K/T Is it still appropriate to wear shorter shorts at my age? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

K/T Is it still appropriate to wear shorter shorts at my age?

Kalli

I need help. That's what YLF is for. Yes, I have remnants of my wardrobe left from my 20s. I'm going to Hawaii in a week and a half and this weekend I'm headed to high 80s in LA/SD. Usually I am not outside all day (so I can wear my normal proper clothing) but I'm going to a theme park and the zoo with my adorable niece. What do I wear? Are these shorts still appropriate at my age?

Yes, I'm struggling with my hot weather casual transition from the 20s me that would wear skimpy everything to a more classy 30s that I've been already in my work life.

Please don't let me be a walking disaster. All constructive feedback wanted, thank you!

1) collage of white on white and a button up, sequin giraffee converse I've had forever (a gift, should I toss too?)

2) electric blue dress I want to wear in Hawaii, I know skinny straps aren't particularly good for ITs but it's hot, humid and sticky in Hawaii. I plan to wear a my denim jacket on top

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

31 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

Anonymous

Yes to the shorts and the sassy sneaks! Dress is cute but for me too short -- can you sit down in it without flashing?

Karie

(website)

Veteran

When I read the title, I thought you were going to be in your 50's! In your 30's, I think this length is fine.

Kalli

@ceit - knew someone would ask, I just wear those white shorts underneath haha. No flashing problem!

@karie - ha! I feel old, maybe it's because all my friends are married with babies and they forgo shorts now, I don't want to be thinking I can still do this if I shouldn't!

Tanya

Veteran

First of all, those sneakers are super cute, please do not toss them! About the shorts, you have an amazing figure and you planning to wear them on the vacation, not to work, so I would say you are perfectly fine. About the dress, as long you can move and sit comfortably in it, I think it would be fine too. I would wear some opaque boy shorts underneath just in case.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look great in the shorts, and the sneakers are fun. I don't think I'd wear this if it were a working holiday with business colleagues. But to walk on the beach or the boardwalk or play in the park with your niece? Totally fine.

Same with the dress, though I share Ceit's concerns about the length. If that doesn't worry you, then no problem!

Neelie

Veteran

For a theme park I like to wear something stretchy, like knee length yoga pants or leggings , also they dry more quickly in case you go on a ride that'll get you wet!
Everything looks great on you though!! Very appropriate.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I was 39 in this picture

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ys-sf-loot

ETA even shorter

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-cable-car

Carla

Veteran

Shorts look nicely finished. No pockets sticking out, no frayed edges or holes, so though short-shorts, they could be appropriate for what you are planning to do. The shorts under the blue dress would work, but I agree with those who find the dress too short on it's own.

Kalli

@tanya - I think I'll keep them, I was thinking they are a bit youthful but I break them out from time to time

@suz - yeah I would never wear this in front or colleagues, but since shorts are comfy in hot weather I like to wear them. The dress is short but longer than my shorts! Plus I may use as a bikini coverup.

@annagybe - thanks for the accompanying threads, though you are definitely way more adventurous. Sure you don't live in so cal?

@neelie - excellent advice but my legs always get hot fast (due to running in cold weather) so I like them uncovered more for some reason but thank you

@runcarla - thank you for the feedback, I find it funny that no matter how short shorts are we still feel more covered, the dress is 5 inches longer than my shorts haha

cciele

Veteran

Totally appropriate for the occasion -- and you look great in those outfits!

MsMary

Veteran

I think you look great! Remember, it can get very cool in the evening in Southern California so be sure and bring a sweater or a jacket so you won't freeze after the sun goes down!

Kalli

@cciele - thank you, who doesn't love compliments

@MaryK - wise woman for reminding me, no wonder we always call it California cool, freezing at night

rae

(website)

Veteran

I think it's fine - you look like you can pass for younger, too, so it helps. Plus, I feel like short shorts are go for all ages in SoCal... possibly even more so in SD.

Raisin

Veteran

Kalli I'm struggling with this too. I just turned 29 and now find myself uncertain about certain hem lengths, short lengths and their structure. Firstly, you look younger than 30 for sure, so these do look appropriate on you. I like the white shorts, and I think that dress will be great in Hawaii.

I have some new shorts I added to my summer wardrobe, since having a baby last summer. I will show them later. But basically now I'm going for longer "boy" shorts, and when I want to go short, I pick a flared short or a looser short. I feel like it's modern and not too young looking. I need my shorts though, they are all I wear when the summer gets sticky hot.

These are a few recent ones. The gold ones are actually silver for me, and the last white pair I don't have yet, but I'm stalking for a major dale...they are way too pricey. The first ones are the longest, and more close to the leg. The second black ones are more flared when on. The third are cuffed. The fourth would be flared too.

