Shorts For Women Over 40, 50 and How to Style Them!
Whether you’re vacationing at the beach or barbequing with friends in your backyard, the question isn’t: Can you wear shorts over 40 or 50? It’s How?
Here are 5 fabulous ways to style shorts for women over 50 this summer.
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High-Waisted Sailor Shorts
Yes, these shorts have a darling nautical vibe, but that doesn’t mean the only thing you can wear with them is navy stripes! There are many modern ways to style sailor shorts; one of the cutest is wearing them with a colorful tropical print top. This gorgeous green pops against the cool white, making a powerful summer statement.
Add some natural straw accessories to polish off the look.
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Olive Chino Short
Earthy olive shorts always look good in the summer. These Chino shorts are made from lightweight cotton stretch, so they are super comfy.
Dress them with a pretty white and black blouse to soften the utilitarian look. Black accessories pick up on the print and tie the whole look together.
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White Walking Shorts
These pull on Bermuda shorts are light, bright and crisp for summer and the beauty is you can wear them with any color top. Here, I’ve stuck to a classic striped tee and then added cute sneakers and a casual crossbody. Take a closer look at the shorts. The cute side slit is what sold me!
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Denim Shorts
Daisy Dukes, no! But a pair of more refined denim shorts like these can look good. I gave these All-American shorts some tropical punch by adding this fruity eyelet shirt.
Fun, colorful earrings and sandals with parrots on them add a fun and festive vibe.
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Cuffed Shorts
Are you looking for shorts with a little something extra? These classic blue shorts with the tidy cuffs are casual, conservative and cute. Add a simple striped top and chunky sandals for an earthy outdoor look.
How do you wear your shorts after 40, 50, 60?
Hi Deborah, I accidentally found your website while on the computer. You’ve given me so many beautiful ideas about looking great. I turned 75 in May and got many compliments about what I wear. You give me great ideas to dress looking great yet not like I’m trying too hard to look young. I want to look classy, and since I love clothes and shoes this has worked out beautifully. You also gave me colors to put together I’d never thought about. Keep up the great work. You’ve made a 75-year-old feel up-to-date and classy.
Hi Marlene,
Thanks for dropping by. It’s never too late to look stylish, and I’m so glad I’ve inspired you. You feel great when you look great, and Life is much more fun. As I always say, Life is too short to be Frumpy.
I am about to give up on wearing shorts, Not because of my legs, but because of the fit! Current shorts seem to be cut full in the thighs, making me look like I am wearing a box. Denim shorts are the exception, but I don’t want to wear denim all of the time. I know I previously owned shorts that were narrower in the legs. Are there any brands that offer a slimmer cut in shorts?
Hi Denise, Have you seen these shorts? I love them, and I think they have an excellent cut:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/how-to-style-shorts-to-look-casually-chic/.
I enjoy your blog, Deborah. Thanks for this great post on shorts. At age 55, I thought shorts were a thing of the past. You have given me so many styling ideas. I love that you also link the product to the store.
Hi Mareva, Thanks for dropping by. I’m glad the blog is inspiring you. I think that shorts over a certain age are not allowed is nonsense. I’ve seen lots of mature women in Rockin shorts of all kinds. If you want to wear them, why not? I think the key is to put together a complete short outfit to look a little more polished, sporty, and modern. It sounds like you are doing that. All the best, and, please let me know what you’d like me to write about. Cheers, Deborah
Deborah – Do you feel there is a rule regarding length after 40? I will be 45 this summer and am in the best shape of my life – even better than when I was a four-sport athlete as a teenager. I am a fitness competitor and have found that the shorts in the “mature” section of stores do not fit me. The proportions from waist to hips are always awkward in those sections. I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard to be young, but I don’t want to look like a frumpy soccer mom. Any suggestions?
Hi Jodee,
I like shorts with a 4-inch inseam or more. That’s short but not sparse, especially if you get more tailored shorts. Banana republic always seems to have lots. I think it is also important what you wear up top. If you are going for short shorts, go with a lid that doesn’t show as much skin. It’s that balance that will make you look classy, not trashy. Here’s an article that will give you a few more tips:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/how-to-wear-shorts-after-40/
Thanks for fixing the Basic Black and White for the shopping information – – Love, love this outfit for Summer
I guessed the shoes were Toms, but I was unsure about the res.
