Trying something new: a short(s) story…
From time to time, I’m asked by readers to feature an item of clothing I don’t normally wear. Usually I demur, as the outfits I share here reflect my own wardrobe and style.
jacket (similar) | top | shorts | sandals
But during a recent conversation with some of my blogger friends, the topic of “reader requests” came up. We compared notes and we’ve all had requests for shorts. We decided to give shorts another try, and all post about the experience.
You can see how my friends Jennifer, Deborah, and Tania managed with them here:
- A Well Styled Life | Jennifer
- Fabulous After 40 | Deborah
- 50 Is Not Old | Tania
Above: working out in our hotel room with a set of strength bands for resistance. tee | shorts
Other than for working out, I haven’t had a pair of shorts in my wardrobe in probably over a decade. It’s not that I mind showing my legs, pale as they are. And I don’t believe that we have to retire shorts just because we’re over a certain age.
They’re just not my style. For one thing, I can’t get past seeing “summer camp counselor,” which is really not the look I’m going for. 😆 I’m also a bit knock-kneed, and it’s more obvious when I’m wearing shorts. And the proportions are difficult. Because I’m short-waisted, I don’t tuck in my tops, but untucked tops over shorts look very blocky on me.
I’ve never bought into the idea of “office shorts” or dressy shorts. Shorts will always read as casual to me. But could I manage to make them work as part of a more “polished casual” outfit?
I must have tried a dozen pairs of shorts for this post: white, denim, chinos, and drawstring styles. These were the ones that I hated the least. 😆 I decided to style them as if they were jeans. I think it helps that they are close to my skin tone, so there’s less of a broken line above the knee.
It had been so chilly at home before we left on our road trip, and I thought “it will be much warmer in Las Vegas, so I’ll wear them there and take outfit photos.” Ha! We arrived just in time for a freakish cold/windy spell. It was too bloody cold for me to wear these indoors or out for almost our entire visit, hence the mirror fashion show.
These outfits…aren’t terrible. Of the three, the first one is probably closest to something I’d wear (though I’d replace the sandals with off-white sneakers). Still, I don’t see myself adding shorts to my wardrobe anytime soon. If I lived someplace with a lot of heat and humidity, I might be more inclined to try more shorts and figure out the best ways to wear them. But as I don’t, I’ll stick to my linen and loose-fitting pants during the warmer months.
Do you regularly wear shorts during the summer months? How to you style them?
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The shorts look wonderful on you! I’ve battled do I wear shorts or not for a couple of years now. Living in the south east shorts are almost a must, especially for at home wear. Hot, humid and full of mosquitoes describes June through September. So, at home I wear shorts. Generally, if I’m going somewhere I don’t, but you’ve inspired me to rethink this. Air conditioning in most places will freeze you out. One out and about outfit I’ve liked is a sleeveless linen dress then I add an oversized shirt such as linen or poplin over it and tie it at the waist. It provides coverage but I can take the shirt off if needed. It can also look a little dressy. Keep wearing the shorts they are very flattering! I also like bike shorts to walk and hike in when it’s hot.
I disagree! Shorts in that length are great.
When I looked at your post today, I thought that you’ve really got your groove on these days! Colors, style, and today was the best!
I am totally with you. I wore shorts one summer when I was 29 or so. Those were cute.
And I did buy a pair of raspberry coloured leather shorts which I wore one time with black tights and black flat boots. It looked quite good but it just isn’t me. So I gave them away.
Greetje
Even though I ive in Florida, I have always found shorts not to be me, no matter what age. Now both knees show results of surgeries and lack of sunshine..My basic uniform these past few years have been slacks,jeans,chinos,etc. with shirts and or tops and jackets. depending on the weather or occasion. I find I can be either casual or dressy with that combination. But that is what works for me,maybe not everyone. I am just not comfortable with shorts, so why fight the issue. For those who are comfortable with shorts,go for it! May the cute knees win!
They look just fine on you, but I generally agree – I very rarely wear shorts. Full length pants just look better, offer some protection from the sun and I don’t find them to be uncomfortably warm. No use trying to force yourself into something that doesn’t feel right.
Thank you for this post on wearing shorts. It is hot and humid in Indiana and shorts/skorts are often a must, especially out on the lake.
I wear shorts all the time.
I wouldn’t wear them with the silk duster you show, but would with the gathered neck blouse, except I’d half-tuck or tie the hem up to define a waistline. I never do the “long over lean” with shorts unless they’re over a tunic with a split hem that’s about the same length as the shorts. At that point we’re talking modesty.
