https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 01 May 2026 08:29:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-838134 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 16:39:18 +0000 Aziraphale 838134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 40, and I still wear shorts that short, in certain circumstances. If my legs still look good ten years from now, I'll still wear be wearing them. I'm petite, and I think us shorties can get away with shorter hemlines for longer, although I'm not sure why.</p> <p>Shorts are not a wardrobe staple for me. I wear them occasionally, in the summer only, when it's hot and I'm not at a formal or dressy event. I would not wear them with tights in the winter, since to my eye that is a very youthful look. Even at thirty, that look is a little girlish. </p> <p>Another point: even though I am quite slim, I still make sure I am plenty covered up on top when I wear short shorts. I normally pair them with a very lightweight cotton button-front shirt, rolled up at the elbows. I feel that is more dignified for a woman in her 30s, 40s or 50s than a skinny minnie tank top, no matter what her body shape is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-837902 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 05:29:23 +0000 MsMary 837902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree! My skin isn't as tight as it once was on my arms and legs, but I'll be darned if I'm going to cover up all summer long! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-837890 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 04:54:08 +0000 Janet 837890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"How about this as a rule: Shorts and hems should always be AT LEAST below one's cellulite level."</p> <p>I am in deep doo-doo then. When are ankle length and wrist-length everything coming in style? </p> <p>When it's hot out, I decided I just don't care that much. I will never have J Aniston's legs or anything near. If anyone is offended by my highly imperfect legs, they can look away. </p> <p>I say if you have the legs at whatever age and/or feel fab in shorts, rock those babies. Keep the styling sophisticated and wear with confidence and I think it can work well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-837826 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 03:10:55 +0000 Mo 837826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have to chime back in to say that for me, where you stand on the continuum of conservatism seems to really be a factor here. Many ladies on this forum are more conservative dressers in their 20's than I will ever be in my 40's (wearing a scarf makes me feel like a Stepford wife/politician [shudders]) so I would take all our input with the appropriate grains of salt </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-837571 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 22:27:31 +0000 moira 837571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We've had this discussion before. What is appropriate for the occasion? Jeans at a baby shower? You may look great in jeans, but is that the right setting for them? Shorts at a red carpet event, when you are a middle aged woman? These weren't even special. This was an outfit for dinner at the beach. Even then it was meh, at best.<br /> It is definitely a matter of taste and what you consider to be the appropriate decorum for the event and your age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-837516 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 21:32:25 +0000 MsMary 837516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 54 and I wear shorts that length in the summer. However, I would never consider wearing shorts of any length for anything other than a super, super casual event. I think Denise hits the nail on the head when she says JA dresses to be photographed and discussed and create controversy about "should she or shouldn't she?" Not exactly what I'm going for, personally! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-837418 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:27:36 +0000 Niefern 837418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you ladies for all your wise words and comments. I think I will be on the lookout for some shorts that are the right lenght, fabric and fit. And then see how I look and feel in them.</p> <p>I love this look, but I would need the shorts to be at least 12 cm longer (4" longer):</p> <p><a href="http://pinterestpicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/plaid-2.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://pinterestpicks.com/wp-c.....laid-2.jpg</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-837120 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:15:14 +0000 shiny 837120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 47 and stopped wearing shorts around 10 years ago. (Not counting "gear" shorts - for exercise, boating, hiking, etc. That's just plain practical). I actually have decent legs, one of my best features, no cellulite or varicose veins. Proportionately, I rock the shorter lengths quite well (whereas bermudas look horrible on me). So why did I stop wearing them? </p> <p>Because I had to face facts that the skin on my legs just wasn't looking all that great. All the tone in the world doesn't make up for saggy aging skin (reference that Demi photo; and I bet JA's photo has been shopped). Also to be honest, the older I get, the more icked out I am at the thought of putting my bare leg on a public seat. Maybe that's weird. Maybe I'm becoming my mother!