Stone falls into that bizarrely useful grey area between neutral and colour which is why it works so hard in a mini skirt. It comes across as considered rather than safe. It’s warmer than grey, quieter than camel and photographs well against most skin tones without being as stark as white or ivory. Providing, of course, that the fabric underneath the stone actually has some weight. A stone mini in a lightweight, semi sheer cotton blend will crease within the hour and look worn out by lunchtime. Opt for a proper twill, a tailored suiting fabric or a heavier ponte and it will survive a day of sitting, walking and climbing into and out of cars—which is ultimately what any skirt needs to do.
Fit is more important in stone than almost any other colour. Stone will highlight every pull and pucker that black so conveniently hides. Look for a waistband that sits neatly against your body without gaping, a hem that has been hemmed rather than twisted up at the ends. As for the length – tailor it to suit the rest of your proportions rather than wearing it floor-scraper simply because that’s what’s recommended with the skirt off the peg.
A mini that’s slightly A-line or gently tapered is more forgiving and more flattering on a variety of body types than one that cuts straight across.
Styling really is about texture and contrast over colour matching as stone will rarely do anything wrong on the colour front. A fine knit or crisp white shirt tucked in will keep things smart enough for day time, throw a leather jacket or tailored blazer on top and you have an evening option without much effort. Boots will anchor the paleness down and stop everything looking too soft. Knee or ankle height depending on your silhouette and preference. A loafer or low heel does a similar job on the smarter end of the spectrum. Tights worn black or in a deep shade will define your legs when it’s cold outside, bare legs and sandals will let the shade do its own work when it’s warm.
As for occasion; daytime meetings, long lunches, early autumn weekends and that smart casual dress code that requires everything to look put together but not fuss(y). Stone isn’t a skirt that’s going to shout so if that’s what you’re looking for you’ll probably be disappointed. What you will find however is a skirt that gets worn before louder options that only take you through one season start to wear thin.
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