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

I don't think its an age issue more than a "shape" issue. Do you like your legs above the knee? Are they firm? Are you confident about your mid thighs?

I am 50 and don't worry about skirt length at my age because I keep my legs in shape. 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. And the shorter the skirt, the flatter the shoe!

First, I noticed this is a 10 month old thread. 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. We're all built differently, but about 3 - 5 inches above seems to be my sweet spot, visually flattering, without being too short to maneuver without possible wardrobe malfunctions.

Wendy - I'm 54 and I'm 5'3" I prefer crew necks, tunics with leggings or pencil dresses, minimamist, black and gray and I don't wear bear legs only black tights or leggings. 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. Also my legs are one of my best features. I always wear a blazer and low booties so I feel polished, professional but I am not giving up shorts skirts!! They work for my body type and my height - but I never follow any rule that doesn't work or make sense to me. But I think it's all about the mix,style, proportions, supporting pieces of clothing that makes any look classy or inappropriate. That's my take FWIW!!

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.