Ah, shorts. Many of us have a love/hate relationship with this particular style of clothing, especially as summer rolls around each year. On one hand, they’re a great way to stay cool when it starts to get warm (in the middle of July, they’re almost a necessity in the Midwest). But on the other hand, it can sometimes be challenging to find pairs that fit and flatter us – especially as we get older. If this sounds like a common struggle for you personally, keep reading for a list of the best shorts for women over 50 and ideas about how to style them.
How to Choose Your Inseam Length
If you’re shopping for shorts online, one thing to pay close attention to is the inseam length. Appearances can be deceiving if you’re relying on a model photo to guess what a pair of shorts might look like on you. There are three categories of in-seam lengths, which typically include the following measurements:
- Short: 1-4″
- Mid-Length: 5-7″
- Long: 8″+
The length you choose might vary widely depending on your height. For instance, the same pair of shorts will look very different on a woman who’s very tall, versus a woman who falls into the petite category. For this reason, the taller you more likely you’ll gravitate toward longer shorts. Petite women, meanwhile, should lean toward shorter in-seams – longer shorts will make them appear shorter than they actually are.
1. Tailored
If you would describe your daily style as “classic” and “elegant,” this first style of shorts might speak to you the most. Tailored shorts are the perfect way to wear a casual style that still feels true to your elevated personal style. Tailored shorts are a semi-fitted style that features a modern silhouette. They don’t cling to the body and often flare away slightly at the bottom. Many times they are also high-waisted and may feature details like a folded hem at the leg, or pleats.
Tailored shorts are a great choice for older women who still want to look classy, but wear shorts for practical reasons during the warmest parts of the year. They will complement a sophisticated overall look, and also come in a variety of fabrics like linen, cotton, or even satin.
How to Style Them: Try styling tailored shorts with a crisp button-down tucked into the shorts for a timeless look. Add a pair of leather sandals, and a coordinating shoulder bag in the same color as your shoes. Finish the look with a pair of sunglasses for an easy, but elevated summer outfit.
2. Pleated
Pleated shorts are a closely related cousin to tailored shorts. There can be some overlap between these two categories as well. The main distinguishing factor when it comes to pleated shorts is the vertical pleats that run down the center of your thigh. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big impact when it comes to how elevated your shorts look. Once again, this is a classic style for those who still want to look put together, even during the hottest days of the year.
Besides giving your shorts an upgrade with a classy detail, pleats serve another purpose as well. They can actually give you a flattering boost, and make your legs appear slimmer and longer. The pleat draws the eye up and down, rather than side to side.
How to Style Them: When it comes to styling pleated shorts, you can keep it simple and still achieve a polished look for timeless style. On top, pair them with a vertically striped blouse. This is another flattering piece for any body type, but especially if you have a larger chest. Add a pair of brown leather sandals, a matching belt, and some minimal jewelry for an easy, breezy summer outfit.
3. Chinos
If you like the tailored shorts but want to go for something a little more casual, chino shorts are a good idea. Chino shorts are one of the most well-known types that are often suggested as shorts for women over 50 because of their versatility. They’ll fit right in with a capsule wardrobe, and fall in the middle of the road when it comes between jean shorts and a pair of tailored ones.
Chino shorts offer a clean look without being too dressy for everyday wear. You can style them with anything from a t-shirt to a blouse without looking out of sorts. Plus, they come in a variety of different lengths – ensuring that they’ll flatter women with every kind of body shape. You’ll typically see them made with cotton, which is a breathable, flexible material to wear on hot summer days.
How to Style Them: As I mentioned up above, you can style chino shorts in a wide variety of ways to fit your personal style in the summer. If you want to go for a casual, coastal-inspired look, try a striped tee, a woven tote bag, and matching woven sandals. Add a pendant necklace and a pair of small hoop earrings to complete the effortless summer ensemble.
4. Bermuda
Here’s a style for all of you out there with long legs! If you classify yourself as tall, you probably find that short shorts put the emphasis on short, and not in a good way. Even if you don’t have longer legs, longer shorts might appeal to you, too – as we age, we often find that the longer the better when it comes to shorts – we don’t want to risk a fashion faux pas if we bend down to grab something. A modest length can be very appealing when it comes to shorts for women over 50.
Whether you have long legs or are just looking for additional coverage in your shorts, bermudas are a great choice. They often have a minimum of a 9″ in-seam, and fall just above the knees, past the edge of your fingertips. Bermuda shorts can also flatter a wide variety of body types. You can find them in a figure-hugging style or a more relaxed fit, for a more laid-back look.
How to Style Them: Try a layered look when you style your Bermuda shorts in the spring and summer. On top, stick with a simple white tee or tank, Then, layer on a neutral long cardigan. This will help to create a sleek, flattering look. Add a pair of wedge sandals for height, and add your favorite jewelry for a chic outfit to grab lunch with friends.
