This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated for 2026 with fresh ideas and outfit inspiration.
If the thought of putting on a pair of shorts makes you cringe, you aren’t alone. A lot of women prefer something a little more flattering—or simply feel more comfortable—in other options. Fortunately, there are plenty of stylish ways to stay cool all summer long without reaching for shorts.
EVEREVE Mary Textured Dress (M) // similar tankini top & bottoms // Dolce Vita sandals (8) // Eric Javits Hat // similar tote // Tom Ford sunnies // Quince hoops
And if you do like wearing shorts, you might also enjoy these popular posts: Dos and Don’ts for Wearing Shorts and The Best Shorts for Summer 2026.
What To Wear Instead of Shorts
Here are five stylish alternatives to shorts, along with current trends and shopping suggestions to help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
1. Dresses
Dresses are one of the easiest alternatives to shorts because they’re truly one-and-done—no coordinating required. I don’t wear dresses much in the fall and winter, but I definitely like to have a few options on hand for summer, especially for those days when shorts or jeans don’t feel quite right.
strapless maxi dress (M) // Sam Edelman Camille (8) // straw clutch
Style trends to watch for:
- Maxi and midi dresses are everywhere right now, especially flowy silhouettes and minimalist tubular styles.
- Minis are also having a major moment this season. If you’re hesitant about the length, styling them with flat sandals or sneakers can help balance the look.
- Knee-length dresses remain a timeless option, although they’re a little harder to find at the moment.
- Shirt dresses in crisp poplin or breezy linen are especially popular right now, along with feminine details like ruffles and tiers.
linen swing dress (M) // sandals (8) // earrings // bracelet
A few of my personal favorites:
#2. Crop Jeans or Pants
Crop jeans and pants are a great alternative to shorts if you prefer a little more leg coverage. They’re perfect for mild summer days and cool evenings, especially in lightweight denim or breezy fabrics that still feel comfortable in warm weather.
KUT Piper Jacket (S) // Lilla P Tank (M) // PAIGE Mason (30) // Kaanas Sandals (8) // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings // Goldfish Necklace // Beaded Bracelets // YSL Sunnies
Style trends to watch for:
- Wide-leg crops are everywhere right now, and the looser fit can feel even cooler and more comfortable than more fitted styles.
- Straight-leg and slim crops offer a clean, polished look that’s easy to pair with everything from bright colors to soft neutrals.
- Crop bootcuts and kick flares are a fun, flattering option that adds a playful vibe to spring and summer outfits.
- White denim is always a summer staple, or ecru is trending too if you want something a little different. Light wash and bright blue jeans also feel especially fresh for the warmer months.
EVEREVE Jane Sweater (S) // PAIGE Stevie c/o (30) // Dolce Vita Galae Heels – Whiskey Jelly (8) // Dolce Vita beaded bag // bracelet // necklace one & two (JOLYNNE20 for 20% off) // earrings (c/o Luv Aj) // YSL sunnies
A few of my personal favorites:
#3. Linen & Palazzo Pants
Wide-leg pants are coming in strong this spring, and they’re a great way to stay cool while still looking polished. Linen, gauze, and lightweight cotton fabrics are especially good options for hot weather, since they’re more breathable than denim or chinos.
Frank & Eileen Tuscany Getaway Set c/o (S) // Paul Green Hadley Platform Sneakers (8)
Style trends to watch for:
- Wide-leg silhouettes are everywhere right now. They’re relaxed, airy, and perfect for warmer days.
- Matching sets are trending too—a fun, modern way to style linen pants.
- Tailored waistbands are replacing elastic styles that were popular for so long. I like how they add more structure and polish to linen pants.
- Tie-waist styles and supersoft denim options offer an easy, beachy vibe that’s perfect for everyday wear. They pair best with shorter, fitted tops and tanks.
- Neutral colors like white, gray, and mocha are especially popular for a versatile, chic look—but fun prints are out there too if you want something a little more playful.
KUT from the Kloth Topaz-Wide Leg Linen Pants (6) // similar jacket // EVEREVE Sarina V-Neck Tank (S) // similar flip flops // Rebecca Minkoff raffia bag
A few of my personal favorites:
#4. Skirts & Skorts
Skirts are another a good option if you’re looking for a casual alternative to shorts in warm weather. They’re just as cool and comfortable—and they’re definitely having a moment this year.
old Sanctuary sweater vest // similar denim maxi (29) // similar slingback flats (8)
I’m not much of a skirt girl myself, but I do like to keep a denim one in my spring and summer wardrobe for those times when I want to look a little more pulled together but still keep that casual denim vibe. Of course, if you really want to stay cool, there are tons of lightweight fabrics out there that feel even breezier than denim.
Style trends to watch for:
- Midi and maxi lengths are still going strong and are easy to style for everyday wear. Flowier A-line shapes and tiered skirts are especially popular for a relaxed, summery vibe.
- Mini skirts are very much still trending, especially when styled casually with sneakers or flat sandals for a laid-back look. Straight and slightly structured minis feel the most current.
