Oh Lord, I can see myself getting tied up in knots over this one! This is because I stand by the right of any woman to wear what she likes, when she wants to, what she feels good in, and what she thinks makes her look a million dollars. Even if that item of apparel is a very short skirt that just about covers the necessities. But I was around when the mini-skirt first became an essential part of one's wardrobe - back in the 1960s and 70s. I have photographs right now (I keep them hidden), of a rather rotund small person in her teens and early twenties, displaying an inordinate amount of well-fleshed thigh, and some plump, juicy knees. Well, I was being fashionable, wasn't I? I thought I looked great, but really, despite a youthful glow, the mini skirt did ME no favours. I was so happy to embrace the long skirts and floaty kaftans of Hippiedom. So I guess you have realized by now that I was young enough to wear a mini - but just the wrong shape.
This brings me to the dilemma. Because there are women in their 50s with beautiful legs, slender bodies, great hair and 50-year-old faces. The first three attributes would qualify for mini skirt wearing, but the last would turn it sour, at least for me, from an aesthetic point of view. Then, there are those in their 40's who look about 30, and just maybe, that mini skirt will look brilliant on them.
But always, lurking at the back of my mind, is that awful old saying "She's like mutton dressed as lamb." It is a sort of sociological, psychological response, that tells me that skimpy skirts, with the potential to show off more of the female anatomy than is necessary, belong to the realm of the young. Yet another aspect to my dilemma. After all, I have said that I support the right of women to dress in any way that pleases THEM, that makes THEM feel good.
Think of cheerleaders, with those short, bouncy skirts. There is something so youthful and joyous about thier vibrant movements and flashing thighs. Then, imagine a slender, shy girl, wearing a short skirt, and soft suede knee-high boots. Consider what a touching image she creates, Bambi almost. If we look at such a person from behind, then she turns around and shows a well-made-up face, still beautiful but wearing signs of age, there is an element of shock present, an alteration to our perceptions. This is a disturbance of the natural balance of things, possibly due to our accepted norms of what is artistically 'right.'
The mini skirt for me is full of memories and iconic imagery. It equates with youth, freedom, cheeky thumbing of the nose at convention, silliness. It shows off the best of the female form to advantage, depending on the form of course, but it all comes down to being a young statement. I say this because, I believe that as we grow older and gain more experience, we become more thoughtful, and possibly even less desiring of rebellion against societal norms. We do become wiser, and we also find our own way to pick and choose, in fashion and clothes, what suits our personalties and defines our individualities.
Not everyone will agree. Many women will say "If you've got it, flaunt it" and let's be honest, a mini skirt is a great flaunting weapon. But this question has made me think very hard about what I believe and why, in order to reach a conclusion. So I would have to say that mini skirts belong to the vibrant young women who have the legs and the body to carry off the wearing of them. Their youth will also assure us of fresh faces and healthy hair. These things all go together with wearing a mini skirt. Anyone from 35 or over needs to be very careful, daring and beautiful to wear a mini skirt with confidence and good effect.
On the other hand ( I told you I would be tied in knots!), if you feel good and believe in yourself, then get out your mini skirt and strut your stuff. But remember the words "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and think hard about defining yourself with a personal style. It might involve that short, revealing skirt, but it may in fact, involve a more glamorous look that makes an art form out of mystery. Maybe, for those of us over 35, more is more.