Back in Time Today
Long before the mini skirt became a mainstream staple, these bold fashion icons were rocking hemlines higher than anyone dared. Whether on stage, the silver screen, or the red carpet, these celebs turned heads and redefined rebellion, femininity, and trendsetting. Here are 20 stars who made the mini skirt iconic—before it ever hit the mall.
1. Mary Quant
Mary Quant, a true visionary, wasn’t merely content with designing the mini skirt; she lived in it. As a designer, she pushed boundaries and turned hemlines into a daring art form. In her bustling London boutique, Quant revolutionized women’s fashion with playful, youthful designs.
Quant’s mini skirts were more than just clothing—they were a symbol of empowerment, encouraging women to embrace their individuality. She wore her own creations with pride, making her a living testament to her work’s transformative power. Her designs invited women to express freedom and fun through fashion.
2. Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot, the quintessential French bombshell, embraced the mini skirt like no other. Her effortless style and sultry charm made her a natural trendsetter. In the early ’60s, Bardot was often seen in thigh-high skirts paired with chic boots, showcasing her ability to blend sophistication with playfulness.
Bardot’s fashion choices echoed her free spirit and provocative nature, pushing the boundaries of the time. Her iconic looks on the French Riviera captured hearts worldwide, making the mini skirt synonymous with glamour and allure. Bardot’s influence on fashion is as enduring as it is iconic.
3. Twiggy
Twiggy, with her iconic pixie cut and striking doe eyes, embodied the swinging ’60s fashion revolution. At just 16, she transformed from a schoolgirl into an international supermodel, making every mini skirt she wore a statement of youthful rebellion. Her slender frame and bold style choices made her the poster child of the mod revolution.
Beyond the catwalk, Twiggy’s casual yet chic approach to wearing mini skirts influenced countless young women around the world. Her ability to mix high fashion with everyday looks showed that style didn’t need to be complex to be captivating.
4. Jean Shrimpton
In a world of fashion rules, Jean Shrimpton was a rule-breaker. Arriving at the 1965 Melbourne Cup Carnival in a white mini dress, Shrimpton caused a sensation simply by not wearing gloves or stockings—an audacious move at the time. Her outfit became one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the decade.
Shrimpton’s style was a blend of elegance and rebellion, capturing the spirit of the ’60s with every outfit. Her daring choice at the Melbourne Cup exemplified the bold, new attitudes toward self-expression and femininity that the mini skirt represented.
5. Edie Sedgwick
Edie Sedgwick, Andy Warhol’s enigmatic muse, turned the streets of New York City into her own runway. With her daring mix of tights, mini skirts, and fur coats, Sedgwick was the epitome of downtown cool. She exuded an undeniable charisma and style that drew attention wherever she went.
Her unique fashion sense wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a form of personal expression and rebellion. Sedgwick’s style continues to inspire generations, proving that fashion is as much about attitude as it is about clothing. Her legacy lives on in the bold mixtures she crafted.
6. Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn brought a burst of color and joy to the late 1960s fashion scene. As a star on Laugh-In, she captivated audiences with her brightly hued mini skirts and whimsical body paint. Her playful style was infectious, becoming a symbol of the psychedelic era’s vibrant spirit.
Hawn’s fashion choices reflected her effervescent personality, blending humor with chicness. Her daring ensembles on television showcased her willingness to embrace fashion as a form of entertainment and expression. Goldie Hawn’s legacy in mini skirts remains a testament to her lively and adventurous spirit.
7. Jane Birkin
Jane Birkin, with her quintessentially Parisian air, made carefree elegance her signature. Her love for mini skirts and basket bags became her hallmark, making her an eternal style muse. Birkin’s uncontrived approach to fashion was a breath of fresh air in a world of polished perfection.
Her ability to artfully mix simplicity with sophistication defined her unique style. Whether photographed on the streets of Paris or at glamorous events, Birkin’s effortless charm shone through. Her iconic look remains a timeless inspiration, epitomizing the laid-back elegance that continues to captivate fashion lovers.
8. Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sinatra’s mod style, epitomized by her mini skirt and go-go boots ensemble, became iconic in the 1960s. Her hit song “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” wasn’t just a musical statement; it was a fashion one as well. The bold, playful style she embraced resonated with young women across the globe.
Sinatra’s outfits reflected her confident and adventurous spirit, embodying the independent women of the era. Her style choices on stage were as captivating as her performances, making her a lasting icon in both fashion and music. Sinatra’s influence endures through her timeless style.
9. Diana Rigg
Diana Rigg, in her role as Emma Peel on The Avengers, combined espionage with high fashion. Her leather mini skirts and futuristic prints were as much a part of her character as her spy skills, creating an unforgettable image of strength and style.
Rigg’s portrayal of Peel was groundbreaking, challenging traditional gender roles with her intelligence and fashion-forward ensembles. Her mini skirts were not just costumes but symbols of the modern, empowered woman. Diana Rigg’s legacy in fashion and television continues to inspire, marking her as a true style icon of the ’60s.
10. Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono, an avant-garde artist, brought her unconventional style to the forefront of the 1960s fashion scene. Known for her minimalist white-on-white outfits and oversized glasses, Ono’s wardrobe included mini skirts that defied traditional norms. Her fashion choices were as bold and unique as her artistic endeavors.
