Many women over 40 avoid shorts because they simply don’t know how to choose (or style) a pair in a chic and flattering way. But shorts can be fabulous to wear in summer. This guide will tell you where to find the best women’s shorts and how women over 40 can wear them.
How to pick the best women’s shorts for women over 40
If you’re wondering how to find the best women’s shorts that would be flattering for your age and figure, let’s go over 3 things:
1. Body shape
Most women learn towards one of the 5 different body shapes: apple, pear, rectangle, inverted triangle and hourglass.
Certain shorts will work better on one shape over another. Keep your shape in mind when looking at the styles below.
For instance, you might want to think about a darker colored pair if you are a pear shape, or a pair to fit your curves if you are an hourglass.
If you don’t know your body shape, read our article on how to find your body shape.
2. Height
Height can also add to the variable of how to choose the best shorts for your body shape.
Petite women should be more careful of how much fabric the shorts have in the form of bows, pleats and other details, which can overwhelm the frame.
Regardless of height, always consider if the shorts you’re trying on are the right length for your height. Remember, for the most flattering silhouette you want to get a 1/3 – 2/3 balance within your outfit and / or within your overall look. (to learn more about this concept check our article on how to wear capris or take the 21 steps style course where we explain this concept in a lot of detail.
Natalia @odin.stylish.me above shows how to do a half tuck. This can ensure that you still have a leg lengthening look because you can see where her waist is.
Steal her look with this similar shirt, shorts, sandals, bag, necklace, earrings and sunglasses.
3. Legs
Not being comfortable with showing your legs is probably the top reason most women don’t want to wear shorts. And of course the choice if doing so is completely up to you. But if you like the comfort of wearing shorts, and want to wear them despite being reluctant to show your cellulite, veins, scars or other issues, there are solutions.
My favorite solution is just to choose comfort over vanity and don’t care about the way your legs look. That is always a choice! If you wear your shorts with confidence, people will notice YOU and not your legs.
However, if you’d rather not showcase you legs, opt for a longer short style.
You can also consider wearing a pair of lightweight tights under a shorter pair of shorts. Wearing tights can be a fashion statement or it can be a way to smooth and conceal veins or scars. The ones Spanx makes will also conceal will also smooth the body fat in your legs.
What length is best for shorts for women over 40?
Just as there are many skirt lengths to choose from, anything goes when it comes to the hem length of your shorts.
There were plenty of short shorts on the catwalks for summer and for fall 2024, but also stylish longer length shorts.
So, simply choose the length that flatters you, and which you are comfortable with.
Best women’s shorts on the catwalks
Below, you can see some designer inspiration when it comes to wearing shorts
What style of shorts are most flattering?
This will very much depend on your body type. But, generally, a pair of mid-length, high-waisted shorts looks great on most figures.
What shorts to wear when you have a tummy?
You can approach this in different ways. You could wear slim capri length shorts and then keep your shirt loose over the top of them. Or, look out for mid to high-waisted shorts that tuck your tummy in, and wear with a tank, t-shirt or shirt tucked in.
Take a look at these articles on how to hide a belly with the right clothes, pants to hide a belly and tops to hide a belly for more tips.
What body type looks good in shorts?
All body types can look great in shorts. The trick is to choose shorts that are most flattering for you. For example, if you have a long torso and shorter legs, then choosing a high-waisted pair of shorts and tucking your top in can balance out your figure.
What are the best women’s shorts and most flattering shorts for each shape?
Below, you’ll find all of our favorite shorts that we’ve found in stores now. Look out for shapes that suit your figure for the most flattering effect.
First, know your shape – check out how to find out your body type here.
If you’re a rectangle, shorts look great on your athletic body. You can choose any shape you want. Choose tighter styles to follow your figure, or flowy shorts if you want to add curves.
For inverted triangles, you can balance out wider shoulders by choosing wider, flowy shorts or culottes.
Hourglasses look great in retro short styles with high waists. The key is to make sure you show off your waist line.
