We're too old to wear bikinis on the beach at 47, and 35 is the cut-off age for a miniskirt, say women



Those who have seen photos of Helen Mirren or Jerry Hall in a bikini might beg to differ, but a survey has revealed that women don't think it is acceptable to wear bikinis on the beach once they reach 47.

The study, carried out among 2,000 women, found most wouldn't be comfortable wearing a two-piece on holiday once they approach their half-century - and frown upon others who do.

Mirren is clearly in a minority in being able to pull off a two-piece swimsuit even though she is in her sixties.

She's still got it: Jerry Hall, age 54, still looks great in a bikini, but a survey says women believe we should stop wearing two-pieces at 47



But the survey also revealed that women believe - perhaps a little unfairly - that miniskirts are a 'no-no' on anyone aged 35 or more and that high heels should not be worn by anyone over 51.

The study, commissioned by Diet Chef, also found 44 per cent of women regularly worry they are too old to wear certain items of clothing.

But one in two also believe that providing a woman is slim, healthy and attractive into her fifties and sixties, she can 'get away with anything'.

Yesterday Caron Leckie, Nutritionist for Diet Chef, said: 'It's up to individuals to choose when they should stop wearing certain items.

'Some women may be comfortable in a bikini at the age of 65, whereas the more self-conscious may want to stop much earlier - it's very much personal choice.

'Saying that, everyone wants to look the best they can and now is the prime time to get in shape for summer.

Age appropriate? Madonna, 51, and Sharon Stone, 53, are still happy to be seen in miniskirts and stilettos



'We are all different shapes and sizes - the secret to looking good is healthy eating and dressing appropriately for your style and shape. Age isn't necessarily a factor.'

The report polled women between the ages of 18 and 65 and found that boob tubes are a no-no from the age of 33, and that no self-respecting woman over the age of 35 should be showing off a pierced belly button.

THE AGE WOMEN BELIEVE YOU SHOULD STOP WEARING... Bikini, 47

Miniskirt, 35

Boob Tube, 33

Stilettos, 51

Belly button piercing, 35

Knee high boots, 47

Trainers, 44

Leather trousers, 34

Leggings, 45

Ugg boots, 45

Swimsuit, 61

Tight vest, 44

See-through chiffon blouse, 40

Long hair, 53

Ponytail, 51

Knee high boots should be restricted to women under the age of 47 and trainers should not be worn by women over the age of 44, unless for sport.

The age limit for leather trousers was 34, while leggings should be banished to the back of the cupboard two years later.

It also revealed we think that Ugg boots should not be seen on women over 45, while swimsuits are a no-no once retirement age has been reached and see-through blouses are dead and buried at 40.

The respondents were also quizzed on hairstyles and it emerged women think their flowing locks should be trimmed at the age of 53.

The watershed for ponytails was revealed as 51.

And one in ten women have bought something only to take it back to the shop soon after amid fears it was 'too young' for them.

Shockingly, five per cent of those polled said a shop assistant had warned them an item wasn't right for their age.

More than 20 per cent of those polled agree with the saying 'If you've got it - flaunt it' but a more conservative two thirds believe that you should grow old gracefully.