I love shorts but have a hard time finding ones that fit. So last summer, I opted to wear stretch Capri leggings with a longer top. Works great for me. It also has the benefit of being comfier than bottoms with a woven waistband. But if I find shorts to fit, I’ll gladly wear them!
Hi Deborah, the styling tips are great. Your photos are always a good Inspiration. The color mix of the styles is so beautiful. My legs are not so good in a form that I could wear a short – with 55; it’s not so easy. Greetings, Martina from Munich
I’m 43. Others say I look like 29 because I am 5’2 feet, 29-inch waistline; I can wear shorts, skirts and mini dresses which are comfortable for me!!!! And I look too pretty, so others say!!!
I could see many cute people wearing boho shorts outfits, even under 40.
I agree. We live in Florida, and it is too darned hot to wear long pants all summer. We see a lot of maxis in translucent fabrics, sundresses, skorts (tennis and golf people), knee-length skirts, and shorts. I think the key is stated here in the blog advice. Stay toward the more tailored (dressy) shorts versus the Daisy Dukes. A pair of shorts that hits mid-thigh length is flattering, not cheap looking. They also peek out of the bottom of a longer (covers the derrière) top that is worn untucked. A pair of heels can dress up shorts, but flat sandals look great all year long here in FL.
I say opt for a skirt instead of shorts! They are so cute- and much cooler (meaning a little more breezy). You can pair a cotton skirt with flip-flops and a tank and look stylish! Now that it’s fall- this conversation may be a little late… but I had to add my 2 cents!
Go, Kim! My husband likes it when I wear sexy…..think he’s more jealous than anything, but he sulks the minute I try to look sexy! You wear your shorts and keep looking good, feel good when your man tells you this! Enjoy! I envy you! I look good, but hey, this man of mine likes to peep at the other woman, some even far more dam ugly than me, but hey, we can sit in a public place, and he will make me feel like I’m the most unattractive woman alive though I know I get looks from other men, some even younger than me! You go, girl!
Hi, I turn 50 this year. I am still in good shape though I never like wearing short skirts or shorts. I need a change; I like to wear fashion items and look younger than my age, and I also want to try out different or new ideas. This winter I bought myself some leggings which I wear only with a long top, jacket or boots. It looks good, and I feel good. The other day “something came over me,” and I bought myself shorts in denim and a very short skirt which I tried on with my leggings and boots; it looks perfect though I will never go outside because I feel it’s not appropriate for older women. I want to wear this style with a long jacket and a cover-up when going outside. You may ask, “why do I bother then”? Well, this is to feel suitable for me; I don’t want to show my nice legs and sexy clothes out there; I want to know inside and think I look sexy. Am I weird? I hope not, but are there any women who do this if I do? I always try something new, not proper for my age but hey, what the heck, if I feel good, then stuff the rest, correct? I cover up outside the home; what does it matter what I look like underneath a pretty coat? I’ve always been a dark head gal; I started turning grey at the same age most ladies do; I wouldn’t say I liked it, then started to dye red, black, brown, and any other color.
I recently started to like the fashionable grey look, and I went through the process of turning from red to blond, then to grey eventually. Still researching this, but it will come sooner than later. Why do we have to look like a granny if there are still many sparks left in us? I get looks from men and even from women…..but not good ones from women, but I also don’t care. My husband is very old-fashioned concerning their woman, just like his father, etc. though I see the looks he gives other sexy women, he turns quiet and sulky when I look good, young and sexy! I hate this, and one of the reasons why I feel I need a change for myself and not even to spite him but just for me and me alone! Careful, thinking of getting a tattoo exquisitely, somewhere neat, not tacky and cheap though stylish, small yet still there to make a statement. What do you other gals think of my ideas?
I’m just a little bit over 40. My legs are in pretty good shape, so I like to wear shorts on the short side. My husband wants me to wear high heels with them, so I make him happy.
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 young unless you want the ‘granny version’ – elasticized waist in pastel colors! Yuk! Please let me know about any Aussies who know a good place to find over 40’s shorts.
Shorts at 40, just to or above the knee, may be ok, but for me, at 56, that length 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 – technically, I guess, they 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 show) is more flattering & just as easy to wear as shorts – & easier to shop for.
Hi Deb, 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 you are finally old enough to be official! Glad you found my advice helpful. Ie want you to still have your mojo with your wardrobe!
Hi Deborah,
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! I read your newsletters too!(jolly, well done, we might ad!!!) Great to see you around!
Cheers!
Deborah