How to wear shorts when you’re over 40
June 20, 2009 by Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler - The Glam Gals
We’ve recently had a lot of women writing to us to ask us how to wear shorts after 40. Let’s start with what NOT to do:
 |
Don’t wear baggy cargo shorts. They are better suited to younger gals, and the pockets add extra bulk around your hips and thighs, which we definitely don’t need! |
 |
Don’t pick a short with pleats. Pleats tend to give you a pooch around your hips, and it’s hard to wear a longer shirt over them without bunching. |
 |
Don’t choose a style that is too short. Short shorts may be in for the younger set, but at over 40 this look could be very tacky. |
 |
Don’t choose a style that’s too long. When your shorts hit you below the knee or lower, it will look like you’re wearing capris that shrunk! |
 |
Don’t buy a short with a cuff around the thigh. This draws attention to the widest part of your leg. |
 |
Don’t wear a kitten heel or mule with a short. They tend to shorten your leg, and are too formal for this look. |
For an age-appropriate way to wear shorts, try these Dos:
 |
Do look for a simpler, sleeker line. A straight leg is best, especially when it fitted perfectly to your body. You’ll look taller and thinner! |
 |
Do pick shorts with a flat front. Most women over 40 look better with a shirt tucked out to camouflage a bulge around the midsection, and flat front shorts is more flattering and less bunchy than pleats under a shirt. |
 |
Do choose a short right at your, or just above, your knee. Your knee is likely to be the thinnest part of your leg, so you would want to draw the eye there by having your shorts cut off at the knee. |
 |
Do wear a chunkier heel, wedge, or flat sandal with your shorts. It’s a hipper look and the right formality. |
Hi Gals,
Just a quick note – I really en-JOY reading your tips over 40! I find them incredibly helpful, practical and inspiring! Keep them coming!!
Hi Laura,
Thanks for such a “joyful” note! We read your newsletters too!(jolly, well done, we might ad!!!) Great to see you around!
Cheers!
JoJami and Deborah
Hi Gals, Just had to say hi and note that it was amazing how my first summer after turning 40, shorts are suddenly an issue! Thanks for your advice. Looks like I have some shopping to do.
–Amy Tiemann
Hi Amy,
LOL!!! Great to hear from you and to hear your finally old enough to be official! Glad you found our advice helpful, we want you to still have your mojo with your wardrobe!
Shorts at 40, just to or above the knee may be ok, but for me, at 56, that length just highlights what age has done to my knees. Either shorter (several inches above the knee) or covering the kneecap/just to the top of the calf is much better – which technically I guess are not shorts! (I have very long legs, so the longer length works). To wear the shorter look, I’m finding that a skort (with the ‘skirt’ part in front and back, not just the front) is more flattering & just as easy to wear as shorts – & easier to shop for.
Nice tip about shorts – Unfortunately in Australia it’s hard to find shorts that are good for over 40 Ladies. Most styles sold are for the very young, unless you want the ‘granny version’ – elasticised waist in pastel colours! Yuk! Any Aussies who know a good place to find over 40′s shorts please let me know.
Im just a little bit over 40.My legs are in pretty good shape so I do like to where shorts on the short side. My husband likes me to where high heeels with them so I make him happy.