While I don’t love the terminology, the fact is “older women in short skirts” is a hot topic! Read on to get my take on it.
When it comes to “older women” in short skirts, who gets to say what’s wrong or right for us? This is just the type of topic I love to discuss with our community of women on HoneyGood.com and my private Facebook group, Women Over 50: Celebrate Visibility. We are a group of women who are smart, brave, opinionated yet kind. So, let’s talk about something controversial. Nope, not politics…hemlines!
After 50, darling, how short is too short? I need to know what you think! Please share your opinion in the comments or in our Facebook group.
Not just for skirts, and dresses, let’s talk about shorts also. There’s some buzz that after 50, a woman should lower her hemlines. So, I have to ask for your opinions on this subject. If you’re here for advice for a specific occasion, style expert Andrea Pflaumer has chosen the best cocktail dresses for women over 50, so that is a must read!
But first, I’ve gone to great “lengths” to do some research on the “too short” matter, and here’s what I discovered…
First of all, there’s no one expert on style, which is, of course, what makes fashion both fun and frightening, at times. But, there are plenty of amazing women with grit and grace, willing to voice their opinions on how short your skirt or shorts should be. If you ask me, we could all learn more from the incredible women in our lives, I know I have! So let’s see what they have to say.
“Older Women” in Short Skirts: Lesson #1
You know I believe age is just a number, and I also believe that there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to “older women” in short skirts.
When researching the topic, I came across this quote by Actress Andie Macdowell, 66. In DailyMail, she said, “‘No super short skirts. You’ve got to take the hems down, especially past 50. I don’t care how good your legs are.”
Admittedly, Andie’s been rather consistent in following her own style rule and I have to say, I think she looks just stunning and very comfortable in her own skin.
So, lesson #1 is to make your own style rules and follow them as long as they serve you well! Thank you, Andie, for our first official opinion on the lengths women over 50 should go to. But, we have some dissent…
Another Take on Mature Women in Short Skirts: Lesson #2
InStyle Fashion Director Cindy Weber-Cleary offered her opinion on the subject of short skirts after 50 in her style column.
“Personally, as a woman who is over 50, I would not wear a mini. Even if I were a marathon runner or Pilates instructor, I still wouldn’t be wearing a thigh-revealing skirt or dress anywhere except on the tennis court or by the side of a pool. Longer lengths are so much chicer. And they actually create a more youthful, flattering look.”
Cindy’s opinion is supported by a gallery of oh-so-chic celebs in mid-length skirts that I would agree are both flattering and fashionable. Lesson #2 is to wear what flatters your body type and makes you feel amazing!
Lesson #3
And then, I came across this fun story on Oprah.com entitled, “How to Break Fashion Rules.”
“Now that sounds like fun,” I thought as I went on to read about Traci Wolfe, a 50+ blogger who decided to celebrate her 50th birthday trying new things and writing about them. After deciding she was too old to wear mini skirts she changed her mind because, in her words, “Short skirts make me feel hot!”
I have to say, darling, I think Traci looks just amazing. This story led me to lesson #3, and that is to embrace your right to feel sexy at every age!
I cannot emphasize this enough…you are the captain of your own ship. You wear what makes you feel good. I love to experiment with fashion. I am adventurous at heart and if you tell me I cannot do something, why you may tempt me to prove you wrong.
As I have said many times, age is just a number. As is the length of your hemline!
But, back to the question I have for all of my HoneyGood.com readers living stylishly after 50…
How Short is Too Short?
Yes, her legs are amazing for an older women and I think she looks amazing in mini skirts and the like. Credit: Christie Brinkley’s Instagram.
Here at Honey Good, I celebrate all body types and styles. So, the real question isn’t “how short is too short?” It’s “how short can I still feel radiant and visible?”
Because let’s be honest, a woman who owns her look looks amazing in any hemline. Think about Helen Mirren – she’s a goddess in everything she wears!
So, the answer is truly up to you. If a mini skirt makes you feel like a million bucks, flaunt those legs, darling! Just make sure you feel comfortable and supported (by a great pair of shorts or a built-in slip, if necessary).
On the other hand, if you feel more secure and stylish in a midi skirt, that’s fantastic too! There are endless ways to look polished and put-together at any length.
The key takeaway is to choose clothes that flatter your figure and bring out the you in you. Age and size are just numbers – confidence is the most important accessory you can wear.
P.S. Just to keep things interesting, I had to include this photo of Christie Brinkley at 67, in a fairly short skirt, looking as if she is having quite a bit of fun breaking the “rules.” She is not invisible… and neither are you!
What are your thoughts on short skirts for women over 50? I’d love to hear your opinion! Join the conversation in the comments below.
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I think if a woman has great legs at 50 or older why not. As for myself my legs are on the thicker side, so will never wear short skirts or shorts again. Maybe a little above the knee.
You understand your body and play up your strengths. Good for you. I do the same. Warmly, Honey
I agree with thee!!!! Warmly, Honey
Wearing opaque hosiery makes all the difference !
I have been told, i have tina turner legs! And love shorts and miniskirts. Until someone made a comment that affected me.
You are one lucky woman!!! Warmly, Honey
Embrace your age! Think about how you want to appear,
classy and chic, or are you trying to relive your youth?
My rule is, if I wore the style in my younger years, minis,
hot pants (remember those?) short shorts it’s not an
style or article I would wear again.
Looking sexy has nothing to do with how much LEG or
CLEAVAGE a woman shows!
I dress to look classy and chic and that makes me feel sexy!
I read once that women dress for other women, not men. I like to dress for myself, and I want my husband to think I am attractive. Truth be told, I have worn outfits that my husband did not care for, but I was comfortable…and I liked the way I looked in them. If I am wearing tights, I will wear an above-the-knee hemline. I will wear skorts/shorts in the summer, but for “going out” for dinner, I prefer midlength or maxi…comfortable and stylish! We are allowed to bend the rules, and if you look in the mirror and you are honestly OK with your appearance…go for it!
Wow! All of these actresses look beautiful in whatever length they are wearing. I’ve always worried about being age appropriate. I don’t know if length matters but maybe we need to look more at how you look and feel. We don’t seem to be so concerned about men wearing age appropriate clothing.
I think it depends on the person and not labels.
Looking forward to lots of feedback on this one.
Susan
I think a woman should feel confident in the outfits she chooses to wear. She will walk taller, smile broader and feel ‘good’ about herself. Her personality will shine through because she is happy. Warmly, Honey
HI Honey, I know lots of 60+ ladies (I’m 60-something) who dress as though they don’t care at all. I mean, as though they just rolled out of bed. Even for Shabbat dinners. Hard for me to understand that. So, at first I was going to answer “must go knee length” but, you know what?” The length of the skirt really doesn’t matter as long as the woman takes pride in their appearance. Clothes are here to make us look and feel beautiful and I’d much more likely gravitate to a mature woman in a miniskirt than someone who “couldn’t be bothered” with their presentation.
Truer words were never spoken. You are 100% correct, Lisa. Warmly, Honey