Mini Dresses

• The late 1960s saw a rise in hemlines that continued well into the 1970s. Mini dresses' hemlines were knee-length and well above. Empire waists, baby-doll styles and loose, flowing tops were paired with skirts that showed most of the leg. Fashion-conscious consumers didn't feel bound by any particular style, though, wearing the mini-style in any pattern, color or fit they felt like. Miniskirts were tight or flippy, and made out of many fabrics. When miniskirts appeared to be going out of style in the early 1970s, a group of male truckers campaigned to bring them back into fashion. Miniskirts were popular through the early 1970s and came back into style in the 1980s.
  
  

Midi Dresses

• Midi dresses, which were defined as any skirt that hit the wearer below the knee and above the ankle, attempted to be the next miniskirt of the 1970s. Designers and retailers promoted the skirt, but it was largely rejected by the purchasing public. The midi skirt actually prompted the creation of several groups that opposed the change in fashion and encouraged personal choice in fashion. The midi skirt started a protest against fashion as dictated by fashion designers.
  
  

Maxi Dresses

• Maxi dresses first showed up in the fashion world in 1967, when Osca de La Renta created a long cotton dress for Elizabeth Arden Salon. The maxi dresses of the 1970s were usually ankle-length and were the basis for numerous other styles of the 1970s, including caftan, boho, peasant and prairie-style skirts. By the late 1970s, maxi dresses were considered out-of-date and unfashionable. Dresses of all lengths were made out of loud, colorful prints and fabrics that didn't necessarily coordinate.
  
  

Disco Dresses

• Disco dresses were designed to look good under the flashing mirrors of a disco ball. Sequins and reflective material were popular, and dresses and skirts were often neglected in favor of catsuits, hot pants and stretch disco pants. Halter tops and bare skin were popular whether combined with miniskirts, midi skirts or maxi skirts. Lycra, spandex, synthetic polyester and velour were all popular fabrics for a night on the town. Disco dresses were usually worn exclusively at night.