If "New Gucci" Taught Us Anything, It's That the Minidress Is Back in a Big Way

Think back, if you will, to summer 2022, at the height of the micro-miniskirt revival. Miu Miu's S/S 22 show reinvented everything we thought we knew about the miniskirt, debuting a utility-stroke-preppy mini not much longer than a belt, and suddenly legs were back on the agenda. The response of the general public? To immediately cover up, and by the summer season just gone, the look du jour was the sweeping maxi, the very antithesis of the teeny-weeny skirt. But, as they say, fashion is cyclical, and as quickly as a trend comes around it can be off on its way again. However one thing is for certain though, and it's that there is no getting rid of the mini. 

As references to Y2K pop culture continue to dominate both the runways and street style, the divisive mini hemline is back, but this time it's the turn of the far more wearable minidress. Thanks in part to Sabato De Sarno's debut collection for Gucci and both Hailey Beiber and Kendall Jenner's affinity for bodycon minis, the short dress is a talking point again, and despite what the "Hemline Index" might suggest, we're keener than ever to swap traditional winter warmers for something a little shorter.

And with so many iconic references for inspiration, who could blame us? Think Carrie Bradshaw's figure-hugging charcoal dress, Princess Diana's "revenge dress", Geri Halliwell's Union Jack dress. The list goes on, and so many of the best-remembered dresses come up short (that is, on the leg). 

Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss display peak noughties glamour in Versace minidresses. 

The nostalgia that the minidress brings is no doubt a part of its appeal, and as a plethora of babydoll, bodycon and slip dresses made their way down the runways for S/S 24, it's clear that the styles that we desperately wanted to wear as teenagers are making a fashionable comeback, so we can finally live out our minidress dreams. 

So, how has the minidress evolved for 2023 and beyond? Well, there's an all together chicer, more grown-up approach to tackling the shorter hemline. Dresses are minimalist, simple and only show embellishment for evening. Brights and bold prints are far and few between, as this time around, it's all about making bare legs the star of the show. Take Gucci's satin dress underneath a camel coat, or Bally's tank-top dress worn with biker boots as proof that minis work surprisingly well with casualwear and plenty of less-is-more attitude. 

But, I hear you ask, if the minidress was shown in the spring/summer collections, how do I style it now, for autumn/winter? Easy. Long coats and tall boots happen to be the mini hem's best friends, and when the weather gets particularly cold, just add a pair of tights. So, if you're as convinced as I am that the mini might just overtake the maxi as hemline hero next year, keep scrolling to see how the fashion set is wearing theirs, and to shop my favourite all-weather styles. 

This slip-dress-meets-babydoll is one of six minidresses in Gucci's S/S 24 collection. 

Hailey Bieber wears a red Ermanno Scervino minidress to promote Rhode's latest launch.

HOW TO STYLE A MINI DRESS NOW

Style Notes: Between the cosy maxi coat and knee-high boots, Flora manages to make showing skin feel seasonally appropriate. 

Style Notes: Running errands never looked so chic as Kim Turkington in this minidress look. She puts a sporty spin on her jersey dress by pairing it with white tennis trainers and socks. 

Style Notes: It just wouldn't be an evening dress without a little sparkle, and there's no need to over-accessorise when a dress like this does all the talking.

Style Notes: Conclusive proof that you can dress a mini up or down with the right accessories, and a leather jacket and combat boots are the shortcut to casual cool. 

SHOP MINI DRESSES: 

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