Ageless Style is a monthly style challenge and link up for women of all ages. Each month we pick a different theme and style an outfit based on that theme. This month's theme is "An Alternative to Shorts" and was picked by Leslie.
It's summer time, it's hot, and for whatever reason you don't want to wear shorts, what do you wear? Many women feel uncomfortable wearing shorts whether it's because they don't like the look of their legs, the occasion would be inappropriate to wear shorts, or shorts are just uncomfortable.
I stopped wearing shorts in public a long time ago. My main reason was that I didn't find them very comfortable; shorts always seem to crawl on me, I have no idea why, pants never crawl up on me. In recent years, I usually wore a comfy athleisure skort or skirt in place of shorts. Now, at the ripe old age of 61, I'm starting to not even feel comfortable in skorts or a short skirt. My legs are so thin I can see the bones, and they constantly look like they've just been in a war; always covered in bruises or scrapes probably from all my gardening. So I have been replacing my shorts with other alternatives that are just as cool as shorts, but cover my legs.
Here are some alternatives to shorts:
Lightweight Linen Pants
Linen pants are so cool and comfy you will hardly notice you're wearing them. I have become obsessed with linen pants and anytime I see a pair while out shopping, I buy it! Because they are so lightweight, they don't last long. I've gone through two pairs already because they got holes in them. But they are usually very inexpensive at places like TJMaxx, Ross, or JCPenney. I normally pay less than $10 a pair, so at that price I can wear them for a season and then toss them.
Linen pants can come in solids or prints. My first two pair of linen pants were solids, but I've since become far more adventurous and now purchase a lot of prints.
Because linen pants are so lightweight they can also be quite sheer, especially if you pick a lighter color like white. Just match your underwear to your pants or wear a nude color underwear and you will be just fine.
Long Skirts or Maxi Dresses
The next best way to cover your legs in the summer, yet still stay cool and comfy is to wear a skirt that goes below the knee or a maxi dress.
The maxi dress pictured below is so cool and comfy because it is a halter style. Yes, I know, many women don't like going sleeveless either, if that is your concern you could find a short sleeve maxi or wear a sheer cover-up with the dress.
Skirts or dresses that fall below the knee cover up most of the problem areas of most women legs. For me, the thinnest part of my leg is below my knee, that's where I can see the bones in my legs and also where I have the most bruises and scrapes, so I don't even like wearing a skirt like this and prefer a maxi skirt.
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Original Post HERE!
This skirt pictured below I'm most comfortable wearing because it almost goes to my ankle. It is so cool and comfy too because it's made of a lightweight jersey knit.
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Capris are every woman's favorite alternative to shorts and what fashion designers would love to see women stop wearing. Capris have been trending in and out of fashion my entire life, but never seem to disappear. Sorry fashion designers, capris aren't going anywhere! Women love this alternative to shorts and will not stop wearing them.
Capris are great because they are super comfy and more appropriate to wear than shorts for some occasions like church. There are all kinds of capris; some are super casual like the khaki ones pictured above and others can be more dressy like the ones pictured below.
Most capris stop halfway between the knee and ankle, so most of the leg is covered yet one is still cool and comfortable.
Ankle Pants
And if capris still show too much leg for you, then ankle length pants are the perfect answer. They can still be very lightweight so you stay cool and comfy. I prefer a looser version for summer like the white pair pictured below so the air can circulate.
But I also own more skin tight versions like this black pair. I try to save these for cooler days as the clingy fabric can be quite warm.
My favorite new pair of ankle pants is this blue version. They are pull on pants, but you'd never know it. They have a cute gold button detail and faux fly (not shown in photo). The material is a polyester/spanx blend so it's so comfy and wrinkle free.
Well I hope I've given you some great alternatives to shorts to wear this summer. Whether one chooses to wear shorts or not is a personal preference, and I don't think it depends on one age or the appearance of one's legs. Where what you want, what you love, and what you feel is the most comfortable for you.
So what about you? Are you comfortable wearing shorts in public? If not, what is your favorite alternative? I'd love to hear from you.
Now be sure and see what alternatives to shorts the rest of the ladies in the group came up with, and link up with us as well.
Have A Great Day! Amy
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