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Instead of Shorts? Wear These 11 Alternatives

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Comments(61)
April 17, 2024

Hello and welcome to Dressed for My Day, where my goal is to inspire and help women like you and me to dress beautifully and appropriately for our unique days so we can engage graciously with those around us and influence them well. You’ve come across one of my most popular posts that I update every year when I notice women are beginning to look for shorts alternatives. I’m sharing 11 great ideas for what to wear instead of shorts this spring and summer.

I get it. You still want to look summer fresh, feel cool and be comfortable, but you just don’t want to wear shorts. Or maybe you just don’t want to wear shorts all the time. Fortunately there are a number of fashionable, comfortable and easy-to-wear alternatives to shorts. And my list may not be exhaustive, but I think every woman will find at least a few choices that suit.

Before we start, let me explain how I selected these styles. I’m not including things like slacks or dressy dresses. Instead, these options are distinctly casual alternatives. A few of them are more chic than others, but they’re all appropriate for things like going to a church picnic, running errands, rooting on the home team, entertaining in your backyard or playing with the grandkids. These are truly the non-shorts pieces you can wear when others are wearing shorts. Make sense? Perfect!

Updated Post – 04/17/2024

This is a popular post that I update every year. Several of the photos are from one, two and three years back. Since I haven’t yet worn or modeled all of these options this year, it serves me best to keep using the old photos in some instances. But I’ve updated all of the links and shopping widgets as of the date above. And the Style Boards are brand new in 2024!

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links I potentially earn a commission on your purchases, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my work here by shopping my links.

Check Out My Latest Video on the Topic!

I made the following video in the summer of 2022. Subscribe to my channel, hit the little bell for notifications and watch for an updated version of this video in spring or summer of 2024.

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Summer Jeans

Let’s get jeans out of the way. They’re not my favorite choice because they can be hot. But if you are going out on a cool evening you will look summery fresh in lightweight or ankle length jeans.

graphic tee
See the original blog post for sizing details. // jeans (in darker wash) // graphic tee // Lauren Conrad unlined blazer // earrings // shoulder bag (more economical option at Kohl’s) // sandals

The jeans outfit above is from Kohl’s but I don’t think the jeans are available in the wash anymore. But you’ll find so many similar cropped and wide leg options. Remember, the heat is on! So keep your jeans on the cooler side by wearing them ankle length. Ideally, ankle length jeans should hit right at the ankle bone or up to an inch above. And wide leg and straight leg silhouettes are more on trend than those that fit too close to the body.

This year we’re updating this post with style boards full of inspiration. Hopefully they will help you envision additional outfit ideas for the warm months. You can shop the shorts alternative and the other pieces through the captions under each style board. And as of April 17, 2024, these items were in stock.

jeans // belt // white shirt // earrings // sandals // tote // necklace

Of course, I’m a big fan of white jeans in the spring and summer. You can dress these up or down.

high waist relaxed jeans
short sleeve jean jacket (TTS; wearing M) // ribbed racerback tank (TTS; wearing M) // high waist relaxed jeans (TTS; wearing an 8) // sneakers // earrings // see the original blog post for details

You can create really sporty looks with your white jeans or go ultra feminine. They’re just so versatile.

white jeans // blouse // earrings // Tory Burch sandals // sunglasses // shoulder bag

This year looser fit jeans are trending and these can be quite comfortable for the warm days since they don’t cling to you like skinny jeans. Some brands have even begun producing summer weight jeans from a softer, lightweight denim. I love these and these from Madewell. Wear with a loose fitting button-up shirt like I did below for a really cool feel. That’s one of my favorite style formulas for spring through summer…and really into fall.

Style Lesson 3 Learned from a Favorite Outfit
jeans (more economical option) // button-up shirt (more economical option) // sandals // belt // shoulder bag (more economical) // necklace // bracelet // earrings // See the original post for details.

And of course you can also top those summer jeans with a simple tee and wear sneakers.

graphic tee // jeans // sneakers // Earrings // necklace // shoulder bag

I’ve gathered a few of my favorite summer jeans in the shopping widget below.

Joggers

Joggers became very popular several years ago when we were all staying home for an extended period of time. While these relaxed fit pants were already on the rise, they really took off that year during the stay-at-home orders. Brands pivoted from more traditional workwear to pitching elevated joggers and pretty tops for Zoom meetings.

t-shirt // joggers // sandals as seen in this YouTube Video

Now the trend is to get more dressed up a bit, but we’re definitely still reaching for these comfortable pants especially for casual days. Top with a casual tee, and if needed add a denim jacket.

