What to Wear When You Don’t Wear Shorts
If shorts are on your “do not wear” list, you’re not alone.
Every summer, I hear from readers asking: What can I wear instead of shorts when it’s hot out? For some, it’s about wanting more coverage. For others, it’s not about coverage at all—they just want something more comfortable or a little more polished. Whatever your reason, the good news is: there are plenty of stylish, warm-weather alternatives to shorts that keep you cool without sacrificing style.
Personally, I like shorts. They’re practical and sporty, and they make sense when I’m juggling work and three kids during those long, hot East Coast summer days. But I also get it—style is personal. And if shorts aren’t your thing, you deserve options that still feel effortless and chic.
And just to be clear—if you like wearing shorts, by all means, keep wearing them. Shorts can be stylish, flattering, and totally age-appropriate for everyone. With the right fit and thoughtful styling, they can even look incredibly chic.
And if the reason you avoid them is because you think your knees aren’t cute, I promise you—no one’s entering a “best knees” contest. Most of us are just out here trying to stay cool and feel good in what we’re wearing.
So today, we’re answering the question: What to wear when you don’t wear shorts? From breezy dresses and linen pants to cropped jeans and skorts, here are the best alternatives to shorts for women over 40.
The Best Alternatives to Shorts for Summer
1. Dresses: Easy, Breezy & Always Chic
Dresses are the easiest and most versatile alternative to shorts when it’s warm. They’re cool, comfortable, and effortlessly put-together—just throw one on, and you’re done. Whether you’re running errands, heading to lunch, or packing for vacation, a great dress works for almost anything. Keep it casual with sneakers or flat slides, or dress it up with sandals, a tote, and a few simple accessories. From breezy cotton to polished knits, there’s a style for every day of the week.
I own several of these and wear them constantly—they’re the kind of throw-on-and-go pieces that make getting dressed feel easy.
- Frank & Eileen Mini Harper Tee Shirt Dress, $168 |Great quality, 100% Cotton, flattering subtle high low hem that hits at the top of the knee.
- SPANX AirEssentials® Maxi Tank Dress $118 | Lightweight, breathable, just the right amount of stretch and the slit lets you move about without being too much.
- UNTUCKit Shirt Dress, $98 | I’m living in these, specifically from UNTUCKit, the fit is great, wonderful quality, can wear most of the them with heels or sneakers.
2. Casual Linen and Lightweight Pants
If pants feel too warm for summer, try a lightweight linen, an airy cotton blend, or a moisture-wicking fabric. These breathable options are designed to keep you cool—sometimes even cooler than shorts—thanks to their relaxed silhouettes and heat-friendly materials. A wide-leg linen pant with a tucked-in tank, or a crisp cotton style paired with a lightweight button-down, looks polished while still feeling effortless and comfortable.
Top Picks:
- Wide Leg Casual Beach Pants Cotton Linen, $37.99 | From Amazon, 10/10, lightweight, linen not see through and do not wrinkle.
- Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant, $99 | You can wear these to work with kitten heels or sneakers for a sporty look, GREAT for travel, breathable, and almost 20,000 rave reviews from customers.
- Drapey Denim Trouser, $88 | Not your typical denim, these are soft, easy and polished while super comfy, ideal for summer outfits.
3. Skirts and Skorts
Skirts and skorts are a great option if you like the ease of shorts but want a more polished feel. They offer the same comfort and freedom of movement, with a bit more versatility. Pair a cotton skort with a tee and sneakers for daytime, or try a flowy midi skirt with a tank and sandals for a lightweight, pulled-together look.
Top Picks:
- Poplin Drop Waist Midi Skirt, $34.97 | A fabulous color in a flattering fit and priced well. But you can find these everywhere. Pair with a simple tee and you favorite summer slides.
- 100% Organic Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Skirt, $59.90 | Another sweet option, longer, fuller, pair with a top that fits closer to the body.
- Tee Time High Rise 17″ Skort, $69.00 | I love these, a bit more polished than basic shorts, but still sporty and easy to move in.
What to Wear Instead of Shorts: Final Thoughts
You don’t have to wear shorts to dress for summer. You just need the right mix of breathable fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and versatile pieces that suit your life and style.
From dresses and linen pants to polished skorts and lightweight jumpsuits, these are the best alternatives to shorts for women over 40. Whether you want more coverage, better comfort, or just a change—there’s something here that can help you build a summer wardrobe that works.
👇 Keep Reading:
- What to Do With Clothes That No Longer Fit Hanging in Your Closet
- The Best White Jeans That Aren’t See-Through
- Are Capris Still in Style in 2025? Here’s What to Wear Instead
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I love your site and all of your suggestions. Unfortunately every time I try to look at the choices you made that I like, the item is sold out or only smalls left in stock😔. I will keep trying and you keep up the good work you do for us.
The current situation, with supply chains not operating at full capacity is making it especially challenging – things sell out so fast. But thank you for following along!
My daughter played school golf from middle school all the way to college so skorts are plentiful in my closet. I rarely wear shorts because its hard to find longer ones but I love my skorts. 🙂
I am a tour guide and in the spring and summer I will only wear skorts or lightweight pants when I’m working. Even though I work with a lot of school groups, I’ve always felt shorts were too casual. I generally like the breathability and flexibility of golf skorts. Plus they tend to be a little longer, just above my knees.
I started golfing and really love skorts – especially for walks in the summer, and working from home.
