Shorts For Women Over 50
When it comes to summer fashion, shorts are a staple in most women’s wardrobe. They’re a great option for hot, humid days and perfect for a casual lifestyle. I don’t wear shorts often, but I know many of you do, so I thought it would be helpful to round up some of the most wearable and flattering shorts for women over 50. I’m also including some styling ideas to help you wear shorts in the most flattering way this summer.
Chico’s Shorts For Women Over 50
Chico’s makes the same flattering shorts year after year. These Brigitte So-Slimming 10″ shorts from 2021 are the exact ones they’re selling today. They come in tons of colors and are machine washable. They have a 10″ inseam in a stretch and recover fabric that has a polished appearance. These have a pull-on waistband and slimmer legs, which gives them a sleek look.
Here they are dressed up with a linen blazer and metallic flats.
These Chico’s girlfriend shorts are a much more casual option in a cotton/poly/spandex blend that’s super comfy. The inseam is 7″ long, which is long enough to be modest yet short enough to flatter your legs. They also come in Madeira red, which is a show-stopper.
Shorts from Walmart
Not only are these denim shorts super affordable, but they feel really well made. They’re in a comfy cotton/spandex blend that you can sit and bend in easily, so they’d be perfect for gardening. They have a 10″ inseam, which you could roll higher or lower to adjust the length. They also come in a lighter wash. Available in sizes 4-18 and just under $20.
/ TIME AND TRU BUCKLE SANDALS
These Bermuda shorts look so much more expensive than they are, with a tailored style and the perfect amount of stretch. They’re available in sizes 0-18, but sizes are selling out quickly in black. I dressed them up with a low, block heel, but they’d also be great with a casual tee and sandals.
Shorts by Lands’ End
Lands End makes a lot of shorts options in varying lengths. These chino shorts are in a wrinkle-resistant cotton blend. They come in four great neutrals with a flat front, side pockets, and a comfortable fit. These are long enough that you could dress them up with low-heeled sandals and a blazer for a sporty look or down with a tee and sandals. Theyāre a great option to pack for an upcoming vacation or cruise or to add to a summer capsule wardrobe.
These stretch chino Bermuda shorts by Lands’ End are sold at Kohl’s. They have an 11-inch inseam with a contoured waistband to prevent gaping. I love a khaki short because they can truly pair with anything, and they suit my neutral-loving closet well. These have a slightly more fitted leg than the pair above and have an 11″ inseam.
Talbots Shorts For Women Over 50
I’m seeing lots of longer, Bermuda-length shorts on the racks these days, which are great for women who prefer more coverage for loose skin or obvious veins. These are Talbots’ perfect shorts in indigo blue. They have a 10.5ā³ inseam in misses and 9.5ā³ in petite. Theyāre a timeless style in stretchy cotton twill. The rise hits right at the waist, and theyāre knee-length. These customer-favorite shorts come in 7 colors and are a staple in many womenās summer wardrobe.
These are last year’s “perfect” shorts in navy and white gingham in petite with a 9 1/2″ inseam. I prefer this slightly shorter length on me because the more of your leg that shows, the longer they will appear. This year’s gingham is on a slightly larger scale than the ones I’m wearing here.
These shorts have a causal vibe in a cotton/lyocell/linen blend. This pull-on style comes in 2 colors. The inseam is 6″ in regular and plus and 5″ in petite.
Styling tip – The shorter the inseam, the flatter your shoe should be. Nude or pale-colored sandals and wedges help elongate your leg. The longer the shorts, the more chopped and short your legs will look.
These are the girlfriend 9ā³ denim shorts. These have a rolled inseam of 9ā³ misses, 7 1/2ā³ petite, and 9ā³ plus. Obviously, you can roll these up or down to whatever length flatters your legs most.
Ann Taylor Shorts
These boardwalk shorts come in curvy or regular (straight) and regular and petite lengths. They’re in polished cotton with 3% spandex. They come in four colors, sizes 00-18. The inseam is 11″ in regular and 10″ in petite.
Wit & Wisdom Shorts
Wit & Wisdom is a brand I frequently shop at Nordstrom. Their stretch twill shorts are a cotton/polyester/rayon/spandex blend and an unrolled inseam of 9″. They come in three colors, sizes 00-18.
Styling tip – Cuffs on pants shorten the look of your leg, and it’s even more true with shorts.
These Wit and Wisdom shorts are a very soft denim cotton blend with plenty of stretch. They have a 15″ inseam and come in sizes 00-18. The cuff would easily fold up several more times to adjust the length to your liking. While I almost always prefer tops tucked in, I prefer this one untucked so the top and shorts don’t appear the same length. A 50/50 split is never as pleasing as 1/3-2/3. This year’s version has exterior patch pockets in front.
