Last week, I went to a wedding. One of the guests was a politician, therewith his wife who looked to be in her mid- to late-forties. Halfway through the ceremony, a friendleaned over and whispered to me:
“He won’t ever be president. Look at his wife. She doesn’t have thatFirst Lady look.”
I rolled my eyes, because talking politics — or anything remotely political —with this particular friendis sort oflike running a marathon: You begin not knowing why you ever started, you’re dazed, confused and hating life halfway through, and deliriously exhausted at the end. ButI stole a peek at the woman a few pews up, and had to agree: Itwasn’t a good look.
Let’s get this out of the way: Unless you’re a celebrity,I don’t really care what you wear. If it makes you feel great, go for it.Still, there are certain sartorialoffenses that drive me crazy, and they generally fall into the Too Tight/Too Shortcategory. This was the latter. The woman’sbody was incredible; her arms had theGwyneth Paltrow Ripple, that subtle cut in the arm just beneath the shoulder. (Side note: GOOPgot it by doing bizarro dance moves like this.) The non-First Lady alsohad a flat stomach and Jessica Simpson’s new legs. And she was showing it all off in the world’s shortest dress.
The dress itself was fine: a white (is wearing white to weddings okay now?) shift that looked terrific againsther tan. I’d even give her a pass on her shoes — a pair of uninspiring cork wedges that, fine, weren’t formal enough for the evening reception. Whatever. Wedges are comfortable. But the length of the dress is what really stopped me. The hem stopped smack-dab in the upper-middle part of her thigh, a good eight inches from her knee. It was — without any room for debate— too. Damn. Short.
I think “dressing your age” is mostly a dated concept. Right now, twentysomethings are wearing caftansbetter than most octogenarians, and eightysomethings aresporting pink hair and sparkly sunnies better than most twentysomethings. But there is ahemline rule, and unless you’re Kate Moss,that rule is this: If you wonder if you are too old to be wearing a miniskirt (or anything, for that matter), the answer is yes. But what exactly is too short, and whenexactly are you too old to wear it?
InStyle’s fashion director Cindy Weber Cleary wrote a blog post about the hemline debate:
I recently saw a picture of a very attractive, 50-something-year-old fashion executive wearing a tight “bandage” mini-dress at a co*cktail party and I thought, “Oops! Even style icons slip up on occasion.” Her body looked amazing, but the overall effect was a littleReal Housewives,as one of my editors put it—surely not what she was going for.
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.
I agree with her, but it’s easy to: I’m not gifted with miniskirt-friendly legs. Mine are tiny little stubs, with muscular calves from years of running and high-heels. Maybe if I had very long, very thin legs, I would be tempted to wear tiny skirts, too. I calleda (very stylish) friend who has miniskirt legs and is 33 — just about the age at which the hemline debatebegins.
“It’s the first time in my life that I’ve ever thought of whether or not things are age-appropriate.There are certainthings that I used to lovethat, ifI wear my hair down and wearsunglasses, I might be able to fake that I’m younger and get away with. But my face is too old, even if my legs are not,” she said. (Ed. note: This isn’t true.) “A lot of it has to do with the shape of the skirt. I don’t mind a short romper, but I used to have these pleated flouncy cute skirts and I feel like, after 28, you just can’t wear them anymore.”
I noted this logic — rompers okay, miniskirts not okay, keep shape in mind— and called my nextfashion friend, stylistLauren Kozakiewicz, to get her take on the hemline debate.
“Even when women have amazingbodies in their fiftiesor late forties,you still don’t want to see them in a miniskirt,” she said. “There are subtlechanges even when you take care of yourself.If you have good knees, then right above the knee is about as mini as you should get.If you’re talking mid-thigh, andyou’ve got gorgeous long legs, you can go a couple of inches above the knee. But if you have to tug it down every five minutes just to walk, then you shouldn’tbe wearing it.”
