Some women think they shouldn’t wear shorts as they get older. You probably heard Helen Mirren’s quip, “I wouldn’t be seen dead in shorts.” 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, sequined. 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.
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
The Short List
Wear: Zara’s pretty-as-a-picnic gingham shorts.
Where: Backyard BBQs.
Wear: Boden’s lovely linen shorts in a variety of bold prints (with the matching top you’ve got the suggestion of a romper that’s easier to get in and out of).
Where: Garden parties.
Wear: A sequined high rise style with a relaxed fit from ShopBop.
Where: Dinners out.
Wear: A perfect length and silhouette denim version from Gap.
Where: Hanging out with friends.
Wear: Zara’s elegant high-waisted shorts with button-studded front pockets.
Where: Cocktails at sunset.
Wear: 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 bermudas wrap your shape perfectly.
Where: Walks in the park.
Wear: A mid-rise skort in a soft, poly/spandex blend from Title Nine (check out the pocket in the stretchy bike shorts underneath).
Where: Bike rides
Wear: Land’s End all-cotton knit floral pull ons.
Where: The elastic waist makes them perfect for beach visits.
Where: Lunch with friends.
Wear: J.Crew stretch chino in vibrant stripes
Where: Visits to farmers’ markets and antique festivals.
Wear: A jaunty update of the classic cargo shorts by Zara.
Where: Day trips in the city.
Wear: High-waisted shorts with a pleated, paperbag waist from J Brand.
Where: Any place! This is the perfect shorts silhouette for sophisticated dressing.
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!