How To Choose The Ideal Dress Lenght: How To Dress Over 50

How should you dress over 50 and choose the ideal dress length if you still have short skirts or dresses in your closet?

Firstly, let’s avoid making broad statements and jumping to conclusions right away – that’s just my take on it.

I did some online digging, hoping to find a reliable answer to the question “how to dress after 50… with the right dress or skirt length.” But I have to admit, the results were a bit puzzling.

When it comes to the topic of dressing after 50, I stumbled upon numerous articles penned by very young bloggers and writers, showcasing pictures of stylish or iconic women like Iris Apfel.

Now, don’t get me wrong – Iris Apfel is an incredible individual, but I’m 56, and I still can’t quite relate to her. And I’d venture to guess that most of my friends who are around the same age, and even those in their mid-70s, might feel the same way.

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How to dress age-appropriate over 50?

To put it simply, I believe there’s a fair bit of confusion among the younger crowd about what a woman in her fifties really looks like these days and how she should dress. It’s kind of like when we were six years old and thought 35-year-olds were REALLY old.

But obviously, reality today is quite different. And it’s especially diverse: women over 50 are still very much in the thick of life.

They’re working, juggling responsibilities with kids and elderly family members, traveling, reinventing themselves, experiencing new relationships, starting businesses, or making drastic lifestyle changes like moving to the countryside.

And speaking of physical appearances, there’s a wide range. Sure, these are decades marked by significant bodily changes, but thankfully, not all of them are negative.

MY PERSONAL TAKE

So, I decided to take a different approach and share my own thoughts on the matter – specifically, how to dress after 50 and what lengths to go for when it comes to dresses and skirts.

First and foremost, let’s start with a few important points:

Fashion trends in recent years have introduced a variety of midi and maxi lengths, which can be incredibly stylish when paired appropriately. However, I’ve noticed that these lengths don’t always complement every woman’s figure in the most flattering way.

Speaking personally, I’ve phased out many items from the “mini” section of my wardrobe, particularly from my collection of spring and summer clothing.

Despite my legs still holding up quite well, I feel much more at ease wearing skirts and short dresses during the winter months. Pairing them with thick, opaque socks that resemble leggings makes a significant difference.

The right choice of stockings can truly transform the look.

This is why I’ve held onto some short (but not mini) dresses for the colder seasons, such as the one you can see in these photos.

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The challenge of finding knee-length skirts:

Locating skirts that fall around the knee has become quite the task when shopping these days.

The available options seem to span from micro minis, which can be a challenge to pull off even for those in their twenties, to the increasingly prevalent “midi/long skirts & dresses” category. It’s a complex landscape to navigate.

As time goes on, our eyes—particularly a woman’s perspective, which includes my own—adjust to new trends. This is why many of us feel compelled to embrace the aforementioned dresses, even if just a couple of seasons ago, we might have dismissed them as “Granny’s dresses.”

In my view, this phenomenon contributes further to the decline of shorter lengths after the age of 50.

Certainly, while I don’t like imposing strict rules, I believe it’s beneficial to offer some simple guidelines for choosing the right length of skirts and dresses for dressing after 50. Here are a few suggestions that might help:

1. Consider Proportions

We all have unique body shapes, which means the ideal length can vary for each of us. Some fashion experts suggest that a length around the knee (or within two inches above or below) is generally “universally flattering” for a wide range of women.

However, it’s crucial to carefully assess this guideline, preferably in front of a mirror with a discerning eye.

This guideline can serve as an excellent starting point:

Mirror Test:

Naturally, the real assessment happens right after, in front of the mirror. For me, it’s a matter of common sense.

If there’s even a slight doubt that something might be too short (or too lengthy to the point of losing its appeal, like a floor-touching maxi), I instinctively know it’s best to avoid it.

Shape Matters:

Beyond just length, the shape of a skirt or dress is crucial. The visual impact differs significantly between a short, wide-cut dress and a longer bondage-style dress.

Even a knee-length pencil skirt paired with striking heels might present more challenges than a short, breezy boho-style miniskirt.

Tights or No Tights?

As I mentioned earlier, I tend to reserve very short lengths for winter, often with thick, opaque tights and moderately low heels. There are some exceptions for beach getaways, where a tan and the setting make a difference.

Footwear Choices:

The choice of shoes is fundamental in toning down the effect of a short skirt or dress. The timeless advice “the shorter the dress, the lower the heel” still holds true. Many fifty-year-olds are stylishly rocking frilly dresses with trendy sneakers these days.

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Layer with a Coat:

Personally, I find that a slightly shorter dress looks better when paired with a slightly longer outer layer. It seems to balance volumes and, at least for me, enhances the overall appearance (though this may vary based on individual proportions).

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Consider the Context:

Naturally, the context and occasion are important when determining the perfect length. For formal events, business meetings, church gatherings, and the like, I tend to avoid very short lengths—even with opaque stockings and lower heels.

These insights, while not rigid rules, can help guide your choices as you decide on the right hem length for your skirts and dresses after the age of 50. Remember, your personal taste and comfort are key in making these decisions.

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