Welcome back to the Velvet Runway, where today I want to tackle the “great skirt length debate” : Is it acceptable to wear short skirts once you hit 40.
It can be tricky finding your way through the fashion and beauty minefield at any age, but when you reach the big 4-0, it becomes positively hazardous!
So, I want to share some tips for how to look your best at forty and beyond, although it’s not obligatory to be over forty to read on!
Fabulous at Forty : The skirt length debate
The “F” is for “Fashion” or “Fabulous at forty and beyond” and NOT “Frumpy and beyond help“! So, this week, I’m going to start with the commonly held belief that you shouldn’t wear short skirts once you’re over 40.
My personal take on this particular rule is that it is false, and that how you dress depends on many factors, but that whether you’re 39 or 41 isn’t one of them!
I believe that there are three basic rules (sorry to make it more complicated!) to wearing short skirts that apply at any age, and that getting the right fit, shape and style of a skirt can make the difference between looking fabulous or looking frumpy!
You should always dress for your shape
Clearly, the type of skirt that is best for you and the choice of skirt length depends on your body shape, and in particular, your legs, within reason -I’m certainly not advocating wearing a micro mini skirt at our age (or even at younger age!). However, if you’re happy with your legs then I don’t think there is anything wrong with wearing a short skirt.
However, if your legs aren’t your best feature, then you would look and feel better in a longer length skirt.
Other factors to take in to account when choosing a skirt are
- Does it fit? This is probably the most important factor in choosing a skirt, as if something fits correctly you will not only look younger but also more polished and expensively dressed.
- An A-line skirt can be very flattering if you have wider hips, bigger legs or wide shoulders as they will balance you out.
- Straight skirts can be very flattering if you are comfortable with your tummy area
- Skirts that finish just above or on the knee are very flattering, as they show off the full calve, which creates a slimming look. Beware of skirts that end at the middle (and thickest) part of your calves, unless you are very tall and slim.
You should dress appropriately for the occasion
There are certain situations when a short skirt would be appropriate, for example: I often wear a short skirt when I’m going to be on my feet all day; as it means I can wear flat shoes and so be more comfortable.
However, I don’t think that a short skirt is appropriate for a business meeting or a school parent-teacher evening, for which I would probably opt for a pencil skirt with higher heels.
Remember the golden rule – legs or boobs, but never both!
This age-old rule is most definitely true. If I’m wearing a short skirt then I would definitely wear a simple, covering top and flat shoes. However, if I’m wearing a longer length skirt, then I might wear a lower-cut top and high heels.
For me, the skirt length is just a guideline and certainly not a ‘rule’ set in stone. I still wear both short and long skirts and I will wear shorts or even a mini dress on a summer holiday to the beach.
When choosing a skirt, test out several lengths and see what works best for you – the key questions to ask yourself are : Does it fit correctly? Does it look good on me? Is the skirt cut and length flattering? Is it appropriate for the occasion I have in mind? And most importantly – does it make me feel good?
“If you feel good when you put it on and it gives you joy – buy it!”
Barbara Hulanicki (the inspiration behind the BIBA range)
I hope you enjoyed this feature about The Great Skirt Length Debate, and have a look here for more of our style features.
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With love,
I am a huge fan of skirts and for pencil skirts having them below the knee makes it feel very matronly and unflattering for my short height. I agree that it’s all about wearing something that flatters your shape that makes all the difference.
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
Thank you Alice! I agree that when you’re not very tall, a long skirt can be unflattering – it’s definitely the case that you should dress for your shape 🙂
Thank you for inspiring post! You look amazing and I love all outfits! Your own personality just shines out! Love the post that empower women to be happy and feel comfortable in their own beauty! You rock! xo Anita
Thank you so much for the lovely compliment Anita!
Yes never both, well said! Many people forget that one. I do think you have done particularly well for yourself in terms of finding your style. You always look fantastic! Very classy and lady like. As we age, we shouldn’t forget that that’s the advantage we have over younger girls lol…
Thank you Rania! I really appreciate the compliment! I think as we age we do tend to find our style more and that is probably the advantage we have over younger girls (we need one to make up for all the disadvantages – like wrinkles, greying hair ….)
Such great advice here! I think I commented on your IG, but for me I don’t wear a skirt much higher than the knee….unless of course it’s to play some tennis!!!!! xo
Thank you Shauna. I think that the choice of skirt length depends on some of the things I mentioned such as the occasion and body shape, but the most important factor is you and what you feel comfortable in. I absolutely adore maxi skirts and jumpsuits but I’m not sure that I feel comfortable in them! I’ve just bought one of each though so will give it a go 🙂
I agree that this rule doesn’t have to be followed when you keep in mind the three things you mentioned. You look great in the skirts you have shown! So much of dressing is wearing the right thing for your body and the occasion.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you Amy Ann 🙂
Love how inspiring this post was! Age should never be restricting in fashion
-Morgan x
Thank you ! I agree 🙂
You look gorgeous!
Good vibes,
Thank you Rochelle 🙂
I am 54 (yikes) and wear short skirts all the time. I actually look better in shorter lengths vs long. I totally agree with wearing what looks good on you and what works for your body shape vs dressing “age appropriately”–after all, what does that mean exactly?? I plan to rock shorter lengths while I can! Great post! http://www.themidlifefashionista.com
Thank you Susan! I totally agree – I plan to rock shorter lengths while I can too and you look fabulous in them 🙂
You look so fabulous in all these looks! You give hope to this over 40 year old with these ladies you featured. 🙂
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much Kathrine 🙂
I love all 3 outfits! You look amazing in them and i agree with you,the most important thing is that you dress according to your body shape 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂
I love the first look! Thanks for giving us some inspo! Happy Sunday x
Thank you so much Violette 🙂
cute tips! love the concept of dressing for your body type!
kelseybang.com
Thank you Kelsey 🙂
You look fab!
XO
Molly
Thank you so much Molly 🙂
I hate when people make these stupid age-restricting fashion rules! Like you said, it’s most important to dress for your body type. I mean look at Jennifer Aniston – she wears short skirts and looks better than most 20 year olds I know lol!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
True! She looks amazing 🙂 I think dressing for your body shape is more important!
I totally agree! Wear what you feel good in, and love what you wear! That’s all that should matter! (ps. You look amazing in all three skirts!)
Thank you Monique ?
I completely agree. Wearing a short skirt has nothing to do with age. It’s about how it looks and feels on each individual. Great post and great advice for choosing the appropriate length!
~Lili
Thank you Lili. I agree totally that it depends on each individual and how they look and feel ?
In all three length of skirts you look beautiful. I tend to go with shorter skirts because with heels on the legs look long and pretty.
http://fashionradi.blogspot.com/
Thank you! I like all three lengths depending on my mood and what I’m doing ??
You’re beautiful! Love all your outfits <3
Kisses sweet Julia 🙂
Aw, Thank you so much Giovanna ??