Travel in White

The joggers above from Frank & Eileen are another option. These trending joggers come in lots of colors and they even have fun jackets and tops to wear with them. This look is especially on trend for a travel day.

joggers // essential tee // crossbody belt bag // shoes // earrings

Wondering what shoes to wear with your joggers? Really, the sky’s the limit. You can wear feminine sandals or more sporty sandals, such as these Tevas or these Birkenstocks (similar for less). But you can of course wear sneakers or flip flops, too. Here are some similar pants to consider.

Casual Skirt

If you’re wanting more coverage of your legs but still want to keep cool, a midi skirt is a pretty choice. But if you’re just wanting to wear something besides shorts and don’t mind baring your legs, a shorter skirt will be cool and fun. Just add a simple tee and sweet sandals or even sneakers for a casual vibe.

Bright Pink Tiered Skirt and Striped Tee
See the original blog post from May 2023 for details.

Denim skirts can be a little heavy when it gets really hot, but they are definitely still trending this year. Mine shown below is from last year, but this one looks just like it.

See the original blog post from August 2023 for details.

And here’s a style board with some very current looks for 2024. Midi and even maxi length skirts are very on trend, so you’ll find plenty to choose from.

raffia earrings // striped shirt // tan skirt // sandals // blue skirt // white tank // raffia purse // Tory Burch purse // necklace

A couple of years ago I purchased this fun patchwork cotton canvas A-line skirt. I styled it three ways in this post.

A-Line Patchwork Skirt
See the original post for details.

I’ve gathered lots of pretty, fresh skirts for 2024 below.

Summery Dress

If you want even more coverage of your legs, but still want the feminine appeal of a skirt, choose a maxi length skirt or dress. You’ll be cool and stylish. Add sandals or sneakers, depending on the occasion.

chambray relaxed ruffle midi dress
Chambray Relaxed Ruffle Midi Dress // Retro Trainers in white // see original blog post here.

There are so many styles of dresses to choose from these days. Look for something in a natural fiber fabric like cotton, linen or even silk.

tan linen dress // whicker bag // cognac sandal // necklace // earrings

But if you just want an option other than shorts, but don’t mind baring your legs, choose a shorter dress for comfort and style. I recently ordered this leg makeup to try this year instead of sunless tanning lotion. I hear great things about this particular brand.

Pretty Linen Dress for a Hot and Humid Day
See the original post.

I’ve gathered a number of dresses in a variety of styles in the shopping widget below. Wear them with sandals, flats or sneakers.

Check out the video below for tips on How to Look Stylish in Your Summer Dresses.

Barrel or Lantern Pants

Personally, I’m loving the new fuller leg silhouettes that are definitely trending right now. And I do believe that every woman can weal a fuller leg pant of some sort. The barrel or lantern silhouette may just be the most friendly option because the tapered calf to ankle is quite flattering.

Silk Cotton Lace Trim Blouse (wearing US 10) // Extreme Seam Casual Pants (wearing US 10; very roomy & relaxed fit) // Retro Trainers in white (wearing US 9 – sized down) // see original post here.

My ME+EM Extreme Seam Casual Pants (above) are still available but they are quite pricey. The quality is superb and they are lightweight and airy. Here’s a style board with another way to wear them, too.

sneaker // barrel pants // silk short sleeve blouse // belt // earrings // bracelet // tote

These slightly cropped pants are very cool and lightweight, so they’re a great option for summer. I’m finding many other similar pants for you to check out. You’ll find some options, like the ones above, that are a little slimmer, and others that are fuller. Select the style that works best for your body type.

lantern pants // shirt // white tank // pink tank // bracelet // earrings // sandals // sunglasses

Remember, these are all meant to be casual alternatives to shorts, so don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your outfits. Every outfit doesn’t have to be slimming or elongating or chic. Sometimes you just want to be cool and comfortable and casual.

I’ve filled a shopping widget with these and other options. I’d look for lantern or barrel (or cigar or balloon!) pants in lightweight fabrics that will have a nice, casual drape for the summer.

