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. You're never too old, right? 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 tummy flattering: M&S Embroidered Mini Dress, £40 / $43.99
- Editor's pick for a big bust: Friends Like These V-Neck Mini Dress, £38 / $73
- Editor's pick polka dot: Boden Arabella Short Linen Dress, £139 / $230
- Editor's pick denim mini dress: Next Denim Mini Dress, £38 / $65
- Editor's pick occasion wear: Hobbs Lace Mini Dress, £155 / $395
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 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
1/11
M&S Embroidered Mini Smock Dress
© M&SWhy I Love It:
- Self-tie neck
- Lightweight material
- Oversized, loose fit
- Embroidered detail
This loose, floaty mini is an easy wear, from the embroidered ruffle sleeves to the romantic self-tie neckline.
2/11
Friends Like These Brown Print Lace Detail V-Neck Mini Dress
© NextWhy I love it:
- V-neck
- Lace trim
- Ruffle hem
- Available up to a size 20
Cut on the bias, this lace-trim dress has a flattering v-neck and skims the figure.
3/11
Boden Arabella Short Linen Dress
© BodenWhy I love it:
- 55% linen
- Belted
- Polka dot pattern
- Cap sleeves
This classic linen shirt dress is the epitome of summer chic, with its polka dot pattern and lightweight texture.
4/11
Next Denim Mini Dress
© NextWhy I love it:
- Utility style
- Short sleeves
- Mid-wash
If you want to show your legs but cover your arms, this mini dress is great; it has buttons at the neck and a collar.
5/11
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.
6/11
Aspiga Macy Mini Organic Cotton Dress
© AspigaWhy I love it:
- Puff sleeves
- Shirred waist
- Organic cotton
- Flutter sleeves
If you're looking for a lightweight holiday or hot weather day dress, this is it.
7/11
Never Fully Dressed Abstract Soleil Leila Mini Dress
© Never Fully DressedWhy I love it:
- Floral design
- Scarf detail
- Cowl neck
- Made from a lightweight, stretch jersey
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.
8/11
Karen Millen Polished Tailored Double Breasted Blazer Mini Dress
© Karen MillenWhy I love it:
- Double breasted
- Tailored silhouette
- Covered buttons
- Fucshia pink
This is a stunning occasion dress, with double breasted fastening and structured shoulders.
9/11
FatFace Cleo Ivory Sketched Shells Shirt Dress
© FatFaceWhy I love it:
- Linen mix
- Shell print
- Shirt dress
- Self-tie belt
Perfect for sunny vacations, this shirt dress is made from a linen mix and decorated with a shell pattern.
10/11
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.
11/11
Needle & Thread Camille's Garden Georgette Halter-Neck Mini Dress
© Needle & ThreadWhy I love it:
- Bodice top
- Fully lined
- Soft floral print
Featuring a soft floral print on fluid georgette with a halter neckline and sash tie, wear to your summer garden parties.
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."
