Ask Angie: Age and Skirt Length - Skirted Leggings Look - YouLookFab Forum

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About: Ensemble: The Skirted Leggings Look

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Ask Angie: Age and Skirt Length - Skirted Leggings Look

Claudia

Veteran

Angie, I started this as a comment in today's blog post on "The Skirted Leggings Look" but didn't want to hijack and have it go off topic from its original intent.

I am one of YLF's early readers and posters. One of the very first things I had an online conversation with you about was concerning the age appropriateness of wearing shorter skirts (mid thigh-ish) in my mid-forties, even if worn over thick, opaque tights or leggings, along with low heel/flat shoes (much like the skirted legging ensemble and outfits shown in today's blog post). Skirt length for my aging self was one of the issues I began to wonder about in assessing and updating my style and fashion mojo, and Google searches on this topic were what originally brought me to the start-up YLF blog.

At 5'9" and physically fit, I had told you that my long, lean and shapely legs were still one of my best features, but I had begun to wonder if I was maturing out of wearing shorter skirts, even in the modest fashion described above. Your opinion then, which I ultimately agreed with - and still do, was that it was best left to younger women.

Have you changed your mind about this to a bigger or lesser degree over the years? Is the sporty-lux trend the main difference here?

Dressing

60 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I am curious to hear the answer. I just posted on that thread that I wish I had the legs to pull off those looks, regardless of age (they're long and strong, but not very shapely or slim). I like the easy, casual vibe, which would suit a casual lifestyle better than the traditional pencil skirt look.

My personal feeling is that it depends more on how good one's legs and proportions look in the style, and how sophisticated the overall styling is. I don't think the skirted leggings look is particularly age-restrictive because everything is covered, so it's easier to wear than, say, a summer mini-skirt of the same length which shows lots of leg skin.

But most of all, I think it depends on how comfortable you feel in the look. If you try it on and feel great in it, then you should go for it!

Anonymous

Hmmm. I would have thought if you have great legs, age didn't matter. I guess I'll be watching to see the opinion of the forum.

Joyce B

Veteran

I think it's a matter of feeling comfortable with what you wear. The skirted leggings become more wearable when paired with a long cardigan. I got the leggings but I still have to work the details. They are definitely a weekend look only for me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Claudia, this is s great question - - thank you for asking.

I have been thinking it over as well. My own legs are far from long, shapely, or even (in the past few months) all that fit -- alas! And my proportions mean the leggings look is not the best on me, period.

And yet...I'm quite tempted to try this. And have even cooked up my own version with a shorter jersey dress and opaque tights.

I wear shorts in summer (casually). Some end on the knee or just below it -- but others end well above the knee. No one would call them short-shorts, but they expose some leg, for sure.

Yet, I won't wear a short skirt without opaque tights. My eye has adjusted to the midi. I even find knee length skirts too short on me these days if I am not wearing tights. So, what gives, I wonder?

I have a hunch that you would wear this look in an uber-sophisticated and stylish way, and it would look amazing on you.

In the end, perhaps it depends as much on one's style persona as anything else. If the look feels "natural" you will wear it with panache and it will suit you. If it feels forced or uncomfortable, it will look off somehow. No matter what one's figure.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great question, Claudia. And as far as I can remember, my subjective opinions are just the same on the topic.

FWIW, in short - (no pun intended) - as long as you look and feel grown up in your skirted leggings outfit, you are good to go. Personally, I believe the details are important:

Your skirt needs to be JUST long enough to not look juvenile (especially if it’s a little flared). That length will differ amongst women. Foe some it's mid-thigh, and for others it's longer. Petites can go a little shorter because it works with their already short proportions.
Add a sophisticated edge to the outfit. OF COURSE, the support act is important - the devil is in the detail. Not too tight. A little LUXE. Coverage in the right place. Column of black is a no-brainer. Wearing oversized knitwear and fluid toppers over the look creates a completely different vibe to a fitted top.
Wearing thick black leggings (especially with a shorter skirt) is key because they look like pants (it’s the important aspect of coverage again). Tights are seldom thick enough - unless you know of a brand that is.

Hope that makes sense.

