Mini Dresses
If you’re looking for a fab and flirty piece to add to your summer wardrobe, the mini dress is sure to become your new BFF
What to Look for in the Perfect Mini Dress
Shopping for cute, playful dresses that you can wear on different occasions? Ladies, the mini dress is your best bet! But with so many styles available, you don’t want to walk away with the wrong choice – especially if you’re buying the dress for a specific occasion!
Read on to find out whether you’ve met your match or need to keep looking. One thing’s for sure, though: with the hundreds of options we have at St Frock, you’ll find the right mini dress in no time!
#1: Appropriate for the occasion
Casual or formal?
The right mini dress for women can be incredibly versatile and suitable for both casual and formal occasions. That said, some styles do lend themselves to either one or the other. For example, a babydoll mini dress with floral prints screams casual, while a black dress with metallic details is ideal for a formal event.
Casual mini dresses often feature simple and relaxed silhouettes that are easy to wear. In contrast, formal mini dresses are designed with luxurious fabrics, such as a silk linen blend, taking the look to a new level. That means they could be used as wedding guest dresses.
Embellishments, like those you’ll find on a sequin dress, add an extra touch of elegance; at the same time, there’s nothing like rocking a sparkly dress at the club! So it’s all about choosing the right material and design in the context of where you’re headed.
Daytime versus evening
Need a mini dress for a particular time of day (or night)? It’s all about the length and neckline.
Mini summer dresses with slightly longer hemlines and higher necklines are generally more appropriate for day events, seeing as you get a bit more coverage.
When the sun is out, it’s a great time to play with fun silhouettes – a flutter sleeve or balloon sleeve mini dress works great for brunch and errands, while sleeveless options keep you looking cool and playful. As for prints, embroidered dresses look particularly great during the day.
For evening wear, think about finding a style that makes you feel confident. Evening mini dresses often have richer colours, bolder patterns, and additional details that stand out in lower lighting. These may have sparkling accents, dramatic cuts, or deeper necklines, too. A smocked mini dress with fringe details or pleats? Count us in!
#2: Flattering and fun
What’s your (body) type?
When selecting the perfect mini dress, consider your body type and choose a style that flatters your figure.
For petite frames, mini dresses with a higher waistline or an A-line silhouette can create the illusion of longer legs. Minis with strategic ruching or an empire waistline are the perfect dresses for women with curvier features – that’s because they accentuate the waist and balance proportions. Wrap dresses are also very flattering, providing a comfortable yet stylish fit.
Meanwhile, if you’re on the taller side, check out mini dresses with a more fitted, streamlined silhouette for a long, lean look.
Staying in style
Now for the fun part – choosing a mini dress that fits into your personal style story! Whether you need a mini dress for summer or just want to cheer yourself up with an addition to your dress collection, you want a dress that you’re in love with, not one you’ll wear once or twice and relegate to the back of your closet.
Want a bouncy chiffon mini dress or a body-hugging nylon-polyester blend to show off that bod? Maybe you want multiples of the same shirt dress, but in all your favourite hues. There are no hard and fast rules, but you may want to consider the next factor, too.
#3: Comfortable and practical
Added features
Much as we wish dresses were for lounging and frolicking by the sand and sea, life gets busy, and you might want a mini dress that could keep up with you.
Features like elastic waistbands provide flexibility and ease of movement, ensuring a comfortable fit throughout the day. They adjust to your body, offering a tailored feel without feeling too restricted. This is especially great for all-day wear where you expect to move a lot, like a children’s birthday party or a visit to the museum.
Breathability and comfort
When choosing mini dresses, particularly for warm weather or active occasions, opt for dresses made from lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to ensure proper ventilation. These materials allow air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the day.
Additionally, pay attention to the fit and silhouette of the mini dress to ensure freedom of movement. Styles that are not too tight or restrictive will allow you to move easily and feel comfortable in your outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are mini dresses suitable for all body types?
Mini dresses can be flattering on all body types if you find the right style, and that’s why we helpfully outlined a few suggestions earlier. Ultimately, though, there are no rules. As long as you feel and look great, don’t be afraid to try on different styles and silhouettes! As you explore, you’ll find the one that perfectly suits your unique shape.
How do I choose the right length for a mini dress?
Choosing the right length for a mini dress depends on the occasion and your comfort level. For daytime-friendly looks, opt for dresses that fall no lower than 10 cm below the buttocks.
For evening wear, you can experiment with different lengths and necklines. Shorter hemlines and lower necklines can create a more dramatic and eye-catching look for nighttime events. That said, you want to make sure the length complements your height and proportions.
Can you wear a mini dress to a cocktail party?
Yes, you can wear a mini dress to a cocktail party. Although traditional cocktail attire often involves a midi dress, modern fashion rules have evolved, so it’s more common to see mini dresses being used as cocktail dresses. You can always elevate the look with matching footwear and accessories.
The mini dresses of your dreams at St Frock
At St Frock, we’re here to help you find your favourite dress. Launched in 2010 at the Bondi Beach Markets, we’ve grown into a fun, passionate team dedicated to bringing you fashion that helps you live your best life.
Our mission is to create your favourite mini dresses and more – the ones you reach for when you want to feel confident and beautiful. Whether they’re for an interview, a special event, a first date, or just a challenging day when you need that extra boost, we’ve got you covered!
With us, you can enjoy free shipping on qualifying orders*. We’ve also made shopping easy with flexible payment options like Afterpay, Zip and Klarna. And if you change your mind about a dress, no worries – our 60-day free returns policy* means you don’t have to stow away anything you don’t want to. At St Frock, we’re all about fashion that looks and feels good.