The year was 2023. The streets were bold, the red carpets were bolder, and we collectively gave up on trousers. Dua Lipa? In pants-free briefs. Lizzo? Same vibe. Fast forward to 2025, and while full-on pantlessness has chilled out, the hemlines haven’t budged an inch. If anything, they’ve inched higher.
Welcome to this year’s aesthetic: The Reign of the Minidress™.
Forget the floaty maxis of yesteryear. We’re talking 2019’s viral Zara polka dot dress and the Ganni picnic special, House of Sunny’s swirly green Hockney moment from 2020, and that Réalisation Par Gia everyone wore in 2024. Now? It’s mini or nothing.
Taking the soft girl-meets-Boho lead, Doên’s Cecilia dress — think ruffled nightie with a whisper of 2000s nostalgia — is shaping up to be this season’s MVP. Alexa Chung wore hers with knee-highs, while Camille Charrière paired hers with ballet flats for brunch that says “I don’t even own jeans.”
Chloé’s new creative director Chemena Kamali is also steering the micro movement, sending airy thigh-skimming numbers down the runway that feel like a love letter to ‘70s Paris. And if you spotted Charli XCX in a vintage-inspired Saint Laurent mini at her wedding afterparty — yes, that was your sign.
Prefer a little body-hugging heat? Join the Jacquemus and Ferragamo girlies. Kylie Jenner’s posted at least three bodycon minis in the last two weeks (we checked), and Kendall Jenner’s Susamusa moment is already a Pinterest staple. Zendaya wore Ciao Lucia, Hailey Bieber revisited vintage Dolce & Gabbana, and Rihanna reminded us all what Maison Margiela looked like when distressed meant sexy.
And we couldn’t possibly forget London’s very own Supriya Lele, whose recent Mango collab includes a black crocheted fringed mini that musician John Glacier dubbed “the perfect summer LBD.” Their review? “Breathable and hot. Easy to style. It’s got form, flow and practicality. Key.”
If nothing else, this summer is shaping up to be an above-the-knee affair. Trousers, we love you, but you might need to sit this one out.