Angela K

Veteran

Thanks for this post, Claudia. I have been attracted to the skirted legging look but shied away because generally the one piece skirted-leggings were just too short (IMO for me) My legs are average length and pretty muscular (calves especially) so I have to be very careful with skirt length or I just look stumpy. Just yesterday, I decided to make my own--I have several of the Vince tube skirts and one has a black lining, which is finished very nicely--so--I cut the actual skirt part off to match the length of the liner-removed the tags and now I have a reversible skirt. I tried it on over some sleek black fleece footless leggings, added black ankle boots, and surprise LOVED IT! My DH loved it as well. So for me the key was the right length on the skirt and the right weight/texture for the legging--and BTW--I'm 50 and a pretty modest dresser--don't like too short, too tight etc. So I am really excited to try and duplicate a few of the outfits in today's post!

shiny

Veteran

Claudia, I am 5'0 tall and 49 years old.

Tagging on to your thread, Angie, do you think I could pull off the EF skirted leggings? It says that the skirt length is 15 inches for a PM. I am guessing I need a PP. I am assuming they are a bit shorter in the PP.

I have not sported a skirt that short in over 5 years, even with leggings. Somewhere along the line, it felt too juvenile. But these skirted leggings are calling my name for some reason. I am thinking maybe they'd make a good upgrade to my loungewear capsule.

Also, how thick are they? How practical for colder climes?

I did a similar look here in pic 4 with VC ruched midi + tights --
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ual-travel
Which was comfortable but even though the skirt is self-lined I was cold in it, so it's not a look I'll repeat this winter.

Anonymous

This is all very interesting. I'm 53, of average height, and (until recently) keep myself very physically fit. I also am lucky enough to have good legs - slim and toned. I will not wear skirts more than 1" above my knees now, and even that's bordering on uncomfortable. In winter I'll do it, because tights and hose provide the coverage (knees don't age well, have you ever noticed that? ) but in summer, it's touch and go now ( knees again) . That said, I would absolutely wear the skirted leggings look - not for work or anything but for shopping, hanging out, etc. I agree with all others in that it's all about how you feel in them. I've just ordered my first pair - the leather panel ones from Angie's post this morning - and am sitting with fingers crossed that they fit and the quality is good!

Nebraskim

Veteran

I'm 59yo and 5-7 tall. My legs are heavy and muscular. I wear leggings year round. Summer to cover (I never wear shorts) and winter for warmth. I love them with skirts and while my ideal skirt length is 21 inches, I find that with leggings, I can go as short as 19 inches. Alas, many skirts are 17 and I won't do that. I also won't do tunics over leggings (but will over real pants). Part of this is attitude and your own comfort zone. I don't think it's all that much linked to age. I'm sure many people think I'm too old and too fat to wear leggings under a 21 inch denim skirt, but well, sorry for their attitude. I also wear blue nail polish and color my hair burgundy.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

My personal opinion is that it is becoming more OK for older women to sport shorter hemlines in general. Whether it is social attitudes changing towards older women and what they wear, or whether it is fashion itself, is debatable. By fashion what I mean is that with more fluid and oversized fits, a shorter hemline may no longer seem vulgar on a woman past a certain age. When the fits were fitted and sexy, a mini didn't look quite right on us women past age (fill in the blank, whether it's over 40, 50 or 60).

I have read that Eileen Fisher's daughter has been involved in the brand and that the company is interested in brining in younger customers. So whether the skirted legging was intended for EF's younger clientele or not, the effect is that women of all ages are sporting this look. IMO the fact that Eileen Fisher makes skirted leggings goes a long way in saying, it's ok for not just young women to wear this look.

Sheila

Veteran

My sister at 6'1" has been wearing skirted leggings for about 2 years now.
She typically pairs them with a longer asymmetrical tank and a VERY long ( to the knees++) open cardi that tends to float behind her. It is a good look for her. She is 52 and wears her hair is a short spiky pixie. She wears a flat grecian type sandal with it. She does it all in neutrals - not black - with some statement necklace in the front.

It is not something I would wear but I am not sure why. Can't wear to work and not suitable for dog walking and I have other options for the grocery store and need more for hockey games. Maybe ....

