Helen Mirren once exclaimed, “I wouldn’t be seen dead in shorts!”

I adore Mirren and think she’s brilliant in every movie she’s in. But I have to disagree with her here. We’re thinking that maybe Dame Mirren hadn’t seen the current crop of shorts. For those of us still happy to be in the gam game, there’s a whole range of gorgeous styles: wrapped, ruffled, wildly printed, canvas, linen, denim. For many people, shorts have definitely preempted skirts as a summer sartorial style choice. 

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Shorts (in the right style) can even be worn to cocktail parties and to the office. Oh wait. Many of us are working from home or retired. Well, then, you definitely can wear shorts to work, and they will be a nice upgrade from PJ bottoms on your Zoom calls.

We look for longer styles that would be flattering to women with more to hide, so to speak. But if you feel shorts are just too, um, short, try the skort, a popular fashion lovechild: shorts bred with a skirt. You’ll still feel all the freedom of shorts tempered by the modesty of that skirt panel.

Here’s my, ahem, short list of options for working the look this summer. 

Editor’s Note: We realize that the women in these photos below are younger than our age group and more lithe than most of us. We are using photos from the brand’s website and therefore have no choice but to show these models. However, we think women our age can find a style that suits them among this selection.

Read More: 11 Swimsuits for Women Over 50 That Real People Will Actually Wear

The Long and Short of It

These crisp knee-length Bermudas from Anthropologie are perfect for those who want to avoid baring their thighs but still want to look perfectly summery.

A Boxer for the Beach

This whimsical take on the boxer short features a high rise, elastic waistband, loose leg, and thigh-length inseam, crafted from a cotton-flax blend. And is so comfy too.

The Summer Staple

You’ve probably had a pair of denim shorts since you were in junior hight. Don’t stop now. Just make them more comfortable and practical. These light, stretchy ones from Rag & Bone are made using Miramar, the brand’s fan-fave printing technique that makes any material look like denim.

Kitty Pretty

In our minds, nothing is as bold yet basic as a good leopard print. These denim shorts are purr-fect.

A Short Trip to Italy

J. Crew partnered with Masseria San Domenico—a hotel in Puglia—on a limited-edition capsule inspired by the sights, style and spirit of the Italian coast. Travel-inspired fashion is our favorite kind.

Right-on Red

These pleated linen shorts made with just the right amount of stretch are a fave for their polish and their poppy-red color blast.

The Comfy Cut

These knit shorts are wide and gather in with ties to a fun playful shape on the body. One size will fit all. Dress up or down for the most comfortable dressy shorts of the season.

Black on Track

Another style that is both sophisticated and practical. This pair features a straight leg for a flattering and effortless look.

Find Your Wild Side

What makes these shorts with a playful snake pattern even better. They come with a matching shirt for full-on feral fun.

The Pinstripe Way

Elevate your work-to-weekend wardrobe with these high-waisted shorts that exude confidence and wink at convention.

Flowers that Flatter

The flowers are subtle, which is very clever, and so is the support. These denim shorts feature shaping panels that comfortably mold and hold. Thank you!

The Thrill of Twill

There’s only one thing we don’t like about these well-tailored, belted shorts–that they don’t come in more colors. We like the details and twill fabric so much we’d buy them in a rainbow of hues.

PJ Party in the Sun

Pull ons that are as easy as sleep wear, but with the broad awning-strips and stylish details, these linen shorts are deal for playing on beach, boat or where ever. To really level up, pair with the matching linen shirt.

Feline and Fine

We can’t help ourselves–we LOVE leopard print. Think of it as a neutral that pairs with almost anything. And these silky, elegant shorts come with a belt and a saucy attitude that can take you from a picnic to a night out.

Picnic Panache

The subtle stripes fit right in at any summer gathering. Cool and clean.

The Line Between Shabby and Chic

A good pair of white shorts will take you effortlessly through the hot season. Add in a trendy frayed hem and you are stylistically right on point.

Don’t Underestimate the Skort

If you’re in the mood to go short short, there’s no better option than this classically tailored cousin to cut offs in a bright menswear plaid.