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Here’s the history of mini dresses: By the late 1950s, the post-war baby boom had contributed to a more youthful population. With most baby boomers already in their teens, it was clear how their influence would affect culture. As this meant a different demographic was emerging, and a new consumer voice was being heard, clothing had to be conform to the new group. The emergence of Rock and Roll and a more liberated way of thinking crept inspired clothing for teens.

By the 1960s, “teenagers” were an accepted part of society. The term was almost non-existent in the 1950s. The trend in fashion for teenage women  would go towards comfort and style, rather than the restricted forms of the early 1900s. An inevitable part of this was the shortening of the skirt.

Skirt lengths during that period varied according to use. Shorter, frilled skirts were not uncommon in sports. This gave women better movement. But the use of it in casual clothing was started by designers such as Andre Courrèges , John Bates and Mary Quant. Mary opened a store in London. Her “Bazaar” made the “mini” more popular than ever. Yves St. Laurent soon followed suit. 60s TV certainly had an influence in the proliferation of the mini. Shows had popular, trendy characters that appealed to women, from teens to those in their 30s. This gave the mini international exposure. Rudi Gernreich, eventually brought the fasion to the United States.

The trend lasted well into the 70s, giving way to mid and full length skirts (maxis) once again. Feminist movements of the 1970s ironically, were against the mini; a symbol of liberation in the 60s. It was a common theme for people against the trend to speak of how it objectified women.

But the trend never totally died down. By the 80s, minis were back, showing up time and again in the ever increasing media; from TV shows, cinema, and even music. Music videos from DeBarge and the group Pepsi and Shirlie featured minis. Madonna, a symbol of 80s pop music wore minis in the music video from her song “Like a Virgin” from a simple black mini dress on top of  blue leggings to a lace mini wedding ensemble.

From the 90s to the 21st century, mini dresses and mini skirts continued to be shown on TV, with popular shows such as Sex in the City and Desperate Housewives leading the trend.

The 50 year old mini has gone a long way, and through different styles and uses. You can finds them as lace mini dresses for a more formal look; perfect for a dinner date, and sometimes even bridal wear. Halter mini dresses and long sleeved mini dresses are trendy in clubs and guarantees a fun night out.  The reemerging 80’s trend shows it can be worn over leggings and jeans. You can find it in sportswear, with major brand finding advertising mileage in women’s tennis.

Even with the advent of microminis you can expect the mini to stay.

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