Knees, I thought, making a mental note to slather mine with SPF every chance I get so that they don’t get old-looking. (Another thing to worry about!)But dealing with longer lengths has its challenges, too. (A tip: Find the skinniest, most toned part of your leg — a couple of inches above the knee, just grazing the knee, just above the knee, just below the knee, just below the calf muscle — and choose a skirt that hits there.)
Then I started to do the math. I’m 32. That leaves me eight more years of short lengths before I have to give myself and my wrinkly knees over to sophisticated pencils and chaste midis. Even though I never really wanted to wear minis in the first place, I started to sweat. Perhaps I should go out and get a bandage skirt, just in case I am 39 and have a sudden desire to wear one while I still can! While I still have youthful knees!
“It’s a touchy subject. How peopledress themselves is a true extension of who they are, and if, when they look in the mirror, they feel good, more power to them,” says Joan Shepp co-owner and buyer Ellen Shepp diplomatically.“But, if we’re talking about how people are judged, then it has more to do with how that short miniskirt is put together. To me, anyone can wear a short skirt with an opaque tight and a boot that comes up to the knee. You put on a blazerand a scarf with that and it doesn’treally have an age.”
A-ha! So it’s the layering thatis key, which makes winter the unexpectedbest season to break out themini. “Bare legs definitely show your age,” Ellensaid.“The huge selection of opaque tights makesmuch easier to wear shorter skirts.”
I can’t give you a definitive no-minis-past-this-point age; I wish I could. It would make dressing easier, for stylists and politicians’ wives alike. I guess in the end, it’s all sort oflike of the greatpolitical divide: Some will say to screw it all and wear what makes you happy, others will remind you of pesky things like wrinkly knees. I won’t tell you which side I fall on, but I will leave you with this quote:
“It’s much more graceful to leave it to the kids. You have less to prove,” Laurensays. “Enjoy the sexuality of your wisdom. You just know more, and oneof those things you know is to keep your skirt below your knees.”
Some stylists suggest that the length around the knee (or two inches above/below) is “universally flattering” on the vast majority of women, but in any case in my opinion it is necessary to evaluate well, better if in front of a mirror and with a critical eye.
The invention of the miniskirt dates back to 1963, when it first appeared in the window of London's historic "Bazaar" shop. We have Mary Quant, a British fashion designer, to thank for this, who created it and thus anticipated the birth of British street style by decades. Rebellious and non-conformist.
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and stylish. If one has great legs and a fit body, there should be no problem wearing minidresses and shorts regardless of any age. I think women know instinctively what feels right and comfortable as they mature, without having to consider norms of society.
No matter your body type, the general idea is to have your dress end at a relatively small part of your leg. For example, at or just below the knee tends to be the most universally flattering skirt length, whereas anything hitting the widest part of your calves can create the illusion of a shorter leg.
If you're going to wear a short dress or skirt, don't be afraid to go quite short! Doing so will really elongate the appearance of your legs. Knee length skirts will actually make you look shorter - so try to go above the knee. Of course, if you're going to don a mini skirt, keep it playful but still elegant.
The protest. In 1966, when Dior's fashion show didn't feature the hottest trend of the moment, a group of women known as the “British Society for the Protection of Mini Skirts,” stood outside the show in protest with signs that read, “Mini skirts forever.”
But it was the revolutionary swinging 60s where the miniskirt became the cultural icon we recognize today. It signified a political youth movement where teens no longer wanted to dress like their parents. The miniskirt was a playful, rebellious garment, representing the shift in societal dynamics.
While we will still wear low rise mini skirts in spring summer 2023, and Y2K mini skirts will be trendy for fall winter 2023, expect to see long denim column skirts and long cargo skirts everywhere in the foresight future.
The floor-length gown became an exclusively feminine item in the early 16th century. From 1530 female costume was composed of the bodice and the skirt or 'kirtle'; the one-piece outfit remained as a long undershift. This form of dressing was worn for ceremonial occasions until the 18th century.
A skort is a pair of shorts with an overlapping fabric panel made to resemble a skirt covering the front and back, or a skirt with a pair of integral shorts hidden underneath (also can be called sport skirts).
