Fashion Forward: Mini-dresses

WSVN -- From Michael Kors to Donna Karen, all the top designers are raising hemlines on the fashion runways this season.

At Bloomingdales at Aventura Mall, they're following suit by going short.

Allison Mandel: "The mini-dress is back. The hemlines are creeping up, and this is one of the hottest trends from spring into summer. This is going to be your wardrobe staple for the summer."

Talk about hot, the look comes in every type of style and cut.

Allison Mandel: "There's the baby doll dress, swing, trapeze look, the silhouette that's fitted better to your body, bright colors, graphic prints and abstract prints."

Like this retro-printed baby doll mini in a springy shade of yellow.

This bright orange, embroidered mini shows off a great tan -- or go romantic in a flowy, feminine mini with lace, ribbons or ruffles.

For a special occasion, go with this sequined silver mini. It's easy to change your look, simply by changing your shoes.

Allison Mandel: "We're seeing the ballet flat, the wedge, the lucite heel, the metallic heel, really anything goes because you can really dress up or dress down this trend."

Or, if you don't want to show too much leg, slip on a pair of leggings or skinny jeans.

At Blush Boutique on South Beach, "short" is the sign of the times.

Marilyn Abril: "I just say, 'You did it as a kid, now you can do it as a woman, just be sure of yourself with your mod look.'"

You'll feel cool in this mod-inspired mini in royal blue, yellow and black.

Try this sexy, plunging halter dress -- feel free to tone it down with a pair of flip-flops.

Or go floral with this flowy baby doll mini in a daisy print.

Marilyn Abril: "Nothing too structured, if it's stretchy, it's in a soft flowy fabric, it could be in a T-shirt fabric, it could be a little bit satiny."

From bold prints to bright colors, the mini-dress is anything but dull this season -- just keep it short.

Marilyn Abril: "The shorter the better, always the shorter the better."

You can even get away with a mini-dress at the office, just add a pair of tights and pumps.

Bloomingdale's
Aventura Mall
www.bloomingdales.com

Blush Boutique
1935 West Avenue, Unit 106
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-531=-3050