HOW TO ROCK A SHORT SKIRT IN THE CITY
Sara Hollamby
Style Counsel
I FIND it scary when the hemlines go up, short skirts filter into the City, and anyone over 45 questions whether they should go with it, or sink into Nora Battyness.
While the latter must be avoided, in recent decades women have undoubtedly become more youthful – we’ve had to. When something “new” hits the fashion scene like skyscraper heels and platform ankle boots, or skinny jeans and leggings, it’s not an easy world to venture into, especially when it wasn’t so long since you were wearing them first time round (a mere 20 years). There’s something in your head that says: “No I’m too old – hang on, that’s rubbish”. Once that new look is established on the high street, like shorter hemlines, then its time to go with it and find what you feel happy wearing. Don’t be shy – but don’t go over the top, either.
Like all the principles of how to wear clothing to suit you, look at your height, shape and lifestyle to choose which variation on today’s high fashion will work best. If you’re a tall size 16 with chunky legs, the chances of you feeling good in a short skirt are probably zero, but if you wear a short dress with fine jeans and flat boots, it could be a modern new you.
Petites should welcome the shorter lengths with open arms, as they will give the illusion of height, with tights and heels for work (say an inch above the knee); and socially, go for a short dress or tunic, with black leggings and high boots, and you will be transformed.
Also, buy your clothes in shops that transcend the age gap, like Zara and Max Mara, and experiment with modern accessories. If you’re not sure about something new, try it out at home first, and get used to it – it’ll soon become “you”. Of course, the downside to short skirts and leggings when you’re over 45 is that your knees get cold – aaah, bless.
Sara Hollamby is a business image consultant with WorkingVoices.com email [email protected]