mini skirt and top

I Tried on a Mini and Saw Myself in a New Light

Making a case for the season’s short skirt suit

Normally, you won’t hear a lot of flattering self-talk from me when it comes to my figure. Like a lot of women I know, I’m quicker to list the (perceived, admittedly) flaws in my appearance than assets. But my legs? My legs are pretty great, okay? And despite knowing this since, oh, approximately kindergarten, thanks to my doting but never fulsome mother, I rarely wear short skirts.

I wasn’t the only one ignoring the mini. Looking back at the runways over the past few years, the midi ruled. The It skirt was longer, flowing, sometimes featuring an asymmetrical hem or an interesting abstract print. These types of skirts feel right for work and play, and never look overdone, even with the highest of heels. I know this because I own a lot of them. But like so many trends before it, the mini was poised for a comeback. Suddenly, the short skirt feels fresh and endlessly chic. Transformative, even. And it’s everywhere. At Chloé, fringed-hem minis were teamed with boyish tees and beachy sandals. Balmain’s takes were knife-edge sharp and futuristic. And for one of his final Chanel collections, Karl Lagerfeld championed the mini, showing a half-dozen paired with matching tops and belts made of interlocking Cs.

Left to right: Icone Jacket, $89, simons.ca. Icone Skirt, $69, simons.ca. Solid and Striped Top, $119, solidandstriped.com. Alexander Wang Jacket, $1,393, nordstrom.com. Alexander Wang Skirt, $910, nordstrom.com. Aldo Sandals, $95, aldoshoes.com. Topshop Jacket, $135, topshop.com. Topshop Skirt, $75, thebay.com. Etre Cecile T-Shirt, $120, etrececile.com. Sunglasses, $25, marshalls.com

To me, the most compelling takes on the skirt come with a companion in the form of a matching jacket (just like Karl intended). Think: 1966-going-on-2019. To be clear, the mini is a statement in itself, but there’s something deliberate, strong and assertive about a skirt suit. The co-ord look says “I’ve arrived, and, yes, I’m okay with my thighs.” Consider it your call to bare legs.

Photography by Luis Mora. Hair and makeup by Brittany Sinclair/P1M. 

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