During the winter, our outfits tend to get pretty formulaic. (It’s too cold to think.) They usually consist of T-shirt or button-down, a sweater or sweatshirt, some high-waisted pants and ALL the winter accouterments (scarves, beanies, thick-ass socks and, on particularly punishing days, thermal understuff). But in 2018, things will be different. Congressional seats will shuffle and we’ll break out our all-weather miniskirts.
We know what you’re thinking. Miniskirts? Mid-January? Have faith, kind readers. We’ve already given you the tools you need to warm your legs sans pants. (See: the absolute best tights to shop right now, several of them knitted or fleece-lined). Now, all you need is a nice, inexpensive miniskirt to wriggle on over ‘em.
Miniskirts are like a dose of vitamin C for your cold-induced wardrobe slump. Shorter hemlines break up your silhouette, making your upper half — be it covered in an oversized chunky sweater or even a plain turtleneck — appear much more interesting. (Side note: We nonetheless recommend layering a half-tucked button-down, tucked-in cardigan or patterned V-neck knit over your turtlenecks. Even with an abridged hemline, T-necks are still pretty bland solo.)
Gucci Spring 2018, Chanel Spring 2018, Christian Dior Spring 2018; Images: Imaxtree
Take a page out of Alessandro Michele’s styling book and pair a zigzagging, thigh-skimming pencil skirt with a floral peplum top, waist-cinching fanny pack, metallic nylons and Mary Janes. Or, per Karl Lagerfeld, try the miniskirt-suit look. (In the colder months, trade that tube top for a sweater and the plastic thigh-highs for more insulated footwear.) Or, follow Maria Chiuri Grazia’s lead and team a pleated tennis skirt with a patterned button-down, ankle-grazing duster, lace-up boots and sassy, peekaboo knee-socks.
Mentally add on tights and overlayers; Image: Christian Vierig/Getty Images, Edward Berthelot/Getty Images, Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Let’s take a look at how miniskirts work out in the wild. Note how blogger Tiffany Hsu (right) balanced out her hyper-high hemline with a chunky fair isle knit, an extra-long poncho and platform boots. (The check-on-check layering was a nice touch.) Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert (center) went the suit route, adding extra maximalist flair with cheetah print boots to match her blazer sleeves and a bright red shoulder bag to complement her tartan skirt. The more subdued Miroslava Duma (left) added interest to her throwback denim mini with a strong-shouldered outsize blazer and shiny white boots.
Some final tips:
- Wear full-coverage underwear. To keep in warmth and avoid wardrobe malfunctions.
- Leave your ankles exposed and your heels at home. This will create a longer, more alluring line. Plus, with minis, flats feel chicer — more stylishly insouciant.
- Cover your arms. To balance out your exposed bottom half.
- Mini skirts call for mini handbags. Again, because balance.
Ahead, 26 miniskirts you can comfortably live in all winter.
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