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
Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs
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Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
I just found gauze pants this year and I am loving them! They are just as comfy and cool to me as linen pants (though I would bet they wouldn't hold up much better than linen pants for you either). That said I do love my linen pants too and my maxi skirts and dresses and even capri pants. I have a nice variety of them all.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I'll have to keep a eye out for gauze pants!
DeleteI'm posting about alternatives to shorts today too! Love a linen pant!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink
I saw that! Yes, I love linen pants...the non-wrinkle kind ha ha.
DeleteYou gave so many wonderful options for not wearing shorts. I have to admit I wear them all the time now at the ripe old age of 66! And, I have large legs, but I'd rather be comfortable than miserable. It also helps that hardly anyone knows me in this large town we now live in!
ReplyDeletehttps://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thank you, like I said in my summary paragraph "everyone should wear what they want". I've just never found shorts to be that comfy.
DeleteAmy, I love this post! Those burgundy linen pants are super adorable! Maxi skirts are a favorite of mine. I love all these wonderful options. Visiting from the #spreadthekindness link party. ♡
ReplyDeletethanks Stephanie!
DeleteI don't wear shortd either in public! And there are lots of better options as you show!
ReplyDeleteYes, lots of options these days.
DeleteSo many alternatives to shorts. I didn't think about a maxi dress!! Ha!! Love yours, with the halter neckline. I am not terribly comfortable showcasing my legs or arms these days but my stars, it is just too hot here!! I wear shorts and tank tops with great abandon around home. I haven't tried linen because of the wrinkles but you look so crisp and polished in yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks Leslie. I looked at all the tags of my "linen" pants and they are not 100% linen, that's why they don't wrinkle. They are about 55% linen, maybe you need to try this type?
DeleteThese are great alternatives to shorts for staying comfortable in the summer! Linen pants are such a good choice for staying cool and stylish. Skirts and dresses are perfect for keeping covered up while still being cool. Capris are always a classic, and ankle-length pants are a smart choice for a breezy feel.
ReplyDeleteDoris/ Pure Life Gem
Thanks so much!
DeleteSuch great options! I've just started wearing longer skirts and dresses as summer alternatives to shorts. I'm loving them!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather. I think lots of women are choosing skirts/dresses over shorts too. That's great!
DeleteLoving these ideas especially linen pants and maxi dresses! So perfect for summer
ReplyDeleteMy Life Is A Shoe
Thank you.
Deletethose linen pants look so cool, comfy, and classy on you, friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda!
DeleteI haven't worn shorts for ages. Your outfits are great alternatives to shorts and they look wonderful on you. Love the linen pants idea.
ReplyDelete-Soma
Thank you so much!
Delete'So many CUTE options! Thank you for compiling this wonderful list of gorgeous summer time outfits! Mosquitos seem to be extra ferocious this year and my legs look horrible from their bites. With your help, I can ditch the shorts! Thanks for sharing at Tuesdays with a Twist! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
ReplyDeleteThank you, and you're welcome. Yes, with all the rain, the mosquitoes and gnats are terrible.
DeleteFabulous summer outfits! The only shorts I wear (apart from when I'm on holiday) are silky bermuda shorts that I bought at Zara years ago. They're so comfortable, I wish I'd have bought a couple more in different patterns. Thanks for linking!
ReplyDeleteEmma xxx
www.style-splash.com
Silky, bermuda shorts do sound so comfortable.
DeleteSo many great outfits. Love the mixing and matching of patterns.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI really don't like shorts, so these are some great suggestions for me! I need to give linen pants a go, I think. :) Thanks for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #41 linkup. We hope to see you again next time at #42, too. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteMe neither. The trick to linen pants is to find a linen blend so they don't wrinkle as easily. Mine are all half linen or more, and something else.
DeleteLots of great shorts alternatives, my favorites are crop pants or ankle pants but I do still wear shorts too especially when I plan to be outside for a longer period of time. Wish I could find a pair of Linen pants that isn't as widely cut, I tried on so many pairs but they always swallow me up- it feels like (I have short-ish legs and a petite frame). I absolutely love linen material and have several linen shirts. Maybe I should just buy a pair of pants and alter them but I am not good at altering clothes.
ReplyDeleteYou look so great in all of the outfits from over the years, think my favorite is the red maxi skirt and white tank.
I think the linen pants are widely cut because its cooler that way, but I agree some of them are way to wide at the ankle. I think it would be super easy to alter linen pants yourself. Thanks so much.
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