Dos and Don'ts for Wearing Shorts over 40 (2024)

40 Responses

How are you finding those Naot Dorith sandals, pictured in one of the pics. I’m still on the hunt for my European adventure this summer. I like the looks of the Naot Sabrina and it is highly recommended but I can’t seem to find them here in Ontario.
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1. I love them. They’re the ones I’m traveling with.
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Thank you for these great tips!
Joan
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I appreciate the review! I haven’t worn shorts outside yet this year. It’s been too cold here in Ohio. But warming up today!
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Taking pics and getting that rear view is key! Best advice on shorts and jeans I’ve gotten from your blog! I feel more confident too if I have self tanner on until I get a natural tan throughout the summer! That can also boost confidence:)
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1. Absolutely! I’m a huge fan of the fake tan, lol.
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Last year I decided to start wearing shorts more and it was because I found I was wearing them too long, hence feeling frumpy. So, now I wear 4-5″ length and feel better and have found some I like to wear. I bought those Jo denim ones you posted here and recommended last Summer and really like them. They are still like new this season. The fit is good too and they don’t stretch out on me. I do still wear dresses too. Great post.
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1. I love hearing that! Sometimes going shorter really is more flattering.
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I really appreciate the information you provide. This post is one I’ve referred back to over the last couple of years. A++
Cheers – Katie
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“They are way too wide for my spindly legs.” I have been told my whole like I have skinny legs, even at my highest weight. As silly as it sounds, I couldn’t put my finger on the reason why I didn’t like certain shorts I have. Thank you for sharing.
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1. Isn’t it funny how you get so used to dressing your own body that you don’t even think about why you don’t like something, you just know you don’t? I am the same, I didn’t know why shorts all looked dumpy and too wide on me until I realized I have very wide hips in comparison to my thin legs.
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Thank you for this fantastic post! Lots of great tips!
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So glad it’s shorts season again! I discovered WHBM’s Pret-A-Play shorts last year and bought two colors. Bought my regular size and they fit perfectly. Sometimes a girl needs something different than denim shorts! I thought they would be too short for my liking, but I’ve grown to love them (thank you self-tanners!). Bought the black this spring (they sold out of black part way through the summer last year and I promised myself I wouldn’t wait this year!) for my trip to Disney and wore all three colors all week along.
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1. Yes, they are such good shorts!
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I love bermuda shorts. Don’t like to show too much thigh. Luckily I have long enough legs to pull them off.
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I’d add to pay attention to the shoe vamp. I think that’s another problem in the pic with the black espadrilles. I agree the shorts are probably a no go either way, but black sandals would chop the leg off less than espadrilles with a high vamp. I’m petite and always have to keep that in mind with shorts. Great post, thanks for the info!
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1. Good point, the vamp is very important. I didn’t realize I didn’t include that term when talking about the espadrilles.
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Thanks for this post!! Me being 73, it has opened up my eyes. I tried in shorts at Loft Saturday and have found I can wear them little bit shorter. I was always just above the knee which is an 8 in on me and I did look slumpy. The 4 to 6 in look much better. Thank you again!
Linda W.
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This might seem too “slouchy” a look to suggest lol, but: (particularly, if having top-heavy legs in warmer weather chafe with non-stretchy fabrics) I’d add bike shorts (above the knee length ofc) paired with an oversized tee or sweatshirt as another option.
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Thank you! A great reminder, appreciate all your hard work and effort to keep us looking fine!
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IS WEARING SHORTS GOOD FOR SUMMER
I’m on the shorter side 5’3″ and I’ve found that a 5-inch inseam is about perfect. Also, if the shorts are looser on my leg, my shirt is more fitted.
Good post. I hadn’t thought to take photos but I will. Oh,the money I’ll save instead of buying the wrong thing for my body! 😉
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Thanks for your advice on choosing the length of shorts to wear. I’m 5’0”, 150 lbs and tend to look frumpy in longer shorts. I’m experimenting with different lengths this summer since the weather’s too hot not to wear shorts! Thanks again for the input!
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Thanks for sharing. Agree with the picture-taking to see yourself with a new purchase, mirrors aren’t enough.
I take videos instead of pictures (running against the timer to see that I wasn’t even frame got old ) the video gives a 3rd person 360 view of yourself in motion and I think it really helps.
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Very helpful article–thanks! I’ve been looking for an article addressing shorts. Do you have specific brand recommendations for tall skinny girls? It’s so frustrating only finding shorts with huge leg holes. It makes me so self-concsious that I often shy away from wearing shorts. I had one pair that was pretty much perfect in every respect except thigh size, so I tapered them!
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1. I think White House Black Market shorts are better than most, but I know what you mean, and they’re very hard to find. This year, I don’t have any that I feel look quite right on me.
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2. J. Crew stretch chino shorts are my preference with 5″ inseam, there is a 7″ also.
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I went to comment and see my comment from last year is down below. LOL It still runs true. I feel much better in the right length…..shorter. I was wearing my shorts too long. I’m 5’3″. As I get older, I don’t love my legs with the imperfections, but you are right. Once I get a little color on my legs, its not so bad and you see all types out there wearing shorts, so I say…”Why not me too?” LOL Thanks for the informative post, as always. All my shorts are still in really good shape, but I’d like to add a few this season.
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1. LOL, I usually delete the old comments when I republish, but I had all kinds of website drama this morning and didn’t get around to it.
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  1. No problem. Fun to read back comments.
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Always a great post! At 5’2 I prefer a shorter length around 3.5-4 inch! Always do the rear pic and the bend test! I personally love linen shorts for style and comfort! Denim second choice!
Yes self tanner is a must for shorts and bathing suits until the real tan comes!
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My sweet mother in law was self conscious of her varicose veins and wore her shorts with nylons. We loved that about her, but needless to say, I would never do that. I’m lucky though, as I don’t have the veins. This post is always so helpful, thanks for sharing!!
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1. Too funny! The hose with shorts was definitely more of a thing in years past.
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Great point about the color of the sandals. What a difference that makes. The all black short/shirt combo looks great on you.
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Great post Jolynne! I think you did a great job of explaining why a certain pair of shorts may not be flattering. I laughed at your “big fat no” pic in #5, I too have spindly legs and joke that wide shorts like that give me the Sponge Bob silhouette! I appreciate that you show comparison pictures like that, I really helps the concept click more than just explaining it.
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Thank you for updating this post for us! And thank you for letting us know that there is leg makeup; I just ordered it since I am terrible at applying self tanner, even with a mit. If you want streaks, I can help you get them.
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1. Haha, that made me laugh! I found a new self tanning product that I love and it does not streak. It might be Ginger proof! 🙂
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Love this post! So very helpful. I’ll be purchasing several ☺️
What size do you wear in the Spanx olive green twill stretch shorts? I have a fear of super tight Spanx items
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1. Yeah, definitely size up if in between. I think I had the M, and these days, I would probably order a M and L to compare.
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I really like the Sally Hansen Illuminator on my legs and arms in summer. Just can’t handle self tanner. I saw you linked the Sally Hansen leg makeup. When I use the makeup I find the Illuminator on top gives it a more natural look.
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I’ve read quite a few blog posts about this topic, and yours has been the most helpful. They were points I intuited myself, but didn’t articulate, and now I feel supported in those thoughts. Thank you!
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Dos and Don'ts for Wearing Shorts over 40 (2024)

FAQs

What style of shorts are most flattering? ›

A-line or fluid fabric. A-line shorts with fluid fabric will look flattering on you if your body has an hourglass shape or if you want to cover up your thighs, because they will make your legs look long and slender. They'll also be really helpful if your hips are more narrow than your shoulders.

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What length shorts should a 50 year old woman wear? ›

Bermuda shorts are a wardrobe staple that offers both comfort and style, which is why they're such a great choice for women over 50. Their length, typically hitting just above the knee, strikes a balance between showing some leg while still providing ample coverage.

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Should 70 year olds wear shorts? ›

Shorts are an ideal choice in all kinds of situations, especially when the weather starts to heat up. They can also be a more practical choice than skirts, especially if you're very active or you're not always comfortable in shorter skirts. If you love shorts, don't let your age put you off wearing them.

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What is the most attractive length for shorts? ›

A good rule of thumb is that shorts should end approximately two inches above the top of the kneecap. This tends to be a sweet spot for men who want true shorts, but not short shorts. This placement is also a good place to start when considering a client's body type in a conversation about shorts.

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How to look trendy over 40? ›

Invest in high-quality basics like well-fitting jeans, crisp white t-shirts, and classic blazers. Experiment with bold prints, bright colors, and trendy accessories to add interest to your outfits. Try mixing and matching different textures and fabrics to create unique and personalized looks.

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How to look good in shorts over 50? ›

Styling tip – The shorter the inseam, the flatter your shoe should be. Nude or pale-colored sandals and wedges help elongate your leg. The longer the shorts, the more chopped and short your legs will look. These are the girlfriend 9″ denim shorts.

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What style of shorts are slimming? ›

Loose wide cuts that flare off the thighs or blouson at bottom will make thighs look smaller and slimmer because of the difference in proportion. A wide short also tends to create less of a sharp horizontal line as mentioned above. (In general, horizontal lines draw the eye side-to-side and widen any area.)

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Should shorts go below the knee? ›

Shorts, like pants, come in a huge variety of lengths, styles, and fits, but unlike the latter—where most men can judge the appropriate length based on their height—shorts are a bit more convoluted. As a general rule, shorts should never, in any circ*mstances, extend below the knee.

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How should a 72 year old dress? ›

Top 5 tips on how to dress over 70

Fancy up your flats. Thankfully, the days of boring, sensible flats are long gone. ...
Try new collar shapes. Blazers and structured jackets are timeless classics, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with them. ...
Make an understatement. ...
Bag a trend. ...
Embrace the eclectic.

May 8, 2024

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What are 70s shorts called? ›

Hotpants or hot pants are extremely short shorts. The term was first used by Women's Wear Daily in 1970 to describe shorts made in luxury fabrics such as velvet and satin for fashionable wear, rather than their more practical equivalents that had been worn for sports or leisure since the 1930s.

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Can I wear leggings at 70? ›

Age is just a number, and you can absolutely wear leggings after 70 with confidence.

Is 40s too cold for shorts? ›

Only 8% of people say 41° – 50° is shorts weather, and another 6% say they'll wear shorts when it's between 31° & 40°. And there's my people. The 4% who'll wear shorts outside when it's below 20°. Men are more likely to wear shorts in the colder temps, and women hold out until it's much warmer.