My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

AIBU?

To ask what age you should cover up?

215 replies

conceptionisdraining · 23/11/2021 22:00

This isn't about what you think about others flashing skin, it's more a question about you personally - what age do you start to feel mini skirts and cleavage are inappropriate for you personally?

When I was younger I'd wear so much skin baring clothing (in many cases too much skin for sure!), nowadays I do still bare some skin but am much more conservative, and feel awkward in short skirts for a variety of reasons (not even mini just shortish ones)

What age did you start to feel age crept into your clothing choices?

OP posts:
Report
Notlostjustexploring · 23/11/2021 22:10

For me I think it's when you realise comfort trumps fashion and you give no shits any more*.

I wear longer shorts in the summer because I dislike the backs of my legs sticking to chairs for example. Or I like to not have a draft round my middle.

*I'm only 35 but I find great joy in comfortable clothing!

Report
Bluntness100 · 23/11/2021 22:22

I think you can wear what you want at any age,

For me, cleavage has been old fashioned and tacky for a very long time. Unless you’re about twenty and dressed up to go clubbing.

I wore below mid thigh skirts to my late forties when going someplace really dressy, so a cocktail dress type thing, but not normal going out, I’m more jeans and heels and a nice top person

For me I think it’s up to what you want to wear, and we are all different.

Report
Northernsoullover · 23/11/2021 22:25

I still wear short skirts but I wouldn't do without thick tights. I'm 50. Bare legs are for overseas holidays for me.
I don't think there should be a rule. I just feel more comfortable in thick tights. I've never had a cleavage so not a dilemma for me!

Report
JollyJoon · 23/11/2021 22:30

I've never enjoyed flashing the flesh it requires too much attention, tugging, body prepping. Also guys dont bother with it. Even in really hot weather they dont have their bodies out for public assessment so why should I.

Report
changingchanges2 · 23/11/2021 22:32

I don't know? I'm 34 and still loving wearing mini skirts, short dresses etc. and don't see that stopping any time soon.

Report
RozHuntleysStump · 23/11/2021 22:51

You should just do what you want. I’m a comfort person. Probably quite frumpy by most standards. Some people like to be super glam or all sexy. We’re all different.

Report
TheBullfinch · 23/11/2021 22:53

For me, it was 31. I still had a great figure but realised I wasnt young anymore and my skin was starting to crepe.

I'll still wear a loose shift dress to the knee in summer and long dresses/skirts with splits but i have good legs. I dont tend to show cleavage though but think it looks good on others who are older. I think it depends on the person. I see plenty of 50-something Instagram models wearing vedts and shorts who look amazing.

Report
samesign · 23/11/2021 23:03

I decided at 25 that was the last time for wearing mini skirts, probably because I was a married mum by that age I felt that I should be more conservative, although I'd only wear one for a night out anyway.

Report
fedup65356 · 23/11/2021 23:06

I've never been able to wear mini skirts/dresses because of my fat wobbly thighs, but at the age of 46 still display cleavage from time to time - just not as much as I used to.

Report
Lagomtransplant · 23/11/2021 23:18

Never. I find comfort and warmth more important. I will wear a dress in summer, but again, for my own comfort. Otherwise, it's leggings, sweaters, scarves and layers galore.

Report
Anordinarymum · 23/11/2021 23:22

I am 66 and have a cracking pair of legs. I would wear a mini with thick tights no problem and if on holiday abroad do not mind baring the legs a bit.

I cover my upper arms up these days. I positively dislike cleavage. I have a large chest and hate it.

Report
amsadandconfused · 23/11/2021 23:30

Anything that you are comfortable with…it’s how you feel rather than how other people think !

Report
BaronessBomburst · 23/11/2021 23:31

I started to cover up when I started to feel the cold!

Report
amsadandconfused · 23/11/2021 23:32

My boss is early sixties and wears mini skirts and high long black boots…I think she looks tragic but she clearly thinks she is smashing it so ..crack on !

Report
bizboz · 23/11/2021 23:32

In my 30s I stopped wearing short skirts (more than an inch or two above the knee) because I felt I was too old. Now I'm in my 40s and think I was being ridiculous. I happily wear them again now.

Report
PinkPlantCase · 23/11/2021 23:33

It was around 25 for me too.

Report
Saysama · 23/11/2021 23:35

I’ve never been a cleavage person (as I’ve never had much to speak of 😂), but I suspect I’ll be wearing my little skirts/dresses well into my 50’s and will reassess then. I’ve cracking legs and the world deserves to see them.

Report
Starcup · 23/11/2021 23:57

@samesign

I decided at 25 that was the last time for wearing mini skirts, probably because I was a married mum by that age I felt that I should be more conservative, although I'd only wear one for a night out anyway.

Same. Used to wear micro minis when I was 25 and under (only when I went out clubbing)

I think when you’re younger you can wear what you want and you don’t really get judged. Everyone has been young once.

If I seen a bunch of 22 year olds in mini skirts and boob tubes I wouldn’t think anything.

If I seen a group 50 year olds I’d be like Hmm you’re brave.
Report
WhatDidISayAlan · 24/11/2021 00:02

Never - I hate my skin. I’m Irish descent and never have a tan - I just have a blotchy blue tinge. Never a good look.

Report
NotMyCat · 24/11/2021 00:10

I have cleavage (I'm not talking boobs out but it's visible) unless I wear a slash neck/round neck. Which is really unflattering as I'm so top heavy. So cleavage it is!

Report
HelloBunny · 24/11/2021 00:10

When my legs stopped being great. And my arms started being bingo winged. It was a natural progression to more grown-up clothes.
I just trusted the mirror! And my gut feeling (and gut size). Most of my youthful clothes went to Oxfam by the time I was 40.

Report
Exhausteddog · 24/11/2021 00:15

I don't really have a cleavage to flaunt but being short of leg, I still prefer to wear skirts and dresses above the knee because I think that's more flattering. (I'm 43)

Report

Newsletters you might like

Discover Exclusive Savings!

Sign up to our Money Saver newsletter now and receive exclusive deals and hot tips on where to find the biggest online bargains, tailored just for Mumsnetters.

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

Parent-Approved Gems Await!

Subscribe to our weekly Swears By newsletter and receive handpicked recommendations for parents, by parents, every Sunday.

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

Megan2018 · 24/11/2021 00:17

I’m 43 and still wear some short dresses, or cleavage out (never both) but opportunities are limited these days. But I don’t look or act my age!
I do wear fairly short dresses at work most days in winter but with very opaque tights so no skin on show. I don’t intend to stop that.

I do think I’d look ridiculous with my stomach on show though, no stretchmarks and it’s not fat exactly, but I’d feel like a twat in a boob tube. So they are long gone.

Report
SkankingMopoke · 24/11/2021 00:39

For me I think it's when you realise comfort trumps fashion and you give no shits any more

Yep, I'd agree with this. I think I was about 20 😂 I have never been fussed about/understood fashion though, and instead always prized practicality (in all areas of life). I tried desperately to fit in before 20, but then realised it was futile and I wanted to be comfy, warm, and dry.

Report
notangelinajolie · 24/11/2021 01:54

I don't know about age but my 2 eldest DD's who are in their late 20's would never ever wear clothes anything like their younger sister who hast just turned 20. ie crop tops, leggings, short bodycon t-shirt dresses. In general anything that flashes flesh. They think that is one look that should definitely be left to the teens.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.