For pears, choosing a darker pair of shorts that skim over hips and thighs and teaming with a brighter top is a great idea.
If you’re an apple, then keeping your top loose over your shorts and looking our for mid and high waisted styles that streamline your tummy is perfect.
similar tunic, shorts, sandals, hat and necklace
Most of you will only wear shorts for summer or for your vacations. I also like to wear shorts as loungewear as I just find them very comfortable.
Let’s break shorts down into current styles and who they’re best for.
UTILITY women’s shorts – Best shorts for a safari holiday
Khaki shorts are ideal for a safari holiday or a walk in the park.
If you love a natural look, then khaki shorts would be a lovely option. I can definitely imagine Jennifer Aniston wearing these ones.
J.Crew Seaside Linen-TENCEL™ Lyocell Blend Cargo Short
Or, you could opt for a utility style in blue. The Ramy Brook shorts (below) team a smart look with cargo details.
Ramy Brook Cornelia Belted Utility Shorts
Below is how I wore mine during my holiday in Namibia.
similar shirt, shorts, (another option here), shoes and hat
High waisted shorts with a flare: the best dressy shorts to go for dinner or on evening walk
What they are: High waisted flare shorts often look like a skirt because of the flared legs and fitted and defined waistline. They’re often shorter in length, around mid-thigh. This style is on trend right now and is fresh, flirty and feminine.
What woman should wear this style: It’s the perfect style for pear, apple and inverted shapes because it cinches and accentuates the waist, tucks the tummy in and flares at the leg, sort of like an A-line skirt. Although any woman of any shape would find this style flattering of they want to accentuate their waistline! Especially those looking for a pair of shorts that tend to conceal your thighs and hips by draping softly around them.
How to wear high waisted flare shorts: Get your girly game on, because this style is great with feminine accessories. A heel, wedge or dainty mule or sandal would be a great shoe option. Because of all the attention around the waist from this style, keep the top clean, minimal and tucked in. Layering with a shorter cardigan adds polish to the style.
Open Edit Pleated High Waist Trouser Shorts
Cinq à Sept Aldi Belted High-Waisted Shorts
similar top , shorts and flats
I find my high waisted flare women’s shorts particularly good for more dressy occasions. Above is how I wore mine on a holiday during the evening for a stroll on the boulevard and outdoor dinner.
Best women’s shorts styles: Bermuda shorts
What they are: Bermuda shorts are slightly fitted, straight up and down in cut, are longer (falling around 1 to 2″ above the knee) and can be worn rolled up or with a cuff. Many companies call any short that is mid-thigh length or longer a bermuda.
What woman should wear this style: The rectangle or hourglass shape woman would find this style flattering, because they aren’t cut for the big hips or curves of other shapes. The other body shapes should avoid them, since they could feel too tight around the hips, waist and/or butt area. Most women would then try to buy them in a bigger size and then end up with improperly fitting bermudas.
How to wear bermuda shorts: Depending on your style, bermuda shorts can be dressed up or down. They are versatile enough to be worn with a t-shirt and sandals, in which case you can roll them up, or if they have a nice fabric to them, dress them up with a blouse and wedge heels. I especially love this style with a loose, wrap cardigan, mid-size belt and slip-on flats or sneakers.
NYDJ Briella Denim Bermuda Shorts
KUT from the Kloth Pleated Linen Blend Shorts
The pair below are from Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (NYDJ), which is one of my favorite jeans brands. Tighter bermuda shorts tend to be more flattering that really wide ones as wider ones can really widen you and make your look bigger than you are.
similar shirt, shorts, sandals, sun hat and necklace
Best women’s shorts: Long shorts
You may not want to wear shorts because you don’t like the way your thighs look, or simply because you don’t feel they are appropriate as you get older.
But, the right pair of long shorts can be flattering, especially if you are happy with the bottom part of your legs.
Not only that, but longer length shorts are very on trend right now.
