what do you wear around the house in the summer when you are too old for shorts (and want to be able to answer the door)?

[Countingthegreyhairs]

Hi fashionistas,

Would appreciate some advice please.

I'm 43, with a bit of a jelly-belly, tall.

I used to enjoy wearing shorts around the house in the summer 'cos I'm one of those people who are always too hot and they're practical for looking after small people.

But my legs won't cut it any more and I don't want to scare off the postman.

What else works? Any suggestions gratefully received. I thought maybe a well-cut, well-made denim skirt but don't know where to find one. (Boden skirts don't fit me). Any ideas please?

[bozza]

I really wouldn't worry about shorts around the house if that is what you want to wear. I don't find denim skirts that cool - prefer other more floaty materials. I actually wear a lot of cropped trousers in cotton or linen, as well as the floaty skirts. Or a nice but practical dress might work.

[southeastastra]

i got some really nice linen mix trousers from m & s that are really cool

[Budababe]

I do shorts around the house - am also 43 - tall but size 22! Legs ok though.

Am currently wearing a lovely cool linenish skirt from H&M. Cropped cotten trousers always feel cool too.

And it is currently 32 degrees here in Budapest!

[Countingthegreyhairs]

Ummm, thanks all, like the sound of the linen-ish skirt and trouseers. (I'll take a look in H&M and M&S thanks). Dresses a bit difficult to fit because I'm also challenged in the nork department. Capris might work though. Just slightly worried about tapered effect. Have very thin legs and ankles but am now a bit wobbly and plump of thigh ... What do you think? Isn't that what Tranny and Trinny warn against?

Oh God, dressing in your 40s is so difficult. Too young and you look like mutton dressed as lamb, too old and you look like a granny. And naked is no longer an option either ...

Oh and will continue to wear shorts once front door firmly lock but we have a house where there's a lot of people coming and going (sometimes dh's colleagues) so have to maintain a modicum of decorum... hence posting... Thanks for any more suggestions ...

[bozza]

If you don't think tapered legs would suit get wide legged linen cropped trousers - these will be cool and comfortable but will crease. Personally though I think you should stick to shorts in the house if you are comfy in them. I am sure the postman has seen worse sights than you in your shorts.

[NoodleStroodle]

Wide legged linen trousers - lurvely

[southeastastra]

the m & s trousers are really wide legged and only £15 too

[MadMumsy]

Just dropped in and saw your message. Thanks for the help for me also. I am 16/18 but have terrible veins (blush]. I wear floaty skirts and jeans most of the time. Just too embarrased to have shorts on in the house incase someone comes to the door. (Had two ops already on them and they have just come back) I will have a look in M & S later for some cropped trousers. Hopefully being tall I should look OK.

[southeastastra]

here are the ones i mean they come in short, long all lengths/colours

[Countingthegreyhairs]

Yes, Noodle think that is probably the way to go. Oh, those DO look nice Southeastastra, thank you very much!! Scenting success here!! Hadn't spotted them before...

Too kind Bozza but honestly, those days have gone ...sniff ...

[SSSandy2]

I wore a floaty skirt and a t-shirt to take dd to school this morning but changed into jersey shorts and a different t-shirt for pottering about at home. I like jersey because it doesn't dig in anywhere. At home I also wear longer jersey shorts which tie at the waist (the ones I have on now are short-short!) and pull-on jersey dresses with a bit of shape to them, empire-cut or dropped waist type things. THey're extremely comfortable and you look reasonable if anyone drops by.

[Countingthegreyhairs]

Thanks SSandy2. Like the sound of the longer jersey shorts and could maybe try a dress ... Hate the feeling of not being able to open the door, or run down the street to the chemist without having to change first ... Good food for thought here.

[florenceuk]

I bought a pair of jersey/lycra cropped jogger type pants from H&M - I think they could be described as yoga pants (with foldover bit at waist). They are very comfy, I wear them with a long-line smock top, to cover the tummy!

[nailpolish]

i havent worn shorts since school

most unflattering on women

i wear flippy skirts

[Listmaker]

I agree shorts on anyone over 12 is never a good look! I'm 43 tallish but overweight and I wear linen crop trousers or linen long skirts in hot weather! NEVER EVER shorts unless on a beach and then only if I have to!

[ThomCat]

How about the white company for linen tops and bottoms? www.thewhitecompany.com/department.aspx?DepGrpCode=CP J&DepCode=SUMMERWEAR

[Countingthegreyhairs]

Will check that ref. out - thanks - and also, good idea about 'dressing up' yoga pants with a long line smock top Florence UK. Hadn't thought of that tbh (in a fashion rut currently). Wouldn't dream of wearing them with a t-shirt (too many 'rolls' showing ...) but a long line top with yoga pants + canvas ballet pumps could work. That's the sort of practicality I'm looking for. Thanks again everyone.

[ThomCat]

Counting - the white co do yoga style pants.

Also I was given a link to Dorothy Perkins yesterday and would never think of shopping there but they have some ok stuff.

Maybe some trs like this and a top like this

And there's loads of slightly more expensive but floaty smocky tops here

Alos woth checking out Primark for floaty tops etc, they are so cheap but have some lovely styles in at the moment.

[Dogsby]

TOO OLD?

[dinny]

I've just got one of these www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Prod uctDisplay?catalogId=20552&storeId=12552&categoryId= 51540&parentcategoryrn=51538&productId=366782& langId=-1 and it is v comfy. still wear shorts too though

[Countingthegreyhairs]

Thanks everyone. Will check 'em all out ...

Tis all relative Dogsby