What to Wear Instead of Shorts: Cool Summer Alternatives for Women
Not everyone loves wearing shorts, and that’s perfectly okay.
I still wear shorts from time to time, usually on vacation, but they’re not something I wear much at home during the summer. More often than not, I’m reaching for lightweight pants, breezy dresses, skirts, or an easy matching set. They’re just as cool and feel a little more like me.
If you’ve been wondering what to wear instead of shorts this summer, I’ve rounded up some chic alternatives that will keep you cool and comfortable without sacrificing style.
Why You Don’t Have to Wear Shorts to Stay Cool
It’s easy to think that less fabric automatically means you’ll be cooler, but that’s not always true. Breathable fabrics and relaxed silhouettes make a much bigger difference.
A pair of linen pants or a cotton dress often feels cooler than denim shorts because the fabric allows air to circulate instead of clinging to your body.
Many women also prefer a little more coverage, whether it’s for comfort, sun protection, or simply personal style. Thankfully, there are plenty of stylish options that will keep you cool without reaching for a pair of shorts.
The Best Alternatives to Shorts
If you’ve been wondering what to wear instead of shorts this summer, these are the pieces I’d start with.
Linen Pants
If I could only pick one alternative to shorts, it would be linen pants. They’re cool, breathable, and surprisingly comfortable, even on the hottest days.
A pair in white, flax, navy, or black will work with almost everything in your closet. Wear them with a tank, a striped tee, or a lightweight linen shirt and finish the look with sandals or white sneakers.
The Modern Capri or Cropped Pant
Capris and cropped pants are having a massive style revival, but forget the bulky, cargo-pocket styles of the past. The modern cropped pant is sleek, minimalist, and incredibly flattering. It gives you total leg coverage while exposing just the slimmest part of your ankle, which visually elongates the leg.
Matching Sets
Matching sets have become one of my favorite summer trends because they make getting dressed so easy. A linen, cotton, or even satin, top and pants set looks pulled together, but feels just as comfortable as your favorite loungewear.
The best part is you can wear the pieces together or mix them with other basics already hanging in your closet, so you end up with even more outfit options.
Midi Dresses
A midi dress is one of the easiest things you can wear in the summer. It’s cool, comfortable, and instantly makes you feel dressed without much effort.
I especially like sleeveless styles, shirt dresses, and simple tank dresses that you can wear with sandals during the day and dress up a little with jewelry for dinner.
Maxi Dresses
If you like a little more coverage, don’t overlook a maxi dress. Even though there’s more fabric, a loose-fitting maxi in cotton or linen can be surprisingly cool.
They’re perfect for vacations, outdoor dinners, or any day when you want to look nice without thinking too hard about what to wear.
Skorts
If you like the ease of shorts but want a little more coverage, a skort is a nice compromise. You get the feminine look of a skirt with the comfort of shorts underneath.
They’re especially handy for sightseeing, walking, golf, pickleball, or any day you’ll be on your feet for a while.
Summer Outfit Ideas That Don’t Include Shorts
If you’re wondering what to wear instead of shorts this summer, here are a few outfit ideas from my own closet. These are the kinds of outfits I wear when I want to stay cool, feel comfortable, and still look put together.
White Linen Pants Outfit
If you’ve never tried white linen pants, this is a great place to start. I paired mine with a red top and beaded sandals for an easy summer outfit that’s perfect for lunch, vacation, or a walk by the water.
Cropped Pants Outfit
White cropped pants are another favorite because they go with just about everything. Here, I paired them with a striped button-down, neutral flats, and a woven tote for a classic summer look.
Wide-Leg Pants Outfit
Wide-leg pants are a wonderful alternative to shorts when you want to dress up a little. I love how this printed pair makes a statement without trying too hard. Keeping the sandals and bag neutral lets the outfit shine, making it a great choice for dinner, vacation, or any summer occasion.
Midi Dress Outfit
A striped midi dress is one of those pieces you can throw on and instantly feel ready for the day. I added espadrilles, a straw tote, and a lightweight sweater over my shoulders for a classic summer look that’s comfortable from morning to evening.
Maxi Dress Outfit
When it’s really hot outside, I often reach for a sleeveless maxi dress. It’s cool, comfortable, and gives you a little more coverage than shorts without feeling heavy.
The Best Fabrics for Staying Cool
When it comes to staying cool in the summer, the fabric you choose matters just as much as the style. Lightweight, breathable fabrics can feel much cooler than heavier materials, even if you’re wearing pants or a dress instead of shorts.
Linen is always my first choice because it’s cool, airy, and perfect for hot weather. Cotton is another great option for everyday wear, and cotton gauze is especially nice when it’s really hot because it feels so light. You’ll also find Tencel and rayon blends in many summer dresses and pants, and they have a soft feel that drapes nicely.
When temperatures soar, I try to skip heavy denim and other thick fabrics. Choosing breathable materials is one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable all summer long.
How to Stay Cool Without Wearing Shorts
A few simple styling tricks can make a big difference when the temperatures climb. Choose clothes with a relaxed fit instead of anything tight or clingy. Air needs room to circulate if you want to stay comfortable.
Stick with light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton whenever possible. They’re much cooler than heavier materials, even if they cover a little more.
Light colors also help reflect the sun, which is one reason you’ll see me wearing so much white, ivory, and soft neutrals during the summer.
Don’t forget your shoes! Sandals or lightweight sneakers will usually keep your feet much cooler than closed shoes, especially if you’re walking around all day.
More Summer Outfit Inspiration
Building a summer wardrobe is all about finding pieces that help you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re looking for even more outfit ideas, these posts are a great place to start.
If you’re open to giving shorts another try, I share my favorite flattering styles in my guide to the best shorts for women over 50. If dresses are more your style, don’t miss my roundup of the best linen dresses for women over 50.
You’ll also find plenty of inspiration in my coastal style guide and my summer capsule wardrobe, where I share versatile pieces that make getting dressed so much easier. Because the right shoes can make or break a summer outfit, be sure to take a look at my favorite comfortable walking sandals.
Finally, if you’re looking for another cool alternative to shorts, my favorite white jeans outfit ideas will show you just how versatile white denim can be all season long.
