Too old to be sexy?

Last week Madonna was promoting her new album MDNA and performed wearing fishnet tights, hot pants and lacy boots.  She was criticised by the media for wearing such apparel because of her age (she's 53).  Now while I may not wear the hot pants or the same kind of boots, I do still have a love of fishnets and boots generally.  I also still wear short skirts.  But the furore made me think - am I too old to be sexy?  When is it too old to be sexy?

Most of this is down to our own society and culture.  What is deemed correct and seemly for a woman to wear at certain ages.  I always have a little voice in my head looking at myself critically to gauge if I'm mutton dressed as lamb.  I accept that while still several years younger than Madonna, I am in my mid forties and hurtling towards the magic five-o.  So should I start to consider what I wear more often and temper if it appropriate.  Obviously I don't go over the top with work wear.  I am not necessarily conservative, but conform to the dress code ensuring I am smart and professional.  That doesn't stop me from wearing knee high boots with a knee length skirt or stiletto heels with my shift dress.  Sometimes I will wear seamed stockings with my stilettos which make me feel sexy and confident while adhering to the dress code. I know from certain admiring looks, that my legs remain my greatest asset and should be showed off to their full potential.  And I enjoy that buzz.

At the weekends I tend to be a jeans girl.  But I also love my denim mini skirt, teamed with funky tights and boots.  Or my kilt mini skirt, again with boots.  Or my PVC skirt.  Again my legs are on show with a variety of boots to show them off in.  In the privacy of my chamber, I have a different wardrobe.  Sexy lingerie, stockings, suspenders, high heeled shoes, basques and bra/panty sets that will make most men (and women) stand to attention.  And because it's private, I don't worry about what anyone will think.  It's just me and my hussy.  And she adores whatever I wear.  So she's biased!

So although I have my own barometer as to what is right or not, the fact that the media slated Madge for her sense of dress, has made me think again.  How much longer can I wear such garments?  When is it appropriate to wear a shorter skirt or when is it time to give it admit it just isn't sexy anymore?  I don't own a pair of hot pants though I have some denim shorts but they tend to be for hot, sunny holidays.  I don't feel comfortable wearing them walking down my local high street even in the height of summer.  I do wear some of my uber sexy lingerie to work under my blouse and skirt or classic shift dress.  Mentally it makes me feel sexy without being glaringly obvious.  I haven't worn fishnets at work as some younger girls do though I do wear them at weekends teamed with a pair of boots.  But is there a line whereby I just shouldn't wear the fishnets in public?  And is that line made by society, convention or the media?

I accept that in 20 or 30 years time, I won't look sexy in fishnets or a mini skirt no matter how much I'd like to.  But in terms of the near future, that line isn't so apparent.  Well not yet.  I'm not mentally prepared for middle age and conformity.  I don't know if I ever will be!  I will resist it as much as possible and hopefully grow old disgracefully.  I know I'm not as slim as I used to be, and I have to work harder to lose the weight and keep in shape.  Sometimes I win, sometimes I fail.  But there is always this sexy girl inside of me who wants to show off, turn a few heads and enjoy doing that.  So who's to tell me I can't do that, I shouldn't wear this or that or "you're too old love".  But as long as I can wear fishnets, mini skirts, seamed stockings, stilettos and boots and look sexy - then does my age really matter?

Hopefully not.  Unless your name is Madonna......