The skirt goes back centuries in Ancient Egypt. Curiously the first 'skirts' were actually worn by men. These simple garments were similar to a wraparound skirt that was belted at the waist, called the Shendyt. This skirt was made from locally sourced materials, which in this case, was flax (linen).
In your 70s, it's a good rule of thumb to avoid looking too prim, too girly, or preppy. However, it's the perfect time to experiment with arty styles like tailored sweater coats, wide-leg pants, unusual clutches, and colorful patterns.
En español | EAre you ever too old to wear jeans? That question has been popping up on social media lately, so let's shout out a firm "No!" Choose jeans with the right fit, fabric, wash and proportions for your body, and then wear them in a contemporary way that suits your style and preferences.
Pick subdued colors, rather than flashy colors. Older women tend to wear neutrals: black, grey, brown, white, and so on. (Of course they can wear any color, but these tend to be staples of an adult wardrobe). Avoid colors that tend to be worn by children, such as bubblegum pink.
Leggings are one of the most disputed items of clothing for older women. Some of us over 50 swear by their leggings, while others are appalled by the fact that older women still wear leggings. I say, to each her own. There is no right or wrong answer to wearing leggings after 50.
Empire line: When it comes to hiding your stomach, empire line styles are always a good bet. Drawing the eye to the smallest part of your torso by nipping you in directly under the bust, they give the illusion of a higher waistline. The rest of the dress should have a flared or A-line fit that floats over the stomach.
However, the demarcation between trousers-for-men and skirts-for-women wasn't actually completely set in stone until around the 19th century. For an extremely long time, the tunic or short skirt was a key part of the male outfit in medieval and Renaissance Europe; just going out with hose wasn't seen as acceptable.
It became unacceptable when the industrial age started in full swing. By the time the Victorian age came to be, by then men had gotten full swing into pants, leaving behind the skirts and tights.
The standard hemline for public and designer garments in the early sixties was mid-knee, just covering the knee. It would gradually climb upward over the next few years, fully baring the knees of mainstream models in 1964, when both André Courrèges and Mary Quant showed above-the-knee lengths.
In the 1950s, girdles were still a required undergarment for most dress and pant shapes. These were often lighter and easier to move in compared to a corset, so they were often preferred by most women.
Just because you are getting older doesn't mean you have to look like a granny. "Yasmin is a perfect example of someone who is still sexy in her fifties without looking tacky.She's a real style icon and always looks great in her miniskirts.
Symbolically, wearing skirts would allow men to take on desirable female characteristics. In practical terms, skirts, he suggested, do not chafe around the groin, and they are more suited to warm climates.
Trends such as knee-high splits, geometric cut-outs and sheer fabrics all lends themselves perfectly to a sultry skin moment, whereas for the inevitable open-air soirée, amping up the drama is easy with a 1970s It-girl-inspired hooded gown. Run, don't walk, straight to Alaïa.
Are high waisted pants out of style 2023? High waist pants are out of fashion for spring 2023 – especially the carrot pants, paper bag pants and palazzo pants. And high waisted pants will be out of style for fall winter 2023/24, too. In fact, the high waist pants were not seen on the fall winter 2023/24 runways.
While Y2K and '90s fashion have been big in recent years, '80s looks are also making a comeback — particularly for 2023. This year already feels bolder than in years past with bright geometric patterns, dance-inspired looks, and more of those oversized blazers (with or without shoulder pads).
The so-called "hemline theory" is said to have gotten its start in the 1920s when Wharton School of Business economist George Taylor noticed in good economic times many women raised their skirts to show off their silk stockings. When times were bad, women lowered their skirts to hide that they weren't wearing any.
A straw-woven skirt dating to 3900 BC was discovered in Armenia at the Areni-1 cave. Skirts were the standard attire for men and women in all ancient cultures in the Near East and Egypt.
