https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:05:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909624 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 23:52:46 +0000 DonnaF 1909624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am 5' 1", so the regular size dresses shown hit me just above the knee. Linen or linen blend tends to be the coolest. The cropped linen pants below are in Petite and the joggers just went on sale and are supposed to be delivered tomorrow. I own the striped ones next to it as well as the 3/4 sleeved linen dress in olive which I find cool due to the fabrication. Woven (vs. knit) sack/shift dresses and loose flow-y skirts are cool but I find the trick is finding versions that aren't see-through at legs or armholes and have sufficient length not to be indecent when bending over or lifting one's arms.</p> <p>REMIND ME: I LIVE IN A VERY TEMPERATE CLIMATE AND I RUN COLD. I DO NOT NEED MUCH IN THE WAY OF HOT WEATHER CLOTHING. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909583 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 21:15:52 +0000 Anonymous 1909583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa - second LaP- Lyme disease rampant- long pants in light weight tucked in socks for hiking and yard work/ garden. Jeans when on riding mower for protection. Capri or skirt for biking . Dress for everything else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909571 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 20:42:43 +0000 unfrumped 1909571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I ditto linen-BLEND roomy pants, copped, or more tapered rolled hems, and lightweight cotton chinos. </p> <p>Lisa p, I do a lot of yard and garden work and in hot weather I wear cargo shorts, stuff my pruners and seeds and gloves in the pockets. And no “ cute” sneakers, either. I also have to deal with tick precautions. I wear my old Rider jeans until it’s hot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909527 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 19:00:54 +0000 texstyle 1909527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I still do wear shorts quite a bit - and even light weight jeans on some days but I also enjoy changing it up. Linen pants (dark navy shows wrinkling less), a skort and some lighter joggers have given me a few options. Also a cropped lightweight white "jean" (similar to the one in Finds but mine are lighter EF brand). I have only one summer dress but may be adding one more this season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909503 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 17:26:48 +0000 Carla 1909503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When it gets really hot (and humid) I like a light weight cotton/linen trapeze style dress that floats away from the body. I will wear a pair of very lightweight shorts underneath if the dress runs shortish. </p> <p>For yard chores I wear cropped jeans or shorts. I really do prefer shorts but run so cold that jeans aren't an issue in the heat. </p> <p>Make sure to wear a hat and gobs of sun protection when you are out and about! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909482 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 16:01:30 +0000 Janet 1909482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t love how I look in shorts — my legs are long, but otherwise not terribly attractive. But I suck it up and wear shorts a fair amount in the summer because they suit my casual life and hot and humid summer climate. I have several pairs that range from mid-thigh to knee length that I enjoy wearing well enough. I always hate the first day wearing them, but then get used to seeing my bare legs and shrug and accept it.</p> <p>Years back I wore capris, but I fear they look sort of dated and frumpy on me now. Maybe if I find the right cargo-ish capris they can look right for my style. </p> <p>I like the idea of loose lightweight pants but have a hard time finding the right thing that fits and flatters. I like the idea of lightweight joggers but my husband doesn’t love that look, so I don’t wear it as much as I might otherwise.</p> <p>I often end up wearing cut off jeans and chinos that are rolled to a sort of clamdigger (just below knee) length — I know it’s not exactly trendy at the moment, but it happens to be a flattering length on me, so I go with it. </p> <p>I do have a selection of cropped/rolled chinos that are not bad in summer — I wear them on the loose side to stay cool. Also a couple of lightweight skirts, but they are not as useful for a truly causal day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909454 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 15:34:51 +0000 Suz 1909454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm short(ish) &nbsp;with muscular legs and I don't much like how I look in shorts but I do wear them around the house and for chores.&nbsp;</p> <p>For being out and about I far prefer skirts, dresses, culottes, and cropped linen pants. I try to ensure I have at least one super-casual dress in my wardrobe for ultra hot days.&nbsp;</p> <p>If I lived in your climate I'd probably have a lot of cotton-linen a line skirts.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909441 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 15:22:03 +0000 Thirkellgirl 1909441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"May I ask what y'all are wearing to mow the lawn, garden, play in the park with the kids, ride your bike, paint the fence, clean out the garage, go for a walk etc etc etc?"</p> <p>Capris. Only capris. Some yoga-pant capris, but once the hot weather really sets in, capris in lightweight material from Eddie Bauer. I live in a place where it gets miserably hot and humid all summer, and capris work for me without making me feel self-conscious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909412 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 14:41:09 +0000 crst 1909412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no problem with shorts and wear them regularly.&nbsp; But I'm trying to get a better look for running about town and dealing with flexibility with changes in activities.&nbsp; So I recently stocked up on these Old Navy dresses.&nbsp; The price and ratings are amazing.&nbsp; Looks great with athletic shoes.&nbsp; Throw on a short jacket and jewelry and it dresses up immediately.