https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:03:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age/page/2#post-1272889 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 18:43:01 +0000 MRL 1272889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 57 and wear skirts that are 2"-3" above the knee. I recently wore a dress this length to work (with heels) and it looked just fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age/page/2#post-1272808 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 16:13:24 +0000 gryffin 1272808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wendy - I'm 54 and I'm 5'3"&nbsp; I prefer crew necks, tunics with leggings or pencil dresses, minimamist, black and gray&nbsp;and I don't wear bear legs only black tights or leggings.&nbsp; Since I am so covered, if I don't wear a short hem, I need high heels (which I don't wear to work) otherwise it looks frumpy.&nbsp; Also my legs are one of my best features.&nbsp; I always wear a blazer and low booties so I feel polished, professional&nbsp;but I am not giving up shorts skirts!!&nbsp; They work for my body type and my height - but I never follow any rule that doesn't work or make sense to me.&nbsp; But I think it's all about the mix,style, proportions, supporting pieces of clothing that makes any look classy or inappropriate.&nbsp; That's my take FWIW!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age/page/2#post-1272376 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 20:50:28 +0000 Mo 1272376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, I noticed this is a 10 month old thread. &nbsp;But to the point . . . I tried going a bit longer this year (newly 44) and find that right above my knee isn't the best on my body. &nbsp;We're all built differently, but about 3 - 5&nbsp;inches above seems to be my sweet spot, visually flattering, without being too short to maneuver without possible wardrobe malfunctions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age/page/2#post-1272368 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 20:34:40 +0000 karymk 1272368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think its an age issue more than a "shape" issue. &nbsp;Do you like your legs above the knee? Are they firm? Are you confident about your mid thighs?&nbsp;</p> <p>I am 50 and don't worry about skirt length at my age because I keep my legs in shape. &nbsp;I don't have veins and they are still firm and the skins good. What I do if a shirt or shorts are shorter, is to wear a long sleeved top or jacket. &nbsp;And the shorter the skirt, the flatter the shoe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age/page/2#post-1272366 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 20:31:15 +0000 EveningMood 1272366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like everyone else said, it's a matter of personal preference, and I think that "age rules" can only show you a different direction you may or may not want to tread. I will be 40 next year, and I know that as a petite with shapely legs I look nice in minis, but still I got tired of them and purged them all (although I still have one or two dresses that do not reach the knee and wear shorts in the summer a lot). My sister, only one year younger, wears minis with heels all the time. She manages to look tasteful with tops, hair and make up, and no one resents her for dressing "young" in her late thirties. The way I see it, though, if you "act" young you will be considered young, and I just don't want to be so young anymore </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-1272323 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 19:23:09 +0000 Day Vies 1272323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Short is a relative term. I think it depends on how great your legs look. Even then opaque and patterned tights in cooler months allow those who don't feel so blessed with great legs to wear shorter lengths. I believe it all depends on your body's proportions, your personal style, and level of comfort. There are <i>teens</i> whose legs I don't want to see simply because their legs look awful. Age isn't the arbiter of who may and who may not wear a particular skirt length. I'll be 40 in a matter of months and I have no intention of putting away my short flirty skirts due to my "advanced" years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-1272303 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 18:54:23 +0000 Gigi 1272303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am over 40 and wear miniskirts, as well as above-the-knee skirts (i.e., a few inches above the knee). I think a lot of it has to do with the style of the overall outfit. If you pair the miniskirt with some classical, tailored pieces, it will not look too juniorish. I wear even skater skirts, and I prevent them from looking "too young" by wearing them with a very classic button-down cardigan. I am short and need a little extra height, so I don't pair them with flats, but I do pair them with very simple booties that have a 3" heel. The booties actually create a little bit of leg shortening in front due to the way they "cut off" at my ankle, so that tones things down.</p> <p>Wearing with tights, as has been mentioned, is a great way to make a short skirt more "serious." But in the summer, I wear them without tights.</p> <p>In short, I sure wouldn't worry about it. If you are comfortable wearing the skirt, I say go for it! You really can't lump everyone into one category.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-1272274 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 18:23:21 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1272274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 2 years older than you, and I agree with everyone here who says it's the person and her style, the occasion/venue, the particular outfit combo and the way the pieces are assembled that matter, NOT the age. </p> <p>However, leg length and body measurements are going to matter a lot. I'm petite and have to look for shorter items generally. I know darn well that the way something looks on a model is going to be hanging a lot lower on me. I can't even consider most things because they are simply cut for someone with 6" more leg and I am not going to pay more for less fabric all the time with alterations (to say nothing of the proportions getting thrown off accordingly).