Pedal Pushers

They’re back! Indeed they tell me pedal pushers and Capris are coming back into style. These may not be your most flattering choice, especially if the end of the pant hits at the widest part of your calf. But the fashion police are not going to give you a ticket for wearing these retro pants if you choose to sport them.

How to Wear Pedal Pushers this Summer
See this post for more details.  

I think the key to wearing these shorter cropped pants is to keep all your other style choices more modern. So wear a simple tee or even a graphic t-shirt. Add modern sneakers and some simple jewelry.

peddle pushers // poplin blouse // bracelet // earrings // heels // purse

I found more pedal pushers for you to look at today.

Lightweight Chinos

Keeping it light and cool, chinos provide full coverage but won’t get you as hot as jeans. And you can roll them up at the cuff for a fun summery vibe.

Casual Summer Outfit in Soft Neutrals
 relaxed chinos // similar 100% cotton sweater  // Tory Burch Miller sandals (more economical choice)

Here’s a style board with a similar outfit. All of these items are current.

chinos // ruffle button top // sandal // belt // necklace // earrings

And if you’d prefer a more modern version, opt for wider leg chinos like these….

Lauren Conrad wide-leg cropped pants
From Kohl’s: short sleeve t-shirt // Lauren Conrad Super High Rise Wide Leg Crop Pants // Nike Waffle Debut sneakers // Lauren Conrad Short Trench Coat // earrings // see the original blog post for details

or these below. Both are available. The key to wearing these fuller leg chinos is to wear a closer fitting top. And you may find that it works best for you to tuck or partially tuck your top, too. Then you can still had a fuller or boxy jacket if needed.

Chinos
t-shirt // plaid performance shirt // water-repellant hiking pants // similar hiking shoes // See the original blog post for details.

Here are a wide selection of chinos from you to choose from.

Linen Pants

A few summers ago I fell in love with linen. And I plan to live in my wide assortment of linen pants this summer. That’s one of the nice things about linen – it doesn’t go out of style. Even if you purchase linen pants in some of the newer fuller silhouettes, I expect them to look stylish for years. I think that’s simply because linen is its own breed of clothing. It is quite unique.

How to Wear Black Linen Trousers for Spring and Summer
 white tee //  linen way-high® drape pants (TTS) // The Everlane Day Crossover Sandal in Sienna Brown // Veronica Beard Goody Bag // cognac belt //  Levi’s denim jacket //  See the original post.

The linen pants above are slightly dressier than others that I own simply because they have a button and zip fly. But they still have the wonderful casual vibe of soft, breathable linen. Pair them with a basic tee like I did above for a casual look. Or wear them with a silk blouse for the office. Here’s a style board with another more structured linen pant that I’m loving.

linen pants // kitten sandal // blazer// white tank // necklace // bracelet

Of course I also love my less structured linen pants. And these are perfect for casual wear.

Affordable Casual Outfits
linen-cotton blend drawstring pants (TTS) // tank (TTS) // linen-cotton blend button-up shirt // shorter Tatum necklace // compass coin necklace // earrings (use code KAY15 for 15% off sitewide) // sandals // See the original post for details.

You might want to check out my video from two summers ago, 7 Ways to Style Linen Pants for more outfit inspiration. I’ll share another similar video early in the summer.

What about the wrinkles? Really, you just have to get past that. But I’ve also noticed that linen isn’t wrinkling the way it used to. I think the quality is higher and the technology is better. And many brands produce linen/cotton blends that really hold their shape nicely and don’t even need to be ironed. And the more you wear and launder your linen pieces, they soften and wrinkle even less.

Green Linen-Blend Pants
pintucked linen-stretch slim-leg pants // navy palm tank // lightweight white double-breasted jacket // mixed-pattern square scarf // linen slides // bucket bag // earrings (c/o) // bracelet (c/o) // see the original blog post for details.

Yes, you’ll notice some crossover in the shopping widget below. Linen pants come in all styles, including the barrel or lantern silhouette we’ve already discussed and the joggers. But I felt like linen pants deserved their own category because they are uniquely summer.

economical linen pants // palm tank // jacket (more economical) // The Everlane Day Crossover Sandal in Sienna Brown // Veronica Beard Goody Bag // earrings

You can find linen pants at a variety of price points. But as someone who purchased a lot of it in the last two years I can tell you that there is indeed a difference in quality. So I suggest buying the trendier linen (such as joggers) at the lowest price point you can find and purchasing the more classic silhouettes in the best quality you can afford. The linen pants above are from Quince, and they’re a great price for a good linen pant. They have several silhouettes available here.