</p> <p>Would I wear winter shorts with opaque tights? No, for the very practical reason that if it is cold, I want more coverage than that. For similar reason, I only have two winter mini skirts left in my closet and neither one of them have been worn in a long time. The last time I wore one was for a Halloween costume, in fact (which is why I've held on to them). </p> <p>When I think about it, it's not so much how I look, or worries of mutton. It's more about how I feel inside these days. As I get older I am more practical and choose comfort I guess. Even if I lived in a hot climate, I find loose flowing dresses more comfortable. Besides, my legs have been exposed to enough sun by now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836930 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 05:08:26 +0000 CocoLion 836930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Donna you are so funny.</p> <p>OK here is my latest thinking on this topic. This is what I'm trying to tell myself today, because I think about/worry about what's age appropriate, constantly.</p> <p>Quit worrying about looking "age appropriate" until you are really in the senior citizen territory. Middle aged is not senior citizen, so it is going to depend on the occasion you are dressing for, and the shape you're in. Why not wear shorts this short to a BBQ?</p> <p>This outfit is weird for the occasion, but I think it was designed to generate buzz. To talk about her legs, whether this outfit works at her age or not. Exactly what we're doing. Celebrities dress for publicity reasons so their rules are different.</p> <p>As for you Niefern, give the shorts &amp; tights a whirl! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836918 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 04:53:21 +0000 Mo 836918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HA Donna!! I ditched my 2.5" inseam shorts when I moved back to Tahoe at 42. I'd only worn them in the most casual way, in super hot FL, but it seemed time. Now I would be fine with the length Jennifer Anniston is wearing, which incidentally is below my cellulite line lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836891 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 04:14:18 +0000 DonnaF 836891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about this as a rule: Shorts and hems should always be AT LEAST below one's cellulite level. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836868 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 03:50:35 +0000 TraceyLiz65 836868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am 47 years old and live in Virginia Beach and at least here if you have the legs I think this is totally appropriate. I think the key is the looser fit of these shorts. If tighter, I would probably have the opposite opinion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836860 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 03:41:38 +0000 Echo 836860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I think that shorts are fine in the summer, with flat shoes, I don't like Jen's look here. For most women, a slightly longer hem would be far more flattering. As for shorts with tights, that's a look I've just never understood. It is like open-toed boots - it's an oxymoron to me. It also strikes me as a very young look.</p> <p>The flip-side of this is Demi Moore. Surely her antics change the scenario and how we view her, but few people would have said that this look was either flattering or age-appropriate, yet the hem on the shorts was about equivalent to Jen's. And no one can argue that Demi doesn't have the figure to pull off short hemlines. Yet... this look is almost universally seen as a "fail", even desperate. As others have said, Jen is America's darling. Few of the rest of us are, and I think many of us risk looking in the mirror and thinking we look like Jen, while the rest of the world sees us like Demi. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836794 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 02:20:15 +0000 Kiwichik 836794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it depends on your legs and how you style the shorts and where you plan to wear them - post a photo.</p> <p>PS if I had legs like Jen I'd wear shorts </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836746 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:22:11 +0000 Sara L. 836746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think shorts are still age appropriate at 47, although I probably wouldn't be wearing them with heels like she is. That's tricky to pull off at any age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836744 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:21:53 +0000 Sarah A 836744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think shorts with tights can work for sure. Diana and Aida i think have some WIWs that might give ideas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836740 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:17:03 +0000 cciele 836740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Niefern, yes try on a pair with tights! I think that's a great way to wear shorts in the winter.</p> <p>And *psssst*: I am your age and I wear a pair of black faux leather ones that are shorter than JA's; I wear them with black tights and boots </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836735 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:11:26 +0000 Thistle 836735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you would have to find a pair and try them on. Worth the effort to try the style. A little more length may work better, but you won't know until you try! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836712 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:54:48 +0000 moira 836712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>She appears to be at an "event". This is a woman who can afford to wear anything and would look great in anything.<br /> THIS is what she chooses?<br /> The blacks don't even match.