A white mini skirt belongs to the Space Age, and the Museum at FIT dates Parisian Space Age miniskirts to 1964 to 1969 and describes the styles as almost exclusively white or pale. The V&A says André Courrèges gained international publicity for a couture collection with short skirts in April 1964. Here is how to choose a white mini skirt that looks crisp and not costume.
White Mini Skirt: Courrèges, Space Age and the 1964 Hem
The Space Age in a hemline
The Museum at FIT dates Parisian Space Age miniskirts to 1964 to 1969 and describes the geometric styles as almost exclusively white or pale, with metallic and plastic trimmings, associated with Andre Courreges, Paco Rabanne and Pierre Cardin. The V&A says Courreges gained international publicity for a couture collection with short skirts in April 1964, and that the word miniskirt appeared in newspaper reports in 1965. A white mini skirt is the original modernist idea of a hem.
Fabric and opacity
White minis need a lining. Cotton poplin, heavy twill, tweed and denim all hold the color. A skort has built-in shorts that give peace of mind. Hold the fabric to the light and check the hem. A stiff A-line shape looks retro, and a pleated one looks like tennis.
The right length
A mini should end at the upper thigh and still allow you to sit and bend. Try the skirt at a mirror from behind. Picture her in a white mini, a navy cardigan and white leather sneakers, on a campus lawn in May. High-waisted cuts look neat and are easier to wear.
Wearing it
A white mini skirt looks sharp with a black top, a striped tee or a fitted knit. In winter, wear it with tights and boots. A leather jacket adds an edge. Keep shoes simple. Wash it cold and treat stains immediately.
What I would skip
I would skip a white mini skirt that is too thin and one that rides up with every step. White needs good fabric and a good fit to look clean.