Although skirts are now commonly associated with womenswear, men have worn them at various points in history. Pleated fustanellas, for example, can be seen on ancient Greek and Roman statues, while more contemporary versions have since been worn in Balkan countries like Albania, which considers them a national costume.
The Molly Skirt is a gorgeous little skirt with front pleats on a waistband and an elastic back for ease of fit and growth. So it's easy to make and easy to wear…… no zips! And to finish it off it has a pretty tie that can be tied at the front or the back. This tutorial requires basic sewing skills!
Kulat Sawit mushrooms are small to medium in size with round, convex, pointed, to broad and flat caps that can be open or closed, depending on maturity. The caps of the mushrooms are smooth, thick, range in color from cream-colored, grey, to brown, and the edges of the cap can be wavy or split due to moisture content.
It was often the structures beneath Victorian clothing that gave women's fashion its form. Corsets (also known as stays) moulded the waist, while cage crinolines supported voluminous skirts, and bustles projected a dress out from behind.
Bodice continues in use to refer to the upper portion (not including the sleeves) of a one- or two-piece dress. The bodice of a dress was called the corsage in the 19th century.
Skirt lengths went up for the first time in the 1920s. (Although they weren't as short as many people imagine--skirts still fell below the knees--but to show any leg at all in those days was revolutionary.) Hemlines were down in the post-war 1950s, way up in the '60s, down in the '70s and up again in the '80s.
60 degree weather is tricky, but you can absolutely still stun in a mini or midi skirt. For the ultimate fall preppy vibes, pair a pleated mini with a button-down, fitted sweater, and boots or loafers. A wool or knit midi skirt will keep you warm and works with tights or knee-high boots.
Right at the knee is typically the most flattering dress length for women over 60. I suggest opting for a dress that's either JUST above the knee (just enough so you can see your knee) or just below. This will create the illusion of length on your frame while keeping it age-appropriate!
Mini dresses are appropriate for casual, co*cktail, and semi-formal weddings. The SOLACE London Finley dress is a great semi-formal mini. However, for a black tie, white tie, or formal dress code, skip the mini and instead opt for a floor-length gown. How can I style a mini dress?
They are timeless, and perfect for women over sixty. Choose denim shorts that are just above the knee, and wear with a simple T-shirt, top or tunic for a laid-back look. Linen and linen-look shorts are also a good wardrobe staple for summer.
While 60 degrees is not ideal shorts weather, many people (myself included) still like to wear shorts at this temperature. Here are a few tips for wearing shorts. Opt for longer length shorts to cover more of your legs. Add layers on top such as a t-shirt with a sweater or sweatshirt.
In your 70s, it's a good rule of thumb to avoid looking too prim, too girly, or preppy. However, it's the perfect time to experiment with arty styles like tailored sweater coats, wide-leg pants, unusual clutches, and colorful patterns.
In the '70s, a good rule of thumb is not to look too prudish, too girly, or too dated. However, it's the perfect time to experiment with artful styles like tailored coats, wide-leg pants, quirky clutches and colorful patterns.
It traditionally skews on the formal side—but that doesn't mean you need to wear a floor-length evening gown. While you might want to leave the mini skirt at home, it's perfectly appropriate to wear a midi co*cktail dress or something that hits just above the knee.
The main difference between midi and mini dresses is the length. Midi dresses are typically knee-length or mid-calf, while mini dresses are usually above the knee. The dress's finishing length will determine the dress's style, silhouette, and overall look.
A good rule of thumb is that shorts should come to at least the end of your fingertips. Again, that's a different mark on every body because we have different length arms. For me, it would mean wearing 4 or 5 inch inseams. A 5 inch or 6 inch inseam is my preferred inseam but the cut of the shorts make a difference too.
A basic T-shirt and shorts are ideal for a 70°F day at the beach. You can also try sailboat-ready polo shirts, loose tank dresses, or a short-sleeve T-shirt with loose pants.
A good pair of jeans is an essential element in your wardrobe no matter how old you are. A perfect pair of jeans for women over 60 is versatile and makes you feel confident, comfortable, and fashionable.
Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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