The Mini Standard

November 28th, 2006 • Related • Filed Under

With the recent comeback of the infamous 80’s leggings, mini has become an IN word again. The fashion icons have proclaimed that we can all now wear minis as safely as it covers our modesty, no more worrying about what people will see as you ride up the elevator. We can also safely wear minis as leggings, at least the expensive one “hold everything in”, so no more hanging lumpy cellulite ridden thighs and knees. Oversize tops have now become the new mini dresses as seen in Gucci, YSL and brands like Zara, MNG and Gucci and all, respectably worn over tights, very comfortable and stylish at the same time.

Well and fine, I say but really how short is it before it is too short and is there an age limit to wearing one? Or do the hemlines move in similar directions with age?

It’s well and fine if you are a young lady in her tweens right up to 29 years, 11months and 29 days old, but if you should be one minute over 30 years old, is it still respectable or will you become the spectacle instead? I believe it is really about shape and size of the individual’s body… because fashion is nothing more or less than a measurement for proprietary and good taste. One should always aspire to be sexy and elegant as opposed to tarty unless you are a sun-dried tomato that should appeal at least with regards to good taste.

What is the standard these days? Minis and worse hip hugging minis are nothing more than strips of cloth held together to cover the bare mini-bum… er minimum, just slightly below the bottom as opposed to previous above the knees standard of measurement. However, we should caution that unless you are 18 and thin as reed, wearing mini hip huggers like these are not only impossible but could be detrimental to your health as well. Staying upright the entire time to protect modesty could be bad for the older spine.

But, why not? If you are fortunate and blessed with the body of a twenty year old… wear it but tastefully. But it is a safe bet that as a general standard, wearing anything 2 inches above the knee is sexy and appropriate and still in keeping with trend and age will not be the issue. Look at Diane von Furstenberg, at 50 some years she still carries off a nice little above the knee dress very elegantly.

How does this erstwhile designer do it? Well she simply played with options. Using creative designs like bubble skirts, pouf up skirts and A-line hems, it is not only keeping the mini standards but is also less strenuous to manage.

How should one wear the mini without it being sexed up but be stylish instead? Wear with ballet pumps, wear with covered up tops like turtle neck with short skirts and tights and or just play with proportions. The standard rule if it is big on top, you have less at the bottom and vice versa.

So it would seem there are no standards after all , as long as one understands and conforms to the boundaries of decency and let proprietary be the order of the day.

Last 5 posts by yetmee

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