A reader writes:
Here’s a fashion question for you. What can a non-shorts-wearing person wear in the summer? I know capris look terrible on me, I have a large collection of boyfriend jeans and black maxi skirts…what other bottom options do I have?
Great question. I actually love shorts, but I totally get it that not every woman feels comfortable baring her legs. And while I do like shorts, I don’t want to wear them every day. Here are some casual outfit alternatives to shorts. I’ll start with the ones Kristen already mentioned, and then I’ll share some other ideas too! (By the way, if you DO like shorts, I recently updated this post from last spring: Cute Shorts for Moms.)
Shown above: Mitered Stripe Maxi Skirt // Stripe Tee Racerback Dress // Slub Linen Crop Pants // Redondo Dress // Tie Dye Maxi Dress // Cuffed Skinny Ankle Jeans // Denim Skirt
Maxi Skirts & Dresses
Maxi skirts are a GREAT option for women looking for casual spring/summer outfits who don’t want to wear shorts or capris. Try to get away from the black maxi skirt, though, and go for a pattern and/or color like this pink and black chevron print.
For cooler weather, layer a jean jacket over it.
Or how about a maxi dress? Again, if you really do not want to show much leg, this is a great summer look for you. You can wear flat sandals or even canvas sneakers to dress it down and keep it comfortable. I like the tank style because it’s not as bare as the more common halter and spaghetti strap maxi dresses. You have to hunt, but you can find cute, modest ones. I’ll put some current product links at the end of the post.
Boyfriend Jeans
I’d stay away from capris, but a boyfriend jean can work. I know not everyone likes this silhouette (it’s not my favorite on me) but a lot of ladies look super cute wearing them. And you can totally wear them with Converse or a slip-on canvas sneaker if you want to be comfortable.
For those of us who aren’t crazy about the boyfriend jean, you can take your favorite straight-leg style and cuff it.
You can also do this with colored jeans or khakis if they’re the right style, so you’re not always wearing blue jeans. I found this on Pinterest, but I can’t find the original source.
Knee-Length Dresses & Skirts
My favorite alternative to shorts, however, is a knee-length dress or skirt. I find these to be the most comfortable and easy to wear. Of course, if you truly do not want to bare your legs, this is not an option. But if you don’t mind your calves, these can be every bit as comfortable as shorts, but you will look much more put together.
Athleta often has cute dresses. I picked up two of these last summer.
A cotton shift dress is always cool and comfy. I had dressed this up for church, but it is just as cute with canvas sneakers or sandals.
And I love a cute cotton cargo skirt with a tank top. In fact, I need to wear a variation of this outfit more often.
I posted this photo collage AGES ago when I wrote a post about summer skirts. Remember when I had no hair?? We’ve come a long way, baby!
So here are some product links for you to peruse. (Click on the image to shop through my affiliate links.)
Fashion Over 40: Alternatives to Shorts
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