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On the rise
Jupe Boutique
Justin Merriman/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Jupe Boutique
Justin Merriman/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
From Donna Karan's collection, which is replete with tasteful above-the-knee incarnations of the little jersey knit dress, to Balenciaga's provocative, voluminous wool miniskirt suits, shorter is a destination of designers for fall 2006.
"Overall, we're seeing varying skirt lengths because it's about that whole play on different shapes and silhouettes this season," says Heather Hannan, public relations manager for Macy's.
"We have shorter skirts in our juniors than our missy department, but it's not exclusive to the junior department by any means."
Says Christine Berardi, owner of hip'tique in Shadyside: "I think fashion right now gives more flexibility with wearing shorter hemlines. You can wear a minidress or tunic with tights, you can wear it with leggings, you can wear it with jeans. You can do it with boots or ballet flats or make it dressy with heels."
Layering narrow-leg stretch knit jeans or winter-weight hosiery offers a way of individualizing a minidress for a flattering fit, giving chic coverage.
"I look for pieces that offer versatility, because even though some women may feel that they are older and the style isn't appropriate for them, they can make the style work by what is incorporated underneath," Berardi says.
According to Gina Kelly, fashion director at Seventeen magazine, juniors are wearing minidresses and tunics with "opaque hosiery and ballet flats, creating casual, cute outfits that are appropriate for school."
Distinguished from the basic denim miniskirt, a recurrent favorite in junior markets, this year's fresh treatment of the mini comes with inspiration from retro styles.
"You will see a bubble or something that has a little bit more volume; so, that is how it looks a little bit newer for fall 2006. It's a little Mod, it's a little '80s. Especially from some forward-trending stores, such as H&M, you'll see them in really cool colors or in stripes in both dresses and skirts," Kelly says.
For both teens and misses, black tights give an updated, sophisticated look to the little day or evening dress with empire waists and A-line skirts.
A lovely cotton canvas empire waist frock in pink, black or a paisley print with quarter-length kimono sleeves and a back bow tie is found at hip'tique. The voluminous piece can be worn over black turtleneck sweaters and black tights with boots for fall and winter.
Also discovered at hip'tique are equally beautiful mid-thigh length tops by Eva Franco and Monahmour. Eva Franco's whimsical empire waist halter with an A-line bubble hem with a vibrant orange leather lace accent or Monahmour's silk chiffon long baby doll top -- in nude or black -- is easily paired with leggings or jeans.
At Jupe Boutique on the South Side, navy blue straight-legged cotton twill walking shorts by To the Max are found, as are fluid A-line jersey knit dresses by Double Zero and Frenzii in styles with short or long sleeves.
"The short dresses we've carried have flown out of here. We've done very well with those," says Cara Moody, co-owner of Jupe Boutique.
"Everybody wants dresses," says Amanda Plesko, co-owner of Jupe.
Do's and don'ts
Trying shorter hemlines with class and panache is simple with some tips from the experts:
- Do mix menswear-inspired oversized pieces, such as a blazer or cardigan, with minidresses or miniskirts.
- Do pair voluminous skirts with something fitted on top.
- Don't wear high-heeled shoes with minidresses and miniskirts.
-- Gina Kelly, fashion director at Seventeen magazine
- Do match printed A-line above-the-knee skirts with fitted turtlenecks, leggings or tights and boots.
- Don't be afraid to transition favorite breezy dresses with higher hem lengths into fall and winter by incorporating layers underneath.
-- Christine Berardi, owner of hip'tique in Shadyside
- Don't forget to incorporate the correct elements -- opaque hosiery, riding-style boots or ballet flats -- when wearing short skirts and dresses.
-- Heather Hannan, public relations manager for Macy's
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