&nbsp; I am only 5'5' but I got the tall so it would reach to almost the top of the knee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909401 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 14:01:38 +0000 Echo 1909401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never wear shorts. I wear dresses for anything non-athletic, and I wear cropped pants or capri leggings for gardening and biking. I even dislike athletic shorts, although I will wear a standard one-piece swimming suit. It isn't that I dislike my legs; I just don't find shorts to be flattering on me at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909389 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 13:12:55 +0000 Elizabeth P 1909389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've found I'm drifting to wearing skorts more and more, rather than shorts. Nothing conscious, I just like how they look, and feel.&nbsp; I have nicer ones that I'd wear on weekends if I'm going somewhere (Eddie Bauer) and running skirts from Lulu for exercising or cottaging, or housework, and Costco makes some great ones that are okay for work (we get pretty casual in July/Aug).&nbsp; My fav one is actually a black athletic one from Costco, the fabric is quick dry but doesn't look gearish, so good for pretty much anything.&nbsp; I think it's a Tuff Athletics one.&nbsp; There's something about the look of a skirt, but the ease of shorts.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer/page/2#post-1909365 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 11:49:24 +0000 cindysmith 1909365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd say lightweight jersey dresses or maxi skirts in a natural fiber or a viscose/rayon, but those aren't always great for running around. Linen pants, lightweight cotton pants; especially if s straight or wide leg variety (air movement is better for me inside a wider leg). Crop/capri length helps with air flow and keeps the hems from getting all dirty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909358 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 11:26:45 +0000 Lesley 1909358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to be not a shorts person, but as others here have stated, when you live in a casual city, there's really nothing else that makes sense on most days for trips to the park with your kids, around-the-house work, and hiking. I have a couple of bright colored ones from Target that I love for that stuff... I will still throw on a necklace or some earrings! But I still maintain that they are ultra-casual—if I find myself running downtown, going out to lunch, or even a hair appointment, I change into a dress or summer pants! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909313 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 09:30:49 +0000 Daisy Avalin 1909313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not keen on my legs (quite short, and muscular so I think they look stumpy a lot of the time) so don't wear shorts at all! In summer I wear leggings under cotton skater dresses/tunics, or leggings under mini skirts with a tee/tank.&nbsp;<br />For places like the water park, I'd go with cycle shorts/swimming shorts (the type you can go in the water with) with a thin cotton dress - something fairly quick drying if you're not planning to actually go in the water or as a cover-up over a tank that you can swim in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909275 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 05:21:05 +0000 jussie 1909275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about a t-shirt dress? They seem very handy as a “blank slate” to add interesting accessories to.<br /> I often wear cotton a-line skirts that finish just below the knee, with a tucked in tee. Usually these skirts have cute boho-ish patterns. Very comfy, see below. As most of my stuff comes from au brands I don’t have Finds for them but just an example.<br /> Also knit stretch skirts can be fabulous, as long as the knit isn’t to thin or clingy, it depends on the individual garment.<br /> I also have, on very rare occasions, found flattering shorts. Usually they are in soft thin fabric. Or black Bermuda’s can be ok if they’re well cut.<br /> As others have said, I really like wearing linen pants and thin cotton or viscose pants too. They’re both often very comfy.<br /> Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909261 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 03:04:27 +0000 anne 1909261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do wear shorts sometimes, but in the main, in our very hot Australian summers, I wear very casual sack or shift dresses. Knee length, as any longer traps in the heat.</p> <p>I have one running skirt with the bike shorts underneath. Like La Ped, I do find that the bike shorts are pretty tight on my proportionately larger thighs, though they don't ride up in my case. Sometimes I wear the skirt casually&nbsp;(ie not when running) but not as often as I thought I would when I bought it, as the tightness is a little uncomfortable.</p> <p>Lisa P - I pretty much don't do yard work!! (no interest in gardening and almost no garden) I would tend to wear shorts for bike riding though!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909259 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 02:46:19 +0000 Jaime 1909259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear knee length shorts. I have been doing so for years with no plans to change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909221 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 01:13:53 +0000 rachylou 1909221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need full length pants and sleeves to work in the garden too. And be in the sun. And oh heck, last year the blackberry vine still got me. It worked it’s way up my pant leg! