Fashion Over 40: What to Wear Instead of Shorts This Summer

I am going to let you in on a secret. I never wear shorts. I know for many people they are a necessity of life in a warm climate. And it does get hot in Vermont, where I live–for maybe two or three days each summer. There are occasions where one would need or want to wear shorts. And I just cannot do it. They are SO not my jam.

Why you may ask? Why are you so weird about this article of clothing? To be honest–and I will freely admit this: I am not a fan of my knees. I know it's not really very body positive of me to say so–and it's certainly not empowering to other women to hear a relatively fit person go on and on about not liking her knees–but it is what it is. I am human–and I am perfectly imperfect just like you. And we all have parts that we may not like on our bodies. Some people are weirded out or grossed out by feet-–for me it’s the knee. Don’t get me wrong–sometimes I love shorts on other people–and think they can look great. They just do not do it for me. 

Shorts are last on my list because of the knee thing—PLUS–I am also not terribly enthused with cellulite. And just so you know, I have always had cellulite–so my disdain for shorts is not just an over 45 perimenopausal thing. The only place I wear shorts is when I am gardening, and sometimes –though much less often, when I am exercising in the hot room at my local hot yoga studio. And I am not sure anyone really needs to see that much of my behind on display. Hot room or not, it’s a lot. 

I recently “came out” on social media that I don’t wear shorts and-–lo and behold, I am not the only one who feels this way–there are many of us who feel the same. I am not alone. 

So join in the short-free revolution and spend your summer with me in some of the looks I discuss below. I have a lot of help from my friends when it comes to fashion, dressing, and playing with fun looks–and you should too. I use the help of die hard Fashionista Loves from Manhattan to see what is on trend, then I regularly shop at my favorite vintage stores to satisfy my own desire to wear something different and original. I care about the planet too–so I often shop at consignment shops and secondhand–where I find not only great deals, but really unique pieces–that I am keeping out of the landfill. 

For this article, I relied on the help of my friend Lisa Spagnoli Reisner, the owner of Someday Boutique in Warren VT. Lisa is basically your bubbly bestie with impeccable taste and your biggest cheerleader when it comes to looking your most radiant self. I love her and I know you will too. 

I have heard Lisa guide many women towards clothing that makes them feel confident and beautiful in their own way and with their own style. She has the effortless ability to cheer you on to step either a teeny tiny bit out of your comfort zone to try a new color or shape–or to step all the way out of the box and own your brilliant, zany decision to wear sequins –EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Lisa consigns current and trending designer fashion in her adorable shop in Warren Village, Vermont–but she also has a super special curated shopping service that she is offering to ladies that cannot get to her shop. Lisa spends time with each client discussing their needs- maybe it's a special occasion, maybe it’s a few fun pieces to brighten up their existing wardrobe....then she puts together a hand selected style box and ships it right to their door! Ah-may-zing! Lisa curates a collection of goodies she thinks you will love, tailored to your sizes, style, body shape and budget. What you don't like, or doesn't fit, you can ship back for a full refund. For now, Lisa’s “Style Boxes” are a complimentary service. I will share a link at the end of this post if you want Lisa to curate a box for you. 

Anyway, here is my list of fave summer fashion–go-to’s instead of shorts–I hope you find some inspiration here to try something new and fun!

Short dresses and tunics:

I know I just went on and on about my loathing for knees and cellulite–but I have been known to not give A.F. and I do wear short pieces that hit my mid-thigh when it’s super steamy. These shorties are strictly reserved for mountain stream dips, or for beach and boat wear and almost always have a bathing suit underneath them. When wearing something super short, I always make sure the hemline of what I am wearing has some swing to it, along with a flounce or volume, and quite possibly an uneven hemline–like a handkerchief hem, or a high-low hem. I like the look of layers and gathers of thin, light, airy fabric. If I am exposing that much of my body–I feel like movement keeps the parts that I want to keep covered from view–and yet lets lots of air in at the same time to keep me cool. Lisa recommends shopping in the beach coverups section of your fave store, you may find great options to go over skirts and flowy pants. Lisa also always recommends cutting a favorite pair of denim to Bermuda short length–(just above the knee for those who don’t remember Dirty Dancing the perfect length is on Francis “Baby” the main character for most scenes–go see it!) The bermuda length denim is very on trend right now and perfect for us gals over 45– especially with a cute tunic or beach coverup on top. 

Long flowy tank dresses and caftans:

I love super long and loose dresses for summer–because they make me feel tall and put together, and take about two minutes to put on. Most of the time, a long lightweight summer dress does not need any accessories other than maybe a pair of earrings, or a necklace. Bangles are a fun summer accessory that I never wear in winter–so I bring on the costume jewelry in the summer months.  Loose, long dresses also hide your legs when you don't make time to shave, let’s be real. They allow lots of air to flow around your body, they feel cooler to me than anything constricting. Last reason to wear a tank dress–I think shoulders are one of the sexiest parts of a woman’s body–so I am very much into showing off my shoulders. 

Mid-Length Dress:

A mid-length dress always makes my shopping list. Midis came back on the fashion scene a few years ago, yet they are not for those of us who feel that their calves and ankles are not shapely. What is a shapely calf or ankle? I am honestly not sure, but I am pretty sure Frank Sinatra knows…and if you don’t know a Frank Sinatra-type then it probably matters not if your ankle is shapely. A true midi hits right at the calf and can veer matronly if it's a full shape or stiff material. So approach this shape with caution–but it is a really fun vintage inspired look in the right material and is of course, perfect for summer. 

Knee-Length Dress:

I think knee length dresses are very elegant and refined, the epitome of chic. There is nothing young or “youthful” about a knee length skirt, but a pencil shape or tulip shaped skirt, worn on an hourglass shape shows off a tiny waist and says “Marilyn” to me.

Flowy Pants:

For me, flowy linen or rayon pants are my summer “sweatpant” go to. I love to wear a flowy pant with a cropped top–if it’s loose and breathable it’s a winner for me. I am guilty of wearing harem pants–and I am not ashamed to say so. I wear a lightweight flowy pant nearly every day of the week from Memorial Day through Labor Day!

Long Skirts: 

Last but not least, the long skirt. Reminiscent of my hippie chic days, a long skirt really reminds me of being on Phish tour in the summer of 1997, however, I can still get into the look of a long skirt for summer. Rather than the tiered ruffle, corduroy patchwork of my Phish Lot days, I instead tend to choose light cotton or silks, in beautiful hand block prints, or with embroidery detailing. This look is slightly elevated and can go into evening with a nice heel, or be perfect for day in a flat slide. 

So there you have it! My choices for alternatives to shorts in summer, with a little help from my friends. If you want help finding some unique clothing shopped just for you, give Lisa a call. She’s amazing. 

If you want to share your favorite vintage store in your neighborhood, send me an email. I love shopping in every city I visit. ❤️❤️❤️