Dare to bare: The return of the mini skirt for autumn/winter 2015

Prepare to flash the flesh this season with hemlines heading north thanks to the return of the miniskirt

Economics and fashion trends aren’t two concepts that coincide very often. Back in the Twenties, however, the economist George Taylor attempted to reconcile the two, presenting a theory that a well-performing economy will see hemlines rise. Conversely, in more difficult times they will become more conservative. Is it a coincidence, then, that in recent years, while weathering a financial crisis, the trend for midi-skirts and longer-lengths has dominated?

That’s all set to change, however, this season. The mercury may be dropping but cosy, weather-appropriate clothing is not on the cards; instead, prepare to keep up the leg-waxing regime because it’s all about the miniskirt.

At Miu Miu the presentation was eclectic with a retro take on the style, mixed and matched in animal print and tweed. At Louis Vuitton things were a little more rock’n’roll with versions in soft leather complete with an additional slit on each side.

The first thing to consider when purchasing a mini is the length – the official definition as provided by the queen of the miniskirt, the designer Mary Quant, who pioneered the style back in the Sixties, is that the hemline should fall five centimetres above the knee. Those blessed with the proportions of a supermodel can go higher; otherwise stick to revealing just a modest sliver of thigh in A-line styles, which will instantly flatter.

To make the look work for winter, take your lead from Miuccia Prada, who teamed the skirts with coats that fell to the knee at Miu Miu. Bare legs are all well and good, but unless your commute comes courtesy of a private driver it might be wise to invest in hosiery.

After years in the fashion wilderness, opaque tights have enjoyed a renaissance. Tights have a twofold advantage: there’s the slimming effect that black opaque tights have on the legs, and, of course, the warmth factor.