how old is “too old’?

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Summer’s here, and that means shorts — maybe not for every day, but at some point. I’m totally in love with my shorts this year, largely because it’s been hot here since March and I figured that I might as well get excited about summer clothes, since I will apparently be wearing them until Thanksgiving. Or something like that.

#getdressed
I’ve always worn long shorts — the longer the better. Not because I love long shorts — I don’t really; they’re not particularly comfortable or practical or flattering. It was mostly because I felt like short shorts were for some other woman, someone in her 20s who hadn’t had two babies and whose thighs were smaller than mine.

Of course, I also wore long shorts in my 20s because my legs weren’t model-thin and short shorts were for girls who were prettier than I was. Which meant that in my 40s, when I realized that my 20-year-old body was gone forever, I spent a lot of warm weather days feeling like I had really missed the boat on shorts. And of course, I thought, I’m too old for those short shorts now.

Or maybe not.

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25 thoughts on “how old is “too old’?”

  1. I think once you are in your 40s the short shorts need to be put away…no matter how great you think you look in them. It seems trying too hard to look young IMO…

    • I think she looks amazing! I’m in my 20s and don’t think she is “trying to look young,” I think she just looks great. I wish my thighs looked that good in shorts.

      • I think she looks great too–but I think there is a risk of being that person who is trying to hard. I just think that outfit would look fabulous with longer shorts or a skirt, and save the short shorts for home.

  2. I think you look great! Also, my opinion of “old” keeps shifting to about 10-15 years older than where I am now. I like wearing what is flattering and makes me feel good, whether or not it’s particularly “on trend” or is supposed to be for a certain age group.

  3. I weigh 150 pounds ( I’m 5″4″ so that’s pretty hefty) so I could never pull off short shorts. But you look fantastic in yours. I do regret the days when I was much thinner and could have worn them but was too afraid to. I have to thank you for encouraging all of us to make an effort everyday. I’ve been doing the 30 day challenge and it’s making me feel better about myself. The first day my kids were like, “why are you not wearing yoga pants?” The second day they wanted to know why I was wearing a RED shirt in place of the usual black. It was all too crazy for them! Now they anxiously await seeing what I’ll have on. I used to make such an effort to look nice and then after baby number four I gave up. I gained 95 pounds with her. I lost 70 of that but I felt as though I didn’t deserve to look nice because I wasn’t my normal 125 pounds and who do I think I am trying to look normal at such a bigger size? It’s sick but true. Anyway, I’ve gone out and bought some sizes that fit and although it depressed me at first, I feel so much better. I’m not giving up on losing the last 25, but I need to feel okay for now, not worry about looking good for what may never actually be. Thanks. You really have helped me.

  4. I think it’s more about what’s flattering than about age. Susan has rockin’ runner’s legs, so she can get away with shorter shorts! I was sidelined from running by injury for most of the entire past year, so my shorter shorts are still in my closet for now–though I hope to break them out a little later this summer–and I’m 41 (and mine aren’t as short as Susan’s :) ). I think it’s when an “older” person wears something short that looks unflattering on her or it is a very “young” (i.e. juniors dept.) style that things start to go awry.

    As for the Challenge, I too am finding it is helping me feel better about the 10 lbs. I am trying to lose to get back to my “normal” weight. It is tempting to just wear black yoga pants when you’re feeling heavier than usual, but I’m finding that I feel better when I put on something cute–and even that I look pretty good, too–despite how I may feel about my size right now!

  5. I agree with Shannon! It’s about what looks good on your body and not what age you are. People are always worrying about being age appropriate, and I think that’s sad. Don’t let mental and emotional maturity equal “frumpy old people clothes!” If someone is lucky enough to have the legs to pull off shorts at 40, I say DO IT!!! I’m only 29 and my wide hips and thick thighs already look awful in shorts. I can only hope that one day with enough gym time I will be able to wear shorts again.

  6. I love this discussion — all of it. Thanks to everyone for being so thoughtful and polite in your comments and responses.

    While this is, at some level, absolutely about what I wear, it is also *not* about me, but about the whole idea of what is appropriate at what age, and about how there is no arbitrary age-based cutoff for style. Don’t assume that because you are some specific number — 25 or 35 or 45 — you can’t wear the pieces you love. Conversely, don’t feel like turning 40 means you are required to start wearing things you don’t love. Wear what works for you, whatever your age is.

    That is all.

  7. Thanks, Susan. For giving us from the 40′s club permission to think outside our age when it comes to fashion. I think you look awesome in those shorts…time for me to get back to the gym!

  8. Shorts are fine no matter what your age may be! As long as you’re comfortable and happy wearing them, there’s no age cutoff. Although, with the short shorts…if the inseam is the just about the same length as the waistband, then you’re just wearing thick underpants with a zipper. And no one of any age should sport those! ;)

  9. I’m turning 40 this summer and my legs are still in great shape so I’m gonna keep wearing the 5” and 7” shorts, along with Bermudas. I’ll put the shorter shorts away when all those post-40 women put their cleavage away. I guess that means I’ll be wearing my shorts for a long long time! Lol

  10. If you’ve got good legs (like Susan) than I say just wear whatever length shorts you want. The only exception would be those shorts that the teenagers seem to gravitate to that look like underpants. UGH! You’ve just got to know your own body and keep your pieces & parts covered appropriately. Right?

  11. Another agreement on the, “it’s not the age, it’s the asset” issue. I have seen 16 year old girls who shouldn’t be wearing short shorts – in fact, I was one of those, about 22 years ago. I wasn’t fat, but my pear shape just made those shorts look wrong on me. Still do. I still have to be very picky about shorts – the only ones that really work tend to be on the sporty side, cargo with pockets to distract, but not puffy pockets that would draw attention to the area. Mostly I stick to sundresses. BUT, I do have a nice upper body, nice toned arms, so even though I am pushing 40, I feel pretty confident in a tank top or sleeveless in the summer. Or even in a – gasp – bikini! So again, it is all about highlighting the assets, downplaying the other parts. Susan, if I had your legs, I would be totally rocking the (tasteful) shorts and minis!

  12. I always figure life is too short to worry about whether or not someone else thinks what you are wearing is appropriate. Wear what makes you look good & makes you feel good and let everyone else dress themselves. As so many above have said, you have to know what works with your body type & size. Age is just another number.

  14. I think it depends on the clothing. Some articles, like rompers and hair bows, definitely have expiration dates of “no older than 13″. As far as shorts, I think it depends on how you look and feel in them. But, I also can’t support shorts as anything resembling formal wear or work appropriate. And, as much as I adore you Susan (and, you know I do), I don’t understand wearing shorts with a blazer. Is it a professional outing that requires a blazer? A casual outing for shorts? It’s very confusing. Maybe it depends on your job and mine is more office, so…but, you look cute.

  15. Pingback: The Do Not Wear list | The Working Closet | Work It, Mom!

  16. Susan, I’m looking for the rest of this article, but can’t find it on Work It, Mom! I know I read it all before, and was hoping to share it with my sister. Can YOU find the good link to it on their website? Do I have to be a member?

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