#TBT Miniskirts Forever!

Fashion is timeless, a trend from the 1950’s could be the hottest thing in the high school hallways in the 2000’s. The miniskirt is one of the most popular trend that emerged during a certain decade but has been seen in almost every generation since. Miniskirts are especially making a huge “comeback” back, although they never really left, have they?

The year is 1964 and miniskirts hit the runway for the first time. Miniskirts were extremely popular among the girls who didn’t want to look like they just walked out of their mother's closet. Miniskirts are symbolic of such an important time in history for women. At this time women began attending universities and joining the workforce. Young girls were doing things that they traditionally weren’t allowed to do, and the miniskirt served as a tool for women to challenge social norms and to be carefree, confident (and cute) while doing so.

Mary Quant is known as the ‘Mother of the Miniskirt.’ Inspired by the British street fashion, she decided to make clothes that matched this new generation of the 1960’s and thus, the miniskirt was born. She named the skirt after her favorite car, the Mini. This creation was revolutionary and empowered women, feminism was just gaining speed at this time and miniskirts paved the way for feminists everywhere.

Of course elder generations were displeased with this much skin showing, which brings me to the problems in today’s society. It is not up to another person how much or how little clothing you wear. It’s simple- if you like it, wear it! Miniskirts, midiskirts, maxiskirts, who cares?! As long as you’re comfortable and confident you should wear whatever your heart desires! Your clothing is not an excuse for others actions. It is not a woman’s fault if a man failed kindergarten and doesn’t know the meaning of the word “no.” Express yourself anyway you want, a woman’s body should not be something legislated over. We should not have to conform to the sexist dress codes that are now in place in many public schools. Why don’t we start teaching boys that women are not toys and their bodies should not be sexualized. If a 13 year old girl is “showing too much leg” and other male students “cannot concentrate,” she is not the problem, you are the problem for sexualizing the body of an innocent 13 year old. Teach your daughters to dress for themselves, not for men.