Ono’s style was an extension of her creative spirit, challenging conventions and encouraging self-expression. Her ability to seamlessly blend art and fashion made her a distinctive figure in both worlds. Yoko Ono’s daring approach to style remains an inspiration for those seeking to break the mold.
11. Cilla Black
Cilla Black, a vibrant presence in the British entertainment scene, embraced the mod fashion with enthusiasm. Her bold mini dresses became her on-stage signature, reflecting the lively spirit of the Swinging Sixties. Black’s fashion was as dynamic as her voice, capturing the era’s essence.
As a TV star and singer, her influence extended beyond music, making her a fashion icon for many. Cilla’s daring style choices were a celebration of youth and vitality, mirroring the cultural revolution happening around her. Her legacy lives on through the audacious fashion she so confidently wore.
12. Marianne Faithfull
Marianne Faithfull, known for her ethereal beauty and bohemian spirit, made the mini skirt her power piece. More than just Mick Jagger’s girlfriend, she was a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion. Her style combined a carefree bohemian flair with the bold edge of the ’60s rock scene.
Faithfull’s mini skirts were more than fashion—they were expressions of her artistic and personal freedom. Her unique blend of bohemian and rock elements continues to inspire those who dare to blend different styles fearlessly. Marianne Faithfull remains a beacon of artistic expression and fashion innovation.
13. Sharon Tate
Sharon Tate became a ’60s fashion icon with her glamorous yet youthful style. Often seen in baby doll mini dresses, Tate embodied a blend of innocence and allure that captivated Hollywood. Her style was sweet yet sophisticated, allowing her to stand out in the film industry.
Tate’s fashion choices reflected the changing perceptions of femininity, embracing both softness and strength. Her untimely death only cemented her status as a timeless icon, leaving behind a legacy of style that continues to inspire. Sharon Tate’s impact on fashion remains as poignant as her cinematic contributions.
14. Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch, a Hollywood glamazon, brought allure to the mini skirt trend with her striking presence. Known for her iconic role in One Million Years B.C., Welch’s off-screen style included metallic mini dresses that shimmered with sophistication and confidence.
Her fashion choices were a testament to Hollywood glamour, blending sexiness with elegance. Welch’s bold embrace of the mini skirt showed her fearlessness in fashion, encouraging women to express their femininity with confidence. Raquel Welch remains an enduring icon, her style choices still influencing the red carpet looks of today.
15. Julie Christie
Julie Christie, with her sophisticated flair, elevated the mini skirt to high fashion status. Her role in Darling showcased her ability to blend elegance with edginess, making her a darling of fashion weeks worldwide. Christie’s style was both chic and relatable, appealing to a wide audience.
Her graceful approach to fashion was reflected in her choice of mini skirts, balancing boldness with subtlety. Christie’s influence continues to be felt in the fashion world, as her style remains timelessly relevant. Julie Christie’s contribution to fashion is as celebrated as her acting career.
16. Cathy McGowan
Cathy McGowan, as the host of Ready Steady Go!, became the face of mini skirt culture on television. Her youthful energy and stylish wardrobe introduced British teens to the burgeoning fashion trend. McGowan’s influence extended beyond music, making her a style icon.
Her on-screen ensembles were a perfect blend of contemporary fashion and accessibility, resonating with the young audience. Cathy McGowan’s legacy in popularizing the mini skirt remains significant, as she helped shape the fashion preferences of a generation. Her role in fashion and television is as impactful as it is enduring.
17. Anna Karina
Anna Karina, a muse of the French New Wave, turned the mini skirt into an art form. Her unique style mixed cinematic flair with poetic coolness, making her a standout figure in the fashion world. Karina’s playful yet sophisticated looks were a testament to her creative spirit.
Her choice of mini skirts was a reflection of her avant-garde approach to fashion, blending classic French chic with modern innovation. Karina’s iconic style continues to influence contemporary fashion, embodying an effortless elegance that remains timeless. Anna Karina was more than an actress; she was a fashion visionary.
18. Jane Fonda
Before Jane Fonda became synonymous with workout videos, she stunned audiences in the late ’60s with her mod mini skirts. Her role in Barbarella showcased her fearless embrace of futuristic, edgy fashion that pushed boundaries.
Fonda’s style was as dynamic as her acting, combining boldness with allure. Her mini skirt ensembles became iconic, capturing the imagination of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Jane Fonda’s influence on fashion is as profound as her impact on film, making her a lasting icon of style and strength. Her daring fashion choices continue to inspire today.
19. Francoise Hardy
Francoise Hardy, a French pop star, mastered the art of effortless chic with A-line mini skirts and knee-high boots. Her cool demeanor and striking style made her a fashion icon, inspiring countless fans and designers alike.
Hardy’s fashion sense was a seamless blend of simplicity and sophistication, making her a muse for many. Her ability to transform simple pieces into statements reflected her innate fashion intuition. Francoise Hardy’s influence remains strong, as her style continues to be celebrated for its timeless elegance and impact on fashion culture.
20. Patti Boyd
Patti Boyd, the ultimate “rock wife” and muse for legends like George Harrison and Eric Clapton, defined the 1960s fashion scene with her eclectic style. Her love for printed mini dresses and bangles captured the era’s free-spirited vibe.
Boyd’s fashion choices were an extension of her vibrant personality, mixing rock ‘n’ roll edge with bohemian flair. Her influence on fashion was profound, as she inspired both the music and style of her time. Patti Boyd’s legacy as a style icon and muse remains as enduring as the songs she inspired.