Rules for wearing a mini dress

December 2, 11:49 PMSeattle Style ExaminerDarcy Camden

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Gwyneth Paltrow's mini was a red carpet hit

Now that December is officially here, I think it's fair to start seriously planning my New Year's Eve outfit. Ever since I saw Gwyneth Paltrow sporting mini dresses on the red carpet in Cannes, I knew that I wanted to copy her classy-but-sassy look.

Gywneth Paltrow has been my personal style icon for years--my prom dress was a replica of her pink Ralph Lauren Oscar gown--and even though she's had a few hiccups (ahem, Alexander McQueen in 2002), I generally feel like Gwyneth's style choices are spot-on.

So I found the perfect dress last week (it's currently hanging in my closet, taunting all my boring "regular" clothes). I've tried it on several times, and my first reaction is always the same: "Wow, it's really short."

But is it too short? What would Gwyneth say?

There's definitely a fine line between looking fashionably edgy/chic and looking like you made a serious error in judgement (i.e. you forgot the bottom half of your outfit), but I believe GP would admit that flirting with disaster is the point of the mini.

Even so, I'd like to agree on a few ground rules before we officially give this trend legs.

Seattle Style Examiner's rules for wearing a mini dress:

1. Exfoliate and moisturize. Your legs must be well-toned and glistening, or why bother?

2. Go bare. Forget the tights and nylons, this look is all about a nude leg.

3. ...but not THAT bare. Obviously, the day that you decide to wear a mini is not the day to go commando. I recommend wearing seamless boyshorts with a mini.

4. Wear long sleeves and skip the cleavage. Ironically, maintaining some level of modesty is key to wearing this look well. A structured satin tuxedo jacket is the perfect companion a super short skirt.

5. Stand tall in platforms. This is not the time to wear your most sensible shoes. A substantial, stacked platform will balance the porportion of the outfit, and your legs will look longer and leaner in a sky-high heel.