- Knee-length skirts are a little less on-trend right now, but they can still work if the style includes modern details—think a sleek column silhouette, fresh tailoring, or updated fabrics like linen or lightweight denim.
- Matching sets are trending big time in the skirt category too, with coordinating tops and skirts creating an easy, polished look for summer.
- Soft denim, breezy cotton poplin, and gauzy linen blends are all popular skirt fabrics this season. Eyelet is also having a moment.
KUT from the Kloth Holly Denim Skirt (8) // LNA Dessa Muscle Tee (M) // adidas Samba (8)
A quick tip for skirts and dresses:
If you deal with chafing in the summer, Thigh Society Cooling Shorts are an awesome solution to wear under dresses and skirts. And if you prefer a little more coverage and ease of movement, skorts are another great alternative.
Summer skirts to shop:
#5. Jorts & Culottes
Splendid Lounge Denim Jorts // Beckham Crochet Sweater
If you’ve sworn off shorts entirely, this trend may still not be for you—but longer denim shorts and culottes are definitely having a moment right now. The newer styles are much more relaxed and polished than the super-tight cutoffs of years past, with longer inseams, looser fits, and more tailored silhouettes.
Style trends to watch for:
- Dark washes and clean finishes feel a little more polished and wearable than heavily distressed styles
- Longer inseams are dominating right now, especially Bermuda and knee-length styles.
- Relaxed fits look more modern than tight or clingy cuts.
Jorts and culottes to shop:
I hope this post is helpful! What are your favorite alternatives to shorts?
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16 Responses
Just do not like Culoutes. I’ve never worn nor never will. lol
This Spring I’ve been drawn to linen and straight crop but it hasn’t been hot yet. Once it warms up I’ll do more dresses and will see if my shorts still fit and how I feel in them. My legs aren’t like they use to be. Yikes!!!! Seasons go so fast you have to get right on getting what you need. Memorial weekend will have lots of sales.
I wear shorts including jean shorts but I do love my skorts. I took 2 to Europe last August and wore them a lot. We took trains all over and these were perfect. I have several linen wide leg pants that I really like. I’m a little embarrassed to say I bought them at Costco but they were a great price and I talked with women there my age who loved them. Easy returns even without a receipt.
Yeah I’m one of those short dislikes. Im not big on dresses either. Im just not fond of my pasty white legs and tanning lotion seems to high maintenance. Im perfectly comfortable with cropped pants and jeans. Jorts.. interesting
Great options! I also like a cute athleisure skort . I would love to see someone style the jorts😉
I love my skorts for golf & would like to wear them off the course but have trouble styling them for my mid-50s body without looking like I’m either headed to the course or trying to be 20-something. Any suggestions?
Yeah, I guess you just have to wear them with pieces you would not wear to the golf course, lol. I’d start with footwear, swap out a sneaker for a sandal? And then no polo tops or preppy tops. Maybe a simple white (or other color) tee, with a good slub texture? Or even a blouse? Add jewelry and a purse that is not athletic or overly preppy. Does that help?
I prefer dresses, linen pants over denim skirts (way too hot in Texas) and never culottes or crop pants that are too crop lol. I do enjoy shorts too just depends on how they look. I do like the variety and suggestions you mentioned in the post.
I reach for items in all these categories, with the exception of linen pants. They’re just not my style. Jorts and culottes, on the other hand, suit me in both fit and vibe. I’ve had a loose, chambray pair for many years and last year I picked up a 100% cotton, dark denim pair. They’re best if they hit mid-knee or just below. Any longer and they throw off my proportions.
I like cotton light weight utility type ankle pants and a tank top the most in the summer. I’m slowly just not liking shorts anymore. I, also like really cute boho type midi and above skirts–but I’m particular and they’re sometimes hard to find. As summer continues, and its really hot, I might pull out a skort. But honestly, summer is just not my fav time of the year. Of the clothes shown, I do like the first pic with the blue Evereve dress and also like the skirt with the tie the most! Cute! I will say–nothing wrong about getting a few items from Costco–its hit or miss–but sometimes you get lucky.
Check out the Natural Life website. All boho and I’ve bought a couple of cute very lightweight knee length skirts.
I just ordered the Quince swing dress in black/white gingham–I hope it fits nice! I see you bought medium, I ordered the small based on all the comments–hope it was right choice! It’ll be great for those super hot humid days!
I hope it works for you! If not, they have free returns.
I am obsessed with the Brooklyn mid rise ankle pant from Athleta – I have 3 colors! It’s gonna be hard to pull on shorts when I’ve got these light, breezy pants. I prefer the straight style, but they also come in a barrel style.
Yes, those are great pants! I have the full-length Brooklyn, love them.
I have a trip to Italy coming up. While I will certainly dress appropriately in churches and other more conservative venues, are shorts acceptable everywhere else? Do women wear them other than American tours? A friend went last summer and said she didn’t see them on any locals. Is that possible?
I saw a lot of dresses and skirts, and linen pants, when I was there. I did bring a pair of denim shorts tho, and I wore them once or twice to walk around. I didn’t feel out of place. I actually brought a black linen pair, too, that was dressier.