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Note to Ally McBeal: Get your micro-mini skirts out of
the closet. This season, the mini is back, soaring to new heights thanks to a host of designers.
Versus and Dolce & Gabbana showed barely-there dresses and skirts. Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren notched hemlines well above the knee. Even chains like the Gap and Club Monaco are offering wallet-friendly versions of the tiny trend. And no matter the maker, the message is clear - this summer, your legs are your best accessories.
Of course, the shorter the hemline, the greater the risk is of committing a fashion faux pas. The mini skirt is, after all, a symbol of the '60s rebellion, social change and most of all, youth. There
comes an age (and weight) when a seven-inch skirt looks silly instead of fresh and sexy. So the question arises: are minis a trend for youth only, or can women indulge in showing some leg?
"The micro-mini won't be a must-have for the majority of women," says Laura
Cervone, fashion spokesperson for T.J. Maxx. "It's mostly a trend for the juniors. Skirts that short aren't
appropriate for the office and it's hard to carry them off - you either need to be a Heather Locklear or a model."
For the leg-shy, Cervone advises choosing above-the-knee skirts with asymmetrical or ruffled hems and pairing them with dainty heels. "That way, women above the age of 30 can still look
up-to-date without going to extremes," she says.
But according Sasha Charnin, fashion market editor at Allure magazine, the key to wearing a mini is making it work with your personal style.
"You don't have to be a rock star to wear a mini but it does require a bit of sass," says
Charnin, adding that her own mother still wears minis. "If you have great legs you should definitely do it. You can wear them with tights and boots when it's cold, and you can modernize them with long cardigans and cute little coats. There are many ways you can wear a mini skirt, and I love the look."
When it comes to choosing a mini skirt, Charnin warns that there's no shortcut to finding the best fit. "You just have to try them all on and see what works for you," she says. In addition to
casual denim and cord skirts, Charnin recommends ones made from stretch fabrics for a flattering summer look. "It's really a nice alternative to shorts and a great style for summer," she says.
Although it's back for summer, it should be noted that the mini will not be a short-lived trend.
For fall 2001, thigh-high skirts will still be in style, paired with tights and knee-high boots for added warmth. Even Calvin Klein - one of the first designers to bring back knee-length skirts
several seasons ago -showed several minis in his Fall 2001 collection.
For those who want to show off they're assets, here's a selection of miniskirts that won't make you look like you're short of style:
Club Monaco's black leather mini has the right mix of edge and innocence. While the skirt has a touch of this season's S&M style, its A-line cut will keep you from looking like a dominatrix.
Pair it with a jacket or cardigan for the office. (Available at Club Monaco stores)
Paper Denim & Cloth's denim mini is the millennium's version of the '80s style. With a flat front and low-waist, this light-colored mini gives your legs enough room to walk without a revealing
slit. (Available at Bergdorf Goodman, Scoop New York and Henri Bendel)
If you want to play it safe, sporty is better than sexy. Tommy Hilfiger's gingham minis (available in navy and red) are perfect for the beach when paired with flip-flops and a tank top. With a
pair of mules, transform the look from the beach to the streets. (For store location
www.tommy.com)
APC's unwashed denim skirt in pale pink is for the truly confident (and tanned). Your best bet is to go all-out and pair it with an equally tiny T-shirt or tank top. Like model Kate Moss, top
the whole look off with a pair of slinky, low-heeled sling-backs. (www.apc.fr)