Great suggestions, as usual, Megan. I have one more idea to add to your list. Cropped yoga pants or 7/8 length. I am particularly fond of Zella–there’s a reason the brand has a cult following. Sizing is pretty inclusive (2XS-2XL) and they’re on sale now (some starting at $20) at HauteLook, a Nordstrom company. I especially like the styles that have cell phone pocket. Also, you can size up a bit if you want to wear them all day and through the evening, as opposed to going for maximum compression for a yoga/Pilates class.
Thanks for the recommendation Julie!!
I love the simplicity of The Old Navy t-shirt dress! Very comfy! I also got their maxi during their Memorial Day sale. Very casual and comfortable. I also recommend Athleta’s City pants. There are now several different styles to choose from, and many are made with recycled polyester/spandex. They are lightweight, breathable, and don’t wrinkle!
Agreed! And I love that they don’t wrinkle – that’s a big deal 🙂
I wear cotton dresses mostly, , and don’t like Capri pants either.
Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the difference between crop pants and capris? I love your recommendations, Megan even though here in New Zealand we are moving into Autumn.
Karen,
The difference is, mostly, length. Capri’s stop mid-calf & cropped pants go to the ankle, basically just a tiny bit shorter than regular pants.
@Carey, also known as flood pants! 😁
Love this!!! Thank you. Begin newly retired I felt at first as if my summer wardrobe was constantly shorts and I was tired of wearing them all the time. Your suggestions are perfect.
Thanks Tracy!!!! I’m glad it’s helpful 🙂
I have trouble knowing what footwear to wear with all the various fashions. Can you do a segment on that?
@Jan, I’m so glad to know others struggle with this. I do wear some capris in summer, but favorite pants are the Athleta city pants. Still struggling for shoes to wear with both. Would love a fashion expert advice on this.
@Jan,
Same! I feel conspicuous wearing a heel with shorts for a casual day, but I would like something more stylish than tennis shoes or flip flops.
Thanks for these suggestions, Megan! T-shirt dresses are unflattering on me (flat chested with few curves so they don’t drape nicely) but skirts with a shirt tucked in might work. I’ve seen some knee-length skirts at J. Crew Factory as well as midi length boho style skirts on Amazon that seem like good options. I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations on casual skirts!
I do like wearing shorts but want to change up every so often and I love the short. It is a great style break from shorts and still look good. Thanks for this!
What about the obvious choice? Skirts of your preferred length!
I love the options shown. I am petite and wear size 6. The problem is my thighs are not as thin as I’d like. How do I wear wide leg pants, without looking short and squat?
You’re best bet is to just make sure that the pants aren’t adding more width where you don’t want it. That might mean getting some fullness taken out of the legs by a tailor or just looking for a pair with slimmer leg. Also, pay attention to your shoe and avoid a flat. You want to create some height with a heel that will keep the leg looking long. And finally, play with tucking in which ever top you wear, again, to give you more leg length. 🙂
I love your site and find your articles to be VERY helpful. I particularly like your “How to Wear____” articles. They always make me relook at clothes in my closet and help me break out of wearing the same pieces together over and over. I am now more conscious of making sure an item will work with multiple pieces in my existing wardrobe before I buy it. This article on alternatives to shorts gives great suggestions and helpful ways to wear them. I would love it if you would include an article about different ways to wear skorts in an upcoming article. I generally wear skorts when I play golf, but would love some different ways to style them so I don’t look like I am on my way to the golf course.
What do you recommend wearing when you have a large hang down stomach. I’m not comfortable in high waist tops or dresses. I usually wear tunics or longer type shirts. I’m also 72 and don’t go in for some types of clothes. I like to dress a little younger than my age sounds but I don’t like frumpy or too baggy
Your articles have helped me in so many situations. And thank you for showing me where I can finally find the ever elusive petite sized maxi dress. I don’t wear anything that shows my legs, due to scarring from a traumatic incident years ago. However, I have a 27″ inseam and I am shrinking (osteoporosis). So, I was wondering if you know where to find more of these pant options in petites, or as I like to call us, super petites. Peace and love. 🥰
I’m in my 70’s and don’t wear shorts as such. I alter my trousers and shorten them to just below my knee, and I find these look better as I have thin legs. Shorter than Capris. I also feel comfortable wearing them.
I like to wear shorts but not too short. I guess the length is a personal choice for every woman. Talbot’s offers different inseam measurements so there may be an acceptable length although those knees will still show! I have two long scars from knee replacements but I still wear shorts!
I don’t like to wear shorts because the backs of my legs stick to whatever I am sitting on! I find it much cooler to wear something long enough so that I am sitting on my clothes, instead of the metal/plastic/wood seat. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions, Megan!
I will wear shorts but I do prefer cute summer dresses that look good and are comfortable!
Thank you Megan for this well written article. These are great options for those of us that would rather look classy than “oh God NO!” I so appreciate you sharing your gifts with the rest of us—-super helpful! …by the way, I TOTALLY agree with your opinion of capris—who started that trend anyway??? Ewww….
I’m sorry but I’m 49 & would never consider any of these unless I were a nun.
You are so rude. Way to shame other women. How is it hard to understand that this advice is specifically for women who feel uncomfortable in shorts and other shorter-length bottoms. Which is A LOT considering how popular this post is. You might look great in a mini but you sound miserable. Jeez.
I actually love all of these! At 59 I ‘could’ still wear shorts but choose not to, so I appreciate you putting in the effort to show us great options. I especially love easy breezy dresses and sneakers. Thank you, thank you!
Some of us are cursed with hereditary varicose veins and these are great suggestions. Keep up the good work!
I rarely post comments, but I don’t like nasty comments… if dressing like a nun means looking classy, sign me up. You curated beautiful and inspirational options. Well done. Thank you for all the inspiration you provide for us. xo