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?

I’m 56 5’4” and a 12/14 at present
I find Sainsbury’s linen shorts very flattering whilst keeping cool - I don’t like my cellulite thighs much but I find a mid length between crotch and knee works for me

I haven't worn short shorts since I was about 10, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't, OP! I don't find them flattering or comfortable at all on me, but you should wear what you want!

Do you want to stop wearing shorts? If not wear the shorts

I'm 51 and i love my short denim shorts in the summer. It's just such a relaxed look.
IMO trick is (at any age) to make sure they fit you. So get a size bigger if needed, you'll look so much better than squeezing into the size you'd like to be. If thery're a tiny bit loose on the waist and leg it looks much more slimming than muffin tops or bulging thighs.

If they fit you, no one clocks the 'fat' or 'cellulite' they just see a normal normal wmen wearing shorts.

I'm nearly 42 and only just started wearing shorts a couple of years ago. I have short denim ones and chino ones. I used to fee ridiculously self conscious getting my legs out when I was younger but I couldn't give a fig now. I love my denim shorts with floaty white tunic tops and sandals.
One thing I have noticed is that 'short' shorts are actually far more flattering than the longer ones that come halfway down the thigh.

Oh and I agree with @MalagaNights - i always size up in denim shorts

Wear the shorts!

I'm 48 and plan to have mine on this summer. Tan is great for making you feel more confident in them too!

I am sure you can find shorts you feel comfortable in. I’m not a skirt fan, both generally and as with a 5 yo I find I am too often crouched down at the playground and would surely be flashing everyone. I lived in a black linen/cotton mix jumpsuit last year (similar age and height, size smaller). I’m back in it now with a blazer for cool mornings and have bought a soft, washed out denim one too. I’ve also got some wide cropped linen culottes from Uniqlo that are really comfy too.

@thedevilinablackdress

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

Same here. Didn't wear them between about 18 and 35. What an idiot.

Now I don't care. I wear them a bit longer and generally size up so they hang nicely on my hips.

I'm 53 and still wear shorts. Definitely do not have the legs or figure of a model but I don't think this matters.

Thank you. I love jump suits and short dungarees. I have ordered a pinafore dress from run and fly but I struggle with wearing a dress as I like to sit down on the grass and I like to climb 🤣. I have ordered 2 pair of shorts from Next to try, they are elasticated waist/paper bag style. I have a couple pairs of short dungarees from last summer. Hopefully I can shift some weight once the kids go back to school so I can fit into last summers clothes, I refuse to buy the next size up.

Good point @Lovemusic33 that's what I do, when clothes feels tight or don't close as easily, I don't buy next size up, but I eat less until the clothes feel right again. I have been doing for the past 30 years.
Enjoy the shorts once you receive them!