I love our community of women on HoneyGood.com and my private Facebook group, GRANDwomen With Moxie: Where Loneliness Disappears. 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!
Not just for shorts but skirts 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. 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 people willing to voice their opinions on how short your skirt or shorts should be.
Lesson #1
Such as actress Andie Macdowell, 60, who is quoted as saying in DailyMail, “‘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…
Lesson #2
InStyle Fashion Director Cindy Weber-Cleary offers her opinion on the subject of short skirts after 50 in her style column here.
“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 our HoneyGood.com readers living stylishly after 50…
How Short is Too Short?
I would love to hear from you, so please share your thoughts with me via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments section below.
P.S. Just to keep things interesting, I had to include this photo of Christie Brinkley at 64, 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!
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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
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
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
Very well said.I thank you! Warmly, Honey
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
Tights and other hosiery can make, even, shorter skirts look longer! So, try shorter skirts or dresses that way and see if it doesn’t make a difference in how you view them.
You are right. I tried what you suggested and you are right. Thank you. Warmly, Honey
See so many women doing this ! Give it up it looks like your trying to hard to stay young ! Short shorts, minis are for the young you had your day now grow up ..
I agree with thee!!!! 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!
Wearing opaque hosiery makes all the difference !