— Style —

THE MINI DRESS REIMAGINED FOR OVER 50

Fashion Illustration and blog post by Jill Anthony. Background by Brandon Smith.
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We’ve all been told, time and again, if you’re a woman of a certain age you must never, ever, wear a mini. Do you remember the last time you wore a mini? At the height of my mini wearing days, The Cars album played on the turntable as I doused myself in Jovan Musk, strapped on my Maud Frizon heels and headed over to Studio 54 to dance the night away.

Yes Darlings, it was that long ago.

While shopping for dresses on Net-a-Porter recently a few fabulous mini dresses caught my eye. If only they were midi-length or longer, then I might consider them, but there was just no way. The fashion gods have spoken and the mini is forbidden for me.

Did you happen to see the fashions on the red carpet at this year’s Golden Globes? There she was, Julia Roberts, looking as gorgeous as ever, wearing a Stella McCartney one-shouldered dress over a pair of black pants. The “pants with a dress” trend is something I’ve seen a lot lately on style bloggers and Instagram fashionistas.

Illustration and Fashion Post by Jill Anthony

Then it hit me! Why not a mini over pants? I went back to Net-a-Porter to consider the possibilities.

I began looking for a mini dress that could go from a casual look with jeans, to a chic dressy look with black pants, strappy heels and sparkly earrings. I adore the 80’s inspired drama of this pink jacquard dress by the new cult favorite brand Rotate. The voluminous puffed sleeves, gorgeous texture and covered buttons at the seams make this dress a standout.

A special dress needs a special bag and this elongated shimmery mesh bag by Whiting & Davis fits the bill. With its crystal fringe and bracelet handle, this bag adds flash and fun to any ensemble.

I’ve been wanting a pair of white ankle boots ever since I saw the ultra stylish, silver-haired, Linda Rodin sporting a pair on endless fashion blogs. They make any ensemble hip and fresh. These Beha pointy toe boots by Rag & Bone feature a slim heel and have that modern edge I was looking for.

Well my fashionable friends, remember, we are never too old for a fabulous mini reimagined into a fashion forward look. Happy shopping, Darlings!

Cheers Loves!

XOXO, Hildie


11 Comments

  • Taste of France January 25, 2019 at 2:57 am

    The dress-over-pants look was very in among the Parisian Argentine tango crowd in the late ’90s. As for minis alone, maybe not mini-mini (barely covering the butt), but well above the knee? Why not! It’s a question of legs and skin. If your legs look good, flaunt them, regardless of your age (there are plenty of photos of Julia Roberts in above-the-knee dresses, if not actual minis). If your legs are in shape but your skin not so much, then wear tights.
    That said, I looked for a few favorite celebs–Helen Mirren, who rocks a bikini, never seems to show her knees; Isabelle Huppert, ditto. Jane Fonda, same. Sophie Marceau, 52, wears dresses slit to the hip but I didn’t find any shots of her in a mini. Same with Emmanuelle Béart, 55.

  • Beckye January 25, 2019 at 7:15 am

    Love this! What a great idea!

  • Donna O'Klock January 25, 2019 at 8:15 am

    Brilliant idea! Your joie-de-vivre has done more for my closet this past year than anything else has since my mini-skirt days! Thank you, Hilde!
    XO

  • 1010ParkPlace January 25, 2019 at 12:37 pm

    I see cute mini dresses online and have thought about adding pants… They’re not that different than wearing a long top! Thanks, Hildie! xoxox, Brenda

  • Carol Cassara January 25, 2019 at 1:38 pm

    I used to love them but I prefer a more elegant look at my age!

    • Brenda Coffee January 28, 2019 at 1:46 pm

      I agree, Carol! xoxo, Brenda

  • Eeks January 25, 2019 at 2:41 pm

    I can’t do it. I’m still scarred by the memories of my great aunt in her minis and bright red lipstick. Just OMG.

    • Brenda Coffee January 28, 2019 at 1:45 pm

      LOL!!!! Love your comment! xoxox, Brenda

  • Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski January 25, 2019 at 3:20 pm

    Although my legs are still pretty good, my tummy makes the skirt come up in the back. That could be scary for people. I might wear one with leggings. When I was young I wore minis at least 10 inches above my knee and loved them.

  • Joanna January 25, 2019 at 5:42 pm

    Julia Roberts is only 51 and can carry this look. At 65, I’ll pass. Too cutesy!

  • Hilda Smith January 29, 2019 at 11:35 am

    I wear just above the knee dresses with heavy black tights still. But as you said Hildie a mini ….no way! I quite like the idea of a mini over trousers. I did it back in the early 70s when I had a purple min-idress and matching bell bottoms.

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