Heat + shit legs = frump

[majorfwp]

What do you wear when it's really hot if you have terrible legs?!

I can't wear anything shorter than knee length and also have cankles so cropped trousers not great unless they are loose fitting. So when it's too hot for jeans I tend to wear a-line skirts/dresses to the knee. This was fine when I was young but now at 38 I feel so middle aged and frumpy.

What's the alternative though?! I'm short & currently fat, having recently had DC4, so maxi length not great either really.

Any ideas for me? General suggestions or links to actual clothes welcome!

My legs above the knee never see the light of day unless I absolutely have to be in a swimming costume. I'm also sturdy of ankle.

Today to work I wore a boxy top and these. On the weekend when it's hot I wear cotton maxi dresses, which I think work on everyone if you get the right shape, the best on me is halterneck empire line. I also have some loose-ish-but-not-sack-shaped cotton midi dresses (Wrap, similar also from COS, Poetry and Toast) that work well in the heat.

Midi skirts are very in now. So less need than usual to worry about skirt lengths.

I just got these smartish wide-legged trousers and they are very nice BUT I had to go up 2 sizes from my usual size. So not great if size numbers upset you.

I wear linen trousers to keep cool

Wrap dresses - just below the knees

Your skirts and dresses don't have to be frumpy or old lady. Plenty of youngsters wear A-line. You might simply need to improve your accessories to de-frump.

I think most women of your age look good in dresses, and I'm in agreement that wrap dresses can look lovely but you must choose them wisely. I like prints that keep them up to date. Some have lovely frills around the bust which can really make them look great. The beauty of a wrap dress is they bring the eye up so people won't be looking at your legs so much. Also the ones in jersey are great in hot weather.

"Your age". Fucking hell shes 38 not 93

Reign in the patronising

The Op is my age Cheryl wind your neck in, I'm not being fucking patronizing, read it as you will though.

The Ops words "This was fine when I was young but now at 38 I feel so middle aged and frumpy.
Im telling her at 38 a wrap dress would look lovely, she is young, will have a nice smooth neckline, chest area to show off, also wrap dresses can look a bit old fashioned but due to the fact the Op is young then a wrap dress at her age would look lovely. So Cherly do not jump down my throat, I'm mearly saying that at 38 a dress will not look middle age and frumpy as the Op fears. Any age can wear a dress, but sometimes if you fear looking frumpy dresses can be an item of clothing which fill you with fear, my mum always wore skirts and dresses so when I put such items on the last thing I want to do is feel like I look like my mum circa 1988!

I disagree slightly OP. I dislike the look of cropped trousers even in those blessed with amazing figures. My legs are beyond any help and I do feel the heat. When it's hot I wear knee-length dresses, skirts and straight or wide linen trousers. I think as long as you keep to cuts that flatter your figure and good quality fabrics you will.look good. Go for colours that flatter YOU - I love the look of prints but a lot of them don't do much for me so give them a wide berth.

I love the summer from the point of view of clothes, I know I can look smart and be comfortable. IMO a well-cut pair of linen trousers will always look smarter than a pair of shorts no matter how amazing the legs!

Lots of loose floppy cotton trousers around at the mo, I got a couple of nice pairs in Dorothy Perkins. I thought they would look awful being quite fitted towards the ankle (I am also well-cankled!) but they are fine. Will try and post a link.

Knee length dresses with a shape to the waist. V neck or slash neck works best on me. Or I wear floppy long linen trousers with a more fitted top.

These are the ones- quite generous around the waist though.

m.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/green-floral-tie-trousers-6399510

Thanks all. I think my baby belly, giant breastfeeding boobs and c section overhang really aren't helping my confidence this summer.

I have a few Boden wrap dresses. So expensive but they are good thick jersey material and quite flattering. Might get some more of them.

Those trousers would just emphasise my thighs I think. God I would love nice normal legs! I love the sun but way prefer winter clothes!

I'm 44, fat (currently an 18 down from a 24 at Easter so hopefully not for much longer though ) and short and I wear maxi dresses in the summer. I think the trick is to not go for anything too flowy or structureless iyswim - when I do I end up looking like a sack on legs Also not ankle length, more lower calf. Sandals elongate what bits of leg is left on show (I too am blessed with cankles).

A line skirts are fab - I still wear them, often with fitted band t shirts which really show my vintage (Smiths, Pulp etc). It's not a look for everyone, I appreciate, but I love it!

These Dorothy Perkins maxi dresses are really flattering as they aren't tight or too flowing. And they come in petite, regular, tall and maternity (I'm currently rocking the maternity ones as I am 36 weeks and huge, however my 5ft2 non pregnant friend has the petite length one and it is very flattering on her) Plus nice selection of colours. I have the black and the khaki.

m.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/petite-khaki-jersey-maxi-dress-6297901