Yes, You CAN Wear Miniskirts To Work

The flared miniskirt is a many splendored thing. Come each season and every new design, we fall in love with these twirl-worthy numbers all over again (and let our inner child indulge in a spin or two, of course). Dressed up, dressed down, with heels, with boots, with knits or blouses — it's the one girly wardrobe staple we'll never quit. Ever. Pinky swear.

While we tend to reserve our shorter hemlines for weekends and gatherings with friends, there's absolutely nothing stopping you from wearing your favorite minis to the office. Yep, you heard us right. At R29 HQ, staffers are dishing out new, creative iterations of the look on the daily. And, since we can't let ourselves have all the fun, we're bringing you some clever styling and unexpected matchups that'll earn jealous glances from all your pencil-skirt-donning coworkers. Still don't believe that the work-appropriate mini is possible? Click through and allow us to change your perspective — and add some much-needed flare to your 9-to-5.

Texture Mix — Refined, smart, and unfussy. It's not that we don't love a healthy dose of color, but sometimes we want our clothes to hit a more understated note. Luckily, there are plenty of printed jacquard minis that opt for subtler tones while retaining every bit the statement-making qualities of their bolder hued counterparts. Instead of mixing and matching colors, focus on contrasting the textures in your outfit — like wool, brocade, and cable knits — for a look that says, "Yes, I've got this whole winter thing under control." Then pair 'em with flat-surfaced riding boots to balance everything out. You don't want to go into textile overload, after all!

Zara Short Jacquard Skirt, $99.90, available at Zara; Ann Taylor Cody Over The Knee, $248, available at Ann Taylor; Carraig Donn Fisherman’s Knit Sweater, $54.95, similar style available at Tinker’s Cart; Etienne Aigner The Box Satchel, $500, available at Etienne Aigner; Giles & Brother Archer Hoop Earrings, $95, available at Giles & Brother; Rebecca Taylor Wool Coat With Shearling Collar, $995, available at Rebecca Taylor.

Throwback Collegiate — This is the type of laid-back, study outfit we wish we'd worn to the campus library instead of our sweatpant-hoodie-combo that all too often beat any stylish ambitions we had during midterms. Those memories may be long behind us, but that doesn't mean we can't reminisce (and perhaps rekindle) our school days. A flippy printed skirt is instantly grounded when paired with a classic-cut turtleneck and loafers. This look shows you mean business, not beers. Complete the studious ensemble with a chic, all-weather parka and a tassel necklace.

Tibi Paint Splatter Yoked Skirt, $250, available at Tibi; Uniqlo Women Heattech Turtle Neck T-Shirt, $19.90, available at Uniqlo; Gap Classic Crew Socks, $6.50, available at Gap; G. H. Bass Penny Loafer, $89.99, available at AE; Joseph Quad Cotton Twill Parka, $975, available at Net-A-Porter; Made Jewelry Leather Tassel Necklace, $72.95, available at Lori's Shoes.

Mismatched Patterns — You know those days when you try out a new hairstyle or opt for a deep, wine-colored lipstick — on a whim, not quite sure it's the right look for you? But, then, to your surprise, you're showered with glowing compliments all day long? Well, this outfit is the encapsulation of that daring, try-new-things attitude. It's an ensemble that maybe shouldn't work, but it does — on so many levels. Mismatched prints are a fun, quirky way to put a personal stamp on our clothes. So, go ahead. Pair checks, stripes, tartan, and florals into one crazy-chic outfit. We dare you.

Ohne Titel Maze Rib Knit Skater Skirt, $272, available at Matches Fashion; Equipment Shane Crew Neck Sweater, $288, available at Equipment; H&M Biker-Style Jacket, $59.95, available at H&M; Ted Baker Philli Oil Painting Print Canvas Shopper Bag, $176.20, available at ASOS; Jeffrey Campbell Bonham Plaid Shoes, $184, available at Pixie Market; Accessorize Pyramid Stud and Mesh Chain Necklace, $16, available at Accessorize.

Sporty Leather — Add some edge to ol' Poe with a tart leather mini that'll turn this outfit from bookworm to...okay, still bookworm. In case you hadn't noticed, sweatshirts got a major update this season. And, donning some leather is an easy way to dress up the casual piece. Seriously, who wouldn't want to be a walking literary reference? If it includes all of the above, sign us up, stat!

3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Flare Skirt, $895, available at La Garçonne; Ostwald Helgason Edgar Allen Poe Printed Cotton Sweatshirt, $218, available at Browns; Mango Peep Toe Leather Ankle Boots, $169.99, available at Mango; Jacquemus Oversized Coat, $719, available at La Garçonne; Digital Zone Gold Watch, $20, available at Lulus; Elizabeth and James Spotted Calf Hair Drawstring Backpack, $545, available at Neiman Marcus.

The Subtle Plaid — The fail-safe option for all you mini-wary ladies, a subtle tartan skirt is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And fear not, as this classic, plaid piece does not in any way, shape, or form remind us of those questionable schoolgirl getups of high school's past. Teamed with a classic button-down, Chelsea boots, and a crisp, black blazer, this look reads more power exec and less Cher Horowitz. A structured top-handle purse and a simple-yet-unexpected piece of jewelry will help darker outfits, like this one, stand out during weekly team meetings.

Surface To Air Tate Skirt, $225, available at Surface To Air; Uniqlo Stretch Long Sleeve Shirt, $29.50, available at Uniqlo; Alexander Wang Erin Boot, $725, available at Barneys New York; Fallon Classique Lariat, $125, available at Fallon; Reiss Sienna Navy Contrast Lapel Blazer, $255, available at Reiss; Coach Borough Bag, $548, available at Coach.

Iron and Wine — Come winter, rich jewel tones are our bread and butter. Deep reds, sapphire blues, and emerald greens are all the rage during the holiday-party circuit and for everyday wear, too. So, an oxblood skirt is kind of a no-brainer purchase. Paired with a gray, metallic top, the cool, silver hue helps cut the warmth of the mini for a sleeker, more modern outfit. A gold statement necklace and neutral accoutrements (like a black-lace coat and beige crossbody) finish off a polished outfit without feeling overdone. And, per the recommendation of our associate market editor, Willow Lindley, incorporating a li'l animal print into your sartorial arsenal is always okay.

Wilfred Cocteau Skirt, $110, available at Aritzia; Roseanna Iron Pam Top, $286.60, available at Ekseption; Topshop Lace Overlay Coat, $270, available at Topshop; J.Crew Jeweled Pyramid Necklace, $165, available at J.Crew; Zimmermann Leopard Print Sneakers, $265, available at Shopbop; Proenza Schouler PS11 Tiny, $1,225, available at Proenza Schouler.