Shorts After 40 | Spanx Twill Short, Athleta Sale

Not all women over 40, including myself, are comfortable wearing shorts. Back in my 20’s, I fell through a glass table leaving both of my knees scared and kinda bumpy looking. Add in two kids, and general aging, let’s just say my legs are not what they used to be. That said, I live in a climate where temperatures soar in the summer months, and on most days, it’s just too hot to wear jeans – hence, my love of the maxi/midi skirt. But lately, my lifestyle has become a bit more sporty, and I’ve been on the hunt for shorts and skirts for sometime now. Furthermore, I have had a few readers inquire about where to find shorts right now, so my research began.

Since it has been awhile since I’ve gone shopping for shorts, I decided this was something that needed to be done in person, which meant a trip to the dreaded MALL!

SPANX

After reading rave reviews of the SPANX twill short online, I headed into Nordstrom where they had two colors available to try on. This short is available in a 4″ and 6″ inseam, and only the 4″ was available to try on, which is what I am wearing below in olive green.

Spanx 4″ short (HERE) | Spanx 6″ short (HERE)

I went with my regular size small in the 4″ short, and to my surprise I really liked it.

Athleta short, Spanx short — SPANX twill short (left) | Athleta Cabo Short, 4 colors, now on sale (right)

10 things I like about the SPANX twill short

the rise was “normal” not too high or low, just right.
you CAN wear a belt (or scarf as a belt!)
the shorts DO NOT look like spanx – they look and feel like regular twill shorts
the leg opening is nice and wide
I like the flat from, no button look
they have pockets!
I was happy with how they look from the backside
they come in a wide range of colors
available in both 4″ and 6″ lengths
there is a control panel in the tummy area, but it did not bother me or feel compressed

ATHLETA

Just in! Skorts, shorts, linen and swim are now 25% off at Athleta (press here)

I own, and love (this) skort from Athleta. The “run with it” skort ran true to size for me, and I own it in both black and white. Since I do not really like shorts, a skort is the perfect compromise.

“Cabo” linen short

I read the reviews on this short before heading to the store. I really like this short, but I want to mention for me, I did size up. I am usually a 4 or small in Athleta bottoms, and I felt the 6 was a much better fit for me in this short. I accidentally photographed myself in the size 8, so the photo below may look a bit baggier than the short really is. I thought the 4 was just too tight for a linen short.

Here’s a few more helpful articles, including outfit and styling ideas, on wearing shorts after 40

Shop the Post

And if you are in the market for shorts, be sure to pop on over to check out the Athleta Sale for some great deals on summer linen, swim and shorts, on now thru 6/20.

Let’s Chat!

Do you plan to wear shorts this summer? If you have found flattering pairs you like, please feel free to drop a note in the comments down below. Also, if you would like to learn more on how to pull together a Coastal Grandma look with items in your closet, be sure to check out this past Monday’s Stylish Monday Party, for ideas and inspiration (here).

Have a fun weekend!