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Kalli

@rae - how right your are, I lived in SD for a long long time hence why I have such a large assortment of really short shorts

@raisin - it's kind of a conundrum because when I lived where everyone pretty much wore shorts no matter what age, it seemed like a no brainer, but now I live where no one wears shorts much and I wear them on vacation (now I have a small thought as to if they are appropriate for me or not?) Thanks for linking me some things to look for, although casual clothes tend to fall to a level 3 for me, maybe I'm waiting until I'm even older to invest in casual clothing. Usually if it's hot, I wear a skirt and be done with it, but theme parks and skirts??

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I don't think they really "look" too short, but you are asking so there is some hesitation on your part. How do they feel? I find that some of my shorter shorts are just uncomfortable when sitting as they tend to ride up a bit. I think you are fine to wear them but I'd probably look for another pair in a slightly longer length or ones you can roll to the desired length just so you have future options and can choose the length you feel like wearing. I often roll my shorts up more if I'm in the sun, and down more if I'm indoors.

The dress would be great with shorts under as you said!

T-Rex

Veteran

The thought of you tossing the sneakers makes me want to cry.

You look great in the sneakers and shorts. You are not too old to wear them! And I like that blue dress on you, too.

The top and shirt you are wearing with the shorts looks fine. Comfortable and casual. But if you could bring in one of the colors in the sneakers, it would elevate the look to really cute. If you want to keep the white on white with the top and shorts, maybe adding a necklace or bracelet in a golden brown shade would work. Are you taking a bag? A crossbody bag in tan or brown would also work.

Kalli

@texstyle - I like hearing they aren't too short from the wise women I admire on here, of course it makes me hesitate, who doesn't when they head towards the mid 30s? I feel more confidant now but at the same time the hesitation is from knowing better, or at least thinking I know better. I packed them.

@T-Rex - yes I have a soft spot for them, which is why they survived a few closet purges. Survived many moves so I'll definitely keep them. I love the helpful suggestions, I don't think I wear brown very well because of my very high coloring unless it's so close to black. However, I do enjoy gold so I may look for some purses (it's on my list of things to get as I put my priority shopping together)

dizzys

Cali girl here piping in. For me, it is still sweater weather. I am wearing my rolled up pants, short sleeves and a sweater for morning and night. Bring layers / pants just in case....

You look great!!

dizzys

Enjoy the SD zoo! The Orangutan exhibit is my most favorite of all. ( a tip for the best margaritas and Mexican food in town: Casa De Pico...amazing)

Thistle

Veteran

Wow, you look amazing in these. As you said you wear shorts under the blue dress, I see no issue there either.

I think youa re totally fine and appropriate in all of this. So jealous youa re going to Hawaii!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes! Enjoy your short shorts

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Nobody comes with an 'expiration date'.

You don't turn 21 and immediately go to Carousel.

You don't turn 40 and have to cut all your hair off.

And if you've got great legs - and you do! - and the style is flattering and well-cut (and it is), and doesn't look like something my 12-year old niece would wear (it doesn't)... then I say you should go for it

Hawaii! I am insanely jealous!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I started having these qualms after 40. I'd say no problem at your age, and with the itinerary listed. I will add that Anna's thread shows a slightly more sophisticated way to do short shorts that elevates the usual tank and sneakers look. But I get that amusement parks and beach vacations are best suited to the dressed down casual.
For me, 42 was the last straw at inseams under 3", and that was only because I was living in a very hot and humid climate and walking to get around. In my experience, you will *know* when it's time

Irene

Veteran

With those legs, absolutely!!!

harmonica

Veteran

Yay for shorts! I like the dress too, but share concerns about the length of dress. But if you feel comfortable - go with it!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I wouldn't worry about age appropriate dressing until age 40-45-50. You should be more concerned with occasion-appropriate dressing at your age. If you want to project a professional mature image, then skip short shorts and short dresses. However if you want to project fun and seek comfort from heat, go for the short & skimpy clothes. You are not that old!! 30s is still young (says this 54 year old.)

siniestra

u r not old and what is appropiate anyways in california? hahaha I used to live close to melrose/beverly so i don't see nothing wrong ...that's where u can use them freely and no one will give dirty looks plus u are young !!! you are totally fine ! you can wear it till u want plus you will see the time when not to use them anymore plus u have tonned legs? when celulite comes (hopefully never) you can skipped and used a longer version

unfrumped

Veteran

I like the shorts.

I will play the DA on the dress, worn as a dress.

It's not that I think it's too young , but that I think dresses that are that short are not visually balanced-looking on the body. Wearing shorts under means you won't actually flash your drawers, but it still looks as if you might until--oh, thank goodness, she's got short under there!--so that's actually an additional visual impact issue to me. So while you might continue to make use of this dress, I think dresses that are just a bit longer--even "short"dresses, so well above the knee--just have a prettier line, even on very young women. And to some extent it depends on the cut, as well. I would aim for just that extra bit of length in new purchases.

12