By Janet Kelly
WE HAD all but dismissed the thought of ever wearing a miniskirt again. But last weekend’s Wall Street Journal story, in which an-over-40 soccer mom gave it a try, rocked our complacency.
At Moda Operandi, minis are selling out at a rate that’s 10% higher than other categories, according to a buyer. Moreover, the online retailer is “increasing miniskirt supply for the rest of the year by about 20%.” Fashion historian and director of NYC’s Museum at F.I.T. Valerie Steele, who notes minis cycle in and out of fashion, refers to them as “a kind of dopamine dressing.”
From left to right: High School’s pant-skirt hybrid eliminates any concern about exposure. Marine Serre’s cycling skirt ($446, Farfetch) is another hybrid—between a skirt and shorts. If you feel bad about your knees, the logo tights pretty much camouflage them. Worn with a duster, Max Mara’s slim-cut cotton-twill mini with apron pockets ($315) gives the illusion of additional coverage without actually covering up your legs.
To see whether or not the mini would work for her, the WSJ writer borrowed a few styles from fashion designers and experimented with ways to wear them. She paired one Max Mara denim mini with a cashmere sweater and low-top sneakers, and another (in a cotton stripe) with knee-high boots. She tried on a Tod’s print with a matching jacket for the look of a suit set. Results were mixed, but overall, minis received her thumbs-up.
Could women in their 60s and 70s, the generation that wore the first miniskirts, wear them again? Must you be as young as your knees, as Mary Quant, the inventor of the miniskirt, attested?
Intrigued? Take a look at our examples above and notice how they’re worn. Then, tell us what you think about wearing one yourself. Either jot down your thoughts in the comments box below or send an email to janet@mylittlebird.com.
At a garden party yesterday a woman was wearing a sleeveless mini-shift, ending mid-thigh, that would have been precious on a 20-something, cute on a 30-something, lovely on a 40-something… but this woman was 70-something. In winter when I’ve seen her in her usual cat suit she’s enviable, stunning. But those thin limbs with their sags, jiggles, lumps, bumps, tags and so forth were, let us just say, very hard to look at. Sad. How much better she would have appeared in a flowy skirt, palazzo pants — covered yet cool.
Interesting. I would only wear a short skirt with dark tights, which means only in cool weather. I no longer can abide pantyhose but even at our age I think can look good!
Love the idea that you can still wear a mini regardless of age! You go girl!!
I celebrate women who still can wear them! I have a niece that does–and looks terrific!
Also, appreciate MyLittleBird’s solutions!
Most of my skirts are just above the knee, because I was wearing them to Court. But that’s a flattering length on me, so I’m good with it. I do still have an ancient black leather miniI just could never part with. I wear it with black tights and ankle boots to balance how short it is.
But I think it’s all a question of how you feel in your own skin. If you feel like wearing a mini, go for it.
I still wear short dresses with sandals in the summer and short skirts–not sure if they are minis like I wore in the ‘60’s and ’70’s but they are pretty short! My legs are skinny so I feel like they look ok…I hope!! BTW, I am in my late ’70’s.
the way to know if your mini is too MINI is bend over, and look at yourself (your behind) in a mirror. if you are surprised, perhaps that mini is a wee bit too, too.
There’s a difference between a mini skirt and a skirt that ends just above the knee. I would never wear a miniskirt, but I do wear skirts that are above my knees, partly it’s because it’s so hard to find short skirts that are just below my knees. I wear them because short skirts are much cooler than long skirts. I don’t see why I should have the knees of a 20-year-old when I am 67! Aren’t we supposed to be accepting ourselves as beautiful enough, and not buy into cultural prejudices? I don’t see men worrying about whether their shorts hit them above their knees when they’re in their 60s and beyond!