Co-ordinates are very on trend right now – and you can find matching top here.
Pants shorts
What they are: Trousers or pants shorts for women are perhaps the most flattering style of all. They’re essentially well-tailored trousers. They vary in style from very short to 1″ above the knee. They are similar to the bermuda shorts but dressier and often constructed in finer fabrics.
What woman should wear this style: Any woman can wear this style. Even the length is a matter of preference! It’s a myth that petite women should wear shorter shorts and taller women should wear long shorts. Go with what you like and feels right for you.
How to wear trouser shorts: The trouser shorts is so nicely constructed, you may want to tuck in your top and add a belt. This is a great dressier style that can be paired with a lightweight sweater or a jacket for a short pants suit.
J.Crew Linen Blen 9″ Trouser Short
Best women’s shorts: Pleated shorts
What they are: A pleated short style has some type of pleat detail to the front of it. The length on this style of shorts can vary. Pleated shorts can be tricky, so the important rule of thumb is to look for a pair without too many pleats, folds or other ornamentation.
What woman should wear this style: This style can be worn by all body shapes. The pleats on the legs are roomy enough to hide imperfections or downplay larger thighs. The shape of pleated shorts is wonderful for petite or rectangle women who may want a little extra volume. The cut is more like a structured skirt. These can be the perfect shorts style for the 40+ fashionista.
How to wear pleated shorts: The secret to this style is to choose a quality fabric and the right fit. A longer, pleated short is a fun and feminine style. But fabric that is too bulky or a pleated short that is too tight or loose can be highly unflattering. For a fashion-forward, avant-garde look, choose a longer knee-length style, urban colors like blacks, grays or bold tones and pair with bold accessories.
Alice + Olivia Conry Pleated Linen Blend Shorts
Ramy Brook Joss Pleated Shorts
Angela @angelamashelle above looks fabulous in her black shorts outfit.
Get her look with this similar top, shorts, pumps, handbag, belt, earrings and sunglasses.
More types of shorts
While these are the main styles of shorts you could opt for, there are of course lots of types of shorts within those categories that you can choose. Here are some of the most popular.
paperbag
A paperbag style usually has a higher waist, which is particularly useful if you want to make your legs look longer.
Caslon Tie Waist Linen Blend Shorts
Lounge shorts
You may be looking for a pair of lounge shorts because you are at home much more than usual at the moment, or because you would like a pair of shorts to exercise in.
Treasure & Bond French Terry Shorts
Walking shorts
Do you love to walk around your neighborhood, or further afield? Whether you’re heading out for a few errands, sightseeing (when you’re able to travel again) or you like to get out for a longer hike, the outdoor shorts below are very well-reviewed, with reviewers saying they are the perfect length for exercising – not too long, and not too short!
They’re also a great choice if you like yoga or pilates and you don’t want to wear longer leggings when the weather starts to warm up.
You can also find a longer option here.
Chino shorts
Just as chino pants are timeless enough to wear year after year, so too are chino shorts.
J.Crew Button-front Chino Short
Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias above opts for a pair of cargo shorts and coral top.
Check out this similar tee, shorts, sneakers, handbag, belt, sunhat and sunglasses.
printed shorts
A pair of printed shorts could be the perfect way to add interest to your outfit. Just wear with a plain tank top or T-shirt and you have the perfect vacation outfit.
Johnny Was Luciana Botanical Linen Belted Shorts
Jean shorts
Jean shorts, or denim shorts, are a style staple which suit women of all shapes, sizes and ages.
And, while you may not want to wear your denim shorts as short as the Daisy Dukes immortalized by actress Catherine Bach in the Duke’s of Hazard, there are plenty of longer options which would be flattering.
rag & bone McKenna Denim Bermuda Shorts
Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above opts for a classic look of denim shorts and striped t-shirt. We love how she has matched her shoes to the print in her top.
Get her look with this similar tee, shorts, pumps, clutch and sunglasses.
