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3
Wear a denim mini skirt for everyday style. Denim minis are really easy to pair with clothing and accessories. When wearing this material, be sure to pick a top based on the fit of the skirt. If you have a looser, distressed denim mini, stick with a soft, comfy shirt. If you have a tighter, form-fitting skirt, go for a fitted shirt.^{[3]
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Wear a layered mini to achieve sophistication. Mini skirts with layers have soft folds that give off an elegant vibe. These minis are perfect for work or for brunch at a fancy restaurant with your girlfriends.^{[4]
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Try a tasseled material in the summertime. Tassels can make an otherwise normal mini feel uniquely western. Stand out in this style when the weather is warm.^{[5]
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Choose an embellished mini for a night out. A mini skirt made of sequins or embellished with a metallic pattern is perfect for going out. Tone the look down during the day with a simple shirt or vamp it up at night with some glamorous jewelry.^{[6]
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Go quirky with a ruffled asymmetric skirt. If you’re wanting to stand out, pick a skirt with some ruffles that has an interesting cut. An outfit with a fun piece like this can be trendy, feminine, and quirky all at the same time.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Completing the Outfit

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Create a sleek look with a bodysuit. When wearing mini skirts, tucked in shirts can get bunched up underneath. Wear a bodysuit underneath your mini so that you don’t have to worry about keeping your shirt neatly tucked in. Bodysuits also give your upper body a fitted, sleek silhouette.^{[8]
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Pair bold colors and patterns with solid neutrals. When you’ve picked a mini that has a busy pattern or vibrant colors, it’s best to go simple elsewhere so that your look isn’t overwhelming. Try wearing a solid black top and black heels with a fun, bold skirt.
3
Go casual with a graphic T and some skater sneakers. While skirts are easy to dress up, they can also be dressed down. If you’re wanting to give off a more relaxed vibe, pair your tight mini skirt with a band t-shirt and some Chuck Taylors or Vans.^{[9]
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Add in some menswear-inspired pieces to create contrast. Mini skirts can look very feminine on their own, so complete your outfit with some less feminine clothing if your style isn’t ultra-girly. Try wearing a blazer and brown loafers with your mini.^{[10]
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Elongate your legs with flats. Contrary to popular belief, flats will actually elongate your legs more than stilettos will. Accesorize your mini with a pair of ballerina flats instead of reaching for your heels.^{[11]
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Add a feminine touch with nude pumps. If you want to wear heels with your skirt, try a pair of nude pointy-toe pumps. These will add femininity to the outfit in a classy way.
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Carry a small handbag. Stylistically, a mini hand bag fits best with a mini skirt. Stay away from bags with long handles and/or cross-body purses. These may pull your skirt up and reveal your underwear.^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Balancing Coverage

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Wear tights with your mini during winter. Stay stylish and warm during the colder months by throwing on a pair of tights underneath your favorite mini.^{[13]
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Research source} This can be a good way of showing off your legs without showing too much skin.
2
Cover your arms with a long-sleeve shirt. If you’re going without tights and the weather isn’t too warm, a long-sleeved top can complement your skirt very well. A cute long sleeve shirt with a higher neckline will keep you from feeling too exposed. ^{[14]
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Balance a mini and crop top with an oversized jacket. A crop top and a tight mini can make for a really attractive outfit, but may feel a little revealing if you’re wearing it somewhere other than a late night party. Put on a stylish bulky leather jacket or wool coat over your outfit so that you can create a desirable contrast.
4
Wear a sheer overlay. Much like tights, sheer overlays create the illusion of covering up. This is a great alternative to tights when you want to wear a mini conservatively but it’s hot outside. Try throwing a flowy see-through lace dress over a black mini and black camisole.^{[15]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do I find the right mini skirt for my body type?

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’

Kalee Hewlett

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Comfort equals confidence! I always recommend choosing a mini skirt with a little bit of stretch. If your skirt is too tight, it will be challenging to walk, and you won't feel comfortable or confident. Also, try to avoid thin fabrics, because you can see all the lines of what you're wearing underneath. I love minis in leather or stretch denim, but if you're going for a body-con style, look for a heavy stretch knit version.
Question

Which skirt styles will make my hips and legs look thinner?

Community Answer

The A-line skirt does wonders at making hips and legs look thinner. It also looks flattering on most women.
Question

I'm a male and get dirty looks when I wear a mini skirt. Why?

Community Answer

People aren't used to seeing men dressed in mini skirts. Just ignore them and do what makes you happy!

Warnings

Avoid bending at the waist. If you have to bend down while wearing a mini skirt, be sure to bend at the knee to avoid showing much more than you anticipated.

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On windy days, be aware of your surroundings. It's okay to hold your arms by your sides in order to keep your skirt down.

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Be sure to sit with your knees demurely together, or with your legs crossed at the ankles or calves; mini skirts can reveal your underwear if you are not careful.

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