15 of the Best Black Mini Skirts, From Pleated to Vegan Leather
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These versatile blank mini skirts are approved by reviewers, stylists, and fashion industry insiders.
InStyle / Kristin Kempa
Like most wardrobe basics in our closet, a classic black mini skirt can be the foundation to a simple outfit consisting of neutrals or the jumping-off point for an entirely trendy moment. This season in particular, we have the micro silhouette with pleats, first seen on the Miu Miu runway, affecting an entire edgy schoolgirl aesthetic, replete with ankle socks and chunky loafers. Or, of course, you can style a high-slit mini skirt with stiletto boots for a going-out look in the evening hours. No matter what style defines you, a black mini skirt should be part of your capsule wardrobe, as it’s a year-round staple that can be worn with tights when it’s cold, or bare for the spring and summer season.
Since a black mini skirt is such a versatile essential, we tapped some experts for top recommendations across the internet, and also dove deep into customer reviews and ratings on our own, all to curate a list of the best options from go-to retailers. Celebrity stylist Avigail Collins, print designer, author, and content creator Zeena Shah, fashion blogger Ellie Delphine, and digital creator, stylist, and disability advocate Danielle Jinadu all weighed in on the topic of black mini skirts, offering their own tried and tested styling tips for those in need of outfit inspiration. They also suggested shopping destinations for fulfilling all your black mini skirt needs.
From faux-leather options and quality denim to well-made designs for those on a budget, you’ll find everything you need to achieve your vibe in the 15 options, ahead.
Best Overall: Good American Scuba Mini Skirt
What We Love: Scuba fabric is versatile enough to dress up or down, making this a well-rounded piece for your wardrobe.
What We Don’t Love: It’s final sale at the moment, so it can’t be returned.
The Good American Scuba Mini Skirt is designed to smooth you out and hold you in, especially given its versatile lightweight fabric, but thick enough to hug your curves. With a 3-inch inseam, it’s the perfect thigh-skimming mini skirt. Customers say it runs true to size and it only received five-star reviews at the time of publishing.
Size: 00–26 | Material: Polyester, elastane | Cut: High-rise
Best Budget: Cider High Waist Zip-Up Slit Mini Skirt
What We Love: The low price point for such a versatile piece, which is also offered in extended sizing and five other colors if you’re obsessed.
What We Don’t Love: It’s unlined, so it may feel a bit thin, with some reviewers describing it as “decent” quality.
This high-waist mini skirt has a small slit at one side, offering it a bit more edge. It received thousands of positive reviews, many of which have pictures for your careful review before you purchase. Customers are wearing it to work, with tights, and with crop tops. Some have noticed that with the white version of this skirt, there’s a small strip of fabric that’s rather sheer at the hem, but the contrast isn’t visible with the black version.
Size: 0–26 | Material: Polyester, spandex | Cut: High-rise
Best Corduroy: Ganni Black Corduroy Mini Skirt
What We Love: It’s simple, without any distracting details, so it will go with almost everything in your wardrobe.
What We Don’t Love: It’s dry clean-only, and there’s a definite chance of shrinkage if you wash it in the machine.
This mini skirt is made for a slim fit with a zipper at the side. It’s offered up to size 22 and also comes in purple and bright red, two unexpected colors to add a touch of eclecticism to your wardrobe. Designed for a slim fit through the waist and hips, the design fits true to size. Being that corduroy is certainly an interesting texture to incorporate into your outfit, we love that the rest of the details are non-distracting.
Size: 0–22 | Material: Organic cotton, elastane | Cut: Slim
Best Jean: ASOS Design Denim High Waist Mini Skirt
What We Love: It’s constructed like a pair of classic jeans, meaning it’s equipped with five functional pockets.
What We Don’t Love: The denim is non-stretch, so it will only work in your exact size.
If you’re in the market for a black denim skirt, you won’t find too many better options than this. The price point is fair, in keeping with most of the Asos Design collection. In fact, the retailer was one of Delphine’s top recommendations for mini skirt shopping on a budget. While the cut is high-waisted, the length isn’t ultra-short or micro by any means. So if that’s the look you’re going for, we’d recommend a different option on this list.