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

To my eye, there is a difference between wearing thick leggings under a thick skirt (skirted leggings or created with separates like Nebraskim and Angela describe), and wearing opaque tights under a short skirt. The former is a pants outfit, while the latter is a skirt outfit. The pants outfit is more covered by default.

Jennifer, you can create the look with your tube skirt, thick leggings and the right footwear. And by all means give the EF skirted leggings a bash. Why not.

Runcarla

Veteran

The proper way to hem a man's kilt is to have him kneel on both knees. The kilt is then hemmed so that the kilt just brushes the ground. I like this length for my skirts, too! 24 inches is my hip to knee length, and I like where a skirt this length hits my leg. The skirts in my closet range from 22-26 inches in length.

FWIW, context is a factor too. I've seen some pretty sharp 60 somethings in flippy tennis whites or short golf skirts!

Sheila

Veteran

Runcaria... you are exactly right. The context AND confidence.

Marley

Veteran

I'm one of those who has serious reservations about short skirts looking sophisticated on anyone over a certain age regardless of their body-type, height, or shape of legs. I know that attitude/confidence plays a huge role in someone being able to successfully pull off a certain "look" - but sometimes attitude/confidence is just not enough - and sometimes one's attitude/confidence can be waaaaaay off base!
Also - I enjoy keeping on top of or ahead of the trends and to me shorter skirt lengths are just stale and kind of old-fashioned. I much prefer seeing a women (no matter what their age) sporting a midi-length skirt/dress - one that hits in their sweet spot. To me that is so much more fresh, current, and attractive!

Helena

Veteran

To play devil's advocate, I'm in my 41st year and wore the skirted leggings ensemble today, and I loved it. It didn't feel overly "young" or exposed, and I am extremely sensitive about staying covered (ask my poor husband!). So I am not sure that skirted leggings can be compared to a mini-skirt per se ... just a thought

Anonymous

Marley - I totally agree with you - for regular day and evening wear skirt lengths. A midi is sophisticated and modern, most definitely. But........I see this skirted legging look as a sportswear look - in the truest sense of the word "sports". To me, this isn't anything other than a casual daytime look or a very casual "grab a drink at the pub" type look (as styled by karymk with her leather jacket and boots). It works so well for colder weather because it allows one to layer without looking all like a crazy bag lady with layers and scarves and skirts flapping about . I also think it's the perfect look for running errands after the gym. anyways - this is a highly interesting debate !

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Lisa, I think you've really hit on something --- this is a look that is just ideal for our cold weather climate, allowing us more variety than the endless skinnies tucked into boots. And surely this is part of its appeal.

I know that when I first lost weight, I found myself a short black skirt and paired it with my long underwear (opaque black -- like leggins, but better, in my opinion, because it does not slide down on me and actually keeps me warm!). And some ankle booties. And a loose cardigan. And I tell you -- I may have been over 50 (and I was) but I felt incredibly comfortable and fashionable in this outfit. Then I started to worry. And passed along the skirt to my stepdaughter. Now I am kicking myself. Wish I kept it!!!

But then again, I am one of the naughty ones who is wearing this look as a SKIRT (with opaque hose). Deborah in Oz felt my hose were not dark enough to make it work -- I appreciated that feedback, and perhaps she is right. Nonethless, I have felt comfortable in it so far, even for going out and about at my advanced age.

Anonymous

Suz - you kill me with all of your leggings falling down episodes! I can't see how this happens Mine only fall down when the waist elastic is shot.

crutcher

Veteran

Claudia, I am 5'9", too...I am completely comfortable wearing the skirted leggings and am having such fun styling them from fun to sophisticated...This is a very comfortable look...Definitely you should try it...with long legs, I think you will be pleased....

Runcarla

Veteran

Be very careful! This is very close to 'yoga-pants-as-casual-wear' trend. Comfy, and body-con sexy..but the right thing to wear? And when?

Sheila

Veteran

This is a pic of my sister who wears them and I can't tell if she has them on here but it is this look, with a very long cardi.. like this beige one she has on. It looks like two lines... the dark under line and the lighter over line.
She would wear them to the beach or in the country. I think you could go to the grocery store, library...
My dress is too short here... it is actually longer...bad posture...