Cropped Pants

Well we’ve talked silhouettes and fabrics; now let’s talk about a particular length of pant. Well, I guess we did that with the clam diggers or pedal pushers, too. But, unlike the pedal pushers or capris, cropped or ankle length pants are almost universally flattering, very on trend and quite cool for summer. There’s just something about having your ankle exposed that makes you a little cooler. Ha!

Wearing Blue Pants
cropped wide-leg pants (from last year; color no longer available) and in linen blend (available in similar blue) // graphic tee // blazer no longer available (option and another option) // sandals // shoulder bag (more economical option) // belt // small necklace // compass coin necklace // earrings (use code KAY15 for 15% off sitewide) // see original blog post for more details

Really the sky’s the limit when it comes to cropped length pants. You’ll find them everywhere this summer…and in a variety of fabrics and silhouettes. But I can highly recommend the Colette cropped wide leg pants above. They’re currently available in white, black and olive green, as well as in limited sizes in other colors. I’d say they read like a slightly elevated chino, but still quite casual and comfortable.

pintucked linen-stretch slim-leg pants // navy palm tank // lightweight white double-breasted jacket // mixed-pattern square scarf // linen slides // bucket bag // earrings (c/o) // bracelet (c/o)
see original blog post for more details

I’m also really enjoying the wide crop pants from Talbots. I have them in white, but they come in a few other bright colors as well. These crop pants are so soft and comfortable, and they’re the perfect, flattering length. They run slightly large; I’m wearing an 8 whereas I frequently wear a 10 these days.

linen shirt in tulip (more economical option) // white tank (more economical option) // white crop pants // sandals // necklace // earrings // bracelet 1 // bracelet 2 // see the original blog post for details

Below we have a style board with those same crop pants in a pretty pink. So fun for summer!

pink crop pant // white shirt // sandals // tote // necklace // earrings

For more insight into how to wear colorful or print crops, check out this previous post. Or you could check out the video below, too.

I suggest looking for crop pants that fit your lifestyle and work with your body shape and proportions. You’ll find them in every silhouette from barrel and lantern to flare to wide leg to slender cut. So you do you! Just make sure these pants don’t end at the widest part of your calf. Ideally they should hit right above the ankle, within an inch of the ankle bone.

Jumpsuit or Romper

I realize some readers can’t imagine wearing jumpsuits because of the bathroom issue. But if you’re reticent to wear shorts and want to mix it up a bit, a jumpsuit could give you some variety. Plus they look oh so summery. Especially short rompers are a cool alternative, but longer jumpsuits can still be a breathable and fun option to wear instead of shorts.

Halter Neck Gingham Jumpsuit
See this post for more details. Photo from three years ago.

And of course, you can find jumpers and rompers in all styles these days. I’ll be sharing this linen jumpsuit in an upcoming YouTube video. It fits true to size, comes in three nice neutrals and works beautifully for taller women or those with a long torso.

jumpsuit // denim jacket // sneakers // earrings // bracelet

Readers always ask about the restroom situation. Yes, you do have to slip the whole thing down each time you use the facilities. But hey, I’m only wearing it occasionally, not daily. It really just doesn’t bother me.

Here’s a shopping widget with lots of modern varieties to choose from if you’re interested in a romper or jumpsuit for the summer.

Skort

I realize that if you don’t want to bare your legs, this isn’t really a viable option. But if you’re just looking for a variety of things to wear instead of shorts, a skort is a fun and sporty alternative. And of course they’re especially appropriate for activities such as golf, tennis or hiking. The photo below is from a couple of years ago, but I’ve found lots of great skort options in the shopping widget below.

Green Skort and Top
See this post from last year for more details.

Here’s a style board for a little inspiration with up-to-date pieces. And by the way, while you’ll find lots of skorts that are perfect for golf, tennis or hiking, these days we’re seeing dressier skorts, too. Check out this polished skort that comes in black or white.

skort // tee // sneakers // earrings

Well there you have it! Eleven alternatives to wear instead of shorts this summer. Which do you enjoy wearing already? And which will you consider adding to your summer line-up?

