I always get lots of questions about legs. Indignant ones about why they shouldn’t be on show if the owner, despite being well over fifty, has good ones. And timid ones, requiring guidance on appropriate skirt length despite being less than forty. So it’s a very personal thing for each woman I know.
But I don’t subscribe to rules. Tools yes and in my body shape e-books I hand out tools for you to use as you see fit. Body shape is a much more accurate guide on how to dress than age, as our shape can dictate how we feel about certain flattering and unflattering looks – there are long legs, curvy legs, short legs and slender legs all benefiting from a different approach. But interestingly on the subject of pins many women want a more definitive take.
This is because there are so many opinionated fashion journalists out there pointing the finger if they feel a fashion transgression has been made. And let’s face it, the more fashion transgressions they can convince you are making, the more hopelessly out of touch you will feel and reach for the magazines they write for, thus keeping them in column inches and the chance to postulate ad nauseam.
Back to those tools then. Personally I am of the opinion that it is all about comfort zones and one woman’s security blanket is another woman’s claustrophobic muffler.
So if you feel great with yards of leg on show then enjoy. I saw a fabulous looking woman in opaque black tights, heels and a short jersey dress. She was well over fifty with a grey bob and she looked sensational. Wish I’d had the presence of mind to take her picture for this very feature! (Now that’s an idea)!
But similarly, if you like a bit of coverage and feel better for it then celebrate your knowledge of what suits you and ignore future proclamations from fashion magazines that insist you can’t be fit to walk the planet if you don’t embrace the new mini. It’s nothing more than fashion intimidation. As we all know the new mini, the maxi, the midi, the rest, will all be promoted in the course of a season or two as the look. Hey we’ve been there and we’ve seen it all before!
Definitely a prompt for me to fish out a picture from my own personal collection I think, so stay turned for the next instalment of “This week I am mostly wearing…”
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3 responses so far
1 Gina J // Apr 7, 2008 at 10:44 am
Hi, just a quick thought about the mini for the older woman. Age doesn’t matter, although I think one should go for a little more coverage as one gets older. The cry of the 50+ that ‘I’ve got a great pair of legs’ – Cilla Black was one sadly, sometimes doesn’t go with the visual. No, the issue at any age is (sorry to always go on about this) deportment. The sad sight of a well turned out woman lumping along or pecking along on pins like an ostrich (chin out, bum out, abdomen following underneath – aaagh) is an abomination.
Walk properly and you’ll look good in most things, and you’ll look and feel more confident. I’m 60+ and continue to battle to walk like a dancer. It’s important.
Love the site
Gina J
Brixham
2 Lyn R. // Apr 15, 2008 at 10:07 am
What absolute sense you talk! It’s great to see someone who is advocating common sense for all ages (I am 50+) where fashion is concerned.
As for the mini, I have never worn them as I know that my legs are my least attractive feature, but Gina J you are so right, it is about deportment! I was a dancer so know all about holding yourself correctly, walking should be comfortable and effortless not a struggle in any get up!
I prefer longer skirts, even though I’m only 5′2″, but because I am walking comfortably (and correctly) they do not make me appear even smaller than I already am!
Of course, knowing what suits and wearing it confidently is always a bonus, don’t you just hate those peeps who are forever tugging their skirts down because they are feeling too exposed?? Proof that following fashion slavishly is not the answer at any cost or at any age!
I am loving the site and your tips Caryn.
Thank you!
Lyn R.
Shropshire
3 Caryn Franklin // Apr 30, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Hi Lyn,
Thanks very much. Glad you like the site and the chance to connect with women who think just like you.
@ Gina
I agree with you and having exchanged with you before on the subject of 40 plus dressing (if any one thinks of a better subject line let me know) I know you feel as I do that confidence is everything.
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