Shorts with tights - too young a look? - YouLookFab Forum

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Shorts with tights - too young a look?

Anonymous

Hi all,

So, just like every winter for a while now, I've been thinking about getting a pair of pleated wool shorts, in a dark color, to wear with booties and a blazer. I am 38 years old and look my age. Am I too old for the look? Past conversations on the item have me thinking this one is reserved for the 20 somethings. Thoughts? I bat for team age appropriate dressing so no offense would be taken.

This is what I'm thinking about.

http://www.bachmanssparrow.com.....s-dispute/

I know the look is not fresh, but I actually like to wear things when no one else is wearing them. Hellooo bootcut jeans anyone?

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Raisin

Veteran

I like the look, and I'm 28, but I've never tried it. Mostly because even with tights, I think I'd be freezing! But somewhere not as cold, it may work. As for age appropriate...hmmm...not sure. It's sort of personal, because I think I'd feel a bit too old to wear the style.

Anonymous

I say go for it! I really love how they look i don't think there is a problem with the age, I am 37 and would totally wear those shorts, but only with dark tights or leotards!

Diana

Veteran

I like the look, and I have worn it. I am 32. I wouldn't wear it to an important meeting or interview or something, but I have worn it for things like casual lab days at work. I think the key is that the shorts need to be slouchy and not tight - mine are 2 sizes up from normal. Dark color is probably more sophisticated. Mine are black and have trouser-esque pleating but they are pretty short. (I'm not a fan of long shorts).

The look that I DO think is too young (and to be honest I don't even like it on young women) is jean shorts, especially tight ones, + tights.

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Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I love the look! I'm 34 and would wear it as long as the shorts were longer - at least mid-thigh, preferably knee length. I'd personally go fitted (particularly if they were knee length) but that's more due to my curvy bottom then anything - pleated bottoms are heinous on me - I speak from experience because I've tried; I love the look on those who are small-of-hip-and-booty, though.

For this and all shorts looks I think this is much more about the length of the shorts than the actual wearing of shorts in winter.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I think the age appropriateness (as much as I avoid the term) comes from styling. I bet you could do it in a way that looks sophisticated and chic.

Day Vies

Veteran

I agree with Janet. I am 37and I would wear it but it really depends on details like styling. How long are your shorts, will they have a trouser type fit, what kind of top are you considering, will you wear this with something like a jacket. To me those are the details that can take this from cute to chic and completely age appropriate.

rachylou

Veteran

I'm 43 and I would wear that. I have a "shorts suit." The shorts are definitely on the side of bermudas and not hot pants. And it's definitely not casual - not conservative, but not casual.

I saw a young lady walking on the street yesterday. Cotton shorts ("lunch bag waist"), leggings, flats, hoodie. I think that's a look that's definitely too young for anyone out of college. She was cute tho.

catgirl

Veteran

I love this look and I'm about to be 47... I would wear it to the office on a non-client day.

Anonymous

Thank you all for responding. I hope I am not offending anyone with the term "age appropriate". I just don't know how else to put it. I'm actually bidding on a pair of Trina Turk cuffed charcoal shorts at the moment.

Girl X

(website)

Veteran

Go for it! You're not talking about hot pants or booty shorts, you're talking tasteful, elegant, chic shorts that are age appropriate for anyone with the confidence to wear it well. And (not that it matters!) you might be 38, but you look more like an incredibly sophisticated 26 (that's a compliment).

Carole

Veteran

I wish I was your age, I would do it in a heartbeat!

DonnaF

Veteran

I think I would prefer to see them at mid-thigh or (preferably) longer. Plus, IIRC, you have proportionately long legs, so any shorter would look disproportionate.

Lisa

Veteran

You can so rock these. (and you're 38, really?!)

cciele

Veteran

Yes, go for it! I agree it's about the styling and I think you can rock them.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I'd wear them, but I do all sorts of inappropriate things.

Aida

Veteran

31 here, and shorts+tights is a staple of mine. No denim for me with this look, but I wear both short and long pairs, tweedy, silky, pleated, paper bag.... And all manner of footwear (heels, flats, boots...) I think you could certainly work this look Zap! If you're concerned with coverage, I'd say go for a longer short in a substantial fabric; then you can wear either sheer or opaque or even printed tights with them.

Anonymous

Thank you all for the comments and age related compliments. I am dying to show you the ones I'm bidding on.

ETA: the seller accepted my offer. They are a lighter gray than I wanted but they might work. I am hopeful they are oversized enough.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200837.....1497.l2649

rachylou

Veteran

Those look excellent for the shorts/tights look!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

those are very cute! Should be perfect.

Aida

Veteran

Those look great! I hope they work out

Day Vies

Veteran

Trina Turk cuts a mean short. I have a pair and was disappointed that I was not able to snatch up another. Good luck on nabbing those shorts.

Anonymous

That's great news Day Vies. How is sizing? Do they run small?

JR

Veteran

Well, that blogger pulled off the look better than most, that's for sure.

I'm 55 and there is no way I would touch it. Maybe a Hollywood type could pull it off, but I ain't one of them.

Day Vies

Veteran

I think they run true to size because I generally wear a 12 in most sizes and I have a size 12 in a pair of Trina Turk shorts with a 3.5" inseam. I will admit I thought the inseam would be too short to look "appropriate" on me. They look fabulous. They never ride up or look unflattering. They also don't hug your thigh (my thighs are pretty generous even if my hips aren't) which contributes to why the shorts are so flattering -- they look like they are cut to fall straight from the hip too.

Anonymous

That's great news. These are a size up from what I usuaally wear but I want a little room. They might be perfect. Keeping fingers crossed!

Jjsloane

Veteran

Zap I'm sure you can style it appropriately for your concerns. I've loved the look, but tried it last year and was a bit uncomfortable so I'm passing my shorts on this year. (But I'll be 46 this month) If you treat them like a skirt in styling I'm sure you will look great.

Scarlet

Veteran

I think you can do this with panache!

cheryl

Veteran

I love the look. Like Alaskagirl, I am almost 47 but feel perfectly comfortable in shorts and tights. Hope you love yours!

Rabbit Heart

I am not a fan of this combo personally because I've seen too many girls wearing summery shorts with tights for winter, but I do like the look of thick tweed shorts paired with opaque tights. The look you posted looks great, go for it!

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