The 25 Best and Trendiest Mini Dresses You Need In Your Closet This Season
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In season two, episode 15 of Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw does something incredibly uncharacteristic by donning a simple grey mini-dress. Cue the polar vortex of confusion as fashion’s most prolific character is seen wearing something so mundane. However, the genius behind the look is, in fact, its simplicity. Great fashion moments can be vibrant and colorful; that is true. But the best moments in fashion history are often the simplest (Princess Diana’s revenge dress ring a bell?).
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When looking for the best mini dress, whether grabbing drinks after work and bracing the freezing eastern wind or heading to a business event in the western heat, shop for simple yet refined designs. Traditional A-frame silhouettes and bodycons will never go out of style and make the perfect quick slip-on when you’re unsure what to wear.
Below, we’ve outlined just a few of the best yet simple mini-dresses across the internet that still embrace color and texture, reviewing shopper advice to find the right picks that will take you from casual to cocktail and any event in your future.
Best Cocktail Mini Dresses
When looking for a cocktail dress, keep these keywords in mind: fun, flirty, chic. This can manifest in many ways, whether it be a fun color or detailing, or materials like vegan leather and sequin that can be a bit flirty. Above all, however, the best cocktail dresses are always chic. It’s a delicate balance that will keep you looking just flashy enough to be noticed, but elevated and sartorial.
Free People Ottoman Slouchy Tunic Sweater Dress
$168
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “This tunic is every woman’s dream! Comfortable and flawless. You can dress it up with some leggings and shoes/boots or with jeans. I own it in 5 different colours and will probably add more. 100% staple must have.” —Revolve Shopper
BP Sequin Camisole Dress
$59
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “This dress fits like a glove, and is very comfortable. The adjustable straps is also a welcome feature.” —Dagace
Steve Madden Prairie Dreams Dress
$53.26 $89 40% off
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “This dress is a great. It fits really well and something you can dress up or down depending on shoes and jewelry.” —Becky Trombetta
Hutch Long-Sleeve Sequin Mesh Mini Dress
$148
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “First sequin dress in my life that is so elegant, classy and fits to perfection! I bought the chocolate color – gorgeous color. Got 100 compliments so then I bought the white one too but it’s more ivory and stunning as well. Thank you to this designer!” —Sunshine
The Drop Vegan Leather Square-Neck Mini Dress
$59.90
Currently available in women’s XXS-5X
Shopper’s Review: “I loved the fit & comfort of this dress. Paired easily with a mock turtleneck, tights & boots & kept me warm throughout a south Texas cool weather day. I felt so put together & was nicely complimented.” —Alma
Best Casual Mini Dresses
The best casual mini dress is about comfort. Oversized styles that shift and allow for movement, and soft sweater materials that stretch to your shape are the perect go-tos when looking for a mini dress that will feel effortless yet still elevated.
Minibee Oversize Midi Dresses
$39.99
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “I really, REALLY like this dress! I was also complimented on it by the ladies in the office. This dress is light and not overly sheer. I bought a 2X size, but ordering two more dresses and will size all the way down to a medium. When they say “oversized,” it is oversized. —Ingrid
The Drop Ruffle-Neck Tiered Mini Dress
$33.88 $49.90 32% off
Currently available in women’s XXS-5X
Shopper’s Review: “Bought the black print in XS. I am 5’2″ 105 lbs, and the fit is absolutely perfect. It’s lightweight and loose but not too loose. I love the material, love the print, and love the pockets which do not stick out. It is cool and comfortable for summer but can definitely see this with a jean jacket and short boots for fall.” —Amazon Customer
Deep Self Casual Long Sleeve Bodycon Sweater Dresses
$39.99 $49.99 20% off
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “This dress is fantastic! Very heavyweight and great quality. It’s true to size and looks adorable with boots. I highly recommend it.” —Michelle Dias
The Drop Long-Sleeve Hooded Mini Sweatshirt Dress
$39.90
Currently available in women’s XXS-5X
Shopper’s Review: “Very oversized. Super comfy. Receive tons of compliments every time I wear it. Perfect with some cute little tennis shoes like Tretorns. Is very oversized. I may size down one or 2 if i buy again.” —Jodi M.
Madewell Denim Popover Mini Shirtdress
$128
Currently available in women’s XXS-XXL
Shopper’s Review: “This dress fits so great! You can wear it everywhere.” —Alme
Best Semi-Formal Mini Dresses
While semi-formal dressing can blend into more formal wear, the best semi-formal mini dresses blend colors or bold prints with ubiquitous silhouettes. Look for bright red colors as we transition away from the Barbie pink and toward hot tones that feel more mature, or mix in an animal print as we trend towards the revival of the mob wife.
