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

Yes I’ve never thought of dresses as frumpy.

I have hideous legs with varicose veins. I’m 53 but they’re the legs of a 90 year old ! I own 2 pairs of shorts which I’ll wear when at home but never outside the house. I live in trousers or midi length dresses as from mid shin down the legs are ok !

I’m wearing shorts this summer for the first time in years.

I love summer dresses and still mostly wear those or jumpsuits though.

I’ve lost 2st 6lb and I look reasonable in shorts now, I looked like Humpty Dumpty before and it really wasn’t a good look😂

I have boxer/pyjama style shorts that I wear in the garden if it's hot, but haven't worn shorts in the wild since I was a child.

Loads of people wear summer dresses! Just as loads wear shorts. My summer “uniform” recently is either cut off or linen trousers (or cut off linen trousers) - just because it’s easy more than anything!

But I sometimes both those other options too.

I agree that exposing more flesh doesn’t mean that you’re cooler. A midi sumner dress is far cooler than shorts, especially if they’re snug. I also agree that shorts are tricky to pull off, for both men and women.

I have dresses with pockets for keys and phone if necessary.

Agreed. I just wear what I like and in fact I take very little notice of what anyone else wears anyway.

I don't even own any shirts (well except for cycling shorts for spin class!)

I think you're overthinking this!

I wear shorts (cargo style) at home and a dress in the office. I shave my legs but they are as white as snow - so what?

I also look frumpier in my shorts than dress but again, who cares?! Super comfortable.

I would love to be able to wear shorts but no one wants to see my legs. I’m quite portly so the shorts would be wider than they are long!

I've got a massive arse and rather a lot of cellulite so never wear shorts in public. I find loose dresses are much cooler when its hot. On the school run it seems to be mostly palazzo type trousers, floral midi dresses or capri-length leggings (for the gymwear crowd).

I don't wear shorts. I actually think they make most people look lumpy and frumpy. And I'm a toned size 8.

I like a nice neat, sleek summer dress. Or jeans with a well fitting, good quality vest (with thick straps) - I'm never too hot in jeans, I don't get why so many people are.

I remember a male fashion expert on This Morning many years ago saying that shorts belonged on the beach or in the garden and there were other more stylish ways to stay cool in hot weather. This stuck with me for some reason. I noticed that there were some chilly looking ladies in the local supermarket wearing tiny shorts today and my first thought was, “save them for the beach”😂

After decades of avoidance now I DNGAF and wear shorts a lot. The more you wear them the more the legs tan (or weather, here in Scotland). If anyone is offended by my chunky knees, that's their problem.

Last year I made a matching linen shirt & shorts combo for going to Greece and it was lovely and cool.

Just wearing the damn shorts! 😎

I’m building up to wearing shorts out and about. I wear them on holiday and round the house but not quite there yet for just going about my day.
I don’t really like wearing dresses casually either. I feel overdressed in them but also feel like I’ve forgotten to put something on.
I wear jeans and t-shirts mostly.

Same. I covered up a lot in summer as a teen and remember I was always melting, while everyone else seemed so free and letting it all hang out. Truth is no-one cares! We’re the only ones living in our bodies and feeling the temperature. I have a friend who is a size 30-32 and she wears short summer dresses, dungarees etc and no-one bats an eyelid, and she gets to stay cool and be who she wants to be

Yes. I’m always telling DD that no-one else can see her “flaws”, these things are always so much more visible to ourselves than anyone else.

Though she is a gazillion times more confident that I was at 15, which is nice to see.

I'm wearing shorts more this year as I've had my varicose veins done and my legs look nicer than they have in years. I've also lost a stone and a half and that helps too!

But I rarely wear them day to day - mostly becasue I live in the north and it's rarely warm enough. I'll wear them for walking the dog or gardening.

If I'm on holiday or travelling or out and about I often find loose-ish dresses are more comfortable and cooler.

Why do we all think we have to look pleasing to others I wonder? Not criticising anyone but that seems to be the overriding thing, I can’t be letting people see my x, no one wants to see my y.

I know why of course because we’ve been taught that and a lot of men feel they are owed it ie hardly any clothes on an acceptable body but an unacceptable one to the male gaze should be covered but it’s rubbish isn’t it.

fair Enough to not wear the thing if you don’t feel comfortable but not because you think others won’t.

So true! Speaking as one who lived for many years in very hot climates.

Long, loose clothing in light (as in both weight and colour) cotton is the best. Linen can often be too heavy. Synthetics should be avoided as far as possible.

As for the OP, not many people look good in shorts anyway. Dresses are far more forgiving if you’re not a 5’ 8” size 10.

I am 5 ft tall and overweight so Im round. I like shorts as I dont get chub rub. If I wear a dress a wear shorts.

I can’t remember the last time I wore shorts or a summer dress. I wear jeans.

Who is policing what you are wearing??
Choose whatever clothes make you feel nicest / comfortable 🤷🏼‍♀️

I only wear dresses for work. At home I wear cropped trousers and short sleeved tops.

I have horrible legs but do wear shorts on holiday - I like them floaty or structured not the boden 4 inch chino types that flatter no one. Having said that I do prefer dresses