Black denim shorts
While you may traditionally think of denim shorts as being blue, you don’t have to stick to this shade. You could opt for a black pair instead to bring something a little different to your looks.
You can always wear a lighter, feminine top so your outfit doesn’t look too heavy for warmer weather.
Agolde VidaHigh-Rise Split Jean Shorts
White denim shorts
Just as a pair of white jeans are a great option for summer, a pair of white denim shorts will be a lovely addition to your wardrobe for warmer months.
This pair from Joe’s Jeans (below) is a timeless classic you are likely to wear for many summers to come.
Joe’s Jeans The Avery High-Rise Denim Shorts
If you love wearing white during the summer, also take a look at how to wear white pants.
High-waisted denim shorts
If you like to make your legs look longer, or you have a torso which is long in proportion to the rest of your body (read what I have to say here about your vertical body type), a pair of high-waisted denim shorts can be very flattering on you.
High-waisted denim shorts are particularly on trend this summer, with celebrities wearing them to festivals and bloggers showcasing them on Instagram.
But, they can also definitely work for the 40+ woman if you opt for a pair which are a little longer in the legs. High-waisted shorts look best with a shirt or blouse tucked into them.
linen shorts
Linen is always a lovely, light material for summer, making linen shorts ideal for a warm weather vacation.
You can find the matching shirt here for the J.Crew shorts (below).
Adaline @sdmomstyles above opts for a classic look with beige shorts and a blue shirt. Perfect if you want to achieve an old money look during the warmer months.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, shorts, sandals and necklace.
silk shorts
If you want to make your shorts outfit look and feel more luxurious, like one of the silk options below.
You can see the matching top here for the silk shorts (below).
Loulou Studio Silk Straight Leg Shorts
Dress capris
As well as wearing shorts for work, you could opt to wear dressier shorts, perhaps for a summer barbecue you are invited to, or for smarter venues and restaurants while on vacation.
Or, if you still want to be cool, but you want a more formal look, you could choose a pair of culottes or capris which come below the knee, rather than shorts. Then, you can wear with a heeled sandal.
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Nuccia Jersey Capris
mid length
The perfect mid length is often hard to find when you’re searching for the best women’s shorts.
kate spade new york Tech Twill Shorts
Short shorts
I still like my short shorts especially when I’m at the beach. They feel easy to wear with a colorful t-shirt and it just feels relaxed. Above is one of my favorite shorts looks. If you are not keen on short shorts and don’t want to wade through dozens of pairs of short shorts, you can narrow down by mid length shorts and long shorts on Nordstrom.
vineyard vines Herringbone Stretch Cotton Shorts
Flowy shorts
A pair of flowy shorts can be lovely if you prefer the material of your clothing to be loose and not to cling too much to your upper thighs.
These can be great for fitting a pear shape, or for balancing out an inverted triangle.
The flowy skort (below) from Amazon would be lovely for vacations or sunny days in the garden.
BEST SHORTS FOR THE BEACH
Or, if you want to swim in shorts, how about a pair of board shorts?
BALEAF High Waisted Swim Shorts
See our top picks for the best bathing suits for women over 40 this summer.
Skort
Another option could be to look for a pair of shorts which look like a skirt. That way, you can get away with a shorter length of skirt, secure in the knowledge that you won’t be flashing anything you don’t want to when you sit down!
VERO MODA Mymilo High Waist Skort
Work shorts
Depending on your workplace, if you are working right now, then you may want to look at a pair of shorts you can wear for the office.
I find that a pair of tailored shorts in a darker shade works well. You can wear with heels and team with a smart blouse or shirt for a look which keeps you looking smart enough for the office but cool enough for summer temperatures.
I think the J.Crew shorts (below) be a very versatile pair to dress up or down. They also come up with a matching blazer
J.Crew Sailor Stretch Linen Blend Pleated Short
Or, you could choose a shorts and blazer set that is already put together for you. The blazer set (below) comes in 11 different colors, and reviewers say it is great quality and super comfortable.
