Updated April 27, 2023
Should women over 50 wear shorts? I have seen this question come up many times. The answer is undoubtedly, Yes! Always choose to wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. We often make fashion mistakes because we consider what works best for others. Instead, put thought into what works best for you.
Honestly, I started feeling uncomfortable wearing shorts in my twenties. I am Italian, and I have an Italian body. My legs are not my best feature. As I grew older, I started wearing more summertime dresses and skirts until I discovered longer walking shorts. Thankfully, I never let myself feel discouraged about wearing shorts again. I found what worked for me and stuck with it.
5 of The Best Shorts for Women Over 50
Now that I am wiser and more confident, shorts are a casual, comfortable summer staple in my wardrobe. You will still see me frequently in skirts and dresses. However, I do not hesitant about throwing on a pair of shorts. Especially now that I live in Florida and experience plenty of hot weather. Below are 5 of The Best Shorts for Women Over 50 and current summer favorites on-trend.
1) Bermuda Shorts
2) Paperbag Waist Shorts
3) Long Denim Shorts
4) High Rise Shorts
5) Athletic Shorts & Skorts
I mostly wear Bermuda shorts that hit right above the knee. Once you start shopping for yourself, you will find that summer shorts also come in various patterns and prints. You may think that an eye-catching print would work against you. However, a fun summer print can draw attention and steer eyes away from your legs. When choosing to wear patterned shorts, make sure that the pattern is in proportion to your size. Fabrics that have spandex will stretch nicely and keep you comfortable all day. Cotton fabrics are lightweight and breathe easy on hot days, while denim fabric shorts are the most durable.
Most women in our age group have imperfections and concerns about their legs. However, we should never avoid wearing shorts just because we think our age is a factor. Just be confident about what looks good on you and find a style that best suits your body type.
Personally, I find that an at home self tanner always makes me feel more confident.
There are plenty of fun summer outdoor activities to enjoy. And a great-fitting pair of shorts will be your best clothing option.
Love your suggestions! As for me, my shorts have always been to me knees – ever since I was twenty!
I prefer the same length Gwen!
HI Nancy!
Hope you are well this Monday .
I do enjoy wearing shorts, and at 52, say heck to the rules! I agree, wear what makes us comfortable. I have varying lengths, but enjoy a 4′ inseam in my denim shorts. I have them in 3 colors. Love all of what your wearing here, especially the palm print and green. I could go for a few linen tops to go wit my shorts these days!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
You have a fabulous figure I’m sure any style shorts looks wonderful on you!
so glad I found your blog a bit while ago!
the shorts dilema….i am in 2 camps, if that’s possible
1st Camp: always do what you want and who the heck cares
2nd Camp: there comes a logical age when shorty-short-shorts are just not tasteful for an older woman
what are shorty-short-shorts? thankfully in my mind it’s the ones where you can almost see the buns!
so having said that—all other shorts are fair game for us women d’un certain âge….and that’s 90% of the other styles out there!
recently i had a post where I wore high-waist shorts…i was so nervous about getting shorts on, but i think it worked out ok! posting the link here only so you can see what i am saying https://www.stylemythrift.com/post/upcycle-puffy-sleeve-blouse-my-enochlophobia
and i have not tried bermudas yet! i wore them briefly in the early 2000’s when they were last in…interested in trying to style them for a more current vibe!
xo eva
Hello Eva,
I enjoyed reading how you restyled your puffy sleeved blouse, and you looked really cute in your high waisted shorts. You are such a talent. Look forward to seeing more from you.
Nancy
I am 67 years old and and absolutely love summer and shorts !! I am not a small person. (Size. 16 ) I believe a woman should be comfortable no matter what size . I love Bermuda shorts it is all I wear. You can wear them with a Tee shirt and tennis shoes. Or dress up with a silk blouse and sandals !
Hello Judy,
Thank you very much for reaching out to me. I also prefer the longer shorts and they really are versatile for daytime and evening.
Have a wonderful summer and feel free to reach out anytime,
Nancy
Hi Nancy and Brittany,
You’re both awesome — what a neat blog idea! I turned . . . 56. . . yesterday and I will shop many of your looks. I especially love how cool the shorts are for women over 50. I feel young and I don’t want to dress like Aunt Bea. Or anything close to her.
I’m signing up!
Wendy (from the Inspired Eater)
Thank you for following along Wendy! I used to always say I wanted to be like Aunt Bea meaning sweet, kind, and always cooking in the kitchen. Then one day among my peers at work, I mentioned this and no one knew who she was, I realized I was that much older than the rest of the group I worked with. Of course I never wanted to dress like she did, I just wanted to be looked upon as she was. Now I no longer say that in hopes that I’m creating a new image that younger adults look up to. I’ll have to check out your blog it sounds right up my alley.
Great post!
Living in Florida, shorts of some style is a part of most women’s wardrobe. Personally, I wear different lengths for different occasions.
Rosemary
Since I have moved here I’m finding that I’m wearing more shorts. I swear there are only two seasons, summer and summer lol
Oh loved this!! For myself I prefer the Bermuda’s but also the high rise shorter shorts worn with flats. I didn’t know you’re Italian also- like me!
I’m with you Lucy longer shorts are a favorite of mine too! Yes, I’m very Italian we still have pasta on Sunday’s.
You look great in shorts and you add so much style! Tons of great suggestions! Thank you!
Thank you for reading Michele, I’m glad that you found a few good tips.
Nice post about choosing the right shorts. It’s very hard to figure out what to wear after 50 because some styles just don’t flatter anymore. I love my blue jean shorts and a lighter peach jeans short that are both Bermuda shorts. They are comfortable and showcase my legs better than shorter shorts.
You are making smart choices with dressing for yourself and not to be concerned with what others do. I have friends my age group that can wear shorter lengths and look great. Me… I’m most comfortable with longer shorts. I just think the perception of older women overall needs to be updated. I admire women that dress stylishly with out making to much effort no matter their age.
Great short suggestions. My legs are short and Bermuda’s look so bad on me! I think the trend is so cute on other people! I’m living in shorts right now!
You have a fabulous figure Suzanne, I’m sure you can rock any style!
Nancy,
I love all the shorts with different lengths and style!
I am definitely a Bermuda shorts woman because I prefer hiding my broken veins on my legs.
You have great legs and can all these styles!
Hugs,
Robin
You’re sweet to say that Robin, I too find myself most comfortable in longer shorts. What is most important is that we need to dress for ourselves and not for others.
Great post Nancy! Living in Florida, shorts are something I wear a lot in the summer, so it is fun to mix it up by wearing different styles of shorts.
I’m certain you look good in any style shorts you wear Kelley! You always dress so tastefully.
I love all of these looks! I’m so bad about wearing the same denim shorts over and over…I need to change it up! You’ve inspired me to pair a cute blouse with my shorts…such a cute and more dressed up look!
Nice suggestions! I’m sure every style shorts looksgreat on you!
Love your denim shorts. Where can i get them?
Hi Denise! Thank you! My exact pair is by James Jeans which I can’t find online. However these are pretty similar and available! https://shopstyle.it/l/bvSPW
Where can I get the denim shorts?
Perfect summer pieces, Nancy! I’m a fan of longer shorts as well. And prefer 13 inch inseams. Love the print dress – fab! Happy weekend!