Breaking Stereotypes: How to Rock Shorts in Your 50s
Are you tired of the fashion rules that come with hitting your 50s? It's time to shatter stereotypes and confidently embrace a wardrobe staple that knows no age limit—shorts! Today, we will explore how to rock shorts in your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond with style and confidence. Are you ready to learn styling tips and tricks to feel empowered in your shorts and discover how to accessorize for a chic look? It's time to break free and rock your shorts in your 50s like never before!
TL;DR
Beth shares how to rock shorts in your 50s
The outfits are shoppable via text and image widgets
Plus, find a shoppable collages at the end of the post
Breaking Stereotypes: How to Rock Shorts in Your 50s with Confidence
Understanding Age Related Fashion Stereotypes
When we hit our 50s, we must understand the age-related stereotypes that sometimes hold us back. By breaking free from these limiting beliefs, we can confidently embrace our style preferences and rock whatever we choose to wear. It's time to challenge the notion that certain clothing items are off-limits based on age and empower ourselves to express our individuality through fashion. And that includes wearing shorts.
choosing the right shorts for your body type
When it comes to choosing the right shorts for your body type, it's all about finding styles that accentuate your best features and make you feel comfortable and confident. For those with a pear-shaped body, high-waisted shorts can help accentuate your waist and elongate your legs. If you have an athletic build, opt for shorts with a structured fit highlighting your toned legs. For those with a fuller figure, look for relaxed fit shorts that skim over curves without being too tight. By selecting shorts that flatter your unique body shape, you'll feel your best and exude confidence in every outfit choice.
Tips for Getting the Right Inseam
- Petites look better in shorts 3” to 5”. Showing more skin gives the illusion of longer legs
- 5’5” to 5’8” mid-length shorts from 7” to 9”
- 5’9” or taller, 8” to 11”
- When in doubt, fingertip length is a good rule of thumb
styling tips to feel confident in shorts
When it comes to styling your shorts, the key is to choose pieces that make you feel good about yourself. Consider pairing your shorts with flowy tops or a structured tee to balance out the look. I also love to wear a cotton button-up, silk button-up, or linen button-up with shorts. Adding a belt can help define your waist and create a more polished ensemble.
Shop the Outfit
Ribbed Tee | Linen Shorts | Crystal Stud Earrings | Silk Scarf | Black Thongs | Straw Tote | Straw Hat
Today, I chose a pair of linen shorts with a 5.5” inseam (it passes the fingertip test!) from Banana Republic that can be dressed up with a matching linen vest and blazer or dressed down with a black ribbed tee from Lands’ End. Instead of a leather or straw belt, I chose a silk scarf that can double as a belt. I shared two ways to style it. A pair of black thongs gives a casual touch, and a straw tote and hat are the icing on the cake for added texture!
Accessories like statement earrings or a bold necklace can add an extra touch of personality to your outfit. Experiment with different shoe choices, from sleek sneakers to stylish sandals, to find what makes you feel most confident.
Shop the Outfit
Ribbed Tee | Linen Shorts | Crystal Stud Earrings | Silk Scarf | Black Thongs | Straw Tote | Straw Hat
In a world full of age-related fashion stereotypes, it's time to break free and embrace your style with confidence. By choosing the right shorts for your body type, styling them to feel confident, and accessorizing for a chic look, you can rock shorts in your 50s like never before. As you step out in your favorite pair, remember: true style knows no age limits. So go ahead, defy expectations, and show the world that confidence is always in fashion. Remember, age is just a number - style is timeless.
Shop the Outfit
Ribbed Tee | Linen Shorts | Crystal Stud Earrings | Silk Scarf | Black Thongs | Straw Tote | Straw Hat
Outfit Inspiration
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Beth shared Stylish & Comfortable Fashion Tips for Women Over 50. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Thank you letting us know what lengths of shorts look the best on petites, tall women, etc.
I ordered a 3 1/2 length for my petite frame last week but also a 10 1/2 that would be more modest in dresser situations, I got a blazer to match in the longer length but figure I can also hem shorts or roll. Suppose to be here in a couple of days. See how I like both of the lengths. Have a great week.
It will be good for you to compare the different inseams and see for yourself what you feel comfortable wearing! And you can always have your shorts hemmed if you like the shorts but feel they’re too long. I’ve done that in the past and have been happy with the results.
Hi Beth,
Your tips for getting the right inseam is helpful! I always think my shorts should be longer, but as a 5’2″ petite, I just ordered 5″ denim Talbots shorts. My legs aren’t what they were in my 20s but acceptance is aging gracefully!
My pleasure! And, no one, absolutely no one has perfect legs, especially as we age. But that shouldn’t stop us from wearing shorts. Life and style is about embracing our imperfections!
Hi Beth, This is a very timely topic. I pulled out my shorts and they were all too large, so I decided to donate them all and go out and shop. I ended up buying 5″, 7″, and 9″ pairs. They are a dark stretch denim, a black/white check, a navy, and lastly, white all from J. Crew. I have stepped up my exfoliation and have applied lotion to give me a bit of color. I’ve never been a big shorts wearer, but these all look nice. I like your comment that no one has perfect legs!
I love J.Crew shorts!
HI Beth!
This is a really great follow-up to your previous post on shorts. The inseam specifics are helpful and I know will be appreciated!
So glad you found the post helpful! Thanks for stopping by!