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Sharon

Veteran

I really struggle with the idea that you need to have a perfect body to wear particular styles. I object to idea of people being deemed too old, or too fat or too different from the societal version of female beauty to be "allowed" to wear a particular item. I get Angie's point about sophistication and looking grown-up. I do think that for many women though, this is about more than just presenting themselves as mature. There seems an element of shame attached to getting older and experiencing the body changes associated with that.

I agree with those who think this is individual and context specific. I would never wear my mid-thigh length shorts to work, simply because I don't think showing that much skin is appropriate in that context but I am perfectly comfortable wearing them casually. They are cool, comfortable and I love to feel the sun and the warm air on my skin. I don't think I should deny myself that pleasure simply because I am 47 and my legs look like I am 47. If strangers don't like how my legs look, then the solution is not to look. I'm not crazy about men wearing muscle tanks that expose both their nipple and their hairy underarms in public. I avert my gaze. Simple.

Anyway, this is a long-winded way of saying that I think you should wear what makes you happy. And love your body, because you only get one and at some point you will look back on how it is now and wish you had appreciated it more.

Echo

Veteran

I have often said that I don't necessarily apply clothing "rules" to women by age, but instead by what I consider appropriate regardless of age. Often, a young woman is given a pass for wearing a skirt that is too short or a neckline that is too low or an outfit that is too tight (or two or all three at once) just because she is young. In fact, a mini that one cannot bend over in is probably not really appropriate for anyone, but most people instead apply that "rule" only to older women. I don't; I think what's appropriate is appropriate, regardless of age.

As for skirted leggings, I mostly agree with Marley. Most of them are far too short to look appropriate for most people, IMO, age aside. I've seen some slightly longer ones, which I like, but they are sold on questionable sites (like home shopping sites) in questionable quality (much thinner than the EF ones). Overall, I think most of them are are far too short to look good on ANYONE. A few more inches in the skirt, and I'd be all over these, but that doesn't even seem to be an option in most brands. Either wear them with a skirt barely covering your bum, or don't wear them, and I don't think that's appropriate for anyone.

Claudia

Veteran

Angie, that makes a lot of sense, thank you for your answer. I now feel like I know what I'd be looking for in a pair of these skirted pants if I decided to give them a try.

Thanks everyone else for your thoughts on this. I hope to be seeing more of this look in real life, and in YLF WIWs. I can see the appeal, and loved Angie's styling suggestions and the pictured ensembles.

Claudia

Veteran

Echo, I agree that many of these are just too short. Period.

But I also believe in age appropriate dressing, primarily when it comes to myself and how I wish to be seen and the impression I wish to make, more than I believe in rules.

Style Fan

Veteran

I appreciate what Sharon said. I wear leggings and a tunic for casual wear because it is comfortable. I am 59 and plan to continue to wear leggings.

Joy

Veteran

Good question, Claudia. At 68 years and still having well shaped legs, I don't feel that I could wear the short skirted leggings with confidence, but I have not tried them. I think it depends on each individual and the quality of the piece. I would probably wear them if I were in my 40's or early 50's. I also agree with Angie that petite older women can get away with shorter skirts and shorts.

Marley

Veteran

lisap and Suz - yes, I can see how the skirt/leggings outfit is great for a cold weather climate - and I can see it being super comfy for staying at home/lounging around type of activities. It's when it's worn out of the house that I get a little squeamish - but, that's just my own feelings about it - and I'm totally OK with anyone else who wants to wear this as an actual "outfit" outside of the house - It's just not something that I like very well.
Sharon - I'd be one of the last women ever to say that someone is too old, too fat, etc. to wear something. Goodness - I tend to push the "age appropriate" envelope all of the time! It's just that (as I said in my previous comment) that I really don't think that the short skirt over leggings look is a sophisticated one. However, being sophisticated is not always the ultimate goal when it comes to how we dress, so I understand other people wearing this look and enjoying it.
(I just had another thought as to why I am less than enthused about this look - and that is that with the skirt being so short, it comes way too close to the leggings as pants look - which really, really makes me shudder!)

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