I love the look of a mini dress but at 43, felt my mini dress days were behind me. But the more I've thought about it, the more I want to embrace my figure and wear a mini dress - age ain't nothing but a number, after all.
I hate the thought of there being fashion restrictions on what you can wear according to your age, and a shorter hemmed dress is definitely a fashion item that many women over 40 shy away from.
But I want to embrace them, and personal stylist Jess Richardson agrees it's time to stop thinking of fashion barriers in your second act and start wearing what makes you feel fabulous.
© Getty Images"Many women (especially those over 40) might think they could never wear a mini dress, but believe me, you can!," says Jess. "The key is choosing the right silhouette and fabric. For example, an A-line mini is universally flattering, while a fitted style will emphasize your curves. When it comes to fabric, structured materials are ideal for taller women, as they hold their shape and help you feel less exposed."
For some celebrities, a mini dress is actually their staple. Jennifer Aniston is a repeat mini-dress wearer, always has been, and I love that celebrities young and old embrace the look.
- Editor's pick for tummy flattering: M&S Mini Shift Dress, £39.50 / $43.99
- Editor's pick for a big bust: New Look Chiffon Polka Dot Mini Dress, £15
- Editor's pick for petite women: Nobody's Child Bubble Hem Mini Dress, £48 / $92
- Editor's pick denim mini dress: French Connection Denim Mini Dress, £110
- Editor's pick occasion wear: Hobbs Lace Mini Dress, £155 / $316
Meghan Markle chose to wear a sweet white Valentino mini dress to ring in her 44th birthday, wearing the style for an intimate dinner with family and friends in LA and 44-year-old Natalie Portman's was spotted wearing a mini dress while filming new movie, Good Sex, in NYC.
© Jess RichardsonJess notes: "Focus on cuts and fabrics that enhance your best features and make you feel comfortable." She adds that no-one needs to 'avoid' a mini-dress, but choose a style that makes you feel fantastic rather than following trends.
You'll find mini dresses all year round in both classic colours and fits and more on-trend styles, like butter yellow and gingham for summer.
© InstagramWhat’s the best type of mini dress if you're nervous to show your legs?
"Follow the simple girl maths rule," explains Jess. "If you're showing off your legs, keep your top half more modest. Avoid too much skin on display at once. If you're feeling self-conscious about your legs, sheer tights or a bit of gradual tan can give you a boost of confidence. Knee-high boots are also a fail-safe option if you’d rather not reveal too much."
© GettyHow I chose the best mini dresses for older women
- Style: These dresses are all above knee length - you won't find a midi or maxi hiding in this edit.
- Expert insight: I've asked Jess for her recommendations on mini dresses, the best to flatter certain body hang-ups including a larger tummy or wanting to elongate the legs.
- Occasion: As well as casual mini dresses, I've included smart, occasion-worthy mini dresses in this feature.
Best mini dresses for women over 40
1/12
Boden Evita Cotton Shift Dress
© BodenWhy I love it:
- Boucle like material
- Vintage style
- Gold detailing
- Available in other colour ways
This classic cotton shift dress is the epitome of a glam, polished mini dress, with its gold details, boucle-esque finish and Jackie O vibes.
2/12
French Connection Leighton Denim Mini Dress
© French ConnectionWhy I love it:
- Belted
- Flattering shape
- Dark indigo wash
If you want to show your legs but cover your arms, this French Connection mini dress is great; it has an on-trend balloon shape, belted waist and comes in a super sleek dark indigo wash.
3/12
River Island Puff Sleeve Leopard Mini Dress
© River IslandWhy I love it:
- Puff sleeves
- Oversized fit
- Leopard print
- Available up to a size 22
If you're looking for a lightweight holiday or hot weather day dress, this is it. The leopard print is an instant classic and you can't beat a puff sleeve for a little feminine touch.
4/12
Hobbs Lace Mini Dress
© HobbsWhy I love it:
- Long flared sleeves
- Flattering curved waist seam
- Embroidered floral lace
If you want to try a mini dress for a smart occasion, look for one in luxe fabrics like silk and lace - this Hobbs lace detailed mini is a beautiful one to try.
5/12
M&S Mini Tiered Beach Dress
© M&SWhy I Love It:
- Scoop neck
- Lightweight material
- Oversized, loose fit
- Zebra print and plain black available
This is the beach dress to wear every single day by the pool. It's loose, floaty and great for layering over your swimsuit come lunchtime.
6/12
Lipsy Floral Mini Tea Dress
© LipsyWhy I love it:
- Floral design
- Jersey material
- Crew neck
- Available up to size 18
This floral dress taps into the tea dress trend, in mini form. I love the clean lines of this mini, wear with espadrilles or block heels.
7/12
Karen Millen Broderie Anglaise Mini Dress
© Karen MillenWhy I love it:
- Broderie anglaise
- Fit and flare silhouette
- Also available in red and white
This is a stunning summer dress, with broderie anglaise material making it easy and breezy. It's a shirt dress, so super flattering and comfy, and you can nip the waist in as much as you like.
8/12
Zimmermann Ascension Floralprint Linen Mini Dress
© zimmermannWhy I love it:
- Linen
- Floral print
- Billowing sleeves
- Flared hem
Perfect for sunny vacations, this Zimmermann dress is made from linen and has a tropical print with dragon flies, leaves and flowers.
9/12
Matalan Denim Scalloped Collar Mini Dress
© MatalanWhy I love it:
- Long sleeves
- Scalloped collar
- Lightweight fabric
- Available in sizes 8 - 28
Jess rates this Matalan mini. "The scalloped Peter Pan collar adds a designer touch, while the long sleeves and button-up detail make it ideal for daytime. The shape, fabric, and colour are universally flattering—and it’s a steal at £24!"
10/12
Queens of Archive August Mini Dress
© Queens of ArchiveWhy I Love It:
- Vintage inspired print
- Flattering square neck
- Frill detailing
From the frills, the florals and the flattering square neck, this vintage-inspired mini dress is a dream for summer.
11/12
Never Fully Dressed Isla Patchwork Lauren Dress
© Never Fully DressedWhy I love it:
- Crisp cotton linen
- Patchwork design
- Shirt dress style
This dress not only looks cute, but comfortable too. It taps into the Sardine girl summer vibes of this year, in a wearable shirt dress style. Note the sweet print and the belt detailing.
12/12
Cos Halterneck Mini Dress
© CosWhy I love it:
- Fluid shape
- Halter neck
- Available in brown, red or cream
This dress looks so expensive, thanks to the fluid minimalist shape. It's a great way to wear a halter neck if you have a large bust, as the forgiving loose shape won't restrict or be too tight.
I hate wearing heels, how can I style a mini dress?
Jess implores that there's so many ways to elevate a mini dress, with or without heels. "If you’re avoiding heels, loafers with socks are super chic and effortlessly cool. Ankle boots are another great choice—a black kitten-heel boot paired with a blazer instantly elevates the outfit."
Which mini dress style is best for making legs look longer?
Whether you're a tall gal or on the shorter side, a mini dress can elongate the legs and there's one style that makes them even longer, streamlining your figure. Block colours help, says Jess, to make your look sleek, as does a flared skirt with a contrasting top to "visually lengthen the legs."
