Getting skirty with RI

I think skirts are the most important wardrobe essential for your bottom half. Unlike trousers, they work in both hot and cold weather, and unlike shorts, they work for casual, business and pleasure. River island are doing some amazing skirt's right now, ranging from leather-look to tribal print, so whatever the occasion; they've got it covered. As always, I'll go from left-to-right, top-to-bottom with the details.

1. White Chelsea girl floral check mini skirt £20

This is the number one thing on my shopping list right now. I've always been a fan of their 'Chelsea girl' range because I think it's really feminine and classy with plenty of pink, bold prints and lace overlays, but this skirt is just amazing on an entirely different level. The print mixes geometrics with florals, and pinks with monochrome and the length and fit is the most flattering there is. It's a really good price and they also sell a shirt in the same fabric so you can turn this piece into a two-piece.

2. Green tropical print structured mini skirt £25

As you probably know, I love tropical print right now and green is a colour that I've never been a massive fan of, but just lately I can feel it growing on me. This one is quite a bold colour but it can be toned down with a black cami for a day at work, or brought to life with a neon yellow cami for a night out. It's a thick fabric so it'll hold it's shape really well and the pleats at the top will help to flatter your frame.

3. Dark red fern print mini tube skirt £16

Tube skirts are good for summer because the thin fabric means you won't get too hot and the burgundy tribal print makes this one ideal for festival-goers. Just add a fringed kimono and a flower garland headband and you're all set. They also sell a matching top so you can be perfectly on-trend in a two-piece while listening to your favourite bands. It's a really good price too; so if you get it dirty you don't have to worry about it too much.

4. Light pink pineapple print mini skirt £25

Fruit prints are so hot right now and if, unlike me, you haven't added one of your 5-a-day to your wardrobe yet then this skirt would be the perfect place to start. Pink and red is a great combination and my pineapple print two-piece is one of my favourite things so it's the perfect print to invest in.

5. Yellow art print mini skirt £30

This one is a little more expensive but the extra zip detailing and tiny thigh split are really cute and the bold print makes this skirt a great statement piece. Personally I prefer high-waisted styles, but this is yellow and monochrome so it's still a winner for me.

6. Pink high shine leather-look mini skirt £25

Ain't nobody got time for real leather, so faux-leather is a must. And as some wise person once said (I have no idea who) - 'pink is the new black'. Nobody wants to be sweating it up in black leather in the summer so a light coral-pink is the perfect alternative. The colour is just dreamy, it's just the right length and the cinched-in waist makes it really flattering too.

7. Black lily print A-line mini skirt £25

Even if you wanted to, you can't escape florals in summer. No matter what other print's come in fashion, florals are always right there at the top of the food chain. And this pink floral print is so lush. It's nice and smart so it'll look great for work or a shopping trip or lunch out and the black base colour means it can be worn with black tights for when the weather fails us.

8. Light pink baroque jacquard mini skirt £25

More pink, can you honestly say you're surprised? This skirt is the most gorgeous shade of pastel pink (back to my usual pastel-loving with this one) and the jacquard print makes it really feminine and elegant. The slightly longer length and subtle floral-feel makes this skirt the perfect summer wedding outfit (providing you're a guest and not like a bridesmaid or something). And it's a great price, and let's face it no one wants to blow the budget on a wedding unless it's our own.