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You might be interested in this video, too. I’ve got lots of ideas – besides shorts! – for looking chic in the heat!

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Blessed for My Day

Today I pray that you, dear reader, would know how much you are loved and accepted by the One who truly matters. The One who gets the final say has already professed His love to you. His love never fails. And it’s deeper, wider and more prevailing than you can ever imagine.

Does that matter to you? It should. The more you experience the fullness of Christ’s love for you, the healthier you will be in mind and heart and soul. When we are filled with the love of God we are then able to love others without strings and without unrealistic expectations. Allow God’s love to fill you today so that you can pour into others’ lives freely.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ~ Ephesians 3:17-19

xoxo, Kay
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61 thoughts on “Instead of Shorts? Wear These 11 Alternatives

  1. Thank you for all you do especially your daily devotional! You have beautiful style and the love of Jesus radiates through your smile! Praying you get to feeling better today.

  2. Kay, I am so sorry that you are not feeling good today. I pray that you will feel much better tomorrow. You shared some great options for us today. Fabulous DFMD!

  3. So sorry you’re not feeling well today Kay. Praying you bounce back quickly. I love wearing skorts more than shorts. They can be dressed down or elevated depending on the top and shoes you wear with them. Plus they’re cool, comfortable and modest. I used to buy cheap reading glasses and sunglasses many years ago until I decided quality was essential to take good care of my eyesight. I have 3 pair of reading glasses I enjoy changing out with whatever outfit I’m wearing for the day. And in sunglasses I have 2 pair of Maui Jim’s that I love. Once you buy quality eyewear, you’ll never go back to budget choices again, plus they hold up for years, so in the long run, you actually get much better value cost per wear.

    1. I’m with you on the reading and sunglasses. Especially the reading glasses, since I have them on so often…including when I’m standing in front of a group of people speaking. That’s when I realized how important it was to not slap on some ugly reading glasses! Thanks for sharing!!

  4. I am on my way to the Loft to pick up the blue flower print shift dress! I have been obsessing over it since you first wore it. When you featured it again today I clicked under your picture and found it on sale with another 40% off and bought it.
    I hope it fits I am getting a regular XS. My closet is overflowing with new things from The Loft.

      1. I like the dress! And I just clicked on your original Post for that dress. In the shopping widget you have a pair of Treasure & Bond Sannibel Leopard Sandals. So I just bought those at Nordstrom through your widget. Now I really must start saving HaHaHa!

  5. I appreciate this post as I no longer wear shorts. This gives me options that accommodate my age and pear-shaped body. I personally enjoy wearing cute cotton skirts with tees or tank tops during the hot summer days…so much cooler than capris. Thank you for your positive posts and Scriptural truths!
    Anita

  6. You inspire me. I have wanted to update my wardrobe for awhile now. It is hard to know what to buy because of what is out there that is not really age appropriate. Thank you for your style and grace.

  7. I would like a post on what to wear when you can’t wear pants. At all. Ever. I’d rather not say why but it’s a medical problem. Thanks.

  8. During the hot humid deep south summer, I wear shorts all the time at home and (depending on the length…) will wear them on a grocery run, but I love skorts! Wearing a skort makes me feel a bit more covered up than a pair of shorts and a tad less casual. I really like cropped pants – yes, just showing that tiny bit of ankle does make me feel cooler! Planning to buy linen crops this summer and would loooove some “long enough” linen shorts. Thanks for keeping us current!!

  9. Hi Kay! I’ve recently started subscribing to your emails and your channel. I get so much inspiration from your insight and photos of your lovely outfits. I was happy to see the lantern pants. I purchased some recently thinking they were straight leg linen pants and not being allowed to try them on in the store. I was surprised when I got home and tried them on, not knowing what to think of this silhouette. Now that I know they are a “thing,” I think they’re very cute and comfy!☺️ Thank you!

    1. Hi Anne. Welcome to Dressed for My Day and thanks so much for subscribing. Yes! Those lantern pants are just so fun to wear. I wore some yesterday. They feel great and look super “cool” ?and modern. Enjoy!

  10. Kay, I love your posts! I’ve gotten my sister hooked on DFMD.
    Hope you are feeling better. I’m sure you are exhausted from moving.

