What is a mini dress?
A mini dress is a short dress with a hem that sits well above the knee, usually at mid thigh. It is the shortest of the three main dress lengths, ahead of the midi and the maxi.
When to wear a mini dress
A mini dress suits casual days, parties and most nights out. It is the usual choice for a birthday, a 21st, a date night and a hens party or bachelorette. A white mini dress is a common pick for graduations and bridal showers. In a casual fabric such as cotton or linen, a mini dress works for weekends and holidays.
A mini dress is usually too short for formal and black tie events. At a wedding it depends on the dress code. A mini in a dressy fabric can suit a casual or cocktail wedding, and a longer hem is the safer choice for anything stricter.
Who it suits
A mini dress shows the leg, and the rest of the dress decides how it wears. The shape changes the effect more than the length does.
- A bodycon mini dress is tight and stretchy and follows the body from top to hem.
- A shift mini dress hangs loose from the shoulders with no defined waist.
- A skater mini dress is fitted on top with a full skirt that defines the waist.
- A babydoll mini dress has a high waist seam under the bust and a loose, full skirt.
- A slip mini dress has thin straps and a light, fluid fabric.
Long sleeves, a higher neckline or a looser shape balance a short hem. The same dress sits shorter on a taller person, so check the length measurement on the product page against your height.
How to style it
Most shoes go with a mini dress, because the whole leg is on show. Heels lengthen the leg and dress the look up. Flat sandals and sneakers make a mini dress casual. Knee high and ankle boots suit a mini dress in cooler months, with or without tights.
An oversized blazer or a long coat over a mini dress adds cover and suits the office or a cold night. Keep to one statement: if the dress is sequinned or cut out, simple shoes and a small bag are enough.
Two practical checks before you buy a mini dress. Sit down in it, and raise your arms. If the hem stays where you want it for both, the length is right.
Mini, midi and maxi compared
| Length | Where the hem falls | Dress codes | Most worn to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini dress | Mid thigh, well above the knee | Casual to cocktail | Parties, birthdays, date nights, warm days |
| Midi dress | Between the knee and the ankle, most often mid calf | Casual to formal | Weddings, work, cocktail events |
| Maxi dress | The ankle or the floor | Casual to black tie | Formal events, weddings, summer days |
A micro mini is shorter than a mini, with a hem at the upper thigh. A dress that ends at or just below the knee is knee length, which sits between a mini and a midi.
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See all mini dressesCommon questions
How short is a mini dress?
A mini dress has a hem well above the knee, usually at mid thigh. Anything shorter is often called a micro mini, and a hem at the knee or below is a midi.
Can you wear a mini dress to a wedding?
Sometimes. A mini can work for a casual or cocktail wedding if the fabric is dressy and the cut is modest. For formal and black tie weddings choose a longer hem.
What shoes go with a mini dress?
Most shoes go with a mini dress. Heels dress it up and lengthen the leg, sneakers and flat sandals make it casual, and knee high or ankle boots suit cooler months. Match the shoe to the event, not the hem.
What is the difference between a mini dress and a midi dress?
A mini dress ends at mid thigh, well above the knee. A midi dress ends between the knee and the ankle, most often at mid calf. The midi suits stricter dress codes, and the mini suits parties and casual wear.
What is a micro mini dress?
A micro mini dress is a very short dress with a hem at the upper thigh. It is shorter than a standard mini dress and is mostly worn for nights out, often with shorts built in or worn underneath.
Can you wear a mini dress in winter?
Yes. A mini dress works in winter with tights, knee high boots and a long coat. Long sleeves and heavier fabrics such as knit, velvet or wool blends keep it warm enough for cold weather.