Skirt suits aren’t new. They’ve been around since the 19th century, when women wore tailored jackets with long skirts for riding and archery, and we still see equestrian inspired details in the hottest suiting trends of today. 

All that to say, skirt suits been a preppy wardrobe staple that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and sure to continue as one of the most popular fashion trends season after season.

However with time, trends do evolve as the next generation takes their stab at the classics. If you’re looking for your next skirt suit that embodies the new era of preppy style, here’s what you should look for. 

Our skirts are getting shorter

Say hello to a little leg as our bottom coordinates cut off a few inches in thigh grazing minis this season. Midis may be in when you’re rocking your 90’s trends, but when it comes to suiting this FW21-22, prepare to bare some skin. The mini oozes feminine poise Jackie O’ style (ok maybe even a little shorter). But don’t get to caught up measuring your hemline. Skirt length dramatically emphasis your stems, so consider a length that’s most flattering for your body type.

The cropped jacket

Nylon names the cropped suit the #1 suiting trend of the season. If you’re not quite comfortable showing off all that leg, prepare to take those inches off elsewhere. The cropped jacket has been dominating the fashion runways with luxury designers like Proenza and Jacquemus all jumping on board. The cropped jacket can be worn solo and sexy bearing your midriff for evening wear, or layered over blouses and tees for everyday wear. 

Who’s wearing it

Runways aside, who’s wearing this season’s hottest skirt suiting trend? Working in fashion and managing a fashion blog – I’ll tell you know it’s just about everyone. For those of you who aren’t ready to go mini, Hailey Beiber rocked a midi-length skirt suit set at the Elle Women in Hollywood Party. Léa Seydoux went preppy at Paris Fashion Week in plaid. Bella Hadiid looks chic in a skirt suit with a tucked tee. And Instagram bloggers slay with the preppy and minimalist trends.

How to style your skirt suit

For the perfect paring, opt for the urban utility vibe by pairing your skirt suit with double gore Chelsea boots, or even better, some knee high rubberized utility boots. Complete your utilitarian chic ensemble with a trench or teddy coat like this one from Unreal Fur for chilly days. Looking for something less bold? Go 90’s prep and layer your skirt suit with a sweater vest and throw on some platform pumps or lace-up booties. 

Prefer more gender neutral, boss-mode combos? Ditch the crop blazer for a boxy oversized blazer for a look that says, I’m on fashion, but I don’t care.

Skirt suits are a fashion trend here to say, and can be an investment piece if you decide to splurge this season. If you’re trying to manage a more minimal capsule wardrobe, invest in a skirt suit with versatile pieces you can wear together or separate. Choose basic neutrals that won’t go out of style, and you can wear your skirt suit for years to come.

Trouble picking your new basics? Shop for some steals if you feel like splurging on this mega FW21-22 trend. The big material trends here are plaid for preppy, monochrome for minimalist style, and leather on leather for our fashion risk takers.