  11. Kay, thank you for publishing this post again with some updated options for us! I actually ordered the Girlfriend Utility Joggers with Washwell from Gap after I saw them in your post. I am going to check out the High Rise Barrel Pants from Gap, since I am interested in trying that style pant in an economical way. While I would like to have one casual maxi dress in my closet, I have not had any luck finding one that I love when I put it on, so I’m just sticking with lightweight pants. For anyone that would like to try an economical pair of linen blend pants, I highly recommend Old Navy. I have a pair in light grey and flax that I am very pleased with. I hope that you’ve had an awesome day!

  12. Excellent suggestions, I buy linen jogger/pants from Old Navy. I’m pretty hard on summer clothes so if these get ruined I don’t feel so bad. On my summer wish list I have a linen wrap skirt from Etsy. It seems this could be dressed up or down and it hits below the knee for more coverage. On a negative note, I’m in camp no pedal pushers pleas.

  13. Kay, I enjoyed reading your suggestions. I am curious where you got the shoes in your first picture. They are a taupe colored sandal. You are wearing them with a pink cardigan and beige linen looking pants. The shoes look very comfortable.
    Thanks,
    Lori

  14. I’m wearing the casual knit “t-shirt” dresses, a denim skirt, and a knee-length camo cargo skirt as shorts alternatives. I like poplin cargo capris that are very light and breathable, and have roll tabs or drawstrings at the bottom so the length can be adjusted. They may not be the most fashion-forward item but when it’s over 90 degrees who cares! I also like wide-leg palazzo pants in gauzy cotton or lightweight cotton/modal blend.

  15. A question about your linen pants. Do you wash them or dry clean them? I have one pair that are hand-me-downs but I like them. I dry-cleaned them after I received them, and I have them in the laundry basket right now–and am debating about whether or not to wash them! They are lined. The tag says they can be hand-washed or dry cleaned. Your suggestions?

    1. Hmm. I wash mine so rarely, I can’t remember. Ha! I really follow labels though. So unless it says dry clean only I almost always wash myself. I would definitely use cold water and a gentle cycle. And I’d definitely hang or lay flat to dry.

      1. Thanks, Kay! I like those suggstions. I, too, like to wash when possible instead of dry-clean, and hang to dry. I’d do that! And if I think of it, I’ll let you know how it comes out. 🙂

  16. I love all your ideas on how to look stylish. I love all the scripture. My husband is a pastor also. My issue is I am heavier on my top part. So this is hard to buy button down tops. Any alternatives.

  17. Just found your website. Love the fact that you are a Christian, me too!!! Like the fact that you are into alternative dressing for older women (or any age for that matter). I don’t wear shorts but like flowing pants and mid-skirts for summer for work.

  18. Kay-Loved this post on what to wear instead of shorts during the summer. You look wonderful in all your suggestions-you have a great figure and definitely wear just about anything and look good. On
    the other hand, I am 74, petite and a little bit overweight. I could get away with most of the fun looks you highlighted, but definitely do not want to wear shorts. I have varicose veins and my legs looK
    awful! I am hopeful I would be able to find similar items even tho I could not afford to buy at Talbots. I’m so glad I looked at your post on fresh summer wear items!

  19. Kay, this post made me excited for my summer wardrobe! If only the good vibes would melt some of this stubborn snow. I think it’s so important to revisit what we already have in our closets so when we add new pieces they work with the old. Clearly a lot of thought and effort went in to creating these looks, saving your devoted followers lots of time and money. Blessings to you and your talented team for what you do!

    1. Thanks so much Krys, I’ll definitely pass that on to Holly who created these style boards. She worked hard on them, and I’m so grateful.

  20. I love dresses in the summer, but everything seems to be sleeves. I’m always disappointed by that. I want short sleeves so I can be completely comfortable.

  21. I like to wear dresses, skirts and especially skorts during summer. My thighs aren’t as slim as they used to be (!!!) so I always wear jockey brand boy shorts under a dress or skirt. I especially enjoy skorts – I think they look a bit more polished than shorts on a “mature” woman! Would like to add some linen pants to my summer wardrobe but haven’t had luck finding any that looked quite right in years past. Will try again this year. You always look so cute in your linen pants!

  22. What a great post! I love the style boards. They are an awesome resource and add so much to your suggestions. Thank you! I appreciate your lovely posts and videos for women who want to stay current and stylish as they age.

