Leave this look to the younger gals!
Dear Glam Gals,
I am 52 and have a question about wearing capris/shorts. I have a black pair that come right above my knee. I was wondering for spring since my legs are still pale, is it ok to wear hose with them to work? If so what color would you recommend.
I can see wearing black on black during winter, but not sure how to handle this at spring, since I am not ready to go without anything on my legs until they get some color.
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
It sounds like you are asking if you can wear hose with long shorts aka Bermuda shorts. Just to clarify, Capris are longer and come down to the mid-calf or to your ankles.
The short-shorts with hose trend has been a popular one in the fashion magazines but we think this look is just too young for us over 40 gals!
Bermuda shorts are casual attire and meant to be worn with bare legs. Adding hose is a big no-no and can actually age you. Bottom line, hose or nor hose, we would not recommend wearing above the knee shorts to work, it just is not professional at any age.
However if you have some dressy Capris you want to wear hose with, make sure to select hose that are extremely sheer and the same shade as your legs.
Here are some examples of how to wear your Bermuda shorts and Capris this coming Spring, 2012:
| Capri Leggings.(Nordstrom) This is a thin legging that comes to the mid calf. To be worn with a long top and wedges or flats. No hose. |  |
 Say No to shoes with straps! Shoes with straps do not work well with Capris. However, the nude color blends with skin tone and looks better than the black. (Nordstrom) |
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 For a dressier look, these Capris are on the longer side and look nice with a closed toed shoe (sheer, nude hose is optional) (Nordstrom) |
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 Be aware of your leg shape. The style known as Berumda shorts are meant to be worn more casual. They will look best with flats, sandals or a low wedge. No hose, please! If you have wide knees you will look better in shorts that come down a little longer.Self tanner will give your legs instant color, if you feel you need it. |
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Style Expert Deborah Boland specializes in helping mature women to Tweak their Chic®!
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Thank you! It’s midsummer in Texas, and I am experimenting with knee-highs and foot covers with capris and skirts. I haven’t considered leg makeup because that does not eliminate heel-rubbing and air-conditioning chill. Fortunately, my lifestyle is casual; sneakers and socks work for most occasions.
I think Christopher means Very Pale Legs, which I have. Don’t dare sunbathe, bruise easily, have been teased “turn off them LAIGS!” when wearing red shorts.
I’ve got to disagree on the shorts issue.
I just don’t like them on more mature women at all. Most of the cuts are not flattering (okay, I’ll go out on a limb here and say I’ve yet to see a cut that *is* flattering) and they make anyone who has not got perfect, slim, tanned legs look dumpy and passe.
They just spell fashion disaster to me. I’d much rather see women above 25 (not just above 40) in skirts or light pants than shorts.
For the record, I think they also look awful on men above 25. It’s not just a gender thing.
Just my 2c.
Last year I kept hearing it was totally out of vogue to wear pantyhose when you wear an open toe shoe.
I tried spray tans and they worked pretty good, but I found the underwire on my bra rubbed and my bra was stained by my spray tan.
Then I tried leg makeup. I found in order to get it on evenly, I felt it was sprayed on thicker than I wanted, and again, the “tan” came off a bit on the bottom of my dress. I think overall though it was a better result than the spray tan?
In 4 weeks I am getting married again and am wearing a cocktail length dress and peep toe shoe. I found sandal foot pantyhose, and I found a type that fit between your toes leaving the toes exposed (not sure how comfy this will be?) I am still considering the spray tan, but I think I would wash off my bra area before it “sets” so it will not rub off on my bra.
Which of these 4 options do you recommend? I do feel a bit pasty white, but I’m ok with it, except on my legs.
Hi Debbie, You can wear a very, very sheer stocking with a peeptoe. Just make sure the stocking isn’t reinforced at the toe. We think the stocking with the toe cut out will show too much of a color/texture difference. Donna Karan makes a great nude stocking.
I do wear capris in black, white, and khaki as I prefer these or dresses to shorts. However, I would never wear them with hose. I get just a little sun on my legs or choose to use a self-tanning lotion instead.
I am still with a woman’s right to choose to wear on her legs what she is most comfortable wearing, and if she is more comfortable wearing hosiery…well then.
Now VPL, that’s another story.
Hi Christopher,
Sure a woman can do whatever she wants, but HOW to do it right is the tricky part! BTW…What is VPL???
I wouldn’t wear hose or heels with capris or shorts. Rub some self-tanner on your pale legs if you’re uncomfortable with your coloring.
I’m in total agreement with @Lavender Dreams! The short answer: No! The truth is, no one wears sheer hose anymore unless they’re over 75. With the possible exception of Duchess Kate (nee Middleton). And the Queen has the power to say, “Off with her head!” if she doesn’t. But I doubt that you have a Queen in your life with that kind of power. So, invest in a really good self-tanner (i.e. Clarins, Jergens Natural Glow, etc.) and wear your bermudas and capris as they are meant to be worn, hoseless!
I had a real quick answer when I saw this title…and it would be NO! Sit outside and get a little sun on your legs but wearing hose with capris looks very ‘old’…if you know what I mean. I live in Florida so we wear shorts and capris year round and nothing looks worse than seeing someone wearing them with hose. Wear your long slacks until you get some tan on your legs! lol
Capri pants are really not an attractive option for most women because they hit right at the widest part of the calf. Ankle pants that aren’t too wide are pretty for summer. If you’re wide in the hips, just wear a tunic style top to cover up. Audrey Hepburn and Jackie always looked so amazing in ankle pants, but they never rocked the capri look. If staying cool is the objective, a skirt or dress is probably the best option.
You are so right Ellen. We much prefer tapered ankle length. They are very chic compared to capris which can look frumpy especially if you have heavy legs or pasty white legs. And God Forbid you wear Capris with running shoes!