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.
Let me begin by saying that skirt length is a personal choice. I'm not here to tell you that you should or shouldn't be wearing short dresses as a mature woman. The days of judgment and “age-appropriate dressing” are over.
For a woman in her 50s, it's best to opt for a dress or skirt that has a length above the knee or one slightly above. Maxi dresses are a great choice, as well as designs that drape around you. Don't wear ones that are too short or show too much skin, as this can create an unflattering look.
Most women in their 50s don't prefer mini skirts as they are not age-appropriate. Skipping this skirt length is a better option if you want to look modern and elegant. Mini skirts can make you feel uncomfortable. They don't have enough coverage for the thigh area.
Whether your tall or short, flat-chested or not, a good rule of thumb for everyone is that the dress or skirt should not be more than two inches above the knee.
The Basics
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.
First, determine the length of your body from shoulder tip to ground (in). Next, determine the heel height (in). Next, gather the formula from above = DL = (SGL + HH) / 1.618. Finally, calculate the Dress Length.
Some great styles for women over 50 are empire waist dresses, a Little Red Dress, A-line dresses, long dresses in a looser fit, a midi dress, long sleeved dresses with a V-neckline or boat neckline. These styles can help you look chic and stylish while still being comfortable.
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.
The 50/50 ratio (or proportion) rule
One of the areas that is quite often out of balance, is the "ratio" of skirts and tops. The ideal ratio is 50% of your outfit consists of the top and 50% consists of the skirt.
It's true that most short dresses won't do for a formal event. But with the right embellishments, you can easily pull off short dresses for formal events. Look for short cocktail dresses with sequins, lace and beading. Those added fun elements will take your dress up one big formal notch.
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!
Of course there is no age limit on feeling sexy. Women and men of every age can ooze sex appeal. With changing hormones and bodies what it is often most important is your attitude and how you feel about yourself.
There are a few types of jeans that women over 50 should “generally” avoid. However, there are no concrete RULES that say you can't still wear any pair of jeans you prefer. You might not end up on the cover of Vogue in a pair of skinny jeans, but the fashion police won't come and arrest you either.
Choose blue, matte pastels, pink, yellow, mauve or gray. Golden skin tones should also be favored in warm tones to look their best after 50. As for matte skin, they can afford anything.
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.
1. Measure the length of the body from the shoulders to the floor in centimeters (put on shoes and measure for each pair of shoes with different heel heights). 2. Divide this number by the golden ratio of 1.618.
What is a mini dress? Mini dresses show off the most leg since they sit above the knee. Like mini skirts, mini dresses usually stop at mid-thigh, but some may go even shorter. Mini dresses come in a variety of silhouettes. Shift dresses, which fall straight from the shoulders, are especially popular in the mini length.