When your co-stars include Kate Hudson, Penelope Cruz and Marion Cottilard, how's a girl supposed to hog the headlines?
Dramatic new 'do? Nah. Carefully choreographed wardrobe malfunction? Been done. . . Bingo! Age-defying miniskirt in mid-winter!
This, it seems, was the logic employed by alabaster beauty Nicole Kidman ahead of the red-carpet premiere of musical Nine in London last week.
With seven stunning leading ladies all vying for screen time in the flick based on the Broadway hit, the 42-year-old star ultimately won the catfight for the limelight at the bash -- by burning eyeballs in a bizarre white miniskirt suit.
While sizzling Spaniard Cruz (35) rugged-up in a floor-sweeping Ralph Lauren gown and vintage fur, the actress flouted both age and elements in a hemline usually reserved for women half her age.
Despite near-perfect pins, the yummy mummy's anaemic outfit only gave legs to the fashion world's longstanding tug-of-war over when ladies should relinquish their minis.
Ireland's top fashionistas are torn over the age-appropriateness of the sexy skirt.
"There's definitely a cut-off age when it comes to the miniskirt," says stylist and fashion writer Roxanne Parker. "At 42, Nicole Kidman is a self-confessed exercise junkie who's in impeccable shape -- and even she can just about get away with wearing one. But the words 'mutton' and 'lamb' can often spring to mind. Sagging knees are not a pretty sight."
While over at Team 'If you've got it, flaunt it', TV stylist Cathy O'Connor argues: "The notion of age has changed so much, I don't think there's any age limit as to who can wear minis. Good legs don't age, so it's a shame to hide a really good feature just because you're getting on. The key is to show cleavage or legs, but never both."
Designed by Mary Quant in 1965, the bum-skimming skirt came to symbolise the swinging Sixties. But since then, it's not just the length of the garment which has slinked steadily upwards -- the age of its fans has too.
Thirty-something stars such as Victoria Beckham and Eva Longoria Parker regularly release their legs in micro-minis that give the male imagination a break. The Curious Case of Demi Moore, who turns 47 this week, sees the actress ageing backwards in skirts surely raided from the wardrobes of teen daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallulah.
While cryogenically frozen A-listers Sharon Stone and Madonna, both 51, could be considered covered-up for stepping out in anything other than knickers.
Fashion chain Debenhams confirms that schoolgirls could soon find themselves swapping style tips with their nana.
A new survey by the store reveals that the average age of women buying skirts of 36cm or shorter has leapfrogged from 33 years-old in 1980 to 36 at the start of the millennium to 40 today.
Spokesman Ed Watson says: "It shows that women now have an increasing confidence in their bodies and are happy to dress accordingly.
"If this trend continues, there's no doubt that within the next decade, women in their mid 40s and early 50s will regard a mini skirt as an essential part of their wardrobe."
But whether you're 16 or 60, the experts are agreed on one thing -- if the word 'cankles' means anything to you, steer clear.
"The main law of wearing a mini is that you have to be skinny," Roxanne Parker adds. "It doesn't matter what age you are, if your legs are thick then avoid minis at all costs."
"Conversely, if you have amazing legs a mini is a fast track to getting noticed. Remember Gwyneth Paltrow's run on minis and killer heels to promote Iron Man after years in publicity wilderness? She transformed herself from frumpy earth mother into Hollywood hottie."
If you still plan to parade your pins at the office Christmas party, beautician Elaine Butler-Doolin of Bespoke Beauty, Donnybrook has some final words of advice.
"Never bare your legs unless they're perfectly groomed," she warns. "They should be nicely tanned, toned and hair-free, but if they're not opaque tights can hide a multitude."
And if you were born before the mini was even invented, remember that extra half inch can bridge brassy to classy.
"As women get on in age, it's important to remain classy," Elaine adds. "An inch or two above good knees can be worn well up until your 60s, any higher and it starts to look cheap. A micro-mini doesn't look good on anyone and tends to give the impression of downtown Bangkok."
"But I think if you have great legs and a nice bum and -- most importantly -- the confidence to wear one, you can wear a mini at more or less any age."
