15 Plus Size Mini Skirts & Short Shorts

I'm that person who will wear three pairs of leggings under a mini skirt in a snow storm. My thighs are undoubtedly the largest part of my body, so sporting short skirts as a plus woman is something I find personally empowering — regardless of the season.

While the weather in some parts of the States still can't decide if it wants to give us the spring temps it's been teasing at for good, my mini skirts and short shorts are ready to help me bare my legs. That said, I've learned that showing my thick thighs is still not considered an acceptable practice to some people.

I can't tell you the number of times that I've been slut-shamed and fat-shamed at the same time for the length of my skirt or the tight fit of my shorts. I saw a post recently by Arizona-based blogger Nicole Simone of Curves On A Budget for Wet Seal's blog about how to wear a skater skirt, and I was so pleasantly surprised to see a skirt that hit well above her visibly-plus-size knee getting some much-needed shine.

Ultimately, no one person has the right to determine the length of any garment that you put on your body. So as the weather warms up, consider embracing plus size short shorts and mini skirts, and bare those thighs. Here are some of my favorites.

1. The Basic Mini

ASOS Curve Denim A-Line Mini Skirt In Washed Black, $34, ASOS

This skirt is basic in the best sense of the word. I feel like Cher from Clueless would still have this in her rotating closet today.

2. Denim & Cuffed

Plus Size Cuffed Denim Shorts, $20, Forever 21

These shorts look just like something that Kelly Taylor would have rocked on Beverly Hills 90210. In true '90s fashion, rock out with these all summer long. Pair them with your favorite platform sandals for a blissful ensemble.

3. Solid Skater Skirt

Plus Size Solid Skater Skirt, $23, Wet Seal

Curves On A Budget showed us that a short skirt doesn't just have to be for the club.

4. Short & Sweet

Rose Print Belted Sateen Shorts, $33, Torrid

A plus size floral is one of my favorite ways to stand out for spring. The sheen along with the bold pattern of these shorts makes them ideal for showing off your gams.

5. Pretty In Plaid

Angelique Plaid Skirt, $34, Rue107

This plaid skirt has me completely ready for a picnic in the park. The softness of the pattern alongside the volume of the skirt itself is a winning combination.

6. Ready To Sail

Dapper On Deck Shorts In Red, $40, Modcloth

Although I would love to see these shorts on a plus size model, I will just have to imagine all of the gaudy nautical-themed looks I would pull together with them. Thankfully, they come in sizes small to 4X.

7. Wrapped Up

Rebdolls "Summer Nights" Denim Wrap Skirt, $40, Rebdolls

This denim two-piece set gives me early '00s pop star vibes. I would love to see plus size babes rocking this to make up for lost time.

8. Striped

Striped Sadie Shorts, $70, Eloquii

A shorter take on ELOQUII's popular Kady pants, these shorts are both bold and sophisticated.

9. High Waist & Short Hem

Jibri High Waist Flare Mini Skirt, $150, Jibri Online

This handmade skirt is pure luxury, what with its detailed construction and printed matte satin fabric.

10. Lace Me Up

Howl Grommet Shorts, $65, Tunnel Vision

These stretch velvet lace-up grommet short shorts are totally badass and summer festival-approved. Tunnel Vision suggests pairing them with a "bell-sleeved crop top, black cat-eyed sunglasses, black sheer knee-highs, black boots, messy braids, lotsa black eyeliner, and a flask."

10. Asymmetrical

Plus Size Knotted Asymmetrical Skirt, $23, Charlotte Russe

I own this skirt, and I can tell you that despite its asymmetrical cut, it's very short in a totally empowering fat girl kind of way.

11. Lacy & Racy

Lacey Lady Short, $59, City Chic Online

These lace shorts look casual and comfy so you can wear them poolside or dress them up with a cute crop top.

12. Romping Around

Plus Holly Cross Front Playsuit, $26, Boohoo

This romper features a sexy lace-up front detail and a looser fit for the best of two worlds.

13. Sporty

French Terry Skort, $35, Avenue

Sadly, I couldn't find as many size 26+ short shorts or mini skirt options as I would've liked, but this athletic-style skort is available up to size 32. Score!

14. Netted

Fierce Net Mesh Shorts, $20, Gslovesme

Mesh isn't just for beach cover-ups anymore. These shorts look almost office-ready, especially paired with a high-cut long sleeve shirt.

15. Runner Shorts

ASOS Curve High Waist Runner Short With Binding, $21, ASOS

There are a lot of things I would do in these shorts and none of them have to do with running at all. I can see styling them with a bold-colored platform sandal for a high-low look.

While some indie brands are likely still working on their summer collections, it's not too early to get your plus size shorts and mini skirt collection started. As the temperature rises, there's no reason your hemline shouldn't rise right with it.

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Images: Courtesy Curves On A Budget for Wet Seal; Courtesy Brands