Tiered skirts – Are they for women over 40?
tiered dress
Q. Hi Glam Gals, You just wrote about peasant skirts but, what do think about other tiered skirts on women over 40 provided they are knee length or longer? I am seeing so many out for summer.
Thanks,
Jenelle T., FA.
Hi Jenelle,
Yes, there is another kind of tiered skirt that is popular for spring. Stores ares showing flirty layered skirts and dresses and they look very fresh and modern compared to peasant skirts. Can a woman over 40 wear them?
Yes! Here’s how…
These dresses look so fun you might want to run out and get one, but be forewarned that a dress with lots of layers or ruffles like this is going to visually add weight, so if you are pear shaped (heavy hipped) don’t waste your time on this look – you’ll only look bulky.
Also, if you are petite, a dress like this can overwhelm you with too much fabric.
If you have a pretty balanced figure you may want to try this look, but even then we’d suggest a more streamlined version where the layers lie flatter. You’ll look sleeker and more elegant.
colorful, streamlined, elegant
Avoid mini tier dresses which look babydoll & little girlish and opt for this classier version on the right.
 too young |
 attractive neckline for 40+ |
Wide straps will look much better than teensie spaghetti straps on a mature woman. See how attractive this neckline is? The tiers start below the bust.
fabulous after 40
Bright colors abound, but a black or a dark color like midnight blue will tone down this look and make it more wearable. If you are over 40, a tier dress is best as an evening look.
 too bright, strapless, fluffy and short! |
 subtle tiers |
If you choose a tier style skirt make sure your top is fitted.
If you’re going to try this look, make sure to pair your dress or skirt with dainty heels and nothing too clunky as this is a feminine look.
frightening after 40!
If it looks like something your teenager daughter would wear don’t dare event think about it!
(All dresses from Saks)
Hi Grace,
Great to hear from you. Yes, pleating can be another option to hide a bulge or two… also, because pleats are vertical, they give the appearance of elongating the body. So if you are a tall gal, the teared look will be better on you and if you are short, you might look for something with pleating.
I think shutter pleats are a great choice for older women who may need to hide a bulge or two. I think they create an optical illusion as well as more structure to the dress.
Great for women under 55. But I believe you should wear whatever makes you happy. Life’s too short!
One reader (Christine) wrote us in response to this post: “These are fine for younger people. How about us senior citizens? Thanks.”
Good question.
That tiered style is really one that if you are over 60, you have to have a “certain” personality to pull off!
No style is perfect for everyone.
If you’re drawn to wanting to wear this, go for it! It is good on body types that are slightly rounded in the middle because the layers hide the thickness.
However, if you are a plus size, it will not be flattering, since all the extra layers will add too much bulk.