Issue date: 4/2/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Photo courtesy mctcampus.com A belted dress slims the waist and can make you appear taller [Click to enlarge]

This year's spring fashion advice: Go mini.

In the world of fashion, the mini dress has made a comeback this season, according to some of Sacramento's designers.

Alexandria Caldwell, local fashion designer of Lexz clothing, said the mini has crept back into fashion stores such as Forever 21, Wet Seal and H&M.

The mini style stemmed from the 1960s where Mary Quant, a fashion designer from London, produced a skirt that was five to seven inches above the knee, inspired by the 1964 designs by Andre Courrèges, Caldwell said.

There are many benefits of wearing a mini in spring, but the most appealing benefit is that it can make you look taller and thinner, Caldwell said.

"I'm not 5'7," Caldwell said. "If you're shorter, you can't wear a dress lower than the knee."

Glenda Macatangay, a local fashion designer of Hella University Clothing, which is a blend of different lifestyles ranging from preppy to skater, said she likes the new mini cut and enjoys wearing it herself because of her boy-shaped body.

"It's the look right now," Macatangay said. "Everyone has it."

Macatangay said the new style works for everyone because it has a shape of its own and people don't have to fill it out. The mini cut emphasizes the leg, making people look taller, she said.

When the guarding is placed high, and not on the waist, it gives shorter people a longer torso, she said.

"It makes the body one whole piece," Macatangay said. "You don't break up the body."

Caldwell said anything that draws your eyes up and down, like vertical lines, can make you look taller. Even sequins placed vertically on a dress can fool the eye so someone appears taller.

Other tricks Caldwell suggests are to belt the dress, giving more definition to your waist and creating a taller look.

Macatangay said the dress is also good for people who are more conservative and don't like to show too much on the upper body.

Tamika Glover, designer of Exquisitely Eclectic Designs, said it is a great spring dress simply because it's easy to wear and cool since it is usually a cotton, polyester and rayon blend, three apparel fibers know for great comfort.

She also said that crafty touches like delicate flowers or rosettes are everywhere this spring and you can have those touches on the mini.

"It's something fun and sassy," Glover said. "It's for them to wear to create their own styles."

The mini dress is easy for many, even those that don't want to wear the dress itself. It can be paired with tights according to the fashionistas. Glover said it can also be worn with jeans, boots or heels.

"It's all about the individual and how they see it," Glover said.

Gia Vang can be reached at features@statehornet.com

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