Alternatives to Shorts #FashionOver40
I love wearing shorts, but I totally understand that not every woman feels comfortable baring her legs. And while I do like shorts, I don’t want to wear them every day of the summer. Fortunately there are lots of great casual alternatives to shorts.
paperbag waist skirt // crewneck tee // bucket bag
(By the way, if you DO like shorts, I also see my post from Tuesday on Stylish Shorts for Moms.)
Meanwhile, here are some shorts alternatives you might like.
Maxi Skirts & Dresses
Maxi skirts are a great option for women looking for casual spring/summer outfits who don’t want to wear shorts or capris. Try to get away from the black maxi skirt, though, and go for a pattern and/or color.
I often wear tank tops with my maxi skirts to stay cool, and if I’m going to be inside and I’m afraid I’ll get cold, I throw a denim jacket over it.
maxi skirt via Stitch Fix // J.Crew Perfect Fit Tank // similar denim jacket
Or how about a maxi dress? It’s similar to the maxi skirt, but less fussy because you can throw it on and go. Dress it up with wedges or go with flat sandals or even canvas sneakers to dress it down and keep it comfortable.
striped maxi // sandals // bag
A midi dress can be nice as well, and it’s not as much fabric to deal with, which can be cooler.
STRIPED MIDI // DENIM JACKET // SNEAKERS // WHITE BAG // TEARDROP EARRINGS
Crop Pants & Boyfriend Jeans
Crop pants are all over the place this spring, and if the material is lightweight, they can be quite practical for summertime. I’m loving that the cargo pant trend is back.
graphic tee // cargo pants // sandals // tote // denim jacket
Loose drawstring pants are also great for summer and tend to be cooler than khakis or jeans.
loose drawstring pants
Boyfriend jeans are another option. I know not everyone likes this silhouette (it’s not my favorite on me) but a lot of ladies look super cute wearing them. And you can totally wear them with Converse or a slip-on canvas sneaker if you want to be comfortable.
For those of us who aren’t crazy about boyfriend jeans, you can take your favorite skinny jeans and cuff them. (That’s what I tend to do.)
You can also find lots of options for cropped skinny jeans.
linen tee // distressed white jeans // sandals
Knee-Length Dresses & Skirts
My favorite alternative to shorts, however, is a knee-length dress or skirt. I find these to be the most comfortable and easy to wear when it’s hot outside. Of course, if you truly do not want to bare your legs, this is not an option. But if you don’t mind your calves, these can be every bit as comfortable as shorts, but you will look and feel put together.
Athleta often has cute dresses. I wore this one a ton last summer.
And I love a cotton cargo skirt with a tank top.
tank // similar skirt // Vionic sandals // stripe tote option
Denim skirts are great too and so versatile.
I hope that was helpful! What are your favorite alternatives to shorts?
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I love my shorts but when it’s really hot outside, I prefer to wear skirts and dresses. Love the red striped dress in your picks! Have a great weekend!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Love the maxi skirts and dresses! I live in a maxi skirt and tank top during the summer. So easy!
Where did you find the picture of the pinkish capri pants? I found some cute ones at Athleta that look similar and I love them. Great blog.
Those are here: http://bit.ly/1OBlWKh
Super in love with maxi dresses and BF jeans – have a great weekend!
Best!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Great ideas!
I love shorts myself. Couldn’t live without them but I can see how it may not be the go-to choice for some people. You have some great options here. Have a great weekend! ~Cynthia
I love that you did this post on other options to shorts. I picked up a couple of capris without all the pockets, a pair of skinnies that look nice rolled and a pair of white jeans. I have three dresses that are just above the knee and oh so comfy. I would love to find a blue & white striped dress similar to your’s and my summer wardrobe will be complete.
Ps…what’s the deal with capris? Are they not fashionable now?
Well…. it depends on what you mean by capris. I like Cyndi’s answer: http://cyndispivey.com/2014/04/25/capri-pants-in-or-out-of-style/
She is really wearing ankle-length pants, and she makes a good point about making sure they taper enough to follow the line of the leg.