Fisoew Store Blazer and Short Set
Jona @the50plusgirl above opts for a shorts suit that would be perfect for summer events.
Steal her look with this similar tank top, blazer set (another option here), pumps, handbag (another option here) and sunglasses.
What length shorts should a 50 year old woman wear?
We hope that we’ve shown you that you can wear any length of shorts you want to. Pick a length that makes you feel confident, whether you like to show off your legs, or you prefer some coverage.
What shorts should a 60 year old woman wear?
There are so many shorts to choose from, that you should concentrate on the shorts that look good on your body type, rather than what looks good at a particular age.
Can a 70 year old woman wear shorts?
Of course. You can wear shorts at any age. You can be stylish and elegant in shorts no matter whether you are 40, 50, 60, 70 or above.
Final tips on how to wear shorts over 40
I leave you with some final do’s and don’ts when wearing and choosing the best women’s shorts:
- Don’t be afraid to invest a few dollars to have your shorts hemmed to the proper length. You’ll probably wear them year after year, so it will be worth it.
- Don’t do short and tight together. If you choose shorter shorts, choose a baggier, looser style. And the tighter the shorts you choose, the longer they should be.
- An easy proportion rule of thumb on how to style shorts is: balance short shorts with a longer top and longer shorts with a shorter (or tucked in) top.
- Try tights under your dressier shorts for a polished, elegant look.
- Flat-front shorts are great for not adding extra bulk to the tummy area
Shop the best women’s shorts in stores now:
Do you enjoy wearing shorts? What are the best women’s shorts brands and styles you’ve found so far?
Continue reading:
- How To Wear Capris And Cropped Pants – An Extensive Guide!
- How To Wear Leggings Over 40 – A Complete Guide
- How To Wear White Pants: Inspiration And Ideas
Like this article on the best women’s shorts for women over 40? Save it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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This is a great article. Thank you for covering the Bermuda vs. Pant Short as well as discussing the Work Short. I had lumped everything under Bermuda but knowing the difference I can now look up the others which is great because Bermudas are a little tight in the waist for this apple.
I really enjoyed this article and cannot wait to wear shorts this summer. I wear board shorts to swim, as I feel much more comfortable in them compared to bikini bottoms. Otherwise, it is long shorts for me now. I have a black dressy one for evening, that I wear with barely there flat or mid-heel sandals, a silk white/cream top and a thin gold chain belt, and a sporty one, in beige/stone. I think you are absolutely right that the slimmer the fit, the longer the short should be. I look best in slim fit shorts so I wear them knee-length or close to that.
I used to love wearing shorts. My legs are veiny. I might give it another go and not worry too much about the veins.
I have always loathed wearing shorts. I’ve never considered myself to be a large person but my entire life shorts have ridden up on the inside of my legs. It’s unflattering and makes me feel horrible and uncomfortable in public. I’m an hourglass shape and just on the tall side of petite so if it fits my waist the leg opening is never wide enough. If you ever have advice on people with athletic legs (aka bigger thighs and calves), I’m all ears.
I’m a sailor. A bohemian mind and country heart. My legs are my asset so long ones make me feel really dumpy. But I’m 42 and the 3” length is probably not supposed to happen. How do I find a happy medium?
If your legs are your asset I see no reason why you can’t stick to the shorter length!
i love any kind of style short pants old or new style
I bought two bermuda shorts last year and when I saw the photos afterwards, decided to give up on them. They make me look like a man. I wasn’t a shorts’ person when I was young and I won’t become one now.
It’s nice to see this post. I love wearing shorts!!! I work in a school office and I am able to wear them during the summer to work. I have found the Dana Buchman bermuda shorts from Kohls the most flattering for me.
I have a generous gut and inner thighs and wrinkly knees… There are no shorts to help here!! I’m sticking to fitted capris and tunic tops!
I need shorts that fit my waist and my hips at the same time. I have the same issue with pants.