“I wouldn’t be seen dead in shorts!” Helen Mirren once exclaimed. 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, leather. For many people, shorts have definitely preempted skirts as a summer sartorial style choice.
Shorts (in the right style) can be worn to cocktail parties and to the office. Oh wait. Most of us are working from home. 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: 9 Swimsuits for Women Over 50 That Real People Will Actually Wear
Our Shorts Story
The wide stripes on these linen shorts from Boden suggest an awning on an outdoor patio, and who doesn’t love that? $85
These leather shorts from Vince are simply sumptuous. $895
Not crazy about the real leather–or the price tag–of the Vince shorts, then you’ll appreciate this vegan suede number from Banana Republic. $69
We love the ruffle above the waist band on these cotton shorts from Mango. $59
Johnny Was is a favorite NextTribe brand, and we’re happy to see that they’re now making cool shorts. $130
Everyone needs a good pair of white shorts for the summer and there’s no better choice than one that fits really well. Made & Measure has the technology to make these denim bermudas wrap your shape perfectly. $79
Another kind of denim bermuda. This one tie-dyed for a little extra splash. From Mango. $59
These ruched waistline shorts from Boden are not just flattering but extremely comfy. They come in several eye-catching prints. $80
Also high on the comfy scale is this fluid, elegant skort by Athleta, which has biker shorts underneath for easy movement. Move the ruched sides up or down to your desired length. $79
Another skort, the one more dressy, with a tied wrap and a bold print. By Faithfull the Brand. $180
Make a splash anywhere in these classic linen walking shorts in bright, egg-yolk yellow. Banana Republic. $100.
If you want to integrate shorts into your work wardrobe, this pair, with matching top, from Burberry has professional polish and panache. $590 (jacket sold separately)
OK, you’ll like the price on this short suit better. Get the I-mean-business styling from Mango for much less. $59 (jacket sold separately)
This combo has a different vibe. The shorts are soft and flowy, with wide legs that serve almost like a skirt. The pattern feels like Peter Max. From Siedres. $198
These high-waisted shorts have a sleek nautical look with decorative buttons on both sides. $79
The drape of these shorts is what make them special, plus the big bow that ties up the whole package. By Rebecca Taylor. $245
We love the subtle palm-leaf pattern on these salt-washed chinos from Garnett Hill. $79
Quilting adds a new wrinkle for summer. Mango offers a matching top for a stunning casual look in all-white. $59 (top sold separately)
Speaking of all white, here’s the coolest style for summer. Eileen Fisher offers a lightweight linen and all the matching white accessories. $128
Gigi says
Great short story Kim!!
Laura Still says
I’m not a fan of shorts or skorts. I find skirts cooler in the heat/humidity of Knoxville summer, and white is my favorite color in July and August. But I mostly work outside.
sacha says
you got the gams for shorts lady! stunning as always.
Me, um, maybe the knee length cos ones, or maybe with tights under!
(which takes me back to the 80’s striped tights ripped jean shorts)
Go you!
Teresa Waak says
Skorts only these days. No accidents!!!
Spike says
Lookin’ good Kim!