Only the Blind Complain About this Fashion Trend

Size does matter!

The smaller it is, the better it is!

It's not too often you'll hear a guy agree with one of these sayings, except that is when theyre talking about mini skirts. While it isn't a scientifically proven fact, there is direct evidence that the shorter the mini skirt is, the faster a man's heart will race. I'll admit it. Mine does.

It's been idealized through the media over the past half-century. The mini was a fashion essential that defined the Mod look during the 60's. The 80's rock band ZZ Top entered the mainstream through music videos featuring models wearing mini skirts. It's also the cornerstone of some fashion designers lines, hip hop style or suburban style. The Gap sells their own style of minis while Kimona Lee Simmons BabyPhat line offers her own different kind of hip hop variations for just this one item alone.

Whose idea was it to take a normal length dress and start to take inch upon inch off? This article offers a brief lesson on how the mini skirt has evolved throughout the years. From the mid 60's to the hip hop style of the 21st century, it's manifested itself as a declaration of youth and independence.

Beginnings The true fashion icon of the 60's got its start during the fashion season of 1965. The miniskirt was popularized by Andr Courrges, who developed it as a separate piece of clothing and incorporated it into his Mod look, allowing it to spread beyond a simple street fashion into a major international trend. The 60's was also the beginning of the sexual revolution. Protection and providing for was no longer what women wanted and the mini boldly displayed this new confidence women held over their body, and their place in the feminine world.

1970's The 1970's was the decade of the feminist movement and this coincided with a lengthening of the hemlines. Women liked the mini but just didn't want it so mini. They wanted to be taken seriously for their brains and not get by on looks or sexuality. The fashion industry largely returned to longer skirts because of this reason. The fact also that there was almost nowhere else to go; the mini-skirts could go no higher didn't help.

1990s The short mini skirt made a revival in modern fashion. Women realized they can be smart and sexy. With the popularity of Heather Locklear's powerful businesswoman character in Melrose Place, many women began to incorporate the miniskirt into their business attire but were left conflicted: yes, the mini-skirt made your legs look fabulous, but was this going too far? The question was answered. The mini was back.

21st Century The mini eschews both sexuality and confidence for today's modern woman. It's no where else more evident than in today's celebrity designer lines. These designers are starting to create pieces that show a woman's sexuality without showing too much skin. They are trying to get across the idea that confidence in oneself is sexier than any amount of skin. From this line of thinking, we are seeing a trend of mini skirts worn over jeans, or with leggings providing coverage of each leg from above the knee.

Fashion trends constantly change. What was out of style one year can be back the next. Metro is out; retro is in. With all of these changes, one thing can be certain. As long as fashion is sexy and the style is trendy, the mini skirt will never go out. They can be found in department stores or specialty boutiques from designers. No matter the brand or style of mini skirt, one thing can be certain. You'll never be out of style with one.

About the author:

For more stories on topics such as this, be sure to visit Magsforless.com for the best selection on fashion magazines. Magsforless.com is the premier discount magazine subscription store online.

Joel Simkhai has published numerous articles on a wide range of topics related to magazine journalism. He is currently the owner of Magsforless.com - a company that provides cheap magazines, and focuses on customer satisfaction. Visit Magsforless.com at http://www.magsforless.com