Emily M’s 1960s Reversible Mini Skirt

Digging up some extraordinary history on a 1960s/70s mini...

Hi everyone! I’ve been under the weather lately, but I’m finally on the mend—thank goodness! Today, I’m excited to bring you a slightly abridged “Vintage Vault” deep dive into a piece I’ve cherished for years: my reversible quilted mini skirt.

What could be more delightful than a 1960s quilted mini skirt? How about a 1960s quilted reversible mini skirt! One side features a classic gingham plaid, and the other is covered in adorable mini polka dots. This versatile gem came into my life back in 2020, gifted by a family friend of my grandmother’s. Since then, it’s been a staple in my wardrobe.

Not only is the dual-pattern design incredibly practical, but the skirt's length is just perfect for both casual and dressed-up looks. My favorite detail? The charming little pockets on the gingham side, outlined with piping made from the polka-dot fabric. It’s such a thoughtful touch—absolutely swoon-worthy!

The Label: A Journey of Discovery

For years, I never thought much about the skirt’s label. But recently, I noticed a tag that reads “Emily M”. Naturally, I had to dive into some research (because how could I not?). Here’s what I uncovered:

Step 1: Investigating the Label

Skirt 1, Tunic, Skirt 2, Tunic.

I started by Googling “Emily M vintage label.” This turned up about four garments, all from the 1970s, including two wrap skirts—one of which was also quilted! However, none of the listings provided any information about the brand itself. Disappointingly, I couldn’t find it listed on either the Vintage Fashion Guild’s Label Resource or the Fashion Conservatory archives.

Step 2: Diving Into Historical Records

Next, I turned to newspapers.com for more clues, searching for “Emily M Skirt” in articles dated between 1959 and 1979. This led me to a treasure trove of 29 hits, particularly from 1969 to 1972. Most of the mentions were in southern department stores, like those in Tennessee and Kentucky, but I also found several references in the Iowa City Press