Size: 0–14 | Material: Cotton | Cut: High-rise
Best Silk: Quince 100% Washable Silk Mini Skirt
What We Love: It’s right there in the name — although this skirt is made from luxe-looking silk, you can still easily wash it in the machine at home.
What We Don’t Love: Some reviewers say the fabric is thin and that it runs small and short.
This silk mini skirt is also offered in four other neutral colors including brown, gray, champagne, and navy. With hundreds of reviews on the site, it’s also earned all five stars. There’s a hidden elastic waistband for a comfortable fit and the fabric is meant to feel drapey. A recent shopper commented on the construction of the skirt, explaining that the elastic is incorporated smoothly into the waistband, making for a comfortable fit. Two darts in the back allow the skirt to maintain a flattering shape.
Size: XS–XL | Material: Mulberry silk | Cut: High-rise
Best Pencil: Aritzia Babaton Chisel Skirt
What We Love: The materials are responsibly sourced, reducing impact on forests, biodiversity, and water supply.
What We Don’t Love: Some shoppers wrote that it’s thin and shorter than expected, making it less than ideal for an office setting.
Judging by the reviews, this skirt seems to be a major win for those who are petite and not so worried about length. However, it has four stars and solid reviews — especially when it comes to the design’s versatility. Many shoppers are pleased with the comfortability of the fabric and the fact that there are belt loops but feel it’s a bit too short to wear to work. It also comes in four other sophisticated neutral shades if you want to experiment with the look and test it styled with other pieces in your wardrobe.
Size: 00–16 | Material: Recycled polyester, viscose, cotton, elastane | Cut: High-rise
Best with Slit: Reformation Margot Skirt
What We Love: The slit is highly distinguishable, so if you were shopping the skirt for that reason (and you probably were), you won’t be disappointed.
What We Don’t Love: There are no reviews or IRL pictures onsite for visual confirmation as to how high the slit climbs.
The Margot skirt is stocked well on Reformation’s site, with no sizes sold out at the time of posting. The slit on this skirt climbs high to make a statement, making it the perfect partner to a pair of knee-high boots. The fabric is a lightweight, drapey crepe (which is responsibly sourced), so even though it’s meant to be fitted, it’s still got movement. Delphine has her eye on it, and both Shah and Jinadu also tout Reformation as a top-rated destination for mini skirts.
Size: 0–24 | Material: Viscose | Cut: High-rise
Best Plus-Size: Eloquii Preppy Pleated Mini Skirt
What We Love: While there are pleats, it’s also high-waisted with belt loops and an elastic waistband solely at the back, so you can wear it in a multitude of ways.
What We Don’t Love: The woven twill is non-stretch, so you want to make sure you purchase the right size to avoid an exchange.
Eloquii was suggested as a destination for black mini skirts by stylist Collins. This skirt in particular is super-functional, with an elastic half-waistband and side zipper. We love that it’s equipped with belt loops, an added feature that not many mini skirts have, which offers the possibility of completely reinventing your look from outfit to outfit. Purchase it with the matching Preppy Button Front Tank to construct an instant co-ord set.
Size: 14–32 | Material: Polyester, modal | Cut: High-rise
Best on Amazon: Verdusa Basic High-Waisted Pencil Bodycon Skirt
What We Love: The low price point is promising for a versatile wear-with-anything design that also happens to be an Amazon bestseller.
What We Don’t Love: Some shoppers commented that the skirt runs small, short, and see-through, making for a less-than-sophisticated overall outfit.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy layering skirt, this pick on Amazon may be perfect for you. Also available in six additional classic colors, the skirt comes in a soft and stretchy fabric. There’s a convenient product measurement size chart listed below the photos, however, given some of the reviews, it’s likely you’ll want to size up. “This is a perfect skirt because it’s classic, simple and it goes with everything. A great closet staple and super versatile. Fabric is stretchy and comfortable,” a recent reviewer wrote.
