How to Wear a High Low Skirt Over 40

A high-low skirt is a type of skirt that has a shorter hemline in the front and a longer hemline in the back. Also referred to as a hi-low skirt, an asymmetrical hem skirt, or a mullet skirt.

This skirt style can create a chic look that flatters your body shape and shows off your legs. It can also add some movement and drama to your outfit, as the flowy skirt sways as you walk.

But how do you wear a high-low skirt if you’re over 40? Is it too trendy for you to pull off? 

How to Wear a High Low Skirt Over 40

Absolutely not! You can totally rock this look at any age no matter your personal style, as long as you follow a few simple tips and tricks.

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In this post, I’m thrilled to share some great ideas for high low skirt outfits that are perfect for women over 40. So whether you’re aiming for a casual look, a cute look for date night, or something for a cocktail party, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive right in!

How to wear a high low skirt: Choosing the right skirt for your body type

The first thing you need to consider when wearing a high-low skirt is your body type. Different types of skirts can accentuate different parts of your body, so you want to choose the one that flatters your best features and hides your problem areas.

Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right mullet skirts for your body type:

  • Hourglass: You can wear any type of high-low skirt, as they will highlight your curves and balance your proportions. However, avoid skirts that are too tight or too loose, because they can make you look bulky or shapeless. Choose a skirt that fits well at the waist and flares out at the hem.
  • Pear Shaped: You can wear a skirt that has more volume and ruffles at the back because it will draw attention away from your hips and thighs and create an illusion of a fuller bust. Avoid skirts that are too short in the front or too long in the back, because they can make you look bottom-heavy and frumpy. Choose a skirt that hits just above or below the knee in the front and mid-calf or ankle-length in the back.
  • Apple Shaped: You can wear high low skirts that have more details and embellishments at the front because they’ll draw attention to your legs and distract from your midsection. Avoid skirts that are too tight or too plain, because they can emphasize your tummy or make you look boring. Choose a skirt that has some pleats, prints, or patterns in the front and is smooth and simple in the back.
  • Rectangle Shape: You can wear high low skirts that have some shape and structure because they’ll help create some curves and definition for your body. Avoid skirts that are too straight or too flowy, because they can make you look boxy and flat. Choose a skirt with a waistband, belt, or tie at the waist and some flare or asymmetry at the hem.

Of course, these aren’t hard-and-fast rules, but rather suggestions to help you find the best fit for your body. The most important thing is to try on different styles and see what works for you.

You also want to take your waist measurement and compare it with the size chart of the skirt before buying it online, because different brands have different sizing standards.

High Low Skirt Outfit Ideas

Once you’ve found your high low skirt, the next step is to style it with the right top, shoes, and accessories. Here are some tips on how to create different looks with your high low skirt outfit:

Casual Look

A casual outfit is perfect for everyday wear, whether you’re running errands, meeting friends, or working from home. You can create a casual look by pairing your skirt with a simple top like a tank top, a graphic tee, or an off-shoulder top. You can also layer it with a denim jacket, a cardigan, or a black leather jacket for some extra warmth and style.

For shoes, you can go for something comfortable and easy, like sneakers, flats, sandals, or boots. You can also add some fun accessories, like a hat, sunglasses, earrings, or a scarf.

Here are some examples of casual high low skirt outfits:

  • A black high-low skirt with a white graphic tee, a blue denim jacket, white sneakers, and a black backpack.
  • A floral print high-low skirt with a pink tank top, a beige cardigan, brown sandals, and a straw hat.
  • A red high-low skirt with a black off-shoulder top, a black leather jacket, black boots, and a silver statement necklace.

Date Night 

A date night look is ideal for when you want to impress your partner or someone special, whether you’re going out for dinner, drinks, or a movie. You can create a date night look by pairing your hi-low skirt with a sexy top, like a crop top, a lace top, or a one-shoulder top. You can also add a bit of sparkle and glamour with some jewelry, like a necklace, some earrings, or a bracelet.

For shoes, choose something elegant and chic, like high heels, wedges, or pumps. The right shoes can take your outfit from meh to stunning. You can also carry a clutch or a small purse to complete your look.

Here are some examples of date night high low skirt outfits:

  • A black high-low skirt with a white lace top, black high heels, and a gold clutch.
  • A pink high-low skirt with a black crop top, nude wedges, and a pearl necklace.
  • A blue high-low skirt with a white one-shoulder top, silver pumps, and diamond earrings.

Special Occasions

A special occasion look is suitable when you have an important event to attend, like a wedding, a party, or a gala. You can create a whole look by pairing a black skirt with a formal top, like a blouse, a satin top, or a sequin top. You can also choose a more luxurious fabric for your skirt like silk, velvet, or tulle.

