The miniskirt is back. Here’s how I’m wearing it in my 40s

Fashion editor Tamara Abraham says women can wear a skirt that is above the knee at any age - Andrew Crowley

Searching the terms “miniskirt” and “midlife” is like opening a can of worms. AI offers advice on how to not look “muttony” (direct quote) and suggested articles debate whether one should wear a short skirt over 40 or 50.

Even in 2026, 70 years after the invention of the miniskirt, and in a season where they are everywhere from Chloë Sevigny in the recent Miu Miu show to the rails at Zara, it appears that daring to bare your knees in midlife is still controversial. According to a survey by Age Without Limits, one in 10 people also believe that 40 is “over the hill and should stop trying to keep up with the times”.

Not that it’s ever stopped me. I’ll tell anyone who needs to hear it that you can wear whatever you want whenever you want, if that’s what makes you feel your best. At 44, I’m hardly ready to check into the nearest residential care facility. My legs are a part of my body that I like – I thank my mother for those good genes. She prefers an above-the-knee hemline too (always with black tights), and feels frumpy in anything longer.

Chloë Sevigny, 51, on the Miu Miu runway in March 2026 – proving that miniskirts have no age limit - Giovanni Giannoni/WWD via Getty Images

There are legions of celebrity women who agree. Sevigny in the recent Miu Miu show, for one, but also Jennifer Garner, Charlize Theron, Emily in Paris star Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Yasmin Le Bon, Julia Roberts. I could list their ages to prove that the mini is ageless, but I won’t because it doesn’t matter. They all look fabulous.

The miniskirt love extends to non-celebrity women, too. At M&S, above-the-knee accounts for 50 per cent of its skirt and dress sales. Of course, it’s no big deal if miniskirts aren’t for you. You’re not going to look out of style. Fashion is an inclusive place these days and there’s something for everyone. But if it is, take this as incontrovertible proof that the miniskirt has no upper age limit.

The rules

If you’re open to the idea of higher hemlines, but feel nervous about putting it into practice, heed the advice of personal stylist Annabel Hodin, who works with many women in midlife and beyond.

Andrew Crowley

“It’s not about age, rather, the most flattering proportions for your figure,” she says. “Great legs always look great, but life has different phases, so choose a length that best fits the phase you are in. Knee length or just above elongates your silhouette and is youthful but not girly.”

An outfit loses its cool factor if you look like you’ve tried too hard, so keep it relaxed. A slouchy jumper, oversized blazer or shirt will balance your outfit and make it look less studied.

Andrew Crowley

Yes, everyone’s legs look better with a heel, but there’s no need to go sky-high unless it’s an evening look. I didn’t go higher than a kitten for this shoot, because actually, the lower heels worked better than the higher ones.

Consider going shorter – yes, really. Sometimes a slightly higher hemline makes your legs look longer and leaner than a more modest one. I hitched up the Reformation slip skirt for this shoot and it looked a lot better.

Andrew Crowley

Sheer black tights are a miniskirt-wearer’s best friend. They hide imperfections and slim the leg without looking too heavy.

If you’re going for bare legs, make the best of them. A bit of body-brushing, exfoliation and moisturiser can go a long way. Those moisturisers with a bit of fake tan in them are inexpensive and idiot-proof.

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The miniskirt is back, and you can wear one whatever your age

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