Emily Ratajkowski Revives the Knee-Length Skirt Trend for 2022

How Emily Ratajkowski made the once 'frumpy' knee-length skirt a must-have for the modern wardrobe.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Oct 2, 2025

How Emily Ratajkowski made the once 'frumpy' knee-length skirt a must-have for the modern wardrobe.

Emily Ratajkowski and the Resurgence of the Knee-Length Skirt

The landscape of fashion is ever-evolving, cycling through beloved past trends and reimagining them for the modern wardrobe. In 2022, the knee-length skirt—a hemline that once conjured images of office attire or even frumpiness—has re-emerged as a style staple, largely due to the influence of fashion icons like Emily Ratajkowski. Her ability to transform this understated piece into a must-have was on full display during a much-publicized date night in New York City, turning an overlooked classic into one of the year’s biggest trends.

2022: The Year of Skirt Revivals

This year’s runways and street style scenes have been dominated by all things skirt-related. Maxi and mini skirts have had their moments in the sun across Fall/Winter 2022 and Spring/Summer 2023 collections. Yet, the knee-length skirt—often identified with 1990s nostalgia—has stepped up as the season’s surprise hit, spurred by celebrities and fashion-forward influencers embracing its versatility and bold new styling.

Runway to Real Life

Maxi Skirt: Featured heavily in both FW22 and SS23 runway collections, leaping from high fashion to fast fashion at lightning speed.
Mini Skirt: Regained immense popularity with bold, leg-baring silhouettes.
Knee-Length Skirt: A nod to the ’90s, spotlighted by modern muses and redrawn as a statement piece.

The Glow Up: Shedding the ‘Frumpy’ Reputation

Previously dismissed as conservative or out of step with contemporary trends, the knee-length skirt—often stereotyped as a Pam Beasley wardrobe staple—has found new appeal. Emily Ratajkowski’s approach defied the skirt’s ‘office wear’ baggage, presenting it in a sleek, chic, and undeniably playful manner. Her particular ensemble—featuring a yellow and brown tiger-printed skirt, a tied-up coordinating button-up shirt, and a checkered designer shoulder bag—melded classic proportions with striking pattern and effortless attitude.

Emily Ratajkowski’s Key Look Elements

Statement Pattern: Tiger-print knee-length skirt as a focal point.
Knot Detail: Button-down shirt tied at the waist to balance the skirt’s conservative cut.
Designer Accessories: Checkered Louis Vuitton shoulder bag enhances the high-fashion appeal.
Modern Footwear: Knee-high leather boots break up the look and prevent it from feeling overly formal or dated.

Styling Knee-Length Skirts: Modern Twists and Tips

Ratajkowski’s fresh approach suggests a range of ways to avoid the corporate or dated feel of knee-length skirts. The key is selecting pieces and pairings that feel current and personal. Here are some tips for making knee-length skirts trend-forward:

Avoid Basic Pumps: Instead, opt for on-trend boots, chunky loafers, or even sneakers for a street-style edge.
Highlight Your Waist: Tie up shirts, use cropped tops, or belt high-waisted fits to accentuate your silhouette.
Layer Creatively: Add blazers, denim jackets, or unique outerwear for depth and visual interest.
Play With Patterns and Textures: Animal prints, bold plaids, and unexpected fabrics bring energy to a classically simple piece.
Mix with Staples: Combine with versatile wardrobe elements like turtlenecks, printed blouses, or lightweight knits.

Celebrity Influence: From Pam Beasley to Modern It-Girls

The rise of the knee-length skirt is not just a matter of nostalgic reference. While once stereotyped by TV characters like Pam Beasley from The Office, the trend’s revival is grounded in the style choices of modern icons:

Emily Ratajkowski: Breathes new life into the silhouette, pairing it with statement boots and bold prints for both day and night.
Kendall Jenner: Another influential supporter, seen styling knee-length skirts in off-duty and event settings.
Bella Hadid: Champions the midi and knee-skirt movement by combining it with boots, oversized outerwear, and playful accessories.

