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 may 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 right hem for you. A sixty-five-year-old woman may have nice legs, but she would find a microskirt totally inappropriate. Generally speaking, knee-length hems are acceptable for all women. Forty-year-old women can wear skirts slightly above the knee. Women fifty years of age 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 on the town, but it may be totally wrong in other situations. Ideally, for the office, hems should be no shorter than the knee. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re not sure if a short skirt is appropriate, always opt for knee-length pieces.

3. Think about the relationship

Oddly enough, many mature women tend to drop their hemlines below the knee as they get older. Some let it fall 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 skirts that are knee-length or long, and never, ever, mid-calf.