MY CURRENT OBSESSION - The Bandage Mini (by Michaela Bammer)

When we opened a shipment of Audrey 3 + 1 teeny-tiny body-conscious mini skirts, Jenelle and I looked at each other with a bit of uncertainty, trying to remember who ordered them. But our dear stylist Michaela has made no secret of her love for them. She immediately wrote a chalkboard message to customers to buy one because “they’re sassy,” and styled one on a mannequin...and as usual, Michaela is right.

WHOWHATWEAR and a trillion other fashion sites are taking note of this trend, popularized most, probably, by Herve Leger (by Max Azria). It wouldn’t surprise me in the least to find that Michaela was directly responsible for the bandage miniskirts’ appearance in the shop, but regardless, we’re glad, because she’s made us see how cute and universally flattering they really are. So welcome to Volume 1 of a new Thriving Ink style series, MY CURRENT OBSESSION –

The Bandage Mini, by Michaela Bammer
[Here’s how to wear the bandage mini, in Michaela’s own words:]

INTRO:
Oh the bandage skirt, a trend I think was sent from a fashion god. In my opinion, the bandage skirt flatters every shape.

BODY STYLE:
Curvier figures can tug it up to emphasize a waist, and those who want to add or enhance curves can shimmy it down for the hip-hugging style.

TREND:
As far as this trend goes: the mini is in, shorter the better. But if you’re not comfortable baring all that skin, opt for a tight or even a knee-high boot (another must this season).

HOW TO WEAR:

Work:

For work this trend can be intimidating, and leg-baring is definitely not appropriate for the office. If you want to rock the mini at the office, NON-OPAQUE tights, and a boot to the knee (or an ankle bootie) are a must. Keep the top simple with a classic button-down tucked in to the skirt or a camisole with a button-down cardigan. But hey, let’s not get too boring here. Make sure one of these pieces is a great saturated color! Keeping the colors simple? Add a statement bag or a chunky necklace.

Casual:

Another misconception is that you can't wear the bandage skirt during the day. WRONG! Throw on a bandage mini (like the Audrey 3 + 1) with a favorite THRIVING INK tee, and leave it loose. Grab your favorite sweater or denim jacket—or for the sassy type, get out your leather, girl! Keep jewelry minimal, add a great printed scarf and a simple flat ballet flat, boot, or sandal.

Night Out:

I`m going to nod to my favorite fashionista Ashley Olsen on this one. She does the bandage mini right every time. This is your chance to show off those leggy legs. Keep your shoe simple and below the ankle; opt for a delicate heel to avoid the "truck driver walk in your short skirt" look. You can go for pretty much any top here as long as it doesn't have an a-line shape. For a jacket, try a classic blazer or longer pea coat.

THINGS TO REMEMBER:
-This isn't the hoochie-show. This curve-hugging style will lend enough sex appeal—you don't need to add your sheerest top or lowest cut blouse.
- It’s all in the walk—a feminine strut can keep this trend classy not trashy.
- One skirt can go hundreds of ways. As long as you keep proportion and class in mind, this skirt can lend itself to almost any look.