5. Denim
We can’t talk about shorts season without talking about jean shorts! Denim shorts are one of the most iconic styles that you’ll find on this list. For years they have been a mainstay in the classic summer wardrobe, for women of all ages. They also come in nearly any style you could wish for – long, short, high-waisted, low-waisted, detailed or simple. Once you find the best length for your body type, you can help narrow your search.
If you’re looking for versatile summer shorts, a denim pair is a great place to start. When it comes to finding a pair that easily integrates with your classic wardrobe, try looking for styles with no holes, rips, or frayed edges. A mid-wash is also a great choice, as you can dress them up or down. You’ll also want to look for a pair that falls somewhere in your mid to lower thigh. The right length will give you that perfect balance of classy and casual.
How to Style Them: Denim shorts typically belong in more casual summer looks, but you can also dress them up for a night out or drinks. If you want to go this route, try a simple white top with a linen blazer on top. Add a belt, wedge heels, and gold jewelry for an effortlessly chic summer night look.
6. Paper Bag Style
If you embrace more unique pieces and details in your wardrobe, a pair of paper bag shorts might be right up your alley. Why are they on this list of shorts for women over 50? One of the key reasons is that they do a great job of emphasizing your natural waist. They feature a high waistline, which is usually pleated and flares out. Paper bag shorts are usually constructed with a relaxed fit, and most have either a built-in belt or a tie waist.
Paper bag shorts also typically have a more relaxed leg. If you’re worried about shorts being too constricting on your upper thigh, a looser pair like this style is a great solution. Women with an hourglass shape or pear shape will find this style particularly flattering on both their legs and midsection.
How to Style Them: Style paper bag shorts with something fitted on top to emphasize the highlight of your natural waist and figure. Because they’re high-waisted, you could also get away with something slightly cropped. Otherwise, be sure to tuck in your shirt to let the pleated waist and belt shine on this style.
7. Sailor
Love a pair of shorts with personality, but looking for something a little more fitted? Try sailor shorts. They’re known for a high waist, a fitted construction, and button details on the front of the shorts. This style also comes in a variety of in-seams, so you can choose a great length for you and your height.
Little details can make all the difference when it comes to a classic piece like shorts. The buttons on the front panels of this style can make for a dressier look, as well as offer a slimming effect. Your eye will be drawn to the vertical buttons in the center of the shorts, instead of out.
How to Style Them: Try pairing a t-shirt or tank top with your sailor shorts, layered under a blazer. If you tuck in your t-shirt, you’ll allow the button detail to shine on the shorts. Then, the blazer further elevates the look.
Or, if you want to go a little more casual, try a button-down. You can tuck in one side of the shirt, ensuring that you can still highlight your waist and the buttons.
8. Vertical Stripes
Many older women with shorter legs struggle to find shorts that are not only comfortable, but that also flatter them. It can be easier said than done, no matter how old you are! A great place to start for a flattering look is a loose pair in a pattern, like vertical stripes. The stripes will automatically draw attention away from your legs themselves if you are worried about drawing attention to any insecurities. The stripes also create a slimming effect and can make the legs appear longer and leaner by leading the eye up and down in a vertical motion.
Another great thing about shorts with vertical stripes? You’ll often find this summer-approved pattern in breathable fabrics. Linen shorts, or cotton shorts, are particularly great in the warm summer months. They’ll keep you from overheating, while also providing a wide range of motion. If you plan to sit in them for a long period of time, or maybe hit the beach, this style has got you covered. Many pairs also come with an elastic waistband, which I absolutely loved in my own summer style last year.
How to Style Them: You can wear striped shorts in a matching set for an effortless, laid-back look. Or, try wearing them with an airy blouse or button-down shirt – also in breathable fabrics. In the spring, you could also layer them underneath a sweater for a cute, coastal-inspired transitional outfit idea.
9. Skort
Last, but not least, we have a somewhat controversial topic when it comes to shorts for women over 50. That’s because it’s both a style of short and skirt. For those who love the feminine style that a skirt provides while also loving the practical nature of a classic pair of shorts, the skort is the perfect compromise.
If you want to elevate your summer outfit but are planning on having an active day, a skort is perfect for warmer weather. You can also get away with a shorter skirt length when it comes to a skort, because you’re covered underneath.
How to Style Them: Skorts will work well with fitted tops and oversized pieces alike. Wear them with an oversized sweater and sandals for a nautical-inspired outfit, or try a popover top and sneakers for a cute, East Coast look.
The Short Answer about Shorts
The short answer about shorts for women over 50 is that there’s not one particular style that you should choose over the others for a flattering, comfortable fit. With a little bit of research, and maybe some trial and error, you can determine your ideal in-seam length. Then, you can move on to shopping for particular styles that fit your own personal style, and that complement the pieces already hanging in your wardrobe. Lesson learned – never let anyone tell you that you’re too old for shorts!
Ready for more tips about how to get classic, chic style over 40? Up Next: 15+ Timeless Spring Outfits for Women Over 40
