Gwyneth Paltrow and the Case for Minis

Dec 11, 2007 @ 11:58am

In the past few months, there's been great debate about the mini.

Many style gurus have asserted it shouldn't be worn after 30.

Several - including Stacy London - have suggested it should actually fade from wardrobes after age 28.

And yet, this weekend Gwyneth Paltrow was photographed in a bitty plaid tartan, looking amazing at the age of 35.

Granted, a lot of women don't have Gwyneth's movie star figure, and yet, a lot of women in their mid '30s do have amazing, gym-addicted bodies.

Should they be restricted to pencil skirts and a-lines because of some style experts?

We don't believe so, but we're also not the experts on dressing one's age, since nobody who works at Fashionista is over 26.

But here's what we do know - we need this outfit that Gwyneth is wearing. And we need it now.

WhoWhatWear Daily - can you help us?

posted by guest

Dec 11, 2007 12:36PM

Kate looks good in one too.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/bqangy/katebskirt.jpg

posted by guest

Dec 11, 2007 12:42PM

Hmmm... do you mean "mini" as in "miniskirt"? Because Gwyneth's looks like a dress (see matching fabric at collar) — and I would say plenty of women in their 30s wear short dresses like this one, and still look extremely chic and age-appropriate, as she does.

posted by guest

Dec 11, 2007 12:48PM

While Gwyneth has great legs and can pull off a mini, it makes her look quite young. I think that at some point, most women should stop wearing short skirts, because it makes them look like they're trying to keep up with teenagers.

I never thought I'd hold that view, but at 28, I've started to feel uncomfortable in minis. More sophisticated skirts seem more appropriate now.

posted by fashionursta

Dec 11, 2007 1:28PM

I think she looks great in her outfit. I too wore minis and short shorts in my 30s. But it's weird, when I was in my 40s, all of a sudden it didn't feel right. It's really up to the wearer- if she feels good in it and the body is up to it, go for it!

posted by leia

Dec 11, 2007 1:35PM

If a woman over 30 has the legs and the confidence to pull off a mini, then more power to her! Although, I think it should usually be regulated to the way Gwyneth wore it: with tights!

posted by piccolina42

Dec 11, 2007 2:22PM

With tights, definitely.
It takes a discerning woman, though, who can look at herself with a really critical eye and no whether she has the body for it or not. That's rare.

posted by rasha

Dec 11, 2007 3:52PM

am i the only one that doesn't love this look on her?

i don't know why, but lately i've felt really blah wearing minis. i think it's because i was doing the shorts thing with tights and whatnot for a while or something..

anyway, they look really vulgar to me somehow, but i still like the idea (within reason)... and it's not the age thing--i'm only 22!

posted by guest

Dec 11, 2007 4:01PM

She looks fine, and since she's married a sort-of rock star, she can get away with it.

posted by guest

Dec 12, 2007 2:37AM

She looks super hot! Yes, the opaque tights are key.

--Electric Warrior