Kelly Ripa Drops a Style Bombshell

Let's be honest — there are some fashion moments that feel like rites of passage. Your first pair of heels. The jeans that finally fit just right. And, at some point, the bittersweet moment when you quietly retire the miniskirt. That's where Kelly Ripa, 53, finds herself. The daytime TV icon who's never been shy about glamming it up is officially done with one item in her closet — and the reason why is every bit as thoughtful (and funny) as you'd expect.

'I Just Cannot': The Miniskirt Moment That Sparked It All

In a recent PEOPLE feature for their 2025 World's Most Beautiful issue, Kelly Ripa stepped in front of the camera for a stylish photoshoot alongside her daughter, 23-year-old singer Lola Consuelos. The two were styled in coordinated outfits — think vintage ties, luxe tights, and a hint of schoolgirl chic — with Lola picking out a pleated gray mini for both of them to wear.

Ripa, who still rocks designer tights and Chanel^® shoes like a pro, slipped on the skirt — but not without protest. "Today was a special occasion. Lola asked me to put on [the] skirt [she's wearing] and I said, 'I just cannot.' Simply cannot," she said. "Past a certain age, you got to know when to hang up your disco shoes," according to PEOPLE.

It wasn't just a fashion preference — it was a boundary. Not out of insecurity, but out of comfort, lifestyle, and a little bit of grace.

It's Not About Looking Good — It's About Feeling Right

Despite how stunning Ripa looked in the skirt, she explained to PEOPLE that miniskirts just don't work for her daily life anymore. "I really try not to, at this age, [wear miniskirts] — and especially since I spend most of my time sitting in a stool or a desk, I try to wear longer skirts," she said, gesturing to the one she'd put on for the shoot.

It's not that she can't pull it off. She clearly can. But the point is — she doesn't want to anymore.

There's a kind of quiet confidence in knowing what flatters you and fits your lifestyle. It's not a concession. It's a choice.

A Closet Full of Confidence (And Borrowed Blazers)

While the miniskirts might be out, Kelly's closet is still a treasure trove — especially for Lola. Ripa laughed during the interview that she sees her daughter on social media all the time in her tank tops, T-shirts, belts, and jewelry.

"I think you're in my closet a lot more than I even realize," she joked. Lola admitted she raids it regularly, even if some pieces don't fit quite right — "We are different sizes, drastically different. And that is A-okay," as reported by PEOPLE.

Despite their size differences and signature styles, the two bond over fashion. Lola's "rock 'n' roll" flair reminds Ripa of the boldness she didn't quite have at her daughter's age, though she clearly admires it now.

Not About Age — But About Ease

There's no dramatic "I’m too old for this" energy here. Kelly Ripa isn't writing rules for everyone — just her own. Yes, she'll still dress up. Yes, she'll still turn heads. But she's done squeezing into silhouettes that no longer fit her rhythm.

She's not chasing youth. She's celebrating evolution. That's the real power play.

Final Thought: Disco Shoes Down, Head Held High

Kelly Ripa's miniskirt farewell isn't sad. It's self-assured. She's not trying to be 25 — she's showing what it means to be 53 and fabulous, with a wardrobe that works for her.

Miniskirts may have had their moment. But Kelly? She's still in hers.

References: Kelly Ripa Reveals the Item of Clothing She Won't Wear 'At This Age,' Despite Daughter Lola Encouraging Her to Dress Sexier (Exclusive) | Lola Consuelos wanted mom Kelly Ripa to wear this pleated mini skirt for photoshoot: 'I really try not to, at this age'