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!

Before people come on saying that Zara isn't suitable for them, for whatever reason, my point was that one of the most fashionable high street stores still see midi length as relevant.

I couldn’t give a flying fig if it’s not in atm. I’m in my fourties I wear what I’m comfortable in.

It's more of a trouser & short season at the moment. The only dresses I have seen are the shirred milkmaid style ones. Seen very few skirts & short dresses.

Maxis often have very strappy top half's which I don't always like. Some dresses are midi on me as I'm tall.

kicking and screaming
NO!
I can't do this. 😭

As I've said I don't wear them as I do not suit them but I don't think they've gone out of fashion. Plain is in though not floral.

I just looked it up and everything I found described midi as ankle or above. I think unless you’re going for a retro 1950s look most people would be aiming for longer than mid-calf.

I get mine from charity shops and the milk maid ones haven’t hit there yet. The ones I’ve got are beautifully cut without all the tiering. They are makes like Hobbs, M&S, nobodies child (although I know their newer stuff is the epitome of milk maid!).
hopefully (for my wardrobe!) the more classic cuts will out last the frilly ones.

i do love a tailored pencil skirt, they do need killer heels if your short like me, I know heels aren’t fashionable anymore.

We should have just stopped this nonsense with the toga. It's flattering, suits everyone, why the need to change?

Yes, I agree.

Yes they are always available to buy

100% this

It’s not being sanctimonious at all, just shocked there are women who eg love how they feel and look in skinny jeans but don’t wear them as not “in”, and wear wide legs when they hate them. Just seems a shame when life is too short not to feel good and comfortable.

@MissedItByThisMuch - here we go

Oh Jesus - yes THIS!!!

You can go back to the 15th and 16th Century and track fashions changing every ten years or so - so its absolutely not just some corporate money grab, it clearly speaks to something more innate in the human desire for embellishment and display.

Have read through this entire thread looking for some ideas and links...
I agree, my more floofy dresses are feeling dated, as are my beloved long pleated skirts...any suggestions for updates minus the debate would be great!

I think a lot of PPs are missing that OP doesn't feel right in her midis anymore, so saying 'Where what you like!' actually means she shouldn't be wearing her midis if she doesn't feel good in them now.

The shops are full of midis, but the shape has changed. I'm noticing more tea dress styles and the flounces are thankfully dying out. Anything goes though and has for years. Remember Top Shop back in the day? It had every style going, the and high street has been similar ever since.

That said, skinny jeans and heels are over. Which delights me.

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/5915/rua-jersey-midi-shirt-dress/BLK_PR

I saw someone in this, they looked amazing, but tbf they probably would have looked amazing in anything.

Skinny jeans with knee high boots are back in fashion.

I enjoy looking a bit modern (shoot me for my shallowness). Recently cashed in my puffier floral midi dresses on Vinted while they still have some value and used the balance to buy a few more tailored, block colour, a gingham, leopard ones, still quite long. Had lots of compliments this week - for me I think less floral feel more up to date. * Though of course wear floral if that’s what you like!

That's so funny... I will forever be one step behind the curve 😂

I'm seeing a lot more skirts this year which I like - particularly the ones with the shirred elastic panel round the waist that can be worn lower or higher depending on preference. Today I'm in a white linen blend midi skirt (with shirred waist) from M&S, chocolate brown crew-neck Uniqlo tee, and brown and yellow Adidas SL72, and am enjoying this outfit!

Your outfit sounds lovely. I love the different coloured Adidas trainers too.

@ElBandito
'The tailored look will never come back in because it requires more time, effort and thought from manufacturers.

A large flouncy dress with an elasticated 'waist' immediately under the bust will fit more people more easily than a dress...'

The move to online shopping also has a lot to answer for. Online returns are hugely expensive for retailers because the processing is much more convoluted and many of returned garments never make it back onto a real or virtual shelf (so it is also really wasteful and an environmental nightmare). So there is pressure on manufacturers to produce garments that will minimise the return rate. 1% lycra in nearly everything to make the fit more forgiving, elasticated waists ditto.

That said, the one trend I've noticed locally this summer is that there are fewer of the flippy flappy shorts around. I'm seeing a lot of women wearing what I guess you'd call semi-tailored shorts - still a loose fit but with a bit more structure and a fitted waist. Great for pear shapes as it emphasises the waist-hip flare.