Size: XS–3XL | Material: Soft fabric, polyester | Cut: High-rise
Best High-Waisted: Maeve Colette Mini Skirt
What We Love: It’s available in standard, petite, or plus sizes, depending on your body type and chosen fit.
What We Don’t Love: Customers don’t love that it arrives a bit wrinkly and needs to be ironed.
This mini skirt, available in black and dark green, is made from only-at-Anthro “magic” fabric that is engineered to sculpt as it stretches with wear. There are pockets at both the front and back, and belt loops for styling up the look, which can be done with the simple addition of a bodysuit or simple striped shirt tucked in cleanly for a Parisian vibe. Customers are specifically pleased by the hidden snap detail at the fly that ensures the skirt will lay flat with movement, as well as the flattering placement of the front pockets.
Size: XXS–XL in standard, petite, or plus | Material: Viscose, linen, cotton, elastane | Cut: High-rise
Best Pleated: Zara Box Pleat Mini Skirt
What We Love: The button and zip closures are hidden, creating a seamless look with classic pleating.
What We Don’t Love: The design may run on the shorter side, as it’s a true micro mini skirt, however, if you size up, there is no high-waist or belting option to cinch at the top.
If you’re not a fan of a super-high waist but are looking for a pleated mini skirt, you’ve found a winner. This option from Zara comes with classic box pleats and is made of 62 percent recycled polyester. You can machine wash the skirt on a delicate cycle or drop it off at the dry cleaner every few wears. Needless to say, it’s versatile enough for multi-purpose styling and a range of events.
Size: XS–XXL | Material: Polyester, viscose, elastane | Cut: Mid-rise
Best Leather: Agolde Recycled Leather Liv Mini Skirt
What We Love: Reviewers say the recycled leather looks luxe/expensive and feels soft.
What We Don’t Love: The price point is a bit high for a mini skirt, and it’s dry clean-only, which means an added expense with a trip to the cleaner.
Stylist Avigail Collins recommends Agolde as a go-to brand for a leather mini skirt. She also always suggests scoping out Revolve for good quality that doesn’t break the bank, so this design is the best of both worlds. While many people find that the mini skirt is overall wonderful, they do note to size down since the skirt stretches over time and with wear. Many reviewers love that the skirt can be dressed up or down and feels versatile within their wardrobes.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Recycled leather, polyurethane, viscose, polyester | Cut: High-rise
Best Luxury: Prada Pleated Re-Nylon Mini Skirt
What We Love: The enameled metal triangle at the belt is recognizable anywhere, and brands this skirt as a designer favorite.
What We Don’t Love: The skirt is unlined, so you may feel more comfortable wearing underwear or shorts underneath with extra coverage.
A classic Prada schoolgirl skirt, this luxury item will be a mainstay in your wardrobe and likely an essential that you treasure for years. The fashion house’s signature look can be obtained by styling this pleated skirt with a pair of boxers pulled high above the waistband, achieving the visible underwear trend instantly. There’s no doubt you’ll receive compliments, particularly when passersby spot the iconic Prada hardware logo on the buckle. Prada’s Re-nylon fabric is also sustainable and produced from plastic materials found in the ocean.
Size: 0–12 | Material: Re-nylon | Cut: Low-rise, A-line
Best with Shorts: Abercrombie & Fitch Menswear Mini Skort
What We Love: Even though it’s high-rise, you’ll feel comfortable knowing there’s a comfortable shorts lining and built-in elastic waistband for a secure fit.
What We Don’t Love: Some reviewers say the quality of the material is questionable, as is the sizing, with some experiencing a baggy hip area or in-between sizes issue.
Most of the Abercrombie reviewers love this skirt, which got hype on TikTok. Unsurprisingly for an A&F item, there are plenty of reviews to read with reliable photos of all different body types. It’s comfortable and versatile in styling options, and many wish there were additional colors in stock.
Size: XXS–XXL| Material: Polyester, viscose, elastane | Cut: Ultra-high
Best A-Line: H&M Pleated Mini Skirt
What We Love: The adorable polka-dot print is subtle but offers a little something extra, and is also available in dark gray if you really love it.
