The Ultimate Skirt Guide For Women Over 50 - Petite Dressing (2024)

Skirts look ever so beautiful on women of all age groups. But wearing skirts in your 50s can be tricky. You have to choose the right length, design, and print and pair it with the right top for a perfect look.

We have got a complete skirt guide for women over 50s. You’ll learn what sort of skirts are the best in this age group and how you can style them up in a different way. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Styling Goal

The length of the skirt is one of the most important factors for ladies over 50.

For a 100% comfort level, you have to find a suitable length for you.

Skirts come in various lengths from full-length, mid-length, and short skirts. You can find a variety of sizes in these lengths as well.

  • Many women in their 50s might not prefer mini skirts. So, they can go for a skirt that comes above their knees. This length of the skirt is suitable for different occasions and provides a put-together look.
  • Long flowy skirts look good in the summertime. Mid-length skirts are the most common as they look elegant on every occasion.
  • The best part about skirts is you can dress them up and down no matter which length you choose. So, it depends on your taste and preference to choose a suitable length.
  • Women with long torsos can go for high-rise skirts. They will make your legs and torso length look balanced.
  • If your legs are short, wearing mid and short-length skirts is suitable. Wearing skirts that come above your ankle but below your knees also fit well here.

Choose the Right Skirt for Each Occasion

While skirts do look gorgeous and provide a feminine look, you must consider the occasion you are wearing them on. Understanding the theme of the occasion before choosing your outfit will always help you to dress amazingly.

  • If it is a casual day out in the summer, flowy printed skirts or pleated skirts are a good option.
  • For a little formal look, mid-length skirts are better. But skirts with tulles won’t be suitable for such a day.
  • For a night out, pencil skirts paired with shirts or peplum tops are a good option.
  • For your office look, avoid wearing flowy and long skirts. Mid-length skirts in pencil or A-line style are suitable for office attire.
  • Make your office attire more professional by going for a formal skirt with a matching blazer. It will make you look classy, age-appropriate, and stylish.
  • Keep printed, draped and wrap-around skirts for casual hangouts, vacations or beach days.

Next, we’ll talk about how to choose the best types of skirts when you are over 50.

Animal prints skirts

Animal prints are a perfect option for a night out, or a date night.

Animal prints can be quite flattering for women over 50, because the prints themselves make a strong statement. Because they are bold, they can make you look more confident as well as powerful.

Opt for a solid color top to go with your animal printed skirt and enjoy turning heads everywhere you go!

Satin skirts

Satin skirts are one of the best options for dressier occasions.

Because the fabrics have a natural shine to them, they can instantly make your outfit look more expensive without necessarily costing you more.

Not only are they feminine, but they look elegant, even when you pair them with the most simple top.

Subtle floral skirts

You can wear floral prints at any age, but it’s not uncommon for women over 50 to wonder if these will age you.

Just like any prints, when you choose them wisely, you can make them work.

In general, subtle printed florals are easier to style, because they can pair with different color tops.

Printed skirts with plain tops or matching printed tops look chic. For summer, floral designs are always in trend. They are easy to carry and make you look lively.

Geometric printed skirts

Geometric prints are a great option for women over 50, because they add a sophisticated touch to your outfit.

One thing to keep in mind is geometric printed skirts look best with plain neutral-colored tops.

If you go for a printed skirt, you have to choose your top very carefully. Too many different prints in your outfit can look unsatisfactory.

Pencil Skirts

Pencil skirts look gorgeous on every woman. They are the easiest element to use while trying to look fashionable. The best length for a pencil skirt is either right above or right below your knees.

You can style pencil skirts in various ways. Get a pencil skirt that goes below your knees, and pair it up with a plain blouse and blazer for a formal look.

Long pencil skirts look mesmerizing too. They are especially suitable for women with thin legs.

You can tuck your top in the skirt if your torso is long. It will give an illusion of longer legs.

Pleated Skirts

Pleated skirts look modern, stylish, and subtle. They are suitable for all body types and allow free movement.