How to Shop the Trend: Affordable and Luxe Options

For those ready to integrate this look into their closets, there are myriad skirt options across all price points. Building a wardrobe that references runway inspiration doesn’t require breaking the bank. Many fast fashion and contemporary brands have embraced the hemline, delivering accessible versions that echo the style of high-end designers like D&G and Louis Vuitton.

What to Look for When Shopping:

Striking patterns (animal print, checkered, and solid bolds)
Quality fabrics (leather, cotton blends, silk, vegan alternatives)
Details (slits, unique fastenings, asymmetric cuts)
High-rise or low-rise waist options to suit individual body types

Where to Find:

Contemporary Brands: Urban Outfitters, Mango, Zara, Topshop
Designer Labels: D&G, Khaite, Louis Vuitton
Budget-Friendly: ASOS, H&M, Uniqlo, and secondhand/vintage retailers

Knee-Length Skirts: Versatility for Every Season

A major appeal of the modern knee-length skirt is its year-round adaptability. The shape and material can transition seamlessly from casual spring days to layered autumn looks, making it a true wardrobe workhorse. Here’s how:

Season	Styling Tips
Spring	Pair with lightweight blouses, loafers, and pastel knits.
Summer	Mix with crop tops, sandals, or sneakers for easy movement and airflow.
Fall	Layer with turtlenecks, blazers, and knee-high boots for warmth and polish.
Winter	Opt for wool or leather versions with thick tights, chunky sweaters, and statement coats.

Accessorizing the Knee-Length Skirt

Accessories have the power to instantly update the vibe of a knee-length skirt outfit. Ratajkowski’s choice of a checkered Louis Vuitton bag and modern boots underscores this point.

Bags: Mini cross-body bags or oversized totes.
Jewelry: Statement necklaces, gold hoops, or layered chains.
Shoes: Boots (knee-high, over-the-knee), strappy sandals, or chunky sneakers.
Belts: Wide or skinny styles to cinch the waist.
Headwear: Beanies, berets, or bold sunglasses for a playful finish.

From Casual to Polished: Transitioning with Ease

One of the greatest virtues of the knee-length skirt is its chameleon-like ability to work in both casual and sophisticated contexts. The difference often lies in the choice of shoes, top, and layering pieces:

For a Day Look: Tuck in a graphic tee, add a lightweight jacket, and finish with sandals or clean sneakers.
For the Office: Pair with a crisp button-down, a tailored blazer, and low-heeled boots for an elevated but non-stuffy result.
For Night Out: Opt for a silky or faux leather version, add a strappy cami, and top with a statement coat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Knee-Length Skirt Trend

Q: Are knee-length skirts still considered stylish, or do they look dated?

A: Knee-length skirts have been reimagined for 2022, shedding their once ‘dated’ image. With modern patterns, creative styling, and celebrity endorsement, they are now regarded as a key on-trend item.

Q: What footwear works best with knee-length skirts?

A: While pumps were traditionally popular, knee-high leather boots, chunky loafers, or contemporary sneakers now give the look a fashionable and current edge.

Q: Can I wear knee-length skirts for both casual and formal occasions?

A: Absolutely. With thoughtful pairing—such as sneakers and graphic tees for casual days or blazers and boots for more formal settings—these skirts transition seamlessly between contexts.

Q: What tops look most flattering with knee-length skirts?

A: Cropped tops, button-downs tied at the waist, slim turtlenecks, and even printed blouses are all excellent choices that enhance the shape and keep the overall look chic.

Q: Where can I find affordable knee-length skirts?

A: Affordable versions are widely available from popular high-street retailers like ASOS, Zara, H&M, Urban Outfitters, and in vintage or thrift shops.

Takeaway: Embracing the New Statement Skirt

The knee-length skirt has evolved from bland office wear to a standout item at the intersection of comfort and style. With the power of modern icons and thoughtful styling, it’s a trend accessible to everyone—ready to be mixed, matched, and made truly your own.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete