What will cover my knickers but isn't jeans?

[KanyesVest]

I've officially given up on jeans. I tried on 17 pairs today. They were all terrible. So what can I buy to ensure I don't spend the summer going out in my very unattractive pants and blinding everyone with my pasty cellulitey thighs? The only potential solution I've found is a cotton poplin skirt in Next. Could you please inspire me with what you will be wearing for summery effortlessness* for weekends, playgrounds, holidays, etc?

*by which I mean requires no effort, rather than looking like it requires no effort but actually does.

I'm considering these?
www.whitestuff.com/mobile/womens/shorts/red-sunny-days-printed-short/

Boden do chino shorts in various lengths, so you could try a longer length if you wanted to cover thighs?

shorts

I'm eyeing up some skirts from gap at the moment, but I need to go and do a squeeze test to get how creased they get. This is a contender
www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=1056319&vid=1&pid=000720030001
Sorry I can't pull click links off!

I think it's not too short so is playground friendly when helping littles but can be pretty smart with the right shoe

Shorts don't look good on anyone, I think they should be banned.

I love the printed harem trousers. They're so comfy. I wear that kind of thing but with vest tops and cardigans or t shirts.
www.boohoo.com/new-in/azura-bohemian-print-casual-joggers/invt/dzz49872

These on the other hand... why would ANYONE consider that a good look www.boohoo.com/new-in/cleo-sheer-mesh-knee-length-leggings/invt/dzz51927

My thighs are def not up to shorts In the summer I quite like loose linen trousers both full and 3/4 length. Or a maxi skirt (not so long it's dragging on the ground though)

Dresses are effortless, you've got the top and bottom so you don't need to figure out a outfit, I stick on flesh/tan tights and I'm good to go. The tights are good in many ways, they hide any bumps or redness, they give you a touch of colour and if your legs are a bit stubbly they hide that too.

The tights also stop your shoes rubbing if it's hot and your feet are a bit sweaty! Ha ha. Nice!

I wear skirts as an alternative to shorts. Various colours but mostly a bit above the knee, squarish. Far more flattering than shorts.

But what does with dresses in summer if you're wearing them with tights? Can't wear sanddals with tights. Don't say any form of trainers as my feet are size 7 and look massive and stupid wearing trainers with anything other than jeans. But I can't wear skirts without tights due to scarred legs.

SHOES I mean

Jeggings?

How about these

Chinos or light cotton fitted trousers? Try Massimo Dutti, Boden, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Zara, J Crew.

M&S have a range of rally lightweight chinos in a few colours, I've bought navy and stone, wearing them rolled up so ankle length with stripes, denim jacket and either loafers, sandals or Converse. They'll be my staple this year while weather's half decent. Only about £20.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll do some more browsing. I think I'll probably end up with a couple of skirts or dresses as the jeans problem occurs with many trousers. I'll investigate them all though.

I couldn't survive if shorts were banned Sunshine, half my wardrobe is made up of them.

I've got a couple of denim skirts - one a midi pencil style and the other a mini. Also trying to wean myself off jeans, but it's too cold for me atm.

I second printed harem pants. With a tight-fitting top I think they look nice.

Linen crops (mine are from Fat Face but old).

Cropped jeggings.

Cargo trousers.

Gap have some wide-leg cropped chinos that I've seen fashion bloggers put on Instagram, but I haven't tried them myself.

I can't do harems, I look like an over grown toddler. Some nice bits in gap. Now, do I play discount code roulette and take the 30% currently in offer, or wait for the next 40% and risk the sizes being gone?

Just picked up a Hobbs linen a-line skirt on eBay for £7. That'll get me started!

Sunshine! Don't take my shorts away!

Seriously think I look better in high waisted shorts than dresses or skirts. Also, there's less chance of flashing your knickers in a good pair of shorts. Which - given the OP was thinking she'd have to go out in her pants - is a good thing.

Just get nice pants?

I bought some light pull on trousers in h&m they have an elasticated waist and hang really well they where also a bargain at £12.99 and had t-shirts in complementing colours to match. Mine are a green/beige colour with a palm tree print but they had a number of other colours.

None of my shorts fit me at present and with little time to exercise I doubt they will be comfy by the time it's sunny enough to wear them. So I bought two mid calf silk floral skirts from eBay (less than a fiver each for real silk) and wear them belted with a slightly baggy tshirt. I wear with trainers but it also looks nice with espadrilles and flat sandals. Very easy to wear and I always think separates look like you've made a tiny bit more of an effort.

Care to share the link, silk?