You can choose any length of a pleated skirt and pair it with a casual t-shirt. As pleated skirts are themselves quite roomy, don’t go for flowy blouses.

Pleated skirts are the best if you don’t want to flaunt your thigh fat. Get a length that comes below your knees.

You will get thin and long-looking legs.

A-Line Skirts

A-line skirts are the most common skirt style due to their versatility and ease of styling them up. They are age appropriate for women over 50 as they come in different sizes.

A-line skirts are neither too poofy to make you look chubby and not too small to accentuate areas you don’t want to highlight. They are your best bet and a must have staple for women over 50.

A-line skirts provide a balanced silhouette making your waist look toned. If you wear a mid-length A-line skirt showing off your calves and ankles, it will make your legs look longer.

A-line skirts are great to style for both casual and formal outfits. You can wear them with a button-down shirt or a plain blouse/t-shirt.

Wrap-Around Skirts

Wrap-around skirts look good on a few occasions such as on the beach or on a sunny day out. They are comfortable to wear and also look feminine.

Wrap-around skirts make you look effortlessly good because of their design.

Pair such skirts with a plain mock neck t-shirt. Use a good pair of sandals to spice up the look.

Button Down Skirts

Button down skirts can be a good option for those who enjoy the vintage vibe. Since most of them are in the shape of a pencil skirt, they can hug your curves nicely but also elegantly.

Midi Skirts with a Slit

Skirts with a slit on the front or either side are like that one piece of clothing that looks ravishing without trying.

They are perfectly airy for summer and look beautiful on everyone.

Whether you have thin legs or chubbier ones, you can flaunt a slit skirt.

The best part? They can elongate your legs, especially when you go with a longer length such as the midi, which otherwise have the risk of making your legs shorter.

Denim Skirts

Denim is a classic look and you can have that taste in skirts as well. Denim skirts look luxurious on women over 50.

All you have to do is pair a denim skirt with a white t-shirt or blouse. Wear white sneakers and you are all set to look the trendiest.

Flowy Maxi Skirts

Maxi skirts are perfect if you are looking for a laid-back skirt to pack for your next vacation.

Because they are longer, they naturally give you a relaxed vibe, making then a must-have if you are heading for a tropical get-away.

Leather skirts

Yes, you can rock leather skirts at any age, and they can be a great option for women over 50.

They can instantly add a touch of edginess to your outfit, and they require minimum styling effort.

Balance Skirts and Tops

The top you choose for your skirt is essential to style it the right way. A gorgeous skirt that suits you a lot can look basic and lame if you don’t pair it up with a suitable top.

Long flowy skirts don’t look good with loose blouses. Usually, they look better if you tuck the top inside the skirt.

Similarly, don’t go for circle skirts with flowy blouses. There should be a balance between your skirt and top.

In Conclusion…

After reading our skirt guide for women over 50, you can rock skirts on different occasions. All you have to do is to choose the right length, style, print, and color for your skirt. Pair the skirt with a complementing top and a pair of shoes.

Consider your body type, your dressing goal, and your comfort level while going for any skirt length and style. Keep a balance between your top and skirt and make sure your whole outfit is appropriate for the occasion. Avoid fashion trends like tulle skirts and asymmetrical designs for an elegant look.

Maryluz Acosta

The Ultimate Skirt Guide For Women Over 50 - Petite Dressing (2024)

FAQs

What length skirt should a 50 year old wear? ›

Clothes look best when they fit well. Define your waist, no matter how big or small. Keep your skirt and dress lengths to the knee or slightly above. Flowy dresses look best if they are mid-calf length.

What kind of skirt should a petite woman wear? ›

One of the best skirt lengths for petite women is above the knee, and the A-Line works especially well because the slight flare makes the legs look more slender. If you're petite, you can't go wrong with Talbots.

Can a 55 year old woman wear a mini skirt? ›

But mini skirts don't have to live in the past. You CAN wear them at any age. It's all about HOW you wear them.

What skirts flatter older women? ›

A-line skirts flatter any figure with a softly flared silhouette; pleated skirts are a timeless choice and can be dressed up or down; button-through skirts are a stylish and versatile option; straight skirts provide a tailored look for a polished finish; and soft pleated skirts offer a contemporary feel.