  23. Where can I buy the light blue and white stripe, waist tie, flowy capris on your post? I love them for summer!

    1. Hmm. I’m not sure which pants you’re referring to? I had some like that on here before, but they’re gone. They were from several years ago. If something is available I always share a link to it.

  24. Hannah is so gorgeous 💞What a Joy and Blessing for you all , Thank you for sharing . Loved the ‘No Shorts’ looks lots of lovely Summer vibes going on🌞🌻Loved your Devotional too ♥️

  25. Kay,

    Another great post!
    Thank you for sharing a photo of your adorable granddaughter Hannah!
    All the best to you and your family!

  26. Alot of style ideas. I have found I cannot wear jeans in the Summer unless it is cooler evening and then I might do white jeans. Too bad pedal pushers coming back. Not that flattering on most women. Love linen pants or ankle length if not too hot. I have found for me the best is a skirt or dress, midi or shorter is the coolest when it is hot. For the little jacket from J Jill does it run large as most of their items, or maybe you didn’t purchase it.? It is cute. Nice BFMD.

  27. Your little Hannah is beautiful and she looks very happy to be with her grandma…aren’t grandchildren just the best 💕. P.S. Thank you for the blog post, loved it and will most definitely use it….have fun, fun, fun, with that little treasure. Linda

  28. Awe! Your granddaughter steals the show! What a cute,happy little baby! Hate her mom is not feeling well but hopefully she is doing a little better today? Know you are enjoying every moment with them.🥰 You have us some get outfit inspirations to look over. When I am unsure what to wear I pop on and look thru your post and always find something great to pull together. Thank you Kay for all you do !

  29. So sweet. That little dress reminds me of one I sewed in high school (1970 graduate).
    Glad you are getting to enjoy her and her parents.

  30. I love Tencel denim jeans for summer. The fabric is so lightweight but has the look of heavier jeans. I also found a denim skirt in Tencel.. I live in Northern California but it gets so hot in the summer that they call the area the Thermalands. If you run across Tencel items, it would be a great to feature it as an alternative cool fabric like linen. I am always on the hunt for new Tencel items and they are often hard to find.

  31. Hi Kay! Your granddaughter is precious. How blessed you are to have the time with her. I’m sure you are enjoying every second. Thanks for this extensive post on alternatives to shorts. It’s great that you put the widgets below each category with items that are available now. I live in a very hot summer climate. I gravitate toward skirts and dresses because they are overall cooler than anything else I put on. I still do wear shorts though!

  32. Kay, how precious your Hannah is! And that smile – priceless!
    I enjoyed the alternatives to shorts. I want some white pants that are elasticized in the waist. Think you had several for me to try! Thanks!

  33. I have the patchwork skirt and I loved it. I was afraid it was out of date, but I’m going to style it with your ideas and give it a go!

    Thanks, Kay

    Oh, and your grandbaby is ADORABLE! Congratulations!

  34. Thank you for the good ideas. I don’t like to wear shorts because of my veins. I used to wear capris because of that. Once I saw how short my legs look in photos I got rid of them and will never wear them again. Last year was so hot that I threw all vanity aside and wore longer shorts. Linen and linen blend pants are my choice of pants in summer. I’m glad wide leg pants are in style. They’re so much cooler. Your grandbaby is adorable. I hope you get better.

  35. Your granddaughter is precious! Such a cute smile. This was a great post of wonderful options! Thank you so much!💜💜💜

  36. Kay,

    While I love wearing shorts, I really like a lot of your alternative options. The only ones I cannot work with – wide leg slacks of any sort, including those lantern type ones. They just swallow me whole. I stick to trimmer silhouettes. And yes this is a popular post… I read it much earlier today (before work), but when I came back to read it again late this afternoon, there were quite a number of comments!

  37. Thank you for all the work you put into this post — so helpful and comprehensive. You are also so right about the change during and after COVID. Before COVID, I would never have worn pull-on pants or joggers (unless jugging). Since COVID, though, I admit to wearing both. Wearing wide-leg, loose pants in the summer is such a great alternative to shorts — and I can avoid belts. I laughed about the pedal pushers: the only thing that I can think to do in them is garden because they might keep my knees clean. The Style Boards are so helpful — really loving that Quince leather bag.

  38. This morning I was in such a hurry finish up your blog and to get to Bible study, I forgot to tell you how beautiful you’re granddaughter is.
    Baby are such blessings.

@dressed_4_my_day