I was wondering about your comment too in regard to not wear capris. My 47 year old legs are not pretty and I can’t wear but long shorts to work so I have Bermudas and capris. Am I going to be totally out of fashion now?
They are still in all the stores. Not sure why some seem to think they look awful. Jo-Lynne, what’s up?
Reitmans has a blue and white dress. Bought it and it’s super comfy!
http://www.reitmans.com/Striped-Maxi-Dress/312913,default,pd.html?dwvar_312913_color=Navy%2fWhite%20Stripes&cgid=Dresses_Sundresses
Hi there,
Your outfits are really cute! I especially loved that Athleta dress on you. You looked great! Plus the boyfriend jeans are super comfy and very cute to pair it with a nice top with an accessory.
Great post!
xoxo
Patty
Visit me: http://youreneverstuck.com
Love the orange shift dress! Where is it from? Thanks!
It’s old, it was from the Banana Republic Factory Outlet. They carried it the last 2 summers, so maybe check again this year! 🙂
I love these ideas. BTW…I also like your shoe collection! I’m 45 and your outfit suggestions keep me from looking frumpy. Thank you!
So glad to hear it! Thank you!
Great post – I just had a client the other day upset because she has been gaining weight in her thighs and her pants don’t fit and she didn’t want to buy more pants -she just wanted to fit back into her old pants but with summer coming she was feeling uncomfortable about shorts – so I suggested skirts and maxi dresses. They are often so much more comfortable anyway -I’ve moved more to wearing them myself, especially early in the season when my legs are still a bit unsightly from winter 😉
Love some of these outfit ideas too -thanks for putting it together!
Great ideas for your client. Although I would also tell her to dress for the size she is. 🙂 I have had to give up and move up a size, and I’m so much happier now that I just embraced my new size. (But hopefully with your help, she’ll be back to herself soon.)
What about culottes? Ann Taylor has some cute ones and tall sizes (I’m 5’10”).
Yes, I linked to a pair at the end. They’re definitely making a comeback this year. Personally, they’re not for me, for the same reason I don’t do palazzo pants, but I do think they can be cute on the right person.
You linked some great options, thank you! I love tank maxi dresses on super hot days, but I do have trouble finding the right length. At borderline petite height, the regular length is often too long and petites too short. Nothing beats their ease and comfort though, in my opinion. They’re cool, comfy, and it’s okay if I didn’t shave my legs! Lol 😉
Haha, good point about the shave! 😉
You definitely covered most of the bases Jo-Lynne!! What I really took away when I read the shorts post was to wear what you feel comfortable wearing! We all are so different in body, mind & environment—so there is quite a range!
And I think all of these options are perfect for us older women (I’m talking about 50+).
I also like my culottes for the dressier times!
And the denim skirts now are fab since they have spandex in them!! (isn’t is nice to be able to sit and move while wearing clothes—ha ha)
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks for sharing so many great options in your post. The timing of your post was perfect – I just purchased a striped maxi skirt on my way to work this morning and was thinking of pairing it with a tank and my denim jacket! I guess great minds think alike! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you for all your hard work…this is a Great post and one I will use often. So many options and everything is put together perfectly!!!
I love to wear shorts around the house in the summer, but when I’m out and about I prefer casual dresses. I LOVE the dresses from Athleta and also Title Nine. They have the cutest, most comfy dresses ever! Love this post – you have some great alternatives!
Great tips…thanks so much for the info for shorts alternatives!
Love all your outfits JoLynn! What do you feel about skort’s? I have a three skorts and like the comfort and coolness they provide on a hot summer day. I think they look a little more dressy than shorts and they allow you to move around easier than wearing a shorter skirt. I’m seeing them in some stores but haven’t read any posts from you or Cyndi at G+B. Just curious of what your thoughts are. Have fun in CA!
They’re definitely an option. I haven’t seen many in the stores where I shop, but I did buy a couple from Title Nine a few years ago and I really liked them.
