What it’s about:
The miniskirt has had its place in fashion for decades. He has provided both controversial and defining moments in fashion history. British designer Mary Quant is often credited with inventing the design. She released skirts called “Mini” in 1964, which—shockingly for the time—ended above the knee. The rock that started a rebellion enjoyed great popularity in the ’60s and experienced a revival in the ’00s. Worn by the likes of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, the driving force behind ‘Y2K’ fashion. This nostalgic trend is influencing contemporary fashion again today, as younger generations are inspired by the pop culture looks of the turn of the millennium. The Micro-Mini is here – and the designers love the trend.
Why you should order it: It’s hard to ignore the Miu Miu variant from the S/S22 collection at the moment. It’s everywhere, so much so that memes are proclaiming that it’s seen more often than one’s own family. But joking aside, the look continues to make its rounds on magazine covers and social media alike. In fact, since the skirt’s debut in October, fashion search platform Lyst has reported that demand for miniskirts has hit a three-year high, with Miu Miu’s model alone seeing nearly 900 searches per day. The popularity of the miniskirt is largely due to the younger Generation Z, who are driving the comeback of the Y2K fashion trend. While its fashion popularity has fluctuated, its regular presence on the FW22 runways has cemented its demand for the season ahead. The mini and micro skirt trend will be with us for a while.
Where we saw him:
Aside from the skimpy minis by Miu Miu, many fashion houses have also adopted the trend for their Autumn/Winter 22 collections. Diesel’s Glenn Martens caused a stir by introducing a low-waisted ‘belted skirt’ that was a contemporary take on the Y2K look. Martens’ designs ranged from logoed leather skirts to deconstructed denim styles, complete with belt buckles. The label Dion Lee also presented its own version of the daring micro trend and offered a tiny leather version, which also resembled a belt. At London Fashion Week, Supriya Lee was another label that opted for this look. It showcased experimental wrap-around fashion that took a more abstract approach to the trend, while 16Arlington’s micro styles featured subtle embellishments. Like Miu Miu, Versace turned business looks on their head and showed them in pinstripes, houndstooth and glitter.
How to style it:
While luxury fashion has opted for extremely daring, ultra-short hems, retail is opting for models that are a little more wearable. This also makes the mini skirt more accessible to those who might not want to show as much skin. Skin-colored or opaque tights, for example, offer a solution and allow the design to be carried over into the colder seasons. Team the look with over-the-knee boots, a long-sleeved coat and a sweater for a transitional outfit that’s perfect for fall and winter. In summer, you can style the mini skirt with sneakers and an oversized t-shirt, or upgrade the look with a vest and linen dress shirt for a casual yet sophisticated look. A stylish alternative when the skirt is part of a combo is to combine the pieces into a matching two-piece outfit that is effortless to mix and match.
The miniskirt has made a name for itself over the past few decades and is back in fashion today. It’s a bold yet wearable garment for anyone willing to push boundaries and step out of their comfort zone. While the older generations perceive the trend as a revival, young shoppers see it as a completely new trend with a nostalgic twist.
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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