Am I Too Old To Wear Shorts, Midlife Style?

Am I too old to wear shorts? I admire this look on others, but it’s one I have mostly avoided. However, I’ve decided to give shorts a try. Like most, I have hangups about my knees – they are not the daintiest! Oh, the joys, but isn’t it time to be more accepting? We all put unnecessary pressure on ourselves. So, lately, I’m giving myself a “good old shake” as my lovely grandmother used to say and “going for it.” Being self-critical is such a waste of time. Getting older is a blessing. Accepting ourselves for what we are is so much less complicated and less stressful. I acknowledge the pressures on midlife women can be tough.

Moving on to my post.  Phew! We’ve all been sweltering in a mini heatwave. In true British style, it didn’t last long. Is that it – regarding any more hotness? Hopefully, more will follow.  Throughout this heat, I have enjoyed wearing my breezy linens – creating a few casual looks. I know linen isn’t for everyone. The shape, style and crumples can be a huge turn-off. But, for me, it’s the crinkles that give this material that special look. The light, “imperfect” chicness attracts me. And the qualities are alluring. It’s an age-old fabric, natural and durable, and it allows for ventilation and coolness – important in times of humidity and sudden heat surges.

I’m no fashion expert but the outfits I have put together work for me. I’ve found items in my wardrobe which enhance these assorted styles of linen shorts and trousers while attempting to dodge the frumpy look.  In today’s post, I will show the various looks I have put together wearing my linen shorts. Then, in the next post, I will cover long and cropped linen trousers.

The warmer weather can be regarded with a degree of self-doubt, style-wise. For most of the year, I’m safely hidden under winter stock, especially opaque tights.  I have friends who refuse to pack their opaque tights away – I only packed mine away a month or so ago.

Dove has done a lot of research into self-esteem. It was an interesting read. Here are just a few snippets from their survey: “The Real Truth About Beauty: Revisited”:

• more than half of women globally (54%) agree that, when it comes to how they look, they are their own worst critics;

• 72% of girls feel tremendous pressure to be beautiful; and

• 80% of women agree that every woman has something about her that is beautiful but do not see their own beauty.

Following a hiatus from wearing shorts (I owned a few baggy pairs in my late teens), I have been experimenting with different styles to suit my rectangle shape.  Avoiding styles which are too short or tight. Over the last few years, I have been wearing sweatshirt shorts which I wear every day – mostly to relax at home. When purchasing, I go up a size for that slouchy, tomboy look. They sit nicely above my knee, perfect for comfort. And, they have soft, stretchy material, with pockets – perfect to chill in. The smarter style ones I am wearing in today’s post have that loose midrise style, which I feel comfortable with. I tried quite a few pairs before settling on these. The photos I’m showing you, today, made me realise just how much fun wearing shorts can be. So hangups put firmly to one side, this is how I have styled them.  I hope you find some cool and breezy ideas for any holidays you have planned or if our British weather improves.

To prepare, beauty-wise:

• waxing strips

• a good exfoliating glove to remove dead skin cells seems to bring my skin to life.

• I try to remember to use my body brush at least three times a week as studies have shown it helps with cellulite.

• self-tan – I have used St Tropez (Express), for years – I like the natural tan it gives my pasty white skin….and, lately, I have been using skinny tan on my face, too – it provides a natural glow – so I’ve just purchased my second bottle.

• footwear is key: sneakers, espadrilles, low heels or flats (sliders) are ideal.

• body moisturiser (all of these have five-star reviews) CeraVe body lotion, Garnier Body Superfood, Nutri Glow Body Cream Vitamin C & Mango, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream and Dove Pro Age Body Lotion Nourishing Body Care.

Outfit One

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Outfit Two

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Outfit Three

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Outfit Four

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Regarding all things discussed in this post, let me know your thoughts in the comments, I would love to hear from you.  I will be back shortly with a few more linen-style ideas.  I was going to include them in this post but it would have been far too long, hence, part two will follow….And, as I finish this post the sun and warmth have returned to the UK.  Hooray!!

As always, thank you for visiting my blog and reading my post, which is not sponsored. All products are my own.

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Alison x