Thanks for the great suggestions. The dresses are really cute as are the Capri pants. I am in Laguna Niguel watching 4 of my grandkids right now, and yes…it looks like it’ll be a gorgeous day. I need to make it to the beach before heading back to AZ later today. :). Enjoy your time in CA!
Great post. I’ve been doing the knee length skirts a lot lately. And have found a fantastic and super flattering one that Talbots has online right now http://bit.ly/1XXaFIa
They also have the same cut in denim. I bought this skirt in three colors it’s so flattering on this curvy girl. And it’s long enough not to ride up.
That is super cute!
You look great in the long skirts and dresses! I love these alternatives because I really don’t like wearing shorts.
Loved this post with so many options!! I purchased that same orange & navy striped maxi dress from modcloth last year. I just looked but I didn’t see it again. It’s so cute!! I did see some other cute ones and a cute navy & white striped maxi skirt too.
Great post! Thanks for sharing ideas!
Hi Jo-Lynne, great post. It’s funny as I have most of these in my summer wardrobe for this year , but no shorts. I wore shorts 3 years ago, but looking at photos and reading you I now realise why I didn’t like them on me-I was wearing the wrong shoes (flat canvas trainers) and the shorts were too long (Bermuda style) which made it all look frumpy. I’m going to see if I can shorten them, and try fancier shoes-maybe a flat but dressy sandal! Experimentation is fun ????
I was surprised to read your comment on black maxi skirts. I have a navy one and love it for its versatility. As long as the top is interesting, and/or the accessories, I think it can look nice?
When I said I had all of the above, that was a bit exaggerated. I have knee length A line print skirts, a navy maxi, ankle skinnies, boyfriend capris, and I’m hunting for a maxi dress. I don’t think I’ll go for palazzo pants. As you say, I think they are best for someone with a wasp like waist-certainly not what I have, lol
Great post Jo-Lynne! I hope you’re having a great time in CA!
Love that skirt outfit !! Very cute!
I really like these alternatives! I find that skirts and dresses can be much more comfortable! Shorts tend to ride up and pinch when I sit down.
I love the top dress in the dark blue with that fun fabric. I have a vest in that same fabric and it hangs really nice. I haven’t worn it in a while so might just have to dig it out and try it again!
I like to wear knee-length skirts and dresses, capris, and palazzo pants in the summer. I will occasionally wear shorts – if I’m going on a hike or to the park, something like that. I don’t wear maxi skirts or dresses because they make me hot.
I love maxi dresses too but I still wear shorts sometimes. Definitely more comfortable as we grow older to wear dresses and I love that you can dress them up or down. You have such a great style and I look forward to following a fellow blogger. Have a great day
Thank you, Kelly!
I love cargo style cotton skirts in the hot summer. You can get them at LL Bean.
Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the tips. I’m >60 so also wanting to hide my arms. The tank maxis & dresses look neat on a younger person but I find it difficult to find anything other than skirts/Tshirts that aren’t sleeveless. I’m a pear shape so feel I look pregnant in a skirt.. I always wear capris but wanted a nicer looking option. Any suggestions?
Estupendas ideas!
I really don’t enjoy wearing shorts anymore, so this was a very helpful post! thank you for such great ideas!
So glad it’s helpful!
I just adore that navy blue and orange/red striped maxi dress with the Tory Burch sandals! Beautiful! Would love to find that in a petite version. I am a 5’2: hourglass and I feel that dresses are just so flattering and feminine and of course, cooler! I live in FL so that is a priority for much of the year. You got yours from Stitch Fix, I see. Do you have any suggestions for where I could find something similar? Your blog is wonderful, by the way! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Ann, I’ve actually looked for similar ones and haven’t found any lately. It really has a nice fit, doesn’t it? So glad you’re enjoying the blog!
I really like the bright colors and patterns of the maxi skirts, but when I try them on I always end up looking bulky all around. What style shirts do you look for to pair them with?
I like fitted tops with them. I wrote this post years ago, maybe it’s helpful: https://jolynneshane.com/how-to-style-a-maxi-skirt.html