We're all wearing mini skirts as part of this year's winter uniform

If you still scroll through Instagram avidly even though their algorithm has made things slightly cumbersome, you might have noticed the 'hot girl winter uniform' by now. 

READ MORE: This must-have winter outfit everyone's wearing proves that price tags don't affect how good you look 

Well, there are two uniforms - the knitwear-and-midi-skirts combo, and the turtlenecks-and-mini-skirts complete with stockings and ankle or thigh-high boots. The latter look is what I'm referring to here. 

Although I had referenced this look in past outfits from the likes of Hillary on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Fran Fine from the The Nanny, a certain real-life character also cemented the 'propaganda' when I worked with her. 

Yep, Marisa Crous (former W24 fashion and beauty editor) - who often vouched for the practicality of having a work uniform - totally got me into making mini skirts my thing circa 2017. 

And so I made it my thing. Well, at least one of my 'things'. 

However, there wasn't much buzz about this look up until the beginning of the Autumn/Winter '19 season, where more of us declared that we'd be stocking up on turtlenecks and uh... pulling our stockings up. 

READ MORE: These 5 women prove why the turtleneck is forever 

And honestly, the true appeal of this IG hit is that it's actually practical and you get the best of both worlds: warmth and drip that's flattering on all body types. 

However, you can always swap out your turtleneck for a good knit or even a blouse on warmer days. As a result, this trend has hit the mainstream, and top influencers are certainly enjoying playing around with it. 

Lesego 'Thickleeyonce' Legobane

As you can see from Thickleeyonce's look, you don't always have to stick to the rules.

Jackie Aina 

So nice, she had to do it twice.

Siyanda Dzenga 

Aluve Nguza

Mimi Mvakali

Now, to shop your two most essential items to join the hot girl army this winter: 

1. Stockings

The transparent black dot stocking is by far the most popular fashion statement this season. 

Get your sophisticated matt pair for R140 at any Falke stockist. 

Or go for something a bit more bold with these semi-opaque tights with floral all-over pattern in purple, R400 also at any Falke stockist. 

2. The statement mini 

Zebra print mini skirt in red, R499 from Superbalist

Faux leather tie-dye mini skirt, R299 on sale at ZARA 

Wrap A-line mini, R129.99 at MRP

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