Hmmm....
I'll let you decide that one!
I've been having a look online to see what the fashion world is saying about shorts "at a certain age".
{Ugh...That phrase makes me shudder!}
There are many short-wearing recommendations out there.
Loads on Pinterest.
Plenty of blogposts.
Even great YouTube videos.
Some I admire.
Some not so much.
I've notice one thing that is a little annoying.
Many of the "Tips and Tricks" for over-40 styling seem completely age-irrelevant.
Surely it's how you feel about your legs... or more importantly the back of your thighs!... that matters most?
This is just as important at 16 as it is at 60.
I want to share a secret with you...
Seriously, I despised them.
This came from being teased by my dad about my legs looking like "Sparrow's Shanks" or "knotty cottons".
I'm sure he thought he was being funny but words do hurt, especially when they come from important people in your life.
I don't remember my mum ever telling him off for it either.
For many years I thought my legs were ugly.
The irony of this is that when I was younger they looked 10X better than they do now, but I didn't EVER show them.
If I wore shorts (I or a skirt) I had to wear layers of thick tights (sometimes 3 or 4 pairs... seriously) AND big boots.
Sad really.
At 30 I realised something....
My Legs are amazing!
Not because they look amazing.
(They're okay... I don't hate them anymore at least.)
I could write list of flaws.
I won't, because it's not healthy to focus on flaws but I'm well aware of my leg issues.
They're amazing because they've not only served me well for 46 years BUT they've also lugged my children around for a total of 27 months.
They allow me to walk with my friends, catching up and chatting.
Run around with Jake (our dog).
And do other fun activities I enjoy.
I'm grateful for them now.
Very grateful.
AND... I've learned a very important life lesson.
Always tell your children how beautiful and amazing they are!
Anyway, enough of my pity party.
Back to the issue here.
Can we wear shorts over 40?
I think you know the answer to this one, don't you?
Of course you can!
If you like shorts then wear them.
Simple.
Getting them right is surprisingly easy too.
{I'll share my "rules" in a minute.}
Styling shorts can seem like a daunting prospect.
No-one wants to look frumpy and dumpy, or like mutton dresses as lamb.
The problem is that many of the so-called "youthful" looks involve a big blow-out, over-tanned legs, a Balmain blazer, uncomfortable heels, a designer emblazoned bag and a Gucci belt.
They're also often on people who look like they're models (or were models in a previous life).
Not very helpful for us mere mortals!
Personally, I think that the over-done look is more ageing than just wearing boring denim cut-offs a plain tee!
{BTW... I love the look of denim cut-offs and a tee and wear them often}
I think all of those designer labels crammed together, and precise styling, looks tacky.
For me, this is because the outfit looks too try-hard.
{Just my opinion of course, Feel free to disagree!}
In my eyes, the people who rock the shorts look best are the people that keep things real.
They may not have legs like Kate Moss BUT they have their own style.
They stay true to themselves.
My 'How to Wear Shorts over 40' RULES (that aren't really rules at all):
1. Forget that they're shorts!
What on earth do I mean by that?
Think of your shorts not as shorts but as super-cropped trousers.
Style them as you would a pair of crops, or culottes.
Think of them as your cool companion.
Your companion that is there to make your day more comfortable.
They're not your leg's enemy... they're your comfort's friend!
2. Check the length.
Ignore the rules when it comes to length.
Wear what YOU like.
You know your own legs.
You know where the squishy inner thigh bulge ends (cover that up).
You know that you don't want to drawn attention to your knees
{All knees are ugly....read more about that HERE... I'm even wearing the same pair of shorts!}
You know where your slimmest part is.
Don't fall into the trap of going too long in order to 'cover things up'.
You're not fooling anyone with those long shorts!]
Shorts end just above the knee can draw attention straight towards them.
PLUS... they chop your legs in half.
If you really feel uncomfortable about showing any thigh at all then maybe shorts are not for you?
Avoid Bermudas (especially tight denim ones) if your thighs are bigger.
Maybe a pair of floaty culottes (or even a skirt) would work better?
Sometimes shorts are not the answer.
3. Check the width.
Tight shorts can look great on some people.
However, keeping shorts loose is a slightly safer bet!
Plenty of room for your bum, hips and thighs is essential, especially if there are a few saggy bits or lumpy bits.
If you struggle to find things to fit properly buy a bigger size and get the waistband taken in to fit neatly.
Fabric flowing over you legs is so much more flattering than pulling and puckering, regardless of your size!
4. Check your rear view.
This is probably the MOST IMPORTANT STEP.
Your backside is going to be viewed many more times than your front.
You don't want bad things happening back there!
Whether you're buying new shorts or digging out shorts you already own, make sure you check yourself.
Walk about in your shorts... do they bunch up at the inner thigh or ride up your legs?
Check your backside in a mirror.
Bend down and touch your toes.
{Yes, really!}
Can you see what you had for breakfast?
Step away from that pair!
The perfect shorts allow your legs to fall freely from under them without digging in or clinging.
If you're constantly pulling at them (or readjusting) then they're not right for you.
It might take work to find the perfect pair.
If you don't think it's worth it then don't feel you have to wear shorts.
A linen or cotton midi skirt or even a denim skirt can looks just as summery, fresh and fun.
Don't sweat it!
Let me know what you think!
Are shorts for you?
What style do you prefer?
Also, how do you feel about YOUR legs?
I'd love to know!
MORE SHORTS OUTFITS you might enjoy:
- Tailored shorts over 40. (I miss that necklace... I wore it until it fell apart!)
- White Bermuda shorts (All white outfit)
- Those tailored shorts again!
SHORTS: Topshop (years and years old... AND charity shopped too!)
BLACK CAMI TOP: Asda (old)
BRACELETS: Various old/borrowed/vintage bits.
BAG: Asos
JACKET: Ancient Topshop... from the 90s!
NECKLACE: very old too.
GLASSES: Ted Baker
SHOES: Topshop (secondhand from eBay)
LIPSTICK: Mac Viva la diva.