You are over forty. Can you still wear a short dress? For some women, a short hemline is perfectly fine, but for others it’s definitely a fashion offense. A dress that is too short can make a mature woman look like she is trying too hard to look young. In others, she can expose those areas of her body that are best left hidden. Here are some basic tips for finding the right hem for you.

1. Consider your age

Age is very important in determining the correct hem for you. A sixty-five-year-old woman may have nice legs, but she would find a microskirt totally inappropriate. Generally speaking, hemlines that end at the knees are acceptable for all women. Women in their forties can wear skirts slightly above the knee. Women fifty and older should not go shorter than the knee.

2. Consider the social situation

A shorter hem may be fine for a party or a night out on the town, but it can be totally wrong in other situations. Ideally, for the office, hemlines should be no shorter than the knee. If you find yourself in a situation where you are not sure if a short skirt is appropriate, always opt for knee-length garments.

3. Think about the relationship

Oddly enough, many mature women tend to drop their hemlines below the knee as they age. Some drop it below the knee. However, lines that go down instead of up can also be disastrous. If your dress is too long, it can make you look older, shorter, and fatter. Always keep in mind the ratio of your height to your clothing. If you’re short, a long skirt can be overwhelming. As a general rule, short women should wear the skirt to the knee or long, and never, never, to the middle of the calf.