Is there an age women stop showing their knees?!!

[SueD1]

I just turned 45 and am thinking of treating myself to this quite expensive (for me) dress in maxmara. My mum made a comment about me not getting long out of it as it’s above the knee - is that a thing? Am I going to wake up next year and only wear midis?!! I don’t want to get it and realise I’m too old for it; I have three DVF that I’ve had for years and expect I’ll keep wearing so was hoping this would be another investment buy… I’ve never even thought about my knees before!!

www.brownthomas.com/women/clothing/dresses/golfo-printed-shirt-mini-dress/2000416152.html?cgid=womens-dresses#prefn1=brand&prefv1=WEEKEND%20MAX%20MARA&horizontal=true&start=1

Your mum is weird. I still sometimes show my knees. Though I know that dress is what’s on trend at the moment, that and others like it remind me of dresses from when I was a child. Not in a good way.

Ridiculous! Wear what you like OP...free the knees! I hate it when those of us that are 40+ get made to feel like we just need to dissappear...I'll never forget when I turned late 30s and my mum insisted I couldn't wear anything pink anymore as I was now too old...🙄

I knew before I clicked that this would be your mum. Mine is the same. No, show your knees as much as you want!

Thank you! Heading into town to try it on but she’s in my head aaahh 😂

I think it depends on your knees! It’s been a long time since I showed mine as above the knee is not a flattering look for me.

I know this is a thing with the older generation,my mum has never mentioned it but people older than her have

I am mid 40's and show my knees and always will if I want too

5 years ago for me as they have squidgy baby's faces trapped in them but ignore your mum, if you like it and it makes you feel good them go for it

In the photos from my Christening in the early 70s both my DM and DGM are wearing miniskirts. My DGM was 63 at the time (and had cracking legs). So you've got at least another 20 years I'd say.

Thank you, you legend!!!!

This is a conversation best held between you and your knees. If they are confidently on show, they will look fine. The day you and them fall out is the day to cover them up. Sounds like that time is way off for you.

My MiL (72) still shows her knees with great confidence, she looks fantastic (her knees look pretty good too).

97

I have a selection of just over the knees skirts and dresses, they are the most flattering length on me. I'm fairly short at 5'4", so anything long swamps me. I also still wear bikinis. Shock, horror. I am 56. Wear what suits you, there are no age rules.

I have knobbly knees and only wear shorter dresses and skirts with opaque tights now. I'm 64.

I'm 59 and still wearing above the knee. OK, not knicker skimmers but an inch or two above the knee.

I run three times a week. I have slim legs and smooth knees, Why shouldn't I?

Just check your appearance in the mirror, the same as normal. Are you happy how you look? Take no notice of your mum.

Thanks a mil for the feedback from different age groups; I had a look at my knees when I tried on the dress and they are fine (just normal knees!). Unfortunately it didn’t suit so went with a different one in the end.

Your mum is old school, with a mindset from an era when women were expected to adhere to certain beauty standards or else be deemed to have "let themselves go". This includes not showing, as much as possible, any signs of aging. So those saggy wrinkly knees would be hidden. Nobody cares about it now. Yes people might notice, in the same way they might notice crows feet or grey hair, but it doesn't matter. She might also be having "mutton dressed as lamb" thoughts, which is very old fashioned. People don't dress vastly differently due to age any more. It's a more personal thing. Fashion/style is not only for the young these days.

Nope nope nope.

Getcha knees out x

Makes you wonder if they all went out on their 40th birthday to get their hair cut short in that unflattering blunt bob or the not-quite-a-mans-style, then left the hairdresser to go purchase a generic beige cagoule and some beige, elasticated waist, baggy legged, tapered trousers. Like some kind of hideous right of passage. Did some memo go out, a bit like a birthday card from the Queen when you turned 100, but not so good? - Women: you are now officially "past it" and must ensure you look so.

I had a work colleague who thought she had to get her (beautiful) long hair chopped off when she was 40 as her mum had told her that women over 40 shouldn't have long hair! I told her that her mum was bonkers and to keep her hair. Mind blowing. Who believes all this shit??

OP - get the dress. And wear it until you're 105!

The dress is available for €289 on Yoox with free delivery. mobile.yoox.com/ie/15287886PX/item#dept=women&sts=SearchResult&cod10=15287886PX&sizeId=-1

I knew it would be your mum! I have a cousin who is in her seventies still wearing leather trousers and short skirts. I’m in my sixties and have long hair with purple streaks. Wear what you want and enjoy any pursed lips or disapproving looks!

Nope. 59 next birthday.

I don't get where these ideas come from these days. Surely even the mums can see times have changed. Would Davina McCall not get her knees out? Is it because older people feel like they were subject to rules and want to pass down the constrictions?

We all suit different things and age at different rates, and even then even if you have the saggiest knees in the world who are you hiding them from?

I've lost weight and as a result mine have gone a bit saggy (loose skin) just above the knee. I haven't worn a skirt or dress in a long time, I should probably get them out and decide if they stay or go. Wouldn't put me off wearing shorts when it's hot though, just for smart occasions. Maybe ok with thick tights?