If you’ve been outside this sticky past weekend you’ll have noticed that mini skirts are very much back.
No one is going to dispose of their trusty midis just yet, but the rise of the mini is unarguable. They’re everywhere and this summer they take many forms; we have puffball (yes honestly), A-line, denim and micro, but it’s the pleated version that has really gone viral. At the heart of it all is Miu Miu, a brand with form in creating hotly desirable, cult-worthy minis. The brand’s 2022 derriere-skimming design went on a world tour of magazine covers, and started the resurgence of the mini 2.0.
Miu Miu spring/summer 2025
Its spring/summer 2025 pleated version blends preppiness and tennis, two very worthy components of a classic British summer. Pleats bring grown-up polish to the mini; it’s breezy but still sophisticated, which is very much the MO of tennis style. US player Coco Gauff recently wore her Miu Miu pleats off court with a matching check jacket when she appeared on Tonight With Jimmy Fallon, artfully accessorising with her French Open trophy. You know a look has hit peak tenniscore when the athletes themselves are wearing it.
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A pleated mini is sporty but still fashion. Miu Miu isn’t the only luxury brand to do them either; Norma Kamali, Burberry, Acne and McQueen have all done similar versions. They’ve filtered down through the mid-market – The Frankie Shop and Ganni – through to the high street, via & Other Stories, Mango and Uniqlo. Although they do require an iron for the pleats to have full pristine effect, they are very versatile. A strong summer option, they’re also very good in autumn – just swap your trainers or sandals for loafers, and your T-shirt or vest for a navy or burgundy jumper. Right now, as we hit peak warm weather season, Gen Z are wearing them with football shirts, a real cross-pollination of sports, but last weekend I saw them most often styled with a tank top. I wear mine (from last autumn’s Bella Freud’s M&S collaboration) with a T-shirt and trainers.
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If you are heading to Wimbledon this week, then lean into tenniscore and team with a polo shirt, socks and a pair of kitten heels. It’s a formula that works for Morgan Riddle, the 27-year-old girlfriend of US tennis star Taylor Fritz, who has elevated spectator style with her hyper feminine looks. Pack a slouchy windbreaker or oversized cardigan to throw over the top so that you’re safe if the London weather changes at the last minute. Don’t forget to pop your collar as you leave.
We round up our favourite pleated minis below:
Lead image: Miu Miu
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