DKNY Long Sleeve Tie Neck Dress
$79.99 $139 42% off
Currently available in women’s 2-16
Shopper’s Review: “I love, love, love this dress. It has a wonderful fit. Not too loose and not too tight. Great contour for my body type, as I am busty but not as curvy in the hips.” —Karen King
Wild Fable Bodycon Mini Sweater Dress
$23.80 $28 15% off
Currently available in women’s 1X-4X
Shopper’s Review: “Love this as a go-to, simple dress for looking nice while being comfortable and good for a variety of occasions based on the shoes I pair it with!” —Dana Lynn
Amazon Essentials Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress
$21.90 $39.90 45% off
Currently available in women’s XS-6X
Shopper’s Review: “I was very pleased with the heavy weight of this dress (heavy being the weighty quality of the material). It is silky but not slippery; the cut & shape are beautiful. Got what I wanted!” —Stefanie
Eloquii Novelty Stitch Cardigan Sweater Dress
$46.99 $99.95 53% off
Currently available in women’s 14-24
Shopper’s Review: “It’s warm and cozy and so sexy chic! My spouse went crazy for this look. Said I was classy and hot as heck in it. I love that it’s roomy so I could layer a long sleeve under it later in the colder months. Also the way it drapes over my curves highlighting them without being clingy. Worth every penny.” —Chris
Anthropologie Long-Sleeve Cutout Mini Shirt Dress
$198
Currently available in women’s XS-3X
Shopper’s Review: “This color is a show stopper. Vibrant and bold. The cut-out design lends a western vibe and the sleeves have a little exaggerated puff which I adore!” —Corinacarlsbad
Knox Rose Long Sleeve Satin Dress
$29.75 $35 15% off
Currently available in women’s XS-4X
Shopper’s Review: “Love this dress! It’s casual but can dress it up and SO cute on! I wore it with boots but I’m sure it would look great with dress shoes as well.” —Shannon
Best Formal Mini Dresses
Formal mini dresses can be a hard sell. A mini-dress isn’t always appropriate for formal wear in most settings. However, when appropriate, look for dresses that showcase modesty. A simple black sheath dress or cardigan dress, when paired with a white button-up, feels sophisticated and dignified. When the time calls for it, don’t be afraid to showcase color too, which will set you apart from the rest of the crowd.
Maeve Tweed Blazer Mini Dress
$168
Currently available in women’s 0-24W
Shopper’s Review: “The buttons are exquisite and the frayed detail at the collar and shoulder would make Coco herself do a double-take. I plan on wearing this to work with tights, boots, and a long sleeve body suit. It would look very cute styled open, like a jacket, over cropped jeans and a top. I’m usually an 8 in dresses, and the 8 fit me perfectly.” —Sara
Calvin Klein Sleeveless Scuba Sheath Dress
$60.57 $99.98 39% off
Currently available in women’s 2-14
Shopper’s Review: “Simple but finely tailored design on this Calvin Klein “Little Black Dress.” A brass zipper adds a little pizzazz in the back. Perfectly simple on it’s own, it’s easily dressed up with a blazer, jewelry or scarf. At the knee length works on every shape and any height heel. A must have wardrobe staple!” —Ann
Karl Lagerfeld Paris Tweed Shift Dress
$96.70
Currently available in women’s 0-16
Shopper’s Review: “Closest one will get to a tweed Chanel dress at under $100! Fully lined, tweed fabric is delicate, but not itchy. I’m a size 14 (5’8″) but read reviews to size up, I’d say that’s accurate. Size 16 is a little more A-line cut at the waist, which is what this dress type is suited for anyway.” —Etaru
Reformation Ottessa Mini Dress
$248
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “This is a true wrap dress so it looks like a keyhole but is really just open. The sleeves are slightly loose as it feels very well made and is so classy on. It’s a tiny bit small but I wouldn’t size up. I got my usual XS but I’m closer to a 0 with a small bust, so would size up if you’re on the higher end of the range (e.g. if you’re a size 6 would get a medium, not small). Was short enough to be sexy but not daring!” —Aristeia
Adelyn Rae Satin Double Breasted Tuxedo Mini Dress
$148
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “I know I owned the room in this dress. It gave such a presentation of a powerful elegance. Loved the feeling!” —Kathryn
Best Black Tie Mini Dresses
Like formalwear, mini dresses for black tie events are difficult to pull off. Don’t be fooled into thinking that any black dress will do, either. The best black tie mini dresses are about the details: a strong shoulder and heavyweight material, a simple silk dress when paired with a white button-up, or even a strapless mini with a bowtie. Styling here is key as you look to develop chic and sartorial looks fit for a black tie evening.
x Revolve Mr. Gibson Mini Dress
$188
Currently available in women’s XXS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “So cute. Didn’t find the shoulders too big. Love this dress! I’m a true XS and the XS is definitely snug but it fits perfectly.” —Revolve Shopper
Silk Laundry Straight Neck Dress
$225
Currently available in women’s XS-L
Editor’s Review: While I haven’t owned this dress, I have bought several other Silk Laundry pieces, and I could not recommend the brand enough. Their silhouettes are effortless and have long-term closet appeal. The silk is also incredibly lightweight. I would give this product a try if you’re in the market for high-quality silk pieces. —Kyle Lamar Rice
Helsa Heavy Satin Strapless Mini Dress
$278
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “Just beautiful! Runs a little tight in the bust area so would order up a size. It’s short but perfect for someone petite.” —Joanne
Quince Chiffon Pleated Long Sleeve Mini Dress
$69.90 $148 53% off
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
Shopper’s Review: “This dress is awesome. I wear it very frequently because of how versatile it is. You can dress it up with a pair of heels or down with some boots. Overall, the quality is very good for the price. I’m thinking about buying on other color.” —Angelina P.
How We Decided the Best Mini Dresses Online
Style is incredibly subjective. That is why we take care in choosing the clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry that we present to our readers. While we review trends to showcase fashion-forward selections, we also rely on promising customer feedback or first-hand experience with the products and brands. The result is a carefully considered shopping list with you in mind.
Pride yourself on shopping only the best selections when it comes to fashion? Us too. We are tastemakers dedicated to bringing you the finest in clothing, shoes, and accessories. Shop like a Rolling Stone editor and check out more of our recommendations.
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