</p> <p>And I also agree with @rachylou--I think some short skirts aren't a appropriate on *anyone*. The thing today is that there actually <i>isn't</i> one "current fashion." The things that are marketed on Forever21 for instance are in their own style bubble. Juniors styles are often actually pretty odd and ugly and frequently not at ALL connected with what's going on in the adult fashion world. I wouldn't pay any attention to them.</p> <p>All skirt lengths are current right now. Some shapes, though, are more fashionable than others, but you can find all kinds of shapes whether they look modern or not, because somebody's buying...</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-1272261 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 18:03:12 +0000 Gaylene 1272261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Over 40 is a <b>BIG</b> age group to lump together.</p> <p>For what it's worth, I wore my skirts 2-3" above my knees until my late fifties. With my short legs and long torso, a shorter skirt gave me a more balanced look when I wore flats. I did find myself starting to restrict the look to more casual times, though, as I moved through my fifties.</p> <p>Once I turned sixty, somehow the look just didn't seem to fit my style anymore so I purged all my skirts, except for a couple of longer ones that skimmed the top of my knees. My legs didn't change that much in one year, but my style sensibilities did. Now, in my mid sixties, I'm finding mid-knee just seems to suit me better, so all those knee-skimmers were purged this spring, except for two very casual sports skirts that I'll wear instead of shorts on car trips and the like.</p> <p>I guess what I've learned is that, if you are questioning the length of a skirt when you see yourself in the mirror, it could be sign that you are transitioning. Maybe enjoy the shorter length for another year or two, but don't be surprised if your eye starts gravitating to a longer length. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-1272248 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 17:25:54 +0000 Echo 1272248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I prefer to wear dresses/skirts that are no shorter than mid-knee, I also see plenty of women older than I am rocking above-the-knee skirts. It very much depends on the person and the outfit, NOT the age. And I agree that a mini-skirt counts as mid-thigh or higher. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-1272242 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 17:08:24 +0000 Anonymous 1272242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, you might post your question on its own thread. Could you link to the dress? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-1272237 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 16:53:57 +0000 Laura 1272237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just bought a cute purple dress that's not form fitting but not flouncy.&nbsp; It's about 3" above the knee and shows my shoulders, one of my best features.&nbsp; I'll be 60 in Oct. and I just decided to start going out again.&nbsp; Is this too short to wear?&nbsp; I'm 5"4' and 102 lbs.&nbsp; I was going out by myself.&nbsp; Is that a no-no?&nbsp; I don't want to look like I'm hungry and looking for a man.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-983387 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 02:47:02 +0000 I love leggings 983387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me skirt can be worn by women at any ages. What matter is how comfortable she is in that skirt she's wearing. I still wear mini-skirts too but with leggings underneath. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-983358 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 02:06:40 +0000 Aziraphale 983358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wendi, that striped drawstring dress seems perfectly appropriate for a woman in her mid-40s. &nbsp;Not twee at all. &nbsp;In fact there are probably some older women -- 50s, 60s -- who could wear that dress well. &nbsp;Feeling good about one's legs <i>sans</i> stockings is probably the key.&nbsp; It doesn't look like the kind of dress that you could wear stockings with. &nbsp;It's very casual, and to my eye would look best with flat sandals. &nbsp;Perhaps gladiator sandals?</p> <p>I also want to emphasize that while I think there <i>are</i> guidelines for age-appropriate dressing, they are just that: guidelines. &nbsp;Not rules. &nbsp;And even if you do want to call them&nbsp;rules, there is always a woman who breaks them and looks fabulous doing it. &nbsp;</p> <p>There's also an element of personal taste involved. &nbsp;A look that strikes me as too girlish for a middle-aged woman might be somebody else's idea of perfectly good taste. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-983340 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 01:53:56 +0000 rachylou 983340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a mini is a couple inches past the derriere. I don't like to see them on anyone, unless they've got leggings on.</p> <p>That said, I'm really tired of Kate Middleton showing her knees. I would like her to grow old now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-983290 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 00:43:36 +0000 Jaime 983290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also class of '84 and I think it really depends on the individual. I do prefer shorter skirts with flats though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-983280 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 00:30:59 +0000 TraceyLiz65 983280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just saw another over 40 blogger today rocking a shorter skirt, here<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mrsamericanmade.tumblr.com/">http://mrsamericanmade.tumblr.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-983187 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 23:17:34 +0000 Anonymous 983187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another 1984 graduate here! The dress you posted looks absolutely appropriate to me. It's looseness and the fact that you would be wearing it with flats will de-bombshell the length and&nbsp;keep you from looking like MDAL (mutton dressed as lamb). A tight or body-con dress that length worn with stilettos would send a completely different message, and maybe that's what the ladies on your other forum were envisioning.