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909219 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 01:09:25 +0000 Aquamarine 1909219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I couldn’t survive the summer without shorts. I have athletic shorts for hanging around the house or walking/exercising, and longer/Bermuda shorts for casual outings. I’m 54 and I think my legs are still OK out in public Plus my suburban town is very casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909208 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 00:33:31 +0000 jill58 1909208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another fan of cropped linen pants. Linen is so comfortable in the heat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909169 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 23:14:46 +0000 Christina F. 1909169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cropped linen pants and joggers! I wear shorts as well but prefer these a lot of the time because of the coverage and lack of chafing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909161 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 22:59:40 +0000 Anonymous 1909161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have received lots of great answers. I no longer wear shorts because of my age ( over 70). I don't care how great your legs are, there comes a time when shorts are just ugly. I have grandchildren, so wear crops, skirts and utility pants. I also like linen pants that are breezy. For several years I wore clam diggers. They are longer than Bermuda shorts, coming to the knee and tapered to be narrow at the knee. Cut off skinnies would be similar and could be rolled or hemmed to where you want them, or left frayed. I avoid polyester and all knits, preferring woven material as cooler. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909150 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 22:36:31 +0000 LaPed 1909150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa P, I wear long pants for yard work. I live in an area with a high incidence of Lyme disease -- tick central here -- so I treat my hiking pants and my "chore pants" (old jeans and such) with Permethrin and use those. Also, tons of raspberry and blackberry cane -- I'm not brave enough to tackle those in shorts. Shorts are for running and canoeing. </p> <p>I'm a member of the muscular thighs club, and every time I have tried skorts I've found that the little bike shorts underneath are too short and ride up on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909139 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 22:04:21 +0000 Diana 1909139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about linen trousers? &nbsp;Full-length, cropped, or culottes. &nbsp;</p> <p>Or loose skirts or dresses in lightweight woven fabrics. &nbsp;Knee length or thereabouts is probably the most versatile length. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909133 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 21:50:30 +0000 Sal 1909133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have three pairs of shorts - one denim, one loose black floral, and one high waisted black.&nbsp; The last pair might be a bit too short for me I think..&nbsp; I also have some gym/running shorts and some loose harem pants to the knee.&nbsp; One pair of these is a bit dressier and I wear this with leather flat sandals and a nice top on errands, working from home - the others are mostly worn at the beach, in the yard, to watch kids sport (which is a lot of time for me).&nbsp; I do feel dresses are more flattering but shorts have a place...</p> <p>I also wear in the heat<br />- loose cotton knit or woven dresses<br />- genie pants<br />- a cotton skirt </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909127 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 21:43:08 +0000 kellygirl 1909127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If going to the water park, I’d wear some kind of quick drying short that you could find at Athleta or Lululemon. For less casual outings, I used to live in cotton shorts—denim or chino style, tank or tee and sandals. I think culottes/wide leg pants would be cute but I know that for myself it would take too much effort to get the proportions right to be even just flattering enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909126 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 21:40:10 +0000 JAileen 1909126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I’m doing chores at home, I wear shorts. If I’m going out to lunch with friends, I’ll wear crops. I am a vintage person and have started to feel better in a longer length out in public. I think this is completely personal, though.</p> <p>BTW, I was just out digging up dandelions, and helping my husband fix our side fence that is trying to go down in the 25 mph wind, and I was wearing jeans.</p> <p>I should add that I disagree *very strongly* with the idea that shorts need heels. No no no. I think shorts look best with sneakers or flat sandals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909125 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 21:38:18 +0000 ChrisM 1909125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear skorts, not shorts.&nbsp; I get mine from Duluth Trading - they are super comfy and some styles are a bit longer, which is good for me.&nbsp; They are very cool even in the worst heat/humidity and really do wear like iron.&nbsp;<br /> (Athleta can be cut a little skimpy IMO, even in talls.) </p> <p>Lisa P, this is what I wear to wash windows, garden, hike, clean out the garage . . . if I'm painting, I have some disgustingly paint covered shorts that I refuse to part with just for that purpose, but when I have the potential to be seen, I'm in a skort.</p> <p>I wish I liked skirts and dresses better.&nbsp; Seems odd that I'd wear a skort but not a skirt, but there you go.&nbsp; I might go for lightweight cotton skirts like rachy if I can find some.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909120 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 21:32:39 +0000 Cardiff girl 1909120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the look of those fluid culottes,all the practicality of a trouser but with the breeziness of a skirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alternative-to-shorts-for-the-summer#post-1909111 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 21:19:27 +0000 Anonymous 1909111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to ask this question - as every spring we get into the shorts issue and I so surprised at how many women here don't like to wear them. May I ask what y'all are wearing to mow the lawn, garden, play in the park with the kids, ride your bike, paint the fence, clean out the garage, go for a walk etc etc etc? &nbsp; I'm not quite able to picture one cutting the grass in a skirt..... &nbsp;and please tell me I'm not the only one who does a ton of yard work and actually likes it. &nbsp;;)&nbsp; </p>