how short is too short?

[PooPooInMyToes]

How short is too short for a formal occasion eg wedding, christening? And does it makes a difference if you're only going to the reception or party afterwards? Also can you get away with shorter if your shoulders are covered/wearing tights?

If you are showing off cleavage then you should definitely be aiming for knee length and longer.
Age is important too. Under about 40 i'd say knee length/or perhaps just above skimming the knee. 50'ish definitely below the knee. 60 ish calf length.

Calf length really? I would of thought knee length or just below would have suited everyone. Calf length always seems so unflattering and frumpy.

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=the+queen+catherine+and+camilla+visit+fortnum+%26+mason&num=10&um=1&hl=en&biw=1480&bih=960&tbm=isch&tbnid=DPJlXKuLACHDBM:&imgrefurl=www.stylebrity.co.uk/princess-kate/8800/duchess-of-cambridge-visits-fortnum-mason-with-the-queen-and-camilla.html/%3Fpid%3D17425&docid=QNqCGgEU0kMQlM&imgurl=www.stylebrity.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/duchess-of-cambridge-fortnum-and-mason/12935249.jpg&w=371&h=512&ei=RhmIT60ixMvRBcXNwNoJ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=882&vpy=415&dur=8089&hovh=264&hovw=191&tx=102&ty=146&sig=113088693916195882944&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=142&tbnw=103&start=0&ndsp=43&ved=1t:429,r:21,s:0,i:109" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=the+queen+catherine+and+camilla+visit+fortnum+%26+mason&num=10&um=1&hl=en&biw=1480&bih=960&tbm=isch&tbnid=DPJlXKuLACHDBM:&imgrefurl=www.stylebrity.co.uk/princess-kate/8800/duchess-of-cambridge-visits-fortnum-mason-with-the-queen-and-camilla.html/%3Fpid%3D17425&docid=QNqCGgEU0kMQlM&imgurl=www.stylebrity.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/duchess-of-cambridge-fortnum-and-mason/12935249.jpg&w=371&h=512&ei=RhmIT60ixMvRBcXNwNoJ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=882&vpy=415&dur=8089&hovh=264&hovw=191&tx=102&ty=146&sig=113088693916195882944&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=142&tbnw=103&start=0&ndsp=43&ved=1t:429,r:21,s:0,i:109

Nice picture showing different ages, although I think Kate's is a little short.

I think size is more important than age. I'd rather see a slim well-groomed 60 year old showing their knees than an obese 20 year old!

Really? A little short?

Yes i agree with that forty.

Yes I agree with the size thing too. Although I still think a 60 year old shouldn't show her knees.

@poopooinmytoes I don't think Kate's knees look great in that picture. Generally I think she looks ok with skirts at that length. She has a nice (if a little too slim figure and is young enough to carry off a shorter length).

She is a tiny bit skinny yes. Still think she looks great.

Any other opinions? Im not that traditional so the traditional ideas on these sort on things don't usually bother me that much. Don't want to go TOO far though!

Anyone else? :)

Personally for a formal do I wouldn't want to wear anything shorter than above knee. I'm size 10 and age 38. But as you say it all depends on whether you have tights on and cleavage covered and then you old maybe get away with shorter. Also though depends on shoes on how good your legs and knees are. I guess there are no hard and fast rules...

As long as you're not showing your knickers and you've got good legs - its fine

From the Liz MacDonald school of dresses

The best length for a dress depends upon your body proportions and not your age.

Mrscampbell.

what counts as good legs anyway? I keep seeing that on here but have no idea if mine are good or not.

Re the length, when i look at old family photos it seems everyone wore mini skirts to weddings in the 60s, including my nan who was in her 50s (perfectly good slightly chubby legs in my opinion and good on her for wearing whatever the fuck she liked!), so i wonder if its a bit of fashion thing at the moment to be more demure at these occasions.

Well I've decide to wear hot pants and nipple tassles . . . Just about right for the occasion i think!