Should I ditch my above the knee dresses?

[BadForBusiness]

I have a lot of clothes, which I've built up over the decades, and tend to bring back out of the back of the wardrobes as the fashions come and go. However I'm running out of space and could really do with ditching some.

The obvious low hanging fruit are the (slightly) above the knee dresses, some straight, some almost bodycon, some skater style. I used to wear them to work pre pandemic, but I'm now 55 and a short pear shaped size 12 and I'm wondering whether they'll ever be wearable again, even with super opaque tights.

On the "ditch" side, age does make a difference.

On the "keep" side, I wonder whether I'm over-influenced by the fact that daytime hems have now been very long for several years so I don't see other women wearing shorter dresses. And my calves and ankles are great so having them on display is flattering.

I haven’t worn short dresses/skirts in ages. I don’t buy anything which sits above the knee but that’s just my preference. I want to be able to move freely and find shorter styles too restrictive. Having said that I do think shorter dresses can look good. If you like how they look then go for it.
I think straight styles look better than flared styles and paired with opaque tights and boots.

I got some amazing 160 denier tights today so will be having a try on session tomorrow ( extra hour, thanks clocks) and anything that looks off will go on VINTED. selling and buying on their helps keep costs down and wardrobe refreshed

My best shirt length Is knee or above, I'm swamped by too much fabric and fuss. I basically just abandoned wearing dresses for the last few years . I'm keeping my shifts for next time.

56 and it's knee city here. All skirts are knee length or above (tho' not arse huggers) and the minute the weather is hot enough the shorts come out. I'm a bit chunky but I have lovely slim legs (according to me anyway) and don't like lots of fabric swirling around.

I 've never liked short skirts and rarely wore them, even when I was (what is now called) a size 6.

Agreed that looser, straight styles with boots or flats and opaque tights is the best look.

60 and wear above the knee

I put them all away when in my 40's and a woman rather snarkly said "dont you think you are too old to be wearing short skirts" I took it to heart and didnt wear a skirt or dress for about 15 years

I dug them back out last winter and wore them with opaques and was complimented every time

Came out again yesterday and put a huge smile on my face. Having more fun with them now as opaques come in such lovely colours

Just below knee looks awful on me. I think just above knee can look nice with tights and flat ankle boots. Or flip flops in summer.

For me midi dresses and skirts make me look short and frumpy. Shorter or maxis are okay so all my dresses and skirts are above knee apart from my 2 maxi dresses.

I'm 5ft3 so above the knee for me, or maxi and midi, just below the knee on me look awful, I have shorter leg from the knee to ankle longer from knee to the top, that's why it look so bad apparently, I was watching a fashion styler explain.

I agree with this where skater dresses are concerned. They lack sophistication, and on a woman over about 35 look like she’s trying too hard to cling to being little girly rather than own being a grown up. Tshirt/jumper styles can still look great, though, especially with boots.

I think op, that when you pose a question like this, you inevitably get a lot of answers from posters who are rationalising their own choices, which isn't always helpful. And now I'm about to do the same so bear that in mind

I keep a lot of my clothes and happily re-wear trends the third and fourth time round. However I have a strong sense that above the knee and me are done. I'm 68 so no doubt some posters will be thinking, 'About bloody time' and maybe others will say, 'Nooo you must wear them forever!' But the fact is, when I see that look now, I don't feel interested or energised, I mostly just feel a bit tired.

As you say, I'm sure it's partly to do with their being out of fashion at the moment but, for me, I don't think that's the only thing going on. You're a fair bit younger than me and you might not be at that stage yet or ever get there. It's just a thought.

Also I hear you on running out of space. I recently had a cull of items where I'd kept multiple versions and I've cut it down to a couple of each style.

If the shape is flattering on you, and the dresses are in good condition and you like them then I wouldn't be looking to ditch them. I know a short, size 12 pear who wears that shape. She'd be swamped in my dresses but these really suit her.

I've seen quite a few shorter dresses in the shops recently so they may be coming back. But