I hoped this day would never come…I think the midi dress is actually over

[Bringinguptherear]

I know it’s been known for quite a some time that the midi / midaxi dress has past it’s style peak. But until now I’ve still felt very comfortable with my wardrobe full of long dresses (so easy to wear!).

But yesterday, wearing a long shirt dress which felt totally chic a couple of years ago, it felt a bit dated, a bit bland, a bit boring. I felt everyone who looked cool was wearing something different and the (many) midi dresses being worn all looked a bit sad.

I am devastated. I’ve been a fully signed up member of Team Midi Dress and I’m not ready to give them up!

Well that escalated 😆

Yeah sorry for being grumpy but I don’t know where the idea came from that I haven’t got as much on my plate as any other woman.

I'm with you. I love a maxi dress or skirt

I think the OP was talking about herself rather than making a comment about you.

It was supposed to be a self-deprecating post, sorry if it came out wrong!

It is interesting how some of us feel in certain clothing changes over time, even if all else like weight and colouring is equal. Part of it probably is an esteem issue, allowing yourself to be externally influenced, but for me I almost want to be externally influenced, to have my eye adjusted and look like I belong in the world today. Things change and evolve and move on and I want to do the same - within reason, I don’t wear things I don’t fancy just because everyone else is.

Case in point I’ve never worn a midi dress (or a maxi) so no skin in the game but I think it’s almost too nice and flattering a look. A bit prim, too neat, knowingly eye catching. It’s in particular a way for older women (40 plus) to obscure bits of themselves they don’t necessarily like, and, in prints and bright colours, also be more visible at a time when it’s easy to start becoming invisible. That’s why it will remain a classic, stylish, ‘user friendly’ look. But I think they are almost the equivalent to the one wall of feature wallpaper, a little bit passé.

The one and done look has it’s great benefits but also means it’s hard to vary up. People will recognise a distinctive floral dress, and it’s not surprising one might get bored.

Recent years have seen the relentless march towards neutral minimalism which fancy midi dresses look quite jarring and overdone against. All these tracksuits relabelled coords in beige and mink. Retailers have also realised they can kill two birds with one stone by cutting costs on proper fitted trousers/bottoms, jeans even, so elasticated waistbands abound, and trousers become a popular alternative to dresses again.

I had a midi dress on today! I have two young children to run after and a mini dress would just be a constant flash show which nobody needs to see!!!!

Saying midi dresses are over is like saying jeans are over.
Maybe some styles will look dated but there will always be a current version because they are ubiquitous.
IME the only length that would be a struggle to style is knee length.

My apologies, I can see that when I read your post again. I was the one being arsey, sorry

On the basis of this thread and the fact I was bored, I was observing the variety of midi dresses worn by women in London today 😂

Definitely still seems to be a “thing”, but I now very much agree with OP that the styling is different. Not many florals and quite a few younger women were wearing skintight plain midi length. Also quite a few thigh splits and the sleeves (where there are sleeves) are more angel wing than puff, and a lot of longer short sleeves around.

Yes @BlueyNeedsToFuckOff, it‘s probably more accurate to say that cottagecore is over, rather than a specific dress length. Which makes sense, as many of us are back to working in offices at least a few days per week where it just doesn’t feel right to turn up looking like a milkmaid.

Love people watching in London. Such a wide variety of looks and fashions.

@Thingamebobwotsit I've got my eye on this midi dress from Reiss, it's more tailored with less excess fabric.

https://www.reiss.com/style/su588257/f18126#f18126

For me, it's not the length of dress that is the issue. There are loads of long dresses that I like. I've (personally) just had enough of florals- that's what doesn't appeal to me.
Also, I'm surprised that I just don't get on with wide leg jeans or trousers. I'm 5'9" so height is not a problem. I just hate the wideness at the bottom (much prefer just a relaxed cut) and even more than that, the high rise. I just can't stand high rise. It maximises/ accentuates and draws attention to my worst feature - the old mum tum.

I think individuals who have worn a lot of midis over the years may well be feeling sick of them and itching for a new look. It doesn't mean ALL long dresses are 'out of fashion' for everyone else.

I’m a similar height and agree on the wide leg trousers - too much material at the bottom. I’m sticking to my skinny jeans - they suit me and I like them!

It was in trending!! I thought it might be a super exciting AIBU about how someone discovered their fiancé was cheating because of a suspect Hobbs package where OP would NEVER wear anything that didn't show her cracking pins off, but the mistress is a midi-loving tart with a heart...

I clicked and was genuinely surprised that OP is going to consider changing what she likes and what works for her, because of "fashion," it just seems so unfair! I say this as someone who buys loads of clothes about every 10 years when shapes and colours I like are in, then nothing, I thought everyone just gamed the system to find things they actually wanted, like me!??a real eye opener but I'll leave you guys to it 👍

Knee length is frumpy, imo! Midi is much more flattering.

That’s too much of a generalisation. Every body shape is different. Knee lengths will suit some people, but not all.

Who is ‘they’?

No it isn't, if you have good legs it's loads better than midi. Who are you trying to convince? Midi, can be frumpy.

midi is definitely still "in" if you look at the websites selling clothing atm.

Currently in my Hell Bunny 'Riot' dress which is a midi length, but not milkmaid style.

What fresh hell is this? No skinny jeans and now no midi dresses 😂

I've read it all now! 🙄

People who wear midi dresses with denim jackets and white trainers. It was supposed to be light-hearted but I fear my attempts at humour on this thread aren't always landing!

Erm.... I don't read Style and Beauty. Why on earth are you saying this?
It's the very last thing I would read.