Friday, July 11, 2008

The Mini(scule) Dress

In honor of a woman's right to bare almost all on a lovely summer day, today's Couture Carrie post is devoted to that alluring gam-showcasing garment favored by celebs and mere mortals alike: the minidress. Much ado has been made about the scandalous lack of fabric on some of these frocks, but CC does not judge. Enjoy, darlings!! First, the runway...
As you know, CC is enamored of Frida Giannini's Resort 2009 Collection for Gucci, so here's another stunner, above left: a swingy pleated minidress in a regal navy, white and saffron print.
At right: Wunderkind's pinstripe bow detail dress . . .
This look is a bit over-the-top, with the leopard print jacket and purple ankle socks/blue platform combo, but CC loves it nonetheless!!
Balmain strapless black leather mini dress, via vogue.com/uk.
It doesn't get any skimpier than this!!
Temperley London op-art print dress. Note how the thigh high leather boots just meet the end of the frock - sexy!
First four photos in today's CC post via style.com.




Kenzo floral half-sleeve dress, via nymag.com.
This gorgeous cut-out halter neck Stella McCartney frock (runway photo via style.com) has become nearly synonymous with its most famous wearer, a close friend of the designer . . .



Yes! Gwyneth Paltrow looooves the black minidress. Here she is on the cover of U.S. Bazaar; if it seems that she forgot to put on pants, that may be the case: this sequined "dress" is, by the editors' own admission, a Proenza Schouler "t-shirt".
But hey, Gwynie looks amazing, so who are we to complain?





Blumarine feathered spaghetti strap dress, via nymag.com.
Réyes belted, layered tank dress, via nymag.com
How to wear it without looking tawdry?
If there's not much on the bottom, make sure the top is covered up a bit . . . Proportion is everything!
This Rachel Pally asymmetrical mini dress (for puchase at shopbop.com) is a bit wacky, but it illustrates CC's point: the long sleeve balances out the lack of fabric on the skirt!
Likewise, this Tofu organza minidress is made demure by its poufy cap sleeves and conservative silk pleat collar. Visit asos.com to buy.
The magenta puff sleeves and pleated silver hem of this Réyes silk tunic dress really class it up. Visit hampdenclothing.com.
Expert tailoring is another sure way to maintain some ladylike decorum when wearing a short dress. No one will sneeze at the impeccable craftsmanship of this Zac Posen seamed stretch wool minidress. Lovely neckline and pocket details!
The a-line dress is a fairly forgiving as well. Try this Missoni abstract print mini dress, This and the previous look are both at neimanmarcus.com.
Or showcase those toned legs in a Yumi Boutique pleated chiffon dress with lace trim. Go to asos.com to see the lovely detailing on the back of this little frock - brills!
One fabulous aspect of these flirty frocks? They transition easily from summer to fall/winter with a sassy pair of tights. A pair of opaque tights is an instant remedy for a too-short dress!! This Stella McCartney grey strapless tulip dress (available at Neiman Marcus) will go from sultry to cozy with the addition of a lovely pair of patterned tights!
Another word of advice about wearing a body-con mini, like this Herve Leger stunner? As Rachel Bilson illustrates, CONFIDENCE is the best antidote to looking awkward in a scandalously short dress. Stand up straight and don't tug at the hem of your frock. Strut it and mean it! And remember, a little self-tanner doesn't hurt! Have a lovely weekend, darlings!

35 comments:

  1. You've got to have a fantastic pair of pins to pull those dresses off!!
    Well... now I'm off to the gym!!

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  2. Wunderkind!!!! is incredible, love it!

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  3. It's a great look, if done right. These are good examples. That photo of Gwyneth is extraordinary.

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  4. Awe, if only I had legs like those beautiful models, I don't understand how somebody can be born so damn perfect!! Stella McCartney does it for me every time!xx

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  5. un blog estupendo, lo visitaré frecuentemente para conocer todo sobre moda.
    :*)

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  6. i love minidresses! i love them all

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  7. You definitely need the stems to take the minis to the next level. I love Stella McCartney's interpretation of the minidress...stunning.

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  8. So lovely!!!!!!!And flattering for petite women(like me)!!!
    The only problem I have is that herein Uruguay it is difficult to find them and you have to dare go out with them!
    Thank you for answering so soon and visiting me!
    I´d love tohave advice on curly and wavy hairstyles and hairdo´s. No hairsalon look, but to make them, at home. DIY hairdo´s!
    Love, hope to se u back at my blog!

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  9. I love your blog!!! great post
    I really like the Rachel Pally and Stella McCartney!

    xo,
    CC

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  10. I'm happy to discover your blog, thanks for your comment on mine. If you love art deco, this week-end or next week, i'll post about a wonderful shop of flask of perfume and toiletries from 1900 to 1950. Beautiful ! See you soon

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  11. Thoes are some great pieces!!:) Good finds and great blog!;) Keep it up!

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  12. Son geniales, pero necesitan de unas buenas piernas sin imperfecciones, o un invierno que invite a usar medias a juego

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  13. i love the minidress and cannot discriminate because all the ones you posted look fabulous.

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  14. I wish I could pull off minis but I'll settle for admiring them on those who can. Gorgeous selection!

    Btw, I tagged you. Check out my blog for the details :)

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  15. Is it bad that I love that Balmain dress and covet the boots in the Temperly pic? Cannot believe how gorgeos ms Bilson looks, wow!

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  16. hahah gracias !
    siiii amo las sandalias gladiadores
    qué lindos vestidos!
    lindo blog :)

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  17. Mini lenght is my favourite this season! All these dresses are so cute and very stylish. I want to have them all;)

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  18. Mini-skirt is for me Mary Quant, and mini-dresses a variation of the her incredible theme. Beautiful dresses, though I think the models are too skinny. I love food and they do not seem to agree!

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  19. ooh - i love mini skirts and dresses! i prefer the styles with more coverage on top to balance out the itty bitty bottoms, though.

    :) D

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  20. Gorgeous - I aboslutely love minidresses. The Kenzo dress is adorable, and so is the Gucci one. I love the Tofu one as well.
    As for the Proenza Schuler dress, I love, it, but I think it was supposed to be a sequined t-shirt...
    By the way - thank you for all of the comments on my blog; I really appreciate you spending the time to comment my posts!
    :)

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  21. Short dresses look better on me than long but Gwyneth's dress is too short in my opinion. Fine line between classy and skanky. Balmain is brilliant though!

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  22. I love the Gucci dress, it's so fresh ... as for mini dress, I love them but only if they are tastefully worn :)

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  23. Wow, Rachel Bilson looks so sexy and cool in that Herve L. dress;great post

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  24. Rachel looks totally stunning! A great post, Couture Carrie!!

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  25. I love the Missoni mini. A lady wearing one would definitely make her the center of attention.

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  26. i love balmain and that dress black mini is mayjor!...also love temperley outfit. great choice of pics u have there. xoxo

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  27. I love mini dresses. Especially love the Zac Posen one. xx

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  28. Uh, that Stella McCartney... so sexy!

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  29. wow. I love love love some of these dresses!!!!!! wish I could have them all, or even half!

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  30. oh wow, the bluemarine feather dress is amazing!

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  31. blumarine, temperly london and belmain r my absolutely must have for every season!!!

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