I never wear heels so I’d pair that blouse with a pair of leather sandals w/a thick sole. I just bought a pair of so-called dressy shorts at Ann Taylor, they’re trouser styled, 9 inches long in a black denim with a slight sheen. I’ll wear them out to dinner 🙂 with a white or black t-shirt or sweater and silver jewelry.
I own several pairs of brightly printed shorts that mostly stay at the beach. You can go a little crazy at the beach if you like.
Being short I sometimes bring them home and hem them up. I feel I look best with shorts an inch or two above my knee, so somewhere between a 7 and 9 inch length. I have ample thighs and do not flinch at going up a size in shorts. I don’t like them skin tight over the crotch.
If the shorts are full as some knit styles are, then I go shorter, but never so short that my jiggly upper thigh is on display.
I guess I should also add that I just bought a new tube of self-tan lotion. I don’t have anything to hide on my legs, but I like to present with a little color on my legs.
Like Robyn, I live in the southeast and the summer heat and humidity is pretty unforgiving. Even so, I just do not like shorts on me. I stick with lighter weight cropped jeans and the occasional dress. I have to mess with too much sunless tanner to feel comfortable and I’m just not willing to bother with all that on a regular basis. I’ll save going that extra mile for a wedding guest dress or other big event that requires leg exposure!
Not all, but most ladies who play golf (as I do) wear shorts at least some times. And if you live in South Florida (as I do), they are useful in the heat regardless if you’re playing golf or taking a walk, or a run to the grocery store, or going to the gym. Skirts or crops or ankle length pants are alternatives for sure. But like skirts and definitely crops or ankle length pants, I’ve found that many of those do not flatter my shape. For me, they need to be on the longer side and cut a certain way, otherwise (like certain skirts, or pants, or any other piece of clothing for that matter) can make me look wide, and not enhance the figure I have. So if you want to wear shorts, move past the “camp counselor” ones and find the ones (if any) that work for your body. And/or, you can do what some of my friends do, which is to have their shorts and other clothing altered to make them perfect for their individual body shape.
It’s interesting how women’s relation to shorts varies widely. For us older folk, I distinguish between loose-fitting shorts (which everyone can and should wear) and tight shorts (which I leave to youngsters).
I would wear shorts if walking during summer, but that is about it. Susan, I saw a photo of you, I think it was on Instagram and you were wearing a red dress with sandals. You looked sensational, very relaxed, summery and stylish to boot. Not sure why you don’t wear dresses more as you have nice legs, even if a bit ‘pale’ to use your words.
me again (Susan) The pale leg comment was in no way a criticism. I am sitting here looking at my sun damaged legs wishing I had been more proactive with the sunblock.
I gave up shorts above the knee many years ago after too many surgeries on one leg. The length that I wear and like is about 2-3 inches below the knee, still short enough to feel cool on a hot day, but I do prefer a skirt when going out. i wear mid thigh length underwear for modesty and comfort with these. I think if you are not comfortable in the shorts and have tried many, then why wear something you are not completely comfortable in. You can’t say you didn’t try.
I thought the first outfit looked like a “Susan” outfit and you looked perfect in it. That being said, I think we should all wear what makes us happy and what we feel comfortable wearing.
I agree with Diane B. I wear crops, similar to hiking pants and find them comfortable and stylish.
Chicos had excellent crops last year and I have looked again at their website for a repeat, no luck!
I think outfit with the coffee cup blouse looks wonderful and I also really like the combo with the denim jacket. It’s fortunate that I love shorts, because I live in tropical Florida. I like them to come just above the knee, and I wear them at home, for a trip to the grocery store, or casual outdoor events. I do think your eye gets used to seeing yourself dressed in a certain way and it can be difficult to adjust to something different. I remember when cropped pants came out in the 80s (90s?). I tried them on at Lord & Taylor and I thought, “I will never wear these!” Now most of my pants are crops….
I’m in the ‘just not me’ camp also, so this was a great exercise. Beyond my pasty legs, it’s the shape of my silhouette and how sporty they feel. Your first look is most like what I would wear too. I hadn’t thought to choose pale ones to blend in, very smart!!
I gave up shorts a long time ago, probably in my late forties. I don’t like to show my legs because I have terrible looking broken capillaries all over them. Too many years spent on my feet all day. I wear long, cotton or linen skirts and dresses instead when it’s warm. When it gets really hot, as it does in summer in the San Fernando Valley, I stay indoors.