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-983173 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 22:58:43 +0000 always trying 983173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Skirt length depends more on how one looks than age.&nbsp; I have little knee bags above my knees, so I never wear anything that doesn't cover them, unless I wear tights that definitely hide them.&nbsp; So with length just at knee they are above knee when I sit, but the bags are gone then too&gt;&nbsp; Also don't consider 2 to 3 inches above knee mini either..also length depends on the occasion.like would you wear a real mini if you were in a court room or a corporate board room-or political campaigning .... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-983162 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 22:43:19 +0000 MsMary 983162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so short that 3" above my knee is mid-thigh!&nbsp; LOL&nbsp; I prefer my skirts to hit just at the top of the knee, but if somebody else wants to rock a shorter skirt I ain't gonna be mad at 'em.</p> <p>And I do wear short shorts in hot weather! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-983073 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 21:09:00 +0000 Lantana 983073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rebel here -make your own rules! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-983048 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 20:53:02 +0000 TraceyLiz65 983048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very conscious of making sure it falls within a few inches above my knee as the shortest skrits and will not succumb to anyones rules that I who graduated the same year as Wendi need to change that. &nbsp;Then again, I am not necessarily trying to look sophisticated in them either... To me they are more flirty and fun for my sassy personality. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have to laugh as I consciously make sure they are not too short at my age and as the parent of a 22 year old daughter...On the other hand,&nbsp;I know several women in their 60's who rebel against the idea of any rules on skirt lengths... Then again they were always the rebels... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-982999 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 20:01:05 +0000 cciele 982999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few inches above the knee sounds quite reasonable to me, but wear what you feel comfortable in! I often see girls constantly&nbsp;tugging down&nbsp;short skirts or shorts, and that seems kind of uncomfortable and a bit&nbsp;silly </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-982983 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:45:35 +0000 Wendi1984 982983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, 1984 is the year I graduated high school. I think I will be more open to a cute dress that's a couple of inches above my knees, but stick with what I'm wearing now for the most part - knee length and maxis. I will definitely try a dress with leggings when it cools off.</p> <p>I think part of my issue is that I am 5'7", with longish legs, so they do feel rather bare in a shorter skirt, although I'm wearing shorts with a 7" inseam sometimes, and they seem fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-982827 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:52:04 +0000 DonnaF 982827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also do not consider 2 - 3" above the knee to be mini.&nbsp; To me, mini is mid-thigh, i.e. fingertip length, or&nbsp; two - three inches longer than that.&nbsp; Mini is what teenagers wear and what is sold at Forever 21 and the like.&nbsp; Generally, stores/departments geared to women and not teens may carry short lengths but not true minis.&nbsp; Of course, where a hem hits depends on one's height!&nbsp; I am 5' 1", so when most people look at me they are looking down such that any skirt I wear will look a bit longer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-982818 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:43:06 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 982818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't consider 2 or 3 inches above the knee to be&nbsp;a mini skirt either.&nbsp; If you are comfortable with it, go right ahead.&nbsp; I'm 46 and wear that length bare legged in the warm weather.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-982795 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:19:08 +0000 Anonymous 982795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wendi, if you were born in 1984 as your name implies, you are not even 30 yet! The dress length you have in mind seems fine, but maybe not so much if you are over 60. Aziraphale, Sveta and Suz have great advice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-982792 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:17:53 +0000 Sveta 982792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think 2" above the knee is not a mini-skirt - for that you need mid-thigh or higher! 2" above is completely appropriate - unless it is VERY body con.<br />I am in mid-forties and&nbsp; tend to avoid anything higher that 1" above my knee in summer with bare legs - somehow it feels shorter and more exposed that when I wear tights. In winter 2" above is OK for me - with tights. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-982784 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:07:53 +0000 Wendi1984 982784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Something like this:</p> <p><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91339&amp;vid=1&amp;pid=647141002#close" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....1002#close</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/skirt-length-and-middle-age#post-982777 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:02:40 +0000 Wendi1984 982777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm thinking of casual dresses about 2-3" above the knee. I'd wear them with flat sandals in the summer, and tights in the winter, with either boots or flats.</p> <p>I guess I could do the leggings under skirt look, but that doesn't seem too popular around here these days, and since it's so hot, I'd rather skip the leggings if I can. </p>