Keep your skirt and dress lengths to the knee or slightly above. Flowy dresses look best if they are mid-calf length. Steer clear of cropped pants — they were an unflattering fashion fad for way too long. Don't show too much skin: too-short skirts and tops that are too low don't flatter anyone.
Some stylists suggest that the length around the knee (or two inches above/below) is “universally flattering” on the vast majority of women, but in any case in my opinion it is necessary to evaluate well, better if in front of a mirror and with a critical eye.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A well-cut maxi skirt can actually make you look taller. Choose a solid colour or patterned maxi dress that will create the appearance of a long vertical line and ensure the hemline is as long as it can go. Team your maxi skirt with a tucked in t-shirt, cropped jacket and wedges for maximum vertical appeal.
It's put a smile on my – much older – face. But mini skirts don't have to live in the past. You CAN wear them at any age.
2) It's all about the length!
When it comes to looking for a shorter dress, look for dresses which reaches just below the knee or on the knee. This is because the dress finishes at the slimmest part of your leg.
Current dress and skirt lengths
That's not to say that the length won't come back in. And there have been (and are) micro sub-trends of the midi length and the maxi length since then. However, currently the main length for dresses and skirts is around knee length, or shorter (if you're younger and have good legs).
Any dress that does not have a belt — a shift, fit and flare, empire, raised waist, trapeze — is going to be more body-friendly to you now than separate tops and bottoms since there's no break at the waist. One-piece dresses glide over curves and balance body proportions, so you look more “even,” too.
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!
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.
However, there are some fashion choices that can make a woman look frumpy and unattractive. The most common factors that contribute to a frumpy look include clothing that is too tight or too loose, unflattering cuts and shapes, outdated styles, fabrics that don't flatter the body shape, and ill-fitting shoes.
French women very much believe that beauty and wellness are about accepting who you are and making the most of what you have. They have a phrase, joie de vivre which means enjoy life. Rather than try to reverse the ageing process, French women embrace their ageing skin, preferring to focus on skincare for skin health.
Keep your skirt and dress lengths to the knee or slightly above. Flowy dresses look best if they are mid-calf length. Steer clear of cropped pants — they were an unflattering fashion fad for way too long. Don't show too much skin: too-short skirts and tops that are too low don't flatter anyone.
Buy more sophisticated clothes.
Blouses and dress shirts often look more adult than T-shirts or other types of tops. While people of all ages love wearing T-shirts, they tend to project a spirit of youth, rather than someone with a job. Wear tailored tops with collars instead. Avoid novelty clothes.
If you are petite like me (I'm 5'2″), maxi dresses can be one of the most flattering styles for short women like us! The reason is if you are short, creating length in your outfit is one of the key factors to make you look taller.
Can make you look shorter. As a petite woman, the awkward length of a midi dress can sometimes be the reason why shorter women avoid this style entirely. If the midi dress hemline doesn't fall where it should due to your height, it could end up making you look even shorter.
Tea length dresses were a favorite during the golden age of Hollywood, so try one on if you want to feel like a retro starlet. Just keep in mind that this isn't the most flattering length on its own, since it tends to give the illusion that the person wearing the dress is shorter than she really is.