J. Jill Shorts
These shorts have a pull-on elastic waistband and come in 3 colors or a navy and white stripe. The inseam is 7ā³ in regular, 8ā³ in 2X, and 6.5ā³ in petite. This Mediterranean color is vibrant and fun!
MORE FLATTERING SHORTS
Are you a fan of shorts? Where do you like to buy yours?
I love that you also included shorts from Walmart and Kohls. Iām finding both stores having good value and better quality than in the past.
I was just told I need to wear compression socks (over the calf) for 6-8 hours a day for 6 months. I need help creating summer outfits, indoor and outdoor for activities like picnics, a baby shower, and concerts. I certainly canāt be the only person who will be wearing compression socks this summer. I live in the Midwest. Help!
This is a tough time to need to wear them. I’d be wearing loose linen pants and maxi skirts or dresses to cover the socks and keep the rest of my body from overheating.
Great post for the variety of shorts. I buy most of my shorts at Talbot’s… petite.
I love my Liz Claiborne Bermuda length shorts in the Sara from JCP.
I have had your blog turn into an unreadable mess twice this morning. Are you aware of this? I closed and reopened twice to get the distortion to stop so I could read and see your photos.
I havenāt noticed a problem. Hopefully itās gone for you now!
sadly left talbots with nooooo shorts. at almost 5’4, the 10″ are too long, the 7″too short!
The petites are 9.5ā. Each style varies.
Great post! I love the neutrals but am looking to replace a (decades) old pair of pleated plaid shorts. I’ll probably end up with J Jill as they seem to have a good selection. I bought a light linen pair online from Talbots and didn’t notice until after washing that the inside seam is sewn twisted. Even ironing doesn’t solve the issue. Love the straighter pair of Land’s End on you, and your styling!
I would try going back to Talbots with those shorts. Ask for the manager and see if theyāll replace them for you.
I rarely wear shorts except maybe to golf in. But I like these longer versions. I always have to wear leg makeup which is kind of a pain. I do wear toeless pantyhose with my shorts and skirts to golf in and they cover up a multitude of sins. They look completely natural. I wonder if you have ever tried them?
I havenāt tried those. Where do you find them?
INC makes a great pull-on short with elastic waist, it also holds in the tummy! I buy them at Macy’s, have in many colors.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Iāve never felt comfortable in shorts. Growing up tall I always had skinny ābirdā legs and felt self conscious in shorts. I envy those who can wear them. Now at 72 I still feel the same only now those bird legs are creppy lol!. Iām an ankle or cropped pants girl. As you say, wear what makes you comfortable and confident.
Wearing what makes me feel confident becomes more important and automatic the older I get! The wisdom of ageā„ļø
I love the rolled denim Talbots shorts and wore them endlessly last summer. But, I tried the Walmart denim shorts when you featured them earlier this spring and love them even more than Talbots! They have an inch more length, which is perfect for me. The quality is great and they wash well. Because of the affordable price I bought them in all colors. Thank you so much for featuring them!
Iām glad they work for you. Walmart has great quality pieces!
You have great legs Jennifer and all the shorts look amazing on you. As to myself, I currently own only one pair but looking back even in my younger years (much younger) I opted for mini skirts … lol! All said; though my travels consist of tropical destinations now I wear a bathing suit with a short sarong, however if I lived in a warmer climate most likely would opt for them. Last but not least; sorry to learn you got Covid and hopefully you and your hubby are on the mend. -Brenda-
Thank you Brenda
I love the longer shorts, I call them walking shorts. With a jacket, it certainly looks elevated! You could wear that to a meeting! Great picks!
I agree. Itās a great alternative to a shorter skirt.
Due to aging-related issues, I ordered the longest length in shorts these past few weeks. For reference, I’m 5’7″ with average legs. I’m a size 8, though had to size up in the Wit & Wisdom (ran small on me). Because of the elastic back in the Lands’ End Elastic Back Classic 12 inch Chino Shorts, I could’ve gone with either the 8 or 10 yet went with the 10 for the length. I had the size 8 WalMart ones in my cart and your article motivated me to place the order asap! I hope my experience with sizing helps others! Thanks for this wonderful article, Jennifer!
Thanks for sharing your styling tips. I hope they work too.
Great selection of shorts, Jennifer. I definitely need to replenish my wardrobe in that area. And appreciate the tip about what type of heel to wear based on the length of the shorts.
I love Tommy Bahama for summer clothes.
Agreed! They have a great summer selection.
I find I wear shorts on hot humid days mostly around home as Iāve gotten older. Iām guessing 90% are from Talbots. I do know find I need to iron them after laundering, however.
I have at least two pair from Kohls, well made too. Iām pretty easy to fit, either size 6 or 8.
I was pleasantly surprised to find how great the quality is at Kohls.