There’s nothing that screams “summer” quite like a brand new statement dress (or skirt, we’ve a penchant for both). For spring/summer 2023, designers are offering iterations that are either razor short, or ankle-skimming, proving that if you’re going to dive into this new season trend, you’d better embrace the extremes.

The micro-mini trend can be traced back to one Miuccia Prada, who sent pleated skirts slashed into tiny hemlines down the runway at Miu Miu’s spring 2022 show. “The skirt”, as it became known, was soon everywhere, worn by everyone from Emma Corrin to Nicole Kidman, and even earning its own Instagram account. A year on, and the fashion world’s love for itsy-bitsy mini skirts and dresses is stronger than ever. At Celine, Hedi Slimane showed denim and cargo mini skirts with chunky leather boots and military style jackets, while Fendi’s Kim Jones unveiled satin miniskirts with statement pockets and bold interlocking ‘F’ motifs, in a collection that offered a refined take on Y2K nostalgia. At Christian Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri showed structured mini dresses made of delicate silk and cotton with lace trim. The super-short silhouette also cropped up on the runway at Burberry, and Ferragamo.

On the other side of the spectrum were ankle-brushing maxi dresses, be it the wispy, whimsical creations sent down the runway at Acne Studios (think: skin-hugging ruched jersey or soft pink silk with a statement ruffled hemline), or Balenciaga’s vast array of fabulous evening wear, like cherry red ruched cape dresses, or fuzzy lime green mohair gowns. Zimmermann showed long-hemmed skirts, some bold and voluminous, some understated in silk with soft floral prints. Either way, the message is clear: when it comes to skirts and dresses, your tribe is either micro or macro. Experimenting with this trend yourself this spring and summer is as easy as A, B, C.  Aje’s flirtatious ruffled mini dress will see you through many a summer sojourn, just add sky-high strappy sandals and a great clutch handbag (cue: Wittner, Jo Mercer, and Novo). Bec + Bridge’s new-season offering is chock-full of great mini and maxi dresses, but we’re particularly fond of their ‘90s-style maxi skirts, with their psychedelic floral prints and flattering low-slung silhouette (turn yours into a matching set with the co-ordinating T-shirt). Camilla’s printed maxi dresses are timeless spring and summer staples, and we’re particularly loving the lemon and dahlia motifs of her new collection, inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Add a great tie-up sandal from Jimmy Choo and a top-handle straw tote from Zara or Oroton, and you’re good to go.

Speaking of Oroton, their metalic mini dress is one of the MVP’s of the new season, in its sprakly shade of gold. Style yours with a low-heeled slingback and big statement earrings from Swarovski for maximum impact. Whatever your sartorial proclivity, just make sure you’re having fun. That’s what fashion is all about, after all.