WHY DO WOMEN STOP WEARING SHORTS
This is more of a “hot” topic than I realized. I am talking about wearing shorts. Shorts are something that we all wore as children, and we loved wearing them even in our twenties or thirties. But, for some, a switch gets flipped once we reach our forties, and shorts get pushed to the back of our closets. So, today, we will dive into this topic and see if we can get shorts back into your wardrobe.
Why do women stop wearing shorts?
- There are probably a lot of reasons women stop wearing shorts. But, I am going to address just a few. Probably the most common reason that we stop wearing shorts after a certain age is that we aren’t happy with the way our legs look. Long gone are my shapely legs from my youth, and I am left with spotted limbs (thanks to my younger days of sunning with iodine and baby oil) and also crepey and saggy skin.
- I am no longer a size 4, and I don’t like showing my dimples and lumps to the world.
- Shorts are so casual and too informal to wear out in public.
- Finding the right length is impossible, and I just give up.
You might have a different reason for throwing your shorts to the curb, but these were a few that I’ve heard from my readers in the past. I think that we should listen to our inner voice when it comes to fashion. If a style makes you uneasy, then don’t wear it. If you like a style and want to wear it, then don’t let other’s opinions stand in your way. I am going out on a limb here, but I bet none of us have the “perfect” body. Here is another news flash for you, I probably wouldn’t even look at your legs if we met on the street. I might notice your eyes, smile, hairstyle, and even clothes, shoes, jewelry, and handbag. BUT, unless your legs were colored bright orange, I probably wouldn’t give them another thought.
Today, my blogger friends, Jennifer, Susan, and Deborah, are all going to show you how we wear shorts. This topic is one that I’ve written about many times, and it is still relevant today. I wear shorts a lot, and I like wearing all different styles of shorts. Since I am wearing a white pair of jean shorts today, I decided to wear this blue and white stripe mesh sweater with them.
I am seeing this open weave mesh design a lot this summer, and I love the look. The sweater has my favorite neckline, a deep v-neck, which helps to elongate my neck and create a thinner-looking face.
The sweater is long-sleeved, which I scrunched up to elbow length. The blue and white colors and the airy open weave of the sweater make me think of the beach. Since I am always cold, this sweater would be perfect for me, especially once the sun sets in the afternoon. I am wearing a size large, and I love the way that it fits.
I wear shorts a lot, and I like wearing all different styles of shorts. The thing that determines the shorts that I keep and wear is how they fit. I consider a couple of different factors such as length, leg opening, crotch comfort, and the view from the back.
My favorite inseam for me is between 5-7 inches. This white denim pair is 7 1/2″ long, and I really like the length of these. These shorts sit slightly below the waist and have the traditional 5 pocket style. The leg opening is great and isn’t too tight. Since I have large thighs, I try to stay away from anything that hugs my legs too tightly. I also don’t want my shorts to fit me too tight around the hips since that can cause issues, and your pockets won’t lie flat. Plus, if your shorts are too tight, then you are usually uncomfortable in the crotch area, and that is a big no-no.
I am wearing my usual size 30 in these shorts, so I think that they run TTS.
I usually prefer wearing neutral or lighter-colored shoes with shorts. I want my legs to appear as long as possible, and a dark-colored shoe can make your legs appear shorter and stubby looking. This light rose pair of espadrilles are perfect for shorts as well as jeans. Who doesn’t love the embroidered words, “Ciao Bella?” Hello beautiful!!!
I am wearing my usual size 9 in these espadrilles. When I first put them on, I thought that they were too snug. I noticed that they were more comfortable by the time that we finished with my photos. Then, I read on the website that this is normal and takes a few times for them to break in.
I thought that you might like to see different photos with me wearing different lengths. That would give you a better idea of how they will look on you. I am 5’6″ tall for sizing references, and I normally wear a size 10 in shorts.
I am wearing are a 5″ Callahan short from Lilly Pulitizer. This exact print isn’t available, but there are three prints that are just as cute. I am wearing an older pink cardigan with the shorts that isn’t available online. However, here are some cute cardigans for you to choose from.
I wore these bright pink 8″ shorts the other day, and they have a loose leg style. This pair also has an elastic waist, but the front is flat for a smooth look. I am wearing a medium in these shorts, but I think that they were still too large for me.
I style the shorts with a raffia sandal and a navy balloon-sleeved top. The top is gorgeous, and the embroidery on the sleeve looked great with the shorts. I am wearing my usual size 9 in the slides and a medium in the top.
Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of Bermuda shorts on me until I bought this pair. These black Bermuda shorts are so comfortable, and they fit like a dream. They have a slim silhouette, and I think that is what I like so much about these shorts. They can be easily be dressed up or worn casually, so they are very versatile. I am wearing a size .5 in the shorts, but I would order a size 1 instead if ordering now.
The tie-front blouse is especially flattering for my body type. I carry most of my weight through my stomach region, and this style blouse does a great job of camouflaging my issues. This particular blouse is sold out, and I am not surprised. However, here are some that would do the same thing.
Finally, I am carrying my Isla Michael Kors handbag, and I think it is the perfect summer bag. I love the linen canvas material, and the color is a great neutral that will go with almost anything. This handbag is not too big and not too small; it is the perfect medium size.
Be sure to check out Jennifer, Susan, and Deborah to hear about their thoughts on shorts. Whether you wear shorts or not, it is up to you. Wear what makes you happy and confident, and you will look fabulous!
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Hi Tania,
You look very good in your shorts. Thank you for the inspiration. I’ve never been much of a shorts wearer. I was very overweight as a teen and an adult. I then lost ~160 lbs. in my mid-forties. When I was heavier I was ashamed of the way I looked in anything. All my clothes were dull colored, loose, and meant to hide my body. After I lost weight I had a lot of loose skin, especially on my thighs and again wanted to cover up. I finally found shorts that suited me and they were a pair of navy Bermuda shorts with a 12″ inseam. They are tailored and I can dress them up or down depending on the activity. This one pair are the only shorts I own for public viewing. I’m not counting the cut-offs and knit stretchy pairs that are for yard-work or hanging out at the house.
I have to say that it is very freeing to have items in my wardrobe that don’t need pulling down or up or constant readjusting – things that I can just put on and go with comfort and confidence.
Hey girl, you have beautiful legs! And thanks for sharing shorts w us! I love these print ones! And of course white makes your legs look more tan! I’m older than you and I still love wearing shorts!
I feel the same way about my legs as I do my arms. My skin has changed quite a bit in the past few years. Crepey skin. I would wear knee length if I found a flattering style. Working hard on forgiving my arms.
Tania – I think because you live in the south, have a pool and a place at the beach you are more likely to wear shorts. Somehow I just got away from it. But would like to make this work, I have short legs and very pale skin and need to work at toning my legs but I would like to wear them. I appreciate that you style them and give us ideas. I think the light shoe idea is great. It does help make legs appear longer.
Pat, if you have short legs, then going for a shorter length would work best for you. I don’t mean short-short, but try the 5″ or the 7″ ones to see which you like best.
Tania, you look fabulous and very much at ease in your shorts. Bravo!
Susan, I am at ease in my shorts. I wear them often and love how cooling they can be.
My husband and I moved from upstate NY to MD in 1999. We went from fairly mild summers where you could in August need a long sleeve shirt to summer temperatures possibly lasting till October!
I don’t know if I will ever fully adjust to our more hot and humid summers. Shorts, cute dresses, and skirts are a summer must for me. I very rarely wear pants in the summer. I get to the point where I just don’t care how white my legs are. It’s too hot! lol 🙂
Most of my shorts do hit right at my knee or slightly above. No short shorts for me.
Ellen, I just rub some sunless tanner on mine and head out the door. Lol! The downside to that is, the tanner makes the dark spots even darker.
I am about the same height and weight as you are and have gotten many great ideas from your posts. The midwest summers can be brutal and I like shorts but sadly my upper legs have seen better days. The Chicos shorts look great and I have also had great luck with Soft Surroundings shorts. They come to the knee with a cuff, are pull on and stretchy and the style is very slenderizing.
I have several soft surroundings items, but I’ve never tried their shorts.
I still wear shorts but just a little longer ones than I used to. I prefer the Bermuda length. I live in the south so it is way too hot in the summer months to wear pants/jeans. I have some broken capillaries here and there, but I just pretend they are tattoos LOL since I see some young ladies have them on their legs. Love the outfits you featured in this post.
Gayle, I have the broken capillaries also. Mine comes from sitting too much, but some people get them from standing too much. Whatever, they are what they are.
Discovering DG2 by Diane Gilman, specifically her Virtual Stretch denim, has been a game changer for me. Being able to feel confident in shorts again as a plus sized gurl living in Florida is wonderful!
I haven’t tried the denim ones, but the pink ones were really comfortable.
I love wearing my shorts in the summer. Love the Lilly Pulitzer ones.
Those shorts are super cute.