Although I believe age should never totally influence our fashion decisions, there are a few outfit-picking areas, for example, skirt length, where that magical number does play a great deal. No one should never deter you from wearing whatever you like, but there is a difference in the way women are perceived through the decades that make skirt lengths to vary over time. Below I will give you my advice on the appropriate skirts for older women to look chic and feel comfortable.
Knee Skirts
Skirts for older women with a length just above, or just below, or at the knee, is the most universally flattering for women over 40. If you are a petite woman, I recommend you a skirt which length is just above the knee. But if you don’t like your knees, go with a skirt with a length just below the knee.
Midi Skirts
These skirts can be a little tricky to wear as they hit the widest part of the calf and can visually shorten your legs. Ideally, midi skirts for older women should hit the thin part of the calf and not in the wide part of the calf. As a rule of thumb, always wear midis with a high heel or nude colour shoe to visually elongate the leg. If you have large ankles or calves, wear midis with boots and tights.
Maxi Skirts
Almost every woman can wear a maxi skirt or dress, even the petite ones. Wear a maxi skirt above the ankle bone with a flat or a to the floor model with a heel. If your maxi skirt covers your whole leg, show some skin somewhere else, for example, your arms or neck. Slits also help keep a long skirt slimming.
Mini Skirts
Mini Skirts are best worn by thin legged youths. And regardless of age, no woman should wear a skirt which length sits across the widest part of their thigh. If your favourite skirt or dress have become too short for your comfort zone, you can try using it with a dark tight or use it as a casual bathing suit cover up for the summer.
In addition to length, fit is also important. If something fits you well, it will not only look good, it will also make you look more sophisticated and younger as well. The type of skirt that fits you best will mostly depend on your body type. You will probably look more sloppy in skirts that are too wide. It is a great idea to fit your skirts around your hips and then have a slight-A line skirt - these models look the most flattering for many older women, especially for those with wider hips, bigger legs or wider shoulders, as these skirts help balance the body out. Straight skirts are harder to wear and often to body-conscious, but if you are comfortable in those areas, they can be very flattering as well. Asymmetric skirts look good in many women as they fit a the hip and flare at the bottom.