<br /> Picture her in a knee length navy sheath. Isn't that just a sexy and appealing and still age appropriate? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836687 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:37:21 +0000 Tina.b 836687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think JA looks stunning here. Undoubtedly she works hard for those legs and deserves to show them off. The shorts in and of themselves are fairly conservative and classic, I would wear them. </p> <p>Part of me wants to say, it's just a leg you know, nothing indecent at all about it. But on the other hand I'm not too keen about anyone traipsing around in Daisy Dukes either, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836684 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:33:14 +0000 nancylee 836684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JA's shorts are very classic and flare slightly so they're not really too revealing/sexy...which I think is the problem with some shorts and why they're not always the best look for over 45's. </p> <p>I think as long as you go with a classic, not-too-short style you'll be absolutely fine wearing shorts at your age. FWIW, I'm 51 and I wear bermudas now unless I'm hiking or jogging. I decided that, at least for me, longer shorts look more appropriate after 50 no matter how great your legs are! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836679 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:29:23 +0000 Niefern 836679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't followed her style over the years so I don't really know how her style has evolved, but I think Jennifer looks great. Though of course she is slender, has very nice legs, is very well groomed, has great hair ... the whole package. I do not dream of looking as good as her. Actually I was thinking of shorts that I could wear right now in cold weather, I think that perhaps with tights it might look more appropiate, safer. I am in decent shape and my legs are OK, but of course that does not make me any younger, I am still 47 ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836671 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:21:41 +0000 Raisin 836671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eeek, I guess I'm against the grain here! I live in shorts like these in the summer. And I get down on the ground to play with my kids in them. I find shorts easy because they won't show your unders like a dress or skirt might. I am 28 though, so maybe my comfort level will go down in 20 years, but I can't imagine ever giving up my shorts. I like my legs, so if they stay like this, I will be showing them off! Hehe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836655 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:16:04 +0000 cciele 836655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eh, as I get older I'm like, More power to you! Wear what you like! Really, in the end it all comes down to how you feel about what you are wearing -- and if you don't care what other people think, that's empowering too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836649 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:14:31 +0000 rachylou 836649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jennifer is like 44/45, so... I think in LA or somewhere considered sunny, it's OK. Otherwise I'm thinking I agree with Moira. She's got great legs, but she's showing a lot of thigh. Lacks a certain dignity. Where does a grown woman go showing that much skin? She can't be going to the playground... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836631 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:05:54 +0000 Day Vies 836631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>it really depends on your body and your comfort level regardless of the length. Jen A. is paid too look gorgeous -- so you expect her to look fabulous in short shorts. Us commoners, well, it depends on what shape we're in.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836606 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 23:40:22 +0000 moira 836606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think she is moving into mutton dressed as lamb territory.<br /> She has a darling figure, but her style is not suiting her age, even if the clothes look nice on her.<br /> For a resort vacation, this would be great for a 40+ woman. For the city, not so much, IMHO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836592 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 23:28:33 +0000 claracluck 836592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>sure she looks great but her style to my mind has never evolved shes always stuck in that girl next door look, cut off jeans and beach hair omg i just shot bambi! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836589 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 23:27:06 +0000 Raisin 836589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love shorts for Sping and summer and plan to wear them always! I think with legs like hers, she could wear them at 107, hehe! </p> <p>I've seen your WIW, and you could totally rock shorts that length! She keeps it classy with her shirt, and the cuffs on the shorts give them some class too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-age-appropiate#post-836582 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 23:20:55 +0000 Niefern 836582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have just seen this picture of Jennifer Aniston and think she looks great:</p> <p><a href="http://tinyurl.com/amwtkrv" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/amwtkrv</a></p> <p>I was wondering if this lenght of shorts would be appropiate for me at 47 years old. Maybe with tights? No way? What do you think? </p>