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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Way to go, Girlfriend, I love this article and your spunk. The black linen pants were one of the best purchases I made last year, and I never would have found them without your recommendation. I forwarded this week’s article to my 39 year old daughter who would prefer not to wear shorts, and she placed an order with Old Navy within minutes! Thanks for appealing to all age groups and preferences.
Interesting article thank you and love the info and insight you share! And thank you for pushing back against the rude and judgmental comment with your email. Well put!!
I love your response to the “Jens” of the world.
We are hard enough on ourselves, so we don’t need criticism from others (especially women)on our style choices.
We are not always going to like something someone else is wearing, so be kind and keep catty comments to oneself.
There is a way to disagree, like saying nice choices, however, not for me.
Keep up the great work and I love receiving your daily suggestions.
I for one, LOVE the post! My job wardrobe changes with wherever I’m going to be, and sometimes that involves being outside on sweltering days, and still having to look professional (i.e. no shorts). “Mean girls” are insecure and they feel better when they make everyone else around them miserable- it gives them a feeling of power that they don’t have in other aspects of their lives. However, even with an explanation, the things they say are not acceptable!
Love the site, love the posts, love everything! You go, girl!
And I also wanted to say that shorts CAN look professional, but I’m not allowed to wear them to appointments, so for me, they’re out as professional wear.
Great post, Meg. I always enjoy your blog – and I ‘m often willing to try your suggestions. In fact, I’ve often received compliments for a combination inspired by your blog. Thanks for the great work
Thank you for speaking up and not sugarcoating a reply! I hope next time Jen doesn’t comment something she most likely wouldn’t say to someone in person.
Thank you for being willing to put yourself out there like this in an effort to help all of us. I love your advice and I admire how you can come up with so many different things to post about!
I like all your posts and suggestions. I follow you because I have learned and continue to learn how to find and maintain a style for a grown up woman. If Jen or anyone else doesn’t like a post – don’t read it. There are plenty of us who look forward to your emails every day. And I would have no problem with blocking anyone who practices bullying on your site. Thank you Meg for all you do for all of us who are struggling with fashion, aging and clutter and so many other things.
Amen! We need to stand up to the Jen’s of the world. More kindness, please. I try everyday to compliment a woman I encounter – the checkout women at the grocery store, the bank teller, the food server, etc. I am a true believer that we women need to embrace & support each other. Build each other up rather than tear down. I hate shorts, but that’s ok. I‘ll never criticize anyone if they do…I probably will compliment them! 💕
Thanks for this post. Shorts are not very flattering on me so I just don’t wear them. I appreciate the suggestions and think they are more compatible with my style. FYI — the Old Navy wide leg pants are on sale today for $14. (BTW, I’m not a nun.)
Thank you for all these alternatives. I have awful veins on my legs (hereditary) and choose to wear long skirts, maxi dresses and loose, wide leg trousers in the summer. I don’t feel like a nun, instead comfortable in myself.
Oh well, I love this blog and the clothes which Meg suggests are really classy. If nuns dress like this, then count me in…
Thank you for taking so much time to seek out cute, classy clothes and pair them into outfits to share with us. I am not a nun but I appreciate modesty and the encouragement you offer women of all shapes and sizes to dress in a manner that suits them.
Sometimes I wear shorts but I prefer other alternatives so thank you for these excellent suggestions. Too bad there are rotten apples who have to spread their negativity. Rotten apples don’t belong here; they belong in the trash!
Shorts til I die! 55 and never looked better
Good for you and not the point. We love shorts too, but some women don’t and they’re allowed to want some different options.
I absolutely love linen and I just recently started to wear shorts and I’m 47 years old . I like what I like and I don’t really follow the trends of today because half of the time I think there ugly but that’s just me ppl should wear what they feel comfortable in
I am 68 years old and I also do not wear shorts. But the perfect option for me is skorts. I am petite so the skirt comes a bit above the knees. Plus it’s very comfortable and cool. There is a stretchy short sewn underneath the skort. I am so grateful for these and have probably six or seven pair of different colors. It’s a great option for me especially since I live in the hot state of Arizona.
Oh how I agree about capris. I don’t know how or why they have stayed around so long. I am short and capris make me look like my legs are 2″ long. Haha I love all of your choices here. I used to wear shorts But as I have gotten older and heavier I love a good cool summer dress!
I totally agree. Capris are the only garment I despise as well. Plus I’m only 5’2” and they certainly don’t do anything to elongate me. I have tons of friends who live in them and just don’t get it. At my age, I do have ugly knees (was a clean freak most of my life and had to clean my floors on my knees. Who knew the damage I could do. There are tons of every style dress for every body shape. And I find dresses or skirts so much cooler in our humid conditions in Florida. Why I can’t tell my friends what NOT TO WEAR, I’m glad you do.
Wow….calling a woman “jackass Jen” because she has an opinion different from you is unprofessional and rude.
No, it’s standing up to a bully who wants to make women feel bad about their insecurities and I will do it every single time.
Do NOT be a Jen.
Sorry to be so blunt, but mid calf lengths look dowdy and covering up with extra lengths of fabric are not the best way to beat the summer heat. A just above the knee skort, swirly light sun dress or wrap skirt (like Rip skirts) are much more sporty, attractive and breezily cool. I have eight grandkiddos so I am no spring chicken. I do not want to dress skimpily like a teeny bopper, but I really do not want to cover up and look like a sweltering old bag either. There is better happy medium options out there.
This summer especially I have been looking for classy alternatives to the shorts, t’s and flip-flops I’ve been wearing all my life. At 59 I’m ready to dress like a grown up, but not frumpy. Megan, your post hits the mark! I love the t-shirt dresses with trainers, going to give this look at try! Thanks!
I agree with you…no capris, ugh!
Appreciate all the nice choices instead of shorts. What are your suggestions for leggings that go to the knee or all the way down to the ankle. Also, tops that cover the buttocks area when wearing the leggings. Thanks so much. Not only do you show suggestions of apparel but where to purchase!