Flattering Skirts for Mature Women Over 40, 50 and Beyond

Finding the Most Flattering Skirts for Mature Women

As women get older, fashion trends come and go faster than seems possible to keep up with. While some older women try embracing teenage and 20-something styles in an effort to seem youthful, often the results come off as trying too hard.

However, just because youve left your younger years behind doesnt mean you have to resign yourself to dull, frumpy clothes either. The key is learning which skirts are both fashionable and flattering specifically for the over 40, 50 and 60+ set.

Considering Your Changing Body Shape with Age

Our bodies naturally go through changes as we transition from our 30s to 40s, 50s and beyond. Typically, middle age brings weight gain and redistributeion around the midsection, loss of muscle tone, as well as looser skin prone sagging and cellulite on hips and thighs.

When selecting skirts, opting for styles made from soft, flexible fabrics that skim over or hide problem areas rather than cling can help compensate for these shifts. The most complementary cuts also balance and enhance your best assets.

Building an Age-Appropriate Yet Stylish Skirt Wardrobe

Having a selection of skirts suitable for both dressy and casual occasions is key in putting together chic, pulled-together looks. Consider keeping these staple styles on hand:

• Versatile A-line midi skirts
• Feminine high-waisted pencil skirts
• Flowing maxi skirts and dresses
• Classic denim and leather skirts
• Pretty flared skater skirts

The Best Skirts for Older Women by Body Type

Finding skirts with the most flattering silhouettes and cuts for your shape helps disguise flaws while playing up assets. Heres how to choose the most complementary styles:

Inverted Triangle Frame

If you have broad shoulders and bust balanced by narrower hips, aim for skirts creating a more hourglass effect such as:

• A-lines accentuating the waist
• Flared and flouncy skater skirt styles
• Soft draping pencil skirts

Pear Body Shape

Pair your smaller upper body and fuller hips/thighs with skirts minimizing bottom heaviness like:

• A-line midi lengths hitting just below the knee
• High-waisted styles coming to the smallest part of your waist
• Straight or trumpet cuts falling straight from the hip

Petite Frame

If you stand shorter than 54, avoid skirts that will overwhelm your frame. Better options include:

• Knee-length pencil skirts
• Mini skirts showing off legs
• Slits, kick pleats and high slits giving illusion of length

Plus Size Figure

With a fuller midsection, choose skirts reducing bulkiness through:

• Dark colors and matte fabrics
• Thick waistbands hitting at your natural waist point
• Asymmetrical hemlines disguising width

Boyish Rectangular Shape

Create more curves with sleek yet feminine styles like:

• Bodycon pencil skirts
• A-line midi length with side slits
• High-waisted full skirts

Fabric & Length Considerations for Older Bodies

Along with style and cut, fabric choice and length also impact comfort and how flattering a skirt looks. Use this advice for the best results:

Weigh Fabric Opacity

Sheer fabrics spotlight every imperfection, from cellulite to varicose veins common in mature women. Opt for lined skirts or those made of heavier, opaque materials blocking the view of any troubled areas underneath instead.

Embrace Stretch & Softness

Look for skirts containing spandex or other stretch materials blended into cotton, jersey, ponte knit or twill fabrics. This flexibility flatters shifting or expanding older figures while providing ease of movement.

Soft, fluid fabrics such as lightweight jerseys, airy chiffons and silky satins also skate over lumps and bumps more smoothly. Crisp, stiff styles tend to cling unflatteringly.

Consider Length Carefully

Mini skirts rarely suit the over 50 crowd. Focus on lengths hitting at the knee, below knee, midi or maxi instead. Longer hemlines convey polish while covering up signs of aging legs.

That said, cropped lengths showing some leg can work for accentuating your best assets. Just be strategic, such as balancing fuller thighs with a slightly shorter or high slit style.

Styling Skirts for a Mature Yet Modern Look

Along with selecting the right skirts themselves, styling them artfully brings your whole look together. Use these tips to finish off your outfit seamlessly:

Pair with the Right Tops

Choose tops either tailored to your shape or slightly loose and flowy. Cropped lengths help break up expanses of fabric while long covers camouflage problem areas. Balance fuller bottoms with fitted tops or looser skirts with tighter tops.

Add Polished Layers

Layer with timeless cardigans, dusters, blazers and kimonos balancing the hemline's proportions. For example, a longer lightweight cardigan over mini skirt helps you avoid bare legs.

Finish With Supportive Footwear

The right shoes polish off a skirt outfit seamlessly. Opt for low or mid height heels adding lift while remaining comfortable and stable. Also consider ballet flats or stylish sneakers.

Pro tip: Wear shoes matching the color of your skirt to create the illusion of longer legs!

Accessorize Strategically

Place attention on your best assets with accents. Try a sparkling necklace drawing eyes up from larger hips or a colorful scarf tying under the bust with pears. Statement belts also define waists beautifully. Just avoid anything too oversized or loud.

The overall vibe aims for timelessly chic rather than trying too hard to seem overly youthful in mini skirts and crop tops.

Confidently Rocking Skirts Over 40, 50 & Beyond

Skirts need not get pushed to the back of the closet as life milestones like 40, 50 and 60 come and go. By understanding your changing body, sticking to flattering shapes and lengths, and embracing dignified styling, you can wear skirts to suit your age gracefully and beautifully.

Most importantly, opt for skirts you not only look but also feel fabulous wearing as a confident, fashion-forward mature woman!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.