For shoes, go for something sophisticated and classy, like stilettos, slingbacks, or peep-toes. You can also accessorize with some statement pieces, like a clutch, or a brooch (I absolutely adore wearing brooches!)

Here are some examples of special occasion high low skirt outfits:

  • A champagne high-low skirt with a cream blouse, gold stilettos, and a gold clutch.
  • A purple high-low skirt with a black satin top, black slingbacks, and a black fascinator.
  • A green high-low skirt with a silver sequin top, silver peep-toes, and a silver brooch.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I know what length of high low skirt to wear?

The length of your high low skirt all depends on your personal preference and the occasion. But generally speaking, choose a length that shows off your legs without being too revealing or uncomfortable. 

A good rule of thumb is to have the front of your skirt hit just above or below the knee and the back of your skirt hit mid-calf or ankle-length. However, you can also experiment with different lengths and see what suits you best.

How do I hem my high low skirt?

If you have a high low skirt that’s too long or too short for you, you can hem it yourself or take it to a tailor. if you do decide to hem it yourself here are some steps on how to do it:

1. Put on your skirt and mark the desired length of the front and the back with pins or chalk.
2. Take off your skirt and lay it flat on a table or the floor.
3. Cut off the excess fabric along the marked lines, leaving about an inch of seam allowance.
4. Fold the seam allowance under twice and pin it in place.
5. Sew along the folded edge with a matching thread and a straight stitch.
6. Press the hem with an iron to make it smooth and neat.

How do I make my own high low skirt?

If you’re feeling creative, adventurous and you have the time, you can make your own high low skirt from scratch or by transforming an existing skirt. Here are some tips to make your own high low skirt:

From scratch: Use any fabric that you like and follow any pattern that you find online or in books. If that’s a bit too much you can also use an existing skirt as a template and trace its shape onto your fabric. You’ll need to cut out two pieces of fabric for the front and the back of your skirt and sew them together at the waistband and the side seams. Then you’ll need to cut out the hemline of your choice and hem it as described above.

From an existing skirt: You can use any long skirt that you have in your wardrobe and cut it into a high low shape. You can use a ruler, a tape measure, or a safety pin to mark the desired length of the front and the back of your skirt. Then you can cut along the marked lines and hem it as described above. You can also add some embellishments, like lace, ribbons, or buttons, to make it more unique and stylish.

From a circle skirt: You can use any circle skirt you have in your wardrobe and transform it into a high low skirt by cutting out a curved line from the front of your skirt. You can use a plate, a bowl, or a compass to trace the curved line onto your skirt. Then you can cut along the traced line and hem it as described above. You can also use the leftover fabric to make a matching belt or a bow for your skirt.

How do I wear high low skirts in different seasons?

High-low skirts are incredibly versatile and can be worn throughout the year with a few adjustments. Here are some tips on how to style a high-low skirt for different seasons:

Spring: In spring, you can wear high low skirts with lightweight fabrics, like cotton, linen, or chiffon. You can also choose bright colors and floral prints to match the mood of the season. Wear your skirt with a short-sleeved top, a cardigan, or a jacket for some layering. For shoes, you can wear flats, sandals, or wedges.

Summer: In the summer, wear high low skirts with breathable fabrics, like silk, rayon, or tulle. You can also choose pastel colors and or bright prints to keep cool and fresh. You can wear your high low skirt with a tank top, crop top, off-shoulder top for some skin exposure, or even high-low tops. For shoes, you can wear sandals, flip-flops, or espadrilles.

Fall: In the fall, wear high low skirts with warm fabrics, like wool, velvet, or denim. You can also choose dark colors and plaid prints to match the vibe of the season. Wear your mullet skirt with a long sleeve top, sweaters, or coats for some coziness. For shoes, you can wear boots, loafers, or oxfords.

Winter: In the winter, you can wear high low skirts with thick fabrics, like leather, suede, or corduroy. You can also choose neutral colors and solid prints to contrast with the snow. You can wear your skirt with turtlenecks, hoodies, or jackets for some warmth. For shoes, you can wear boots, sneakers, or heels.

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A fun and fashionable high low skirt can spice up your wardrobe whether you’re 25 or 45. This style of skirt is flattering, shows off your legs, and adds a bit of flirtyness to your outfit. And there are so many ways to wear them, you’ll find something that works for you.

I hope this post inspired you and gave you some tips on how to wear this super versatile skirt. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I would love to hear from you!

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Grace Ballard
Grace Ballard