Summer wardrobe? I think I have reached the age where I have to give up my short shorts?

[Lovemusic33]

I’m 39, 5”3, around 10 stone ish (maybe a bit more due to lockdown body), size 12. I’m not a stylish person, mainly dress for comfort and a bit hippy. I’m pretty active so what ever I wear has to be flexible and comfortable. I rarely wear dresses or skirts though I have a couple pinafore type hippy dresses, last summer I lived in denim shorts, dungarees and harem pants but the tops of my legs have become increasingly wobbly and I’m not sure I can get away with wearing shorts anymore ☹️, crops look stupid on me due to my pear shape (big bottom, short skinny legs).

I have had a look online and it’s all cycling shorts which reminds me of being 10 years old, not sure I could pull it off now. I’m not keen on having my legs covered in the summer unless it’s with harem trousers/dungarees. Is there such thing as shorts that cover most my wobbly bits without covering my knees?

Any other suggestions for casual yet flattering clothes?

Next had some denim boy shorts which looked good and also some chino style ones that were a bit longer

I know this is S&B and we're not supposed to say this, but your post made me very sad, so...

Your thighs are fine. Gorgeous, in fact.
And anyway: no one is looking at them. No one cares.
Wear your shorts

I like loose cotton dresses on the hottest days.

I'm also contemplating trying some just above the knee denim shorts for wearing with floaty cotton tops.

Wear your shorts! I’m 44 and will be wearing mine.

@Gruntwork

I know this is S&B and we're not supposed to say this, but your post made me very sad, so...

Your thighs are fine. Gorgeous, in fact.
And anyway: no one is looking at them. No one cares.
Wear your shorts

We say this all the time to people on S&B (at least I do).

I’m 45 and I’ll be wearing shorts this summer. Granted not the ones that show half my bum cheeks (because I don’t like them at any age, not because I’m too old for them!), but shorts. I’m nowhere near as slim as I used to be in my youth and my legs aren’t as perfect as they were then. Do you think that’s going to stop me being comfortable in hot weather or choosing to wear things that I love and feel good in? Absolutely not. I don’t pay a ‘looking good tax’ by virtue of being a woman.

Your legs/thighs/ankles/whatever, do not need to be the perfect ideal in order for you to choose to wear shorts.

Another vote for wear the damn shorts. You will look back at your lovely legs in ten years time and be glad you did. While we are at it - wear whatever swimsuit style you like this summer too. Thank your lovely body for getting you through a pandemic and enjoy your summer.

Wear the shorts.

Maybe not cycling shorts (these only look good on kids IMO, not even cyclists lol) but denim shorts are ageless!

Just wear whatever you want and feel comfortable in you sound fine. You're a healthy weight (I presume) and no one will be looking at your thighs or judging you unless they are an arsehole.

Definitely wear the shorts.

Agree with the above, that it's fine to wear your shorts and nobody will care about your thighs, which I'm sure are fine!

However, if you aren't comfortable, maybe paperbag shorts or something loose fitting? I've seen some which fall a little above the knee.

OP, I am ten years older than you and I will be wearing my short denim shorts this summer, and every summer until I can no longer fit into them. At which point I will buy them in a bigger waist size.

Wobbly schmobbly.

I have the denim boy shorts from next and I love them.
I’m similar in height and weight to you and I think they’re flattering and they’re dead comfy.
Definitely try them.

Short shorts in the right size is what you need.
And no one over the age of 14 should be wearing cycling shorts if they’re not cycling.

I am past 50 and I wear short shorts.

Thank you everyone, I’ve always had pretty bad cellulite on my thighs which I hate, usually once I’m a bit tanned it notices less. I will probably need to buy a bigger size unless I can loose some weight (which I’m sure I can). 🤣

I'm 56 and wear mine!

Oh and if it helps, I'm a tall size 16 and I wear short shorts. I'll stand beside you and you'll look super delicate

I’m a lot older than you, size 16 and 5’ 2”. I wear shorts all summer long, like these.
www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-utility-shorts/p/clp60447852?color=SOFTWHITE

Wear what is comfortable. I’m a lot older than you and I wear shorts . I also love dungaree shorts.

I didn't start wearing shorts until I was older than you because I thought I 'looked bad'. What an idiot I was.

I was born your age now OP.

I'm 53 and will be wearing short shorts this summer as usual. They are my favourite item of clothing and I'd wear them all the time if I could.

Get those shorts on!!

Wear the shorts. Buy some a size up. Shorts are great.