I have fond memories of an old Abercrombie and Fitch denim mini.  It barely covered my butt, the Abercrombie CEO had yet to attack anyone size 12 or up, and life was good.  But styles changed, Raging Assholes came to the forefront, and that little skirt?  I haven’t the slightest clue where it is.

I’ve been meaning to replace it ever since.

But they’re tricky.  Adrienne from Looks Good From The Back has had a love/hate (well, mostly hate) relationship with denim skirts for years – she’s complained about how the skirt rotates around your waist as you walk.  One of our editors, Cam, has also tried the denim pencil skirt – really, really tried – but ended up chopping it off because the length was too hard to style (even on her very tall self).  I still maintain that J.Crew’s Frayed Denim Pencil skirt is THE BEST denim pencil skirt I have ever tried (pics here)….but to Cam’s earlier point….it really needs a pair of heels to look good.

But.  The A-line denim mini is a whole different ballgame.  It’s flattering (even with flats or sneakers), and as long as it’s fitted at your real waist (think: high waisted denim), it doesn’t rotate around when you walk, and has a sort of gamine French-girl vibe I’m loving.  Here are three ways I’m styling this piece…..

Whoops: I didn’t style it with sneakers!  Can you believe it?  I’ll try to throw a pic up on Instagram soon (@shanachristine)

With Stripes And Clogs

I know, I know – stripes are such an obvious choice.  But with a camel bag and clogs, it works for a warm Fall day.  Need to make it warmer?  I think that 70’s inspired tall boots would be amazing with this outfit.  Like these (my sister’s fav – water resistant and everything).

 

Outfit Details

tee: St. James Galathee (french sizing – mine’s a 38, for reference) – I wear this shirt so often, that I’ll be buying more colors.  It’s really the best striped tee ever.

skirt: French Connection Mia Skirt (size 2 for reference) – more sizes here

clogs: UGG Australia Janie Clog Sandal (on sale!)

bag: old Elizabeth and James satchel….for a similar vibe, I love this Frye Domed Satchel, or this small tan satchel by Sole Society

sunglasses: Le Spec No Smirking

 

With Over-The-Ankle Boots

This is my current fav date night outfit.  A little bit French, a little bit badass.  A quirky clutch adds a little personality.

 

Outfit Details

top: Valerie Khalfon (bought in Europe) – you can find some of her pieces at Le Redoute, or try this one from Velvet by Graham and Spencer.  It has a similar vibe, as does this Topshop one, or this Joie one.  All would look cute layered over a black turtleneck, too.  (Also drooling over this pretty silk one  by Cinq a Sept –  currently 40% off.)

skirt: French Connection Mia Skirt (size 2 for reference) – more sizes here

boots: sold out Weitzmans…but I also love the Free People Cecile boot (sooo comfy) – and more options can be found here.

clutch: Flamingo Clutch (also adore this furry one)

sunglasses: Le Spec No Smirking

 

With Over-The-Knee Boots And Cozy Sweaters

This is actually when denim minis really shine:  with cozy sweaters, and tallllll, over-the-knee boots.  I half-tucked my sweater into the skirt to show off the high waist, but another option would be to layer a giant knit over the skirt – leaving just a few inches of denim peeking out.

Outfit Details

sweater: J.Crew – also at Nordstrom!  (size small for reference)

scarf: Sole Society c/o – sold out, but this one is similar and  this one would be even cozier.

skirt: French Connection Mia Skirt (size 2 for reference) – more sizes here

boots: Stuart Weitzman Playtime OverTheKnee boots – more options here…or just go with these – they’re a dead ringer for Weiztman lowlands.

bag: Makr Farm Rucksack

sunglasses: Le Spec No Smirking

 

A Few More Styling Ideas…

As I was rounding up my favorite denim skirts, ASOS blew me away with their spot-on styling.  Fab, no?

 

Shop My Fav Denim Skirts

Of course, as the weather gets colder, I’ll be throwing this skirt over seriously thick tights.  Do you guys have any denim skirts you swear by?  Pencil or A-line?  Link to them in the comments – we all love to hear what’s working for others….

xo,

S