You look great in shorts. I’d never noticed you’re “knock-kneed.”
I like the outfit at the beginning of your post. I think it works for the following reasons –
1. Slim fit to shorts (what woman wants to add bulk in this area?)
2. Skin tone (lengthens torso)
3. Casual shorts are paired with casual tee and jeans jacket
Agree with Teresa above, why force yourself into clothes that don’t feel right?
Lily makes excellent points. I really liked this joint post, and think the Chico’s shorts with jacket looks great on you. I have trouble with Chico’s pants, which tend to be more flattering for the hourglass figure. If you’re a rectangle like me, the Liverpool Gia Glider bermuda shorts are great — flattering, comfortable, durable.
I think you look great in shorts. Those leopard ones are especially cute, but I agree it’s all about how you feel in them. You have to feel confident.
Cheers, Deborah
Thank you for this post! I, too, live in the southeast where it’s hot and humid. I used to love wearing shorts, but have gravitated to longer and longer shorts as I’ve aged. I’m down to pedal pushers this year. I’ve been hunting for shorts that come a bit below the knee and think I’ve found them at Talbots, where they’re called pedal pushers and/or skimmers. Fingers crossed!
Your top look worn with sneakers ( as you mentioned) would be as far into shorts territory as I would go. Heels and shorts are a hard no IMHO. A sneaker, flat sandal/shoe looks great but no higher. I had an older acquaintance who used to garden in short shorts and very high espadrilles giving one and all the full bend over view. Nooooo. Still can’t get THAT image out of my mind.
Due to a patch of psoriasis on one leg I avoid shorts and even short skirts unless I can wear black tights so cold weather only.. Have found cropped, ankle or rolled cuff cotton pants ‘sporty’ enough for summer but never Capri length though I work out in Capri length leggings as the work out shorts just rub me at the psoriatic area of my leg. There are some shorts suits that look fabulous on the model but I figure if its warm enough for shorts why on earth would I wear a blazer? Although my grandmother and her sister wore shorts at their summer home well into their nineties they are just not my style.
Thus far I’ve read yours and Jennifer’s blog on wearing shorts. You both look great in shorts! You don’t look at all Camp counselor, especially not with the beautiful tops you’ve included.
I totally understand women who aren’t comfortable with certain looks, but you look great.
The nicest look is with the denim jacket ( I know it’s not your color ) but it still looks nice with the outfit. The tee shirt underneath adds a bit of body definition. Overall a very nice outfit and looks very nice on you.
Susan, you look so good and very youthful in the first outfit – Bermuda shorts, striped top & jean jacket. I’m your age & always wear that type of outfit. Even as a teenager who was always very slim, I wore longer shorts, as I do now. But I’m very particular- shorts must be slim cut, not glued to the legs, not “cup” the bum, and not worn with tanks or spaghetti strap tops. A crisp button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a 0.75 sleeve jersey top, a sleeveless top reaching the end of the shoulders fit the bill for me with a rectangular figure and some blue veins on my legs. Treat the Bermudas like slim cropped pants & wear a casual linen blazer.
Agree with those who say “don’t wear it if it isn’t your style”. For me, I’ve always worn shorts and will continue to, especially since I live in hot, humid Houston! My legs aren’t that great, but I found that I need a slightly shorter inseam (6-8”) to avoid the camp counselor look. That proportion works the best for me. I play tennis year round, so my legs are slightly tan (I sometimes self-tan my feet, to avoid tennis-shoe-tan). The proportions of capris or shorter crops don’t work for me, but I do like a loose linen or lightweight knit dress in the hot weather.