What We Don’t Love: H&M does not offer the option to review, which means you’ve only got the product description to go by.
This pleated mini skirt is perfect for those searching for an affordable A-line design that doesn’t come with an ultra-high-rise. It teams well with knee-high boots and has a concealed zip fly and hook and eye fastener for a more seamless look. While it’s not a luxury item, the dotted, lightweight sheath underneath provides an eye-catching foundational layer that will earn you compliments however you choose to style it. Being that it’s only $25 and comes in gray, two skirts for $50 could be in your near future. This item can also be dry cleaned or machine-washed – whichever you prefer. H&M is also Jinadu’s top recommended retailer for shopping black mini skirts on a budget.
Size: 0–20 | Material: Polyester, rayon, spandex | Cut: Mid-rise
What to Keep in Mind
Silhouette: The silhouette of your black mini skirt can completely transform your overall look. While we’ve seen so many street style stars hop on the dark academia trend utilizing a pleated mini skirt, the detailing is also just associated with the schoolgirl look popularized in the early aughts. Of course, whether you opt for a low-rise version (to emulate the micro-mini look birthed by Miu Miu) or select something high-waisted to team with loafers and tights is your call. But it’s important to consider these specs before settling on the best black mini skirt for you. If you’re looking for a design to layer with, we recommend something formfitting, but if you want your skirt to be the pièce de résistance, an A-line silhouette in an eye-catching material like patent leather will be a better choice.
Budget: While there are plenty of online retailers and stores offering black mini skirts that won’t break the bank, you’ll probably notice from reading reviews that price point affects quality. Many of the lower-priced skirts on this list are either unlined or categorized as ‘too short’ or ‘too sheer’ by shoppers. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a lower-priced option that ends up working out for you. However, it may take some trial and error. If you're looking to invest in a mini skirt that stands the test of time and becomes a wardrobe mainstay, we suggest adjusting your budget to consider a higher-rated design that’s made from quality fabric.
Quality: The quality of your mini skirt is mostly dependent upon the type of material it’s made from. However, that material also affects your overall look. For example, if you’re going for black leather, your outfit be edgier than one that incorporates black silk or satin. Either way, you should take note of the material listed below every product description (as well as the reviews, if they’re available!) to make sure that the skirt is lightweight and movable enough for you. If sustainability is important to you, a quality black mini skirt will incorporate recycled fabric, which will also be indicated in the description.
Your Questions, Answered
What top goes best with a black mini skirt?
In cooler weather, both Collins and Shah love the idea of a cozy knit — ideally something chic and sophisticated, like cashmere. But when the season turns, take a tip from Delphine and try a simple white T-shirt or boat-neck top with thin straps, which she describes as “very effortless and feminine.” If you’re in search of the proper jacket to wear over a mini skirt, Jinadu suggests a longline leather jacket, with something simple like a classic tank underneath.
What are some interesting black mini skirt outfits for styling ideas?
Overall, black mini skirts tend to look best when teamed with complementary wardrobe basics. Collins styles St. Vincent and suggested her latest album cover as an example. Styled with a crisp white shirt and black sheer tights, the feel is both classic and timeless. Meanwhile, Delphine likes the idea of a belted skirt with boots or a plain skirt with a T-shirt, blazer, and low kitten heels or mules.
If you’re into a color pop, Shah suggests stripes or a pop of red tights with ballet flats. For a spin on the schoolgirl aesthetic, she wears a pleated mini skirt with a sweater, boots, and a brightly-colored bag. Finally, Jinadu points to some looks on her mood board, which include a loafers and socks moment and leather-on-leather with moto boots.
Why Shop With Us
Sarah Wasilak is a published writer, podcast host, and the Associate Director of Commerce at Popsugar. She writes across the fashion, fitness, and lifestyle categories with a strong focus on amplifying minority voices in her work, showcasing and uplifting a diverse group of people with every story she writes For this roundup, she spoke with celebrity stylist Avigail Collins, print designer, author, and content creator Zeena Shah, Slip Into Style fashion blogger Ellie Delphine, and digital creator, stylist, and disability advocate Danielle Jinadu.
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