The mini skirt is here to stay—so here’s how to style it for spring

Spring is all about ditching the layers and showing some skin. Say goodbye to turtlenecks and sweatpants and hello to breezy t-shirts and cropped pants.

Another spring and summer staple we can’t get enough of is the mini skirt. With everything 90s coming back, this trend is here to make a statement this season. From bright prints to preppy chic, you can dress them up or down, whether you wear them as a matching ensemble or pair it with a cashmere sweater and sneakers. Style expert Antonia Fifi shared five ways to wear one of her favourite trends to keep it fresh and fun all season long.

Ruffle mini skirt

To achieve a more casual look, pair a feminine ruffle skirt with a basic chunky sweater to add contrast in style and fabric. Plus, the solid colour against the patterned skirt will help create balance in the look. Size up in your sweater and gently tuck it into the skirt to create an effortless finish. Throw on your favourite pair of white sneakers to show off your sporty side this spring.

SHOP: Neyla Cashmere Sweater; $530 from Carbon | Misa Los Angeles Malia Ruffle Skirt; $337 at Carbon | Sonica Sneaker; $365 from Carbon

Plaid mini skirt

While this look isn’t technically a mini skirt, it deserves to be in this lineup because most of us have a few mini dresses in our closet that deserve some repurposing love. Take your favourite mini dress and elevate it by layering it with an oversized blazer. TIP: Use prints with different size repeats in the pattern (small vs. large print). Similar prints in different sizes can complement each other really well, plus the contrast in the ruffled skirt against the straight lines of this blazer from Canopy Blue add so much dimension to your look. Finish it off with a cute belt bag and some chunky boots to ground the outfit and pull it together.

SHOP: Veronica Beach Sherry Plaid Mini Dress; $555 at Canopy Blue | Parineti Houndstooth Dickey Jacket; $840 from Canopy Blue | Orianna Hi Boots; Clarks Canada Text Nylon City Bag; $39.90 at Zara 

Mini skirt/dress combo

This is a bit unconventional, but it’s guaranteed to turn heads! Choosing a shirt dress that’s a bit longer than your mini skirt is key. The hem should just peek out slightly from below the skirt. Everyone will think you bought the dress that way! Add a heel in a subtle pattern like snake print and a fun matching bag.

SHOP: Tie belt shirt dress; $34.99 at H&M | Superdown Trinity Faux Leather Skirt; $97.67 at Revolve | Vikki Snake Embossed Leather Sandal; $180 at Schutz | Rigid Mini Bag; $39.90 at Zara

Bright leather mini skirt

Like mini skirts, coloured leather is big for spring, so we decided to combine the two. Pairing colours that are close together on the colour wheel is a more subtle way of colour blocking while still making a statement. Playing with proportions is the key to a successful outfit, so when wearing shorter skirts, it’s important to add volume to the top to create balance. Add a pair of shoes that are similar in colour to your top, and simple jewelry to tone down the look.

SHOP: La Marque Aricia Skirt in Cobalt; $399.95 at Want | Generation Love Leah Silk in Neon Yellow; $329.95 at Want | Gaga Metallic Nappa Sandal; $180 at Schultz

Denim mini skirt

We love combining natural fabrics with retro prints and this Bohemian-inspired look is all about the free-spirited vibes. Pair a denim mini skirt with a cute and comfy graphic t-shirt, and keep the cozy vibes going by throwing on a brightly coloured kimono. The difference in hem lengths adds some interest and glamour to an otherwise casual outfit. To maximize the glam, choose a kimono that’s almost floor-length for added drama. Finish the look off with gladiator sandals and a crossbody bag and you’re ready to take on the day.

SHOP: ZW the Mini Skirt $39.90 at Zara | Embroidered T-shirt; $19.90 at Zara | Static Stripe Maxi Kimono; $99.06 at Free People | Nomadic State Ramono Sandal; $86.36 at Free People | Text Nylon City Bag; $39.90 at Zara