I live in the coastal south and shorts are a must. Everyone wears them all year, basically and I never realized how many women felt so strongly about them after a certain age until lately. I have worn them my entire life. (They do get a bit longer ever year.) I have noticed what I think makes the shorts look strange for ladies and consider myself a bit of an expert. Ha.I I think trying to dress them up too much results in a bit of a “fuddy duddy ” look , partially because the whole concept of shorts is to be cool and comfortable. My favorite outfit of yours was the one with the jean jacket because it didn’t look as contrived. I also liked the outfit on one of the blogs you recommended with the casual striped sweater and shorts. I think shorts can look polished without trying too hard. I agree that shorts can definitely have a “camp counselor “ vibe, but wearing a T-shirt and sneakers with them usually is what creates this look.. For example, an open linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up, cute flat sandals and hoop earrings can make it look much better. Last, but not least, find the “sweet spot” on your leg that is not too short and not too long and wear shorts that are the right length. (I apologize if I sound bossy…)
Well, I for one think you look great in these shorts! Perfect colour, length, fit, everything . Nothing frumpy or camp counsellor about them. I can’t imagine a life without shorts to be honest , but I wonder if I’m not seeing something that many other women do and maybe they aren’t a great look at my age (almost 60!) ? I’m fit, reasonably trim , and while the skin on my knees and legs is no longer wonderful, I can’t imagine what I’d wear during hot summers. Dresses make me feel and look ridiculous and shorts or skorts allow for a no-fuss afternoon out walking, gardening, errand-running, etc. Of co urse now I’m second-guessing myself after reading the comments above…..
If one don ‘t want/like to wear shorts go with your instinct. Susan, I was surprised that you didn’t like a looser linen type short – seemed like it would be a great relaxed style for you. I don’t wear shorts a lot but when I do that’s the style I depend on. The challenge is finding linen shorts in a petite proportion not just a shorter inseam, one doesn’t want the crotch 2 inches longer than it should be – a really BAD look. It’s virtually impossible, even in the stores such as Talbots and JJill that still have a decent petite selection, to find linen/linen blend shorts. .
You mention tops are too long as you have a short torso (as do I) so you always tuck them in. I don’t like the tuck in look, I think it makes my torso look even shorter, so I depend on my tailor. She can shorten t-shirts/tops, change the hem to elliptical or add a side slit. She recently took a 30 y.o. t-shirt (they made them really well back in the day) changed it to a scoop neck, shortened and changed to an elliptical hem – I figure it will last another 10-15 years. (I like it a lot) Those of use who have some body quirks according to mainstream clothing manufacturers should always have a tailor’s number on speed dial.
I thought your shorts outfits looked very nice. I’m 68, live in southwest florida and wear shorts all the time. I usually wear 5 – 7 inch shorts.
I think that if you aren’t comfortable in shorts – don’t wear them. For myself – I’m 58 years old, 5’8″ and wear shorts all summer. We live in Kansas and get both heat an humidity with many 90-105 degree days in the summer. There are weeks where I only wear shorts, with an dress thrown in every now and then. I am most comfortable in classic style shorts with around a 6″ inseam.
You so look great in your new colors. Quick question: what SIZE Everlane tee are you wearing (we are similar size and I’d like to order it).
I’m talking about the golden yellow/mustardy one you are wearing with the animal print shorts. Please let me know. Thanks much.
I bought my first shorts in years to go on a sailboat. I was SO glad I did when I first realized that I first needed to crawl into a raft in order to get onto the boat. Sometimes nothing else will do!
There are so many lovely casual skirts and dresses, even skorts. I think they are more flattering on everyone regardless of age.
It seems all the comments in favour of shorts are from those who live in hot and humid places. Here in New Zealand our summers can be similar but not at tropical levels.
In such weather I really loathe anything around my waist so normally opt for a knee length shift dress in linen or cotton. The only shorts I own are budget, short, loose linen for gardening.
What I have found more flattering are knee length, stretch cotton pencil skirts.
So funny — I hadn’t noticed that you don’t wear shorts, but that’s probably because I don’t wear them. And like you, it’s not about not showing my legs. I just don’t like them. And a hotter, more humid climate might not matter for you. I live in Central Texas where it’ll hit 100 sometime in June and stay sweltering day and night until October. I’ll wear a favorite hiking skirt on the trails, flowy pants with tanks for casual, and an airy linen dress just about any time. But I haven’t owned shorts in years. (My husband wears nothing but for months at a time!)
I think you all look great! I wore shorts constantly until I was in my mid-40’s then for some reason just stopped. I have no idea what changed. I am a skirt or dress person, I don’t like the way I look in pants and wear them only when there’s no other choice (like at my volunteer gig). I’ve found with Covid I slipped into a daily home uniform and I’ve purchased a few new things (notably the lovely Rails white shirt with the cheetah print that you showed recently) and they all feel odd on me…I think we get used to seeing ourselves one way and anything different doesn’t feel right and it’s hard to break out of that. I hope you keep your shorts in regular rotation this summer!
I gave up shorts when my Daisy Dukes split a seam. I find a loose-fitting skirt or dress to be much cooler wear.
