The season has come again where the weather is warm (mostly, no thanks to La Niña), and the parties are to be frequented (TBC, thanks to Omicron). Generally, party dressing from a personal perspective isn't something I heavily dwell on, but alas, when one has been cooped up in lockdown for as long as we have here in Sydney, tiny sexy dresses couldn't sound more appealing. Mini dresses are predicted to be on high rotation for the holiday season, and we are finally ready to embrace it. From perfect LBD's c/o the patron saints of LBD's: Nensi Dojaka and Saint Laurent, to options with more flare than we'd usually err on the side of, the mini dress is welcomed in all.
This season we're seeing the return of the feather, as seen in collections from The Attico and Chanel; heavy emphasis on crotchet á la Christopher Esber and Isa Boulder; and tailored silhouettes from Jacquemus and Vaquera. Themes of lingerie can be detected in many forms, with ample embellishments, chains and cut outs for extra oomph. Volume is provided by way of Khaite and Bottega Veneta, while Nensi Dojaka always takes the cake for sinewy straps and form-fitting bodices. For hemlines shorter than short, look no further than Saint Laurent, and for those preferring a little extra length, Dion Lee has you covered. With an impending rotation very real, we are looking beyond trends and instead to retailers who offer a wide array of mini dresses, instead.
Below, our edit of where to buy mini dresses for every kind of wearer.
Saint Laurent
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French luxury house Saint Laurent has always been the first point of call for us at RUSSH looking for the perfect mini dress. Always chic, always sensual. The perfect LBD is almost always offered where Anthony Vacarello is concerned.
Jacquemus
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If Mr. Simon Jacquemus is known for anything, it's a good mini dress. From the famed La Robe Bahia to the ever coveted La Robe Saudade, summer always looks better in a Jacquemus mini.
SSENSE
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As one of the most expansive online luxury retailers, SSENSE can be trusted to offer a good mini dress option. With a repertoire of luxury brands and emerging designers, you're bound to find the dress you've been lusting after, or discovering something new altogether.
Net-A-Porter
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Another online retailer not to be overlooked is the classic Net-A-Porter. With a keen eye on brands to watch and a roster of established designers, Net-A-Portter has it all. If you're the kind who would rather search off silhouette than brand, Net-A-Porter is the destination for you.
The Attico
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For those who want a bit of disco in their lives, look no further than The Attico. Bold colours, fun fabrications, and slinky silhouettes will always offer the perfect statement option.
Aya Muse
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Those on the hunt for something more casual and slinky, Aya Muse has you covered. Clingy silhouettes and comfortable fabrications make Aya Muse the new it brand to have on your radar.
Realisation Par
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For the summer sundress person, Realisation Par is the first choice. Flattering cuts out of bias cut crepe silk, there are few dresses that unanimously make so many people feel their best. Our favourite? The classic Christy for a timeless investment.
Rouje
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A summer mini dress option for the slightly more conservative, Rouje is the french. girl brand of our dreams c/o Jeanne Damas, OG French Style icon of the modern era. Floaty dresses with a vintage feel and comfortable fit is the offering. What more could one want?
Dion Lee
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For the utilitarian-adjacent, Dion Lee is your man. Futuristic mini dresses with slinky cutouts paired with tonal hues are the offering, for those who want to be the most understated centre of attention in the room.
AREA
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Those wanting to make a statement, look no further than AREA. For bedazzled looks that will have every single head turned, if you're gearing up for a big life event and want to rebrand into a modern, material Barbie. Eat your heart out.
Below, are some of our favourite mini dress selects for the season.
Nensi Dojaka Double Bra Dress
Saint Laurent Short Dress in Cupro Velvet
Jacquemus Khaki La Montagne La Robe Esca Dress
Isa Boulder Brown Crochet Scan Dress
Christopher Esber Lily Rib Crotchet
The Attico Fujiko Feather and Crystal-Embellished Printed Jersey Mini Dress
Dion Lee Lustrate Chain Mini Dress
Khaite Katia Dress
Coperni Lace Dress
Aya Muse Garnet Cut Out Ribbed Knit Mini
Bottega Veneta Dress
Wynn Hamlyn Macrame Mini Dress
Saint Laurent Crystal Button Velvet Bustier Dress
Vaquera Raw-Edge Sleeveless Wool Blazer Dress
16Arlington Michelle feather-trim crepe mini dress
Paris Georgia Audrey Mini
Aje Cantina Mini Dress
If short dresses aren't your style, check out our round up of day-to-evening wear for the warmer weather. Or, if you're looking to accessorise, you can explore our edit of evening bags. Should you need a strappy sandal to match, look no further than our round up of party shoes for the festive season.
