10 best mini skirts to update your summer wardrobe

Best: Overall

A statement black mini skirt with a twist, this crepe-blend fabric piece from Scandi label Ganni is high-waisted and ruched with a ruffle hem adding the final touch. The A-line silhouette is both flattering and versatile; pair it with a chunky, cropped knit and knee-high boots for a daytime look before taking it into evening with a strappy black top. It gets points for sustainability, too, with the skirt made from a recycled polyester blend.

Best: For summer days

Boasting a high-rise fit and pleated silhouette, this Free People skirt is given extra character with the double tie detailing on the left side. Brightly pastel yellow coloured and made from 100 per cent cotton, it’s the perfect throw-on piece for balmy days. Style it simply with a white vest and a pair of chunky sandals for an effortless summer look.

Best: Quirky design

Independent slow fashion label Kitri only produces small quantities of clothing to reduce waste and be more sustainable. This statement skirt embodies the fun the brand has with bold prints and colours. Set against a sea blue hue, the design has scatterings of illustrations depicting sunbathers in the nude. Its slim A-line silhouette helps accentuate your waist while a small side slit adds extra detail. From summer soirees to days at the beach, the skirt can be dressed up with strappy heels or thrown over a swimming costume.

Best: Wardrobe staple

Timeless and versatile, denim mini skirts are a staple for good reason and this Mango offering is a bargain at under £20. Part of the label’s more sustainable committed collection, the piece is made from 100 per cent cotton and boasts a straight fit design, belt loops, side pocket and patch pockets on the back. The denim wash compliments most shades so styling is easy while the high waist means it’s the perfect accompaniment for cropped tops.

Best: For sustainability

If your purse stretches, this lovely skirt from sustainable brand Appetite is worth every penny. Made from the label’s bread and butter 100 per cent organic cotton, the fitted base is layered with an asymmetric hemline to create a gathered effect with the added detailing of two ties on both sides. It also comes in a pink gingham colourway (£325, Appetitestudio.co.uk) that’s sewn from vintage tablecloth. All pieces are made-to-order so expect up to a four week wait time.

Best: Tennis skirt

Nineties-style is still in the midst of a revival and among all the cycling shorts and tracksuits, tennis skirts are reigning supreme. Whether you’re heading for the courts or not, this skirt from Urban Outfitters boasts a classic cut, high-rise waist and pleated detailing. The camel colourway lends it less to sportswear and more to the fashion set; pair with loafers and a blazer for a preppy look or wear with trainers and a polo knit for something more casual. We’d recommend sizing down as the waist comes up a little big.

Best: Gingham skirt

Synonymous with spring and summer, gingham is always a failsafe; clash it with ruffles and you’ve got a winner. This sage checked Nasty Gal piece boasts a high elasticated waist and cutesy ruffle hem, with the fit creating a flattering silhouette. Style with mules and a cropped cardigan for a look to take you from a picnic into evening.

Best: Budget buy

A denim skirt with a difference, we love the pleated detailing on this mini from H&M. Made from 100 per cent cotton, the piece is high-waisted with a press stud concealed by the zip. The light wash has a vintage feel to it while the pleated design lends it to preppy styling. Though under £10, the piece feels a higher quality than its price tag suggests.

Best: Leather skirt

Just like a denim mini, leather skirts are a wardrobe mainstay. This one from All Saints boasts a classic biker style in a flattering A-line silhouette. Crafted from faux leather, two small zips and a longer one down the middle give the skirt just the right amount of edge. Grunge it up further by pairing it with a cropped leather jacket or tone it down with a white open shirt and vest. It comes up a little big so we’d recommend sizing down.

Best: Floral print

This tiered, ruffle skirt from French label Maje is perfect for injecting some florals into your look. The blue and purple patchwork design avoids it being too cutesy while the smocking at the waist makes for a flattering fit. Made from 100 per cent organic cotton that has been farmed without the use of pesticides or GMO’s, it’s doing its bit for sustainability, too.