I wear shorts all the time, can’t imagine not. I live in Oregon so it’s not particularly hot or muggy, I just like how they look and feel. And by wearing them self tanner becomes unnecessary as you pick up a bit of natural glow. I was a camp counselor in my youth so maybe I’ve never thought of that as a negative.
This is a great topic! I only wear shorts if it is VERY hot and humid which it often is in my location. But mostly around my house, to run errands or if I’m at the beach. The best length for me is a couple inches above my knees, never bermuda shorts. White shorts are my favorite and I’ll use a self-tanner if I feel self-concious about my legs. Ironically, I find casual maxi skirts to be the coolest thing to wear when the weather is extremely hot. Since we’re talking about summer clothes, here’s another topic for you: What about sleeveless tops???
I am 63 years young. I wear a size 6-8 petite, depending on style and fabric. I do not own a pair of shorts, but there was a time when I wore them. When I entered my 40’s, I began to notice a slight change in my knee area, near the top, kind of like a halo. I know I sound crazy. Anyway, I no longer liked the way I looked in shorts so I stopped wearing them and I don’t miss them. There are so many other options.
I wear shorts around the house but not much when I go out. I’ve found that knee length skirts and a coordinating T shirt work for me in the summer. Skirts are cool and comfortable and look just a step above shorts. When I do wear shorts to go out, I pick a knee length pair with a coordinating top and casual jewelry. It’s a long hot summer in the South, so you have to be open to trying different things to stay cool.
I’m one of the people who asked if you could do a shorts report. I spend quite a bit of vacation time in Mexico and Hawai’i but have become less comfortable over the years wearing shorts or finding some long enough. I found some from NYDJs that are 13” in length that hit me at a good length. They are a linen blend, run very small. I bought a size 2 and they fit loosely, maybe good for vacation times?
Thanks for going out of your comfort zone to look at shorts. Just think of how good you look compared to so many others who are wearing shorts or worse! I vote for the style with the Johnny Was caftan. You can totally pull that off. And some leg bronzer if you care enough about those white legs.
P. S. I meant kimono, not caftan.
Susan The shorts do blend with your legs nicely and the fit is good with the flat front. I really like the jacket too. I am in the “not thrilled”. wearing shorts camp. Skorts are better for me but I do wear mid-thigh or lower shorts for the beach or park or just at home when it’s warm out and the windows are open. The linen pants look is also something I will wear more of. Also I seem to be more sensitive in temp changes (hot outside going to the grocer or post office and freezing). So I will be getting more light/thin pants.
Kudos to you………..exercising in the hotel room. I need to get with the program and use my exercise bands.
What a timely post! Thank you. At 59, I’m finding that I’m just not comfortable any more in shorts, even here in the hot, humid south. Between pale skin and cellulite (which won’t go away, no matter how much I try), my upper legs look awful. And long Bermuda shorts don’t work because of my shape. So I’ve found several skorts which have become my casual go-to option. It is what it is!
For some reason, I don’t know why, but SKORTS are the answer for above the knee attire! They look cute, have “under” garments for modesty, but come off looking like a skirt. I live in the humid south, so I know heat! And these days skorts are everywhere! I think they’re much more versatile than shorts. There is a place for shorts….. in the garden!
You look really great in those shorts, and they are really contiguous with your stye. But you are clearly ambivalent, nonetheless. Just goes to show you, you have to do you. (Style is such a “gut” thing, isn’t it?) I like shorts just fine and have no hesitancy to wear them. During the pandemic here on my farm out in the boonies, I have been favoring cutoff 501s with an array of tops, fancy or plain. Not every middle aged woman’s jam, but works for me. Still – I normally tend to favor skorts from “gear” companies like Prana and Columbia over shorts most of the time for hiking, etc., and skirts the rest of the time. Summers are so dry and hot here in the CA central valley. Nice to feel a little wind up yer kilt.
I think Title 9 and Athleta have a good selection of skirts and skorts but some are too short! I just discovered Prana and beautiful things with great quality!
My shorts-wearing days are over. I’ve never had long, slender legs to begin with and carrying around post-menopause weight gain hasn’t helped. I’m 5’6″ tall and feel that shorts that end above the knee cut my legs in half and make them look shorter.
Susan, your outfit is really cute for a shorts ensemble, and I think you look great. The color combo is really great and the sandals really pull everything together and elevate the look to very stylish. I, however, would opt for a skirt, skort, or ankle length pants which I feel would be a more flattering look for my body.