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Don’t panic just yet, but mini dresses are making a comeback. Here we show you how to wear them and where you can buy 10 of the best
In the heyday of the late noughties, it was the era of the midi dress. In Ireland, it was all about orange tan, platform shoes, big hair and teeny-tiny hemlines.
Thankfully, post-recession Ireland saw less orange, lower heels, natural hair and midi-length skirts and dresses.
Our modern Isle is all about the midi. We can’t get enough of it. Midi this and midi that. If we see a hemline even inching above the knee, the guilty Catholic jumps out with a crucifix in hand.
However, for their SS19 collections, Valentino and Chloé turned up the heat by highering the hemlines. So did Prada and Christopher Kane, while Rixo and Ganni followed suit in the high-end, High Street arena.
Topshop, River Island and ASOS took note and now mini skirts are making a tremendous comeback across the board.
I know how you are feeling. There are feelings of panic, slight disgust and a desire to recite a decade of the rosary. But do not fear. Mini dresses in 2019 are nothing like the days of the Celtic Tiger.
The only bandage we now speak of is one to cover a cut, not to suck in your entire body. Flats and kitten heels are the preferred shoe choice and going sans-fake tan is now applauded, not feared.
These new styles are 1980s-inspired dreams, with puff sleeves, belted waists and abstract prints. A-line shapes are eternally flattering and skin-tight creations are a thing of the past. A pair of trainers or pointed flats add contrast while balancing the look.
When colder weather hits, tights will become your best friend along with an open-toe heeled sandal for nights on the town.
Long legs will always look fantastic underneath any midi, but the nature of the cuts of many dresses can wreak havoc on those with shorter pins. Awkward lengths can drown a petite frame, so always make sure the hem sits an inch or two above the knee to create the illusion of longer legs.
When the hem is not your friend, a tailor will become your closet ally.
Rhode Pisa ruched floral-print cotton-voile mini dress, €378.24 at Net A Porter
Flame print ruffle tea dress, €46 at Topshop
Red leopard print tiered frill hem dress, €61 at River Island
Asos Design relaxed shirt mini dress, €58.07 at Asos
Floral print dress blazer, €99.95 at Zara
Rixo Kyla floral-print crepe mini dress, €270 at Net A Porter
Ruffled crepe dress, €89 at Arket
Ganni belted plissé-satin mini dress, €200 at Net A Porter
Printed A-line dress, €89 at Cos
Hampstead dress, €250 at Reformation
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