For not wearing summer shorts

[anxioussmess]

im 40 and have reasonably nice legs although not very long as im only 5 foot 3, but I literally live in summer dresses as opposed to shorts and a strappy top. Am I the only one who does this?

sometimes I feel a bit frumpy and mumsy (I an
a mum also lol) but then my belly isn’t small and dresses cover it up.

in my 20s and early 30s I was always showing off my good figure in next to nothing lol

I don't wear shorts either, but you must be able to look around you and see that not everyone is in shorts?

Hate shorts, they make me feel hot. Chuck on a dress, love it!

I don’t own any shorts or any trousers. I always wear dresses in summer and winter,

I can’t remember the last time I wore shorts - with the exception of chub rub shorts.

Not just me then which is good to know

I guess I see lots of school mums looking trendy in their shorts and fun tops and I feel a bit frumpy in comparison

I don’t think I’ve ever seen any of my (many) women friends in shorts, except hot pants type things when running / at the beach.

Few people at 40 are still dressing the same way as they did when they were 20, big belly or otherwise. I really wouldn’t overthink it, and I’d suggest reading the recent S&B thread by the OP who thought she was looking glamorously Italian and chic in her new cream, linen summer shorts but then saw photos and realised she actually looked like a Scouts leader 😆

I rarely see school mums in shorts, mainly palazzo type trousers or dresses.

Same!

I’m 51 and wear shorts - I can’t wear dresses or skirts because they’re too uncomfortable in hot weather (I get sweaty unless I wear cycling shorts under which defeats the object). Edited to say I’m 5’1”.

I prefer dresses but for work it’s more practical in shorts (plus we have branded T-shirts we have to wear). I love a summer dress! Defo more comfortable

I haven't owned shorts since I was a child, and I hated them even then! I just wear jeans and t-shirts year round, adding a jumper/hoody if I'm cold. Wear whatever you're most comfortable in.

I never wear shorts...i live in dresses during the summer...I don't think dresses are necessarily frumpy or mumsy though

Some insightful replies thanks

There’s this weird British belief that the more flesh you expose the cooler (temperature wise) you’ll be. It just isn’t true. Billowy dresses and loose trousers are far more comfortable in heat. I hate shorts, they look good on almost nobody.

Yabu and this is the reason no shops ever stock any summer dresses because nobody ever wears them.

@1SillySossij not according to some of the replies on here in which many claim to wear them

I think that was sarcasm!

I’ve seen some younger women in those matching co ord shorts and oversize shirt sets that they wear open with some kind of vest top underneath. and I’ve seen some older women wearing longer denim/khaki shorts.

I would only wear shorts on holiday abroad and would rather wear midi dresses and wide leg trousers.

I haven't worn shorts for years, dresses and skirts are cooler and more comfortable in hot weather.

I much prefer dresses all year round, either with Summery shoes and bare legs or with tights, cardis and boots in Winter.

Definitely keep wearing what you feel most comfortable and happy in. If you did want to try shorts, I guess there would be a variety of different styles to try on in a shop with a variety of tops, you may prefer some to others/could chat to someone who works in a shop about it even.

I wear both - depends on the occasion really! I do think that light, floaty dresses are much cooler when it’s really warm (with the addition of anti-chafe knickers), but they can be a bit revealing on stairs, escalators etc.

I wear both. I think shorts are more practical - I'm often bending down to sort out DS' bag or scooter so don't risk flashing my bum and it means I've got pockets for phone & keys.

I haven’t worn shorts for many years now. Wearing longer dresses means that I don’t need to shave or fake tan my legs. Nobody needs to see my veiny, hairy, bright white legs on display!

Just wear what you want, whatever makes you happy and feel comfortable. Nothing else matters

You shouldn’t hide yourself, none of us are perfect.