What length of skirt is most flattering? ›

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.

What is the best skirt length for a short person? ›

When you're short and shopping for longer skirts, it's important to make sure the hem hits you at the right length. For maxi skirts, this isn't terribly difficult as you just have to find one that doesn't drag on the floor when your shoes are on. With midi skirts, you need a skirt that falls slightly above mid-calf.

Can a petite woman wear a long skirt? ›

Smaller frames get easily overwhelmed by wide, floor-length skirts and dresses. Instead, go for one that hits at or just below the ankle with a figure-skimming fit for a streamlined shape. Can't find an ankle-length skirt? Find one that can be folded at the waist for a tailor-free hemming option!

What dress length is most flattering for a petite? ›

Mini dresses are surely the best ally for petite women: they lift the barycenter up, and they make your legs appear optically longer. Choose a V-neck and details on the shoulders if you have a triangle silhouette and want to draw attention to the upper part.

How can I look classy petite? ›

MIND THE PROPORTIONS

Proportion is key for petite women to ensure that their outfits flatter their figure. Avoid oversized or baggy clothing, as they can overwhelm your smaller frame and make you appear smaller than you are. Instead, focus on well-fitted garments that highlight your curves and create a balanced look.

Can a 70 year old wear a short skirt? ›

Of course they can, clothing doesn't have age restrictions attached to them. If your 70 and you feel good and comfortable in a mini skirt then go for it. Can a 70-year-old woman wear shorts? A 70 year old can wear whatever she pleases.

Can you wear mini skirts after 50? ›

Can a 50-year-old woman wear a mini skirt? Age and gender do not define who wears a miniskirt. Yes, a 50 year old woman can wear a miniskirt as such with men as well.

What should a 53 year old woman wear? ›

Focus on fabrics: “Many women will experience hormonal changes after 50, so the key is to keep cool. I believe the focus should be on fabrics that will keep you cool,” fashion stylist Sharonda Grandberry says. Great fabric options include cotton, chambray, denim and cashmere.

What type of skirt makes you look thinner? ›

Wearing such skirt of a dark shade with a tucked-in top and high-heeled shoes will make your legs look longer and your torso slimmer. The same goes for a mid-length fitted A-line skirt. A print on the fabric can also help you look a few pounds less.

What length skirt for older women? ›

While maxi skirts are 'out', we again are seeing the below the knee and midi lengths in full force. If you are on the shorter side always pair this length skirt with a small to tall heel to avoid looking overpowered. And if you love your legs/knees, then a skirt hitting right above the knees is always in style.

How to dress at 50 without looking frumpy? ›

Please pay attention to the fit of your clothes and make sure they're the right size for your body. Frumpy clothing often looks shapeless and lacks structure, which can make you look and feel older than you are. Instead, invest in a few well-made pieces that fit you well.

Can I wear a short skirt over 50? ›

Yes. People older than 50 aren't dead, they have the same active life that younger people do and are probably smarter about what they look good in. I'm 65, luckily have great legs (others have commented, thank you) and occasionally do wear a short dress. I still gives me pleasure and makes me feel vibrant.

What should a 50 year old woman wear on a night out? ›

Lively patterns, like polka dots, stripes or florals, are a fun way to reflect your unique style and personality. Add a pop-of-print silk scarf to a simple neutral outfit. For maximum sartorial impact, go all in with a head-turning coat or printed dress. Stand-out dresses for women over 50?

How to not look frumpy over 50? ›

Please pay attention to the fit of your clothes and make sure they're the right size for your body. Frumpy clothing often looks shapeless and lacks structure, which can make you look and feel older than you are. Instead, invest in a few well-made pieces that fit you well.

Am I too old to wear a short skirt? ›

An important factor to consider when you're trying to decide if a skirt is the appropriate length for you is how do you want to be perceived. If skirts are too short (after all there are miniskirts and there are MINI, miniskirts!) on anyone regardless of age you run the risk of looking trashy for lack of a better word.

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