Many tend to shy away from the mini in summer in favour of its demurer, infinitely more practical cousin, the midi. Granted, longer lengths are easier to navigate in the event of an unexpected breeze, but minis are chronically underrated.
Adored by contemporary It-girls and those who lived during London's Swinging Sixties in equal measure, short hems exude youthful spirit.
The style demands a certain level of nerve, especially if you're going bare-legged. But even if you plump for sheer tights or cool-girl knee-high socks, the mini screams power.
Sleek cocktail styles and high impact LBDs are great for eveningwear, but the mini also lends itself to casual cool. Imbued with throw-on-and-go ease, our celebrity street style crushes constantly team theirs with tube socks and dad sneakers for a sporty touch, but there's more where that came from.
How we chose the pieces:
- Style: Naturally, a super flattering silhouette is essential. When scouring the internet's top designer fashion sites for the best minis, we made sure that each of our picks were either bang on trend for SS24 or had a certain classic appeal for maximum wearability. Curating your holiday capsule wardrobe will be a total cinch…
- Length: A mini dress is typically defined by a hemline that falls above the knee, often at the mid-thigh level. All our picks sit within this length category.
- Price: Catering to different price points is really important to us. Granted, we spend a fair amount of time lusting after designer pieces, but we've included some equally stylish options that are kinder to your wallet.
Why you should trust me:
I am Hello! Fashion’s Fashion Assistant, with seven years of experience within the fashion journalism industry. I have a love for fashion and spotting upcoming trends, coveted pieces and scouring online for irresistible new-in finds.
Hello! Fashion shares the best mini dresses to shop this season:
The LBD
Tulle-Paneled Embellished Cutout Crepe Mini Dress
Self Portrait
No wardrobe is complete without an LBD. The meticulous arrangement of beading and faux pearls on this Self Portrait number are ticking every box for a coquette aesthetic. The sheer neck and split hem add a sexy edge.
The Striped
Valia Striped Cotton Mini Dress
Significant Other
With it's cut-out front, vertical stripes, wrapped neckline and figure-hugging silhouette, Aussie brand Significant Other have ticked every box with this mini. It's a perfect addition to any summer wardrobe and one that will be reached for year after year.
The Hen-Do
Isabella Jacquard Mini Dress
Sister Jane
Have your own hen-do upcoming? As the budding bride, you want a wow dress, but at a fraction of the cost of your actual wedding dress. This chic Sister Jane dress screams wedding ready - with it's sheer puffed sleeves and ruffled detailing, it's perfect for the occasion.
The Bold Bright
Lemonis Printed Cotton Mini Dress
Alémais
A bold, bright printed dress is perfect for summer. It's such an easy piece to throw on with a pair of sandals and oversized sunglasses and have an instant put-together look. Don't be afraid to pair it with equally bright accessories.
The Shirred
Khaki Natalia Mini Dress
Nobody's Child
The shirred top and cinched waist on this style will instantly flatter any silhouette. When it comes to accessories, cream or tan would compliment the khaki tone of the dress.
The Graphic Print
Lima Floral-Print Cotton Mini Dress
Agua by Agua Bendita
Let the print do the talking and keep your accessories to a minimum here. A pair of strappy sandals and a wicker bag would tie it altogether.
The Denim
Tint Denim Mini Dress
Ganni
A denim dress is a great addition to any wardrobe for it's versatility - let alone a denim pinafore dress. Pair over a basic tee or crisp white shirt for the cooler evening, or wear alone on a hot summer's day.
The Floral
Lace Floral-Print Linen and Silk-Blend Mini Dress
Zimmermann
Zimmermann is known for their delicate, feminine prints and silhouettes, and this floral number is no exception. The lace panelling adds a flirty finish.
The Shirt Dress
Fadia Mini Shirt Dress
ba&sh
With it's contrasting striped panel and puffed sleeve, this style of the shirt dress gives it a modern upgrade. Wear it alone with gladiator sandals, or pair with a belt and western boots to channel the cowgirl trend.
The Pastel
Coco Patched Toile De Jouy Mini Dress
Kitri
With it's pastel hues and patchwork prints, this cut-out Kitri number ticks every box for a spring wardrobe. Pair with lighter accessories to compliment the hues in the dress.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
