Am I too old?
Alexa Chung
I don’t believe in age dictums such as “women should cut their hair shorter after age 40″ or “no miniskirts after 35″. When I was growing up, I remember being mesmerized by an elegant 70-something woman who had long gray hair she wore swept up in a chignon. Basically, how you wear your clothes (and your hair) is almost more important than what you are wearing.
But then I wanted to get a pair of jean shorts for summer. And I thought, ‘I think I’m too old’. Not super short cut-offs like Alexa’s but a more polished pair. To wear super casually on the weekend and for picnics–never to brunch in the city. Preston said of course! I could wear them–with a nice t-shirt or crewneck sweater and K. Jacques sandals, why not?! My husband, who rarely blinks an eye at even my most out-there outfits, said “You can’t wear jeans shorts, you’re too old.” Ouch.
That made me stop and think. For about a month. Then I found a great pair by James Jeans that aren’t too short, too tight or overly baggy. I will admit I am both excited and mildly nervous to wear them. But life is short. Age be damned!
Show us a picture of the James Jeans shorts. I find most jean shorts too short or too tight. It would be nice to find something that is slightly more appropriate for a mom on the go.
HAHA! I just had this debate in my head for a month and opted for a jean skirt…I’ll be the first to admit it…I am a chicken. Will be 40 in August and just could not pull the trigger….age be damned but people do judge. I am sure you will look amazing but for me, I am working hard at drawing the line in the sand about where I should not return to anymore and for me that is jean shorts. Good luck!
So let’s see them. If they’re not too short and you have the legs, you should be fine.
HA I just went through the same problem, I am 48, but and I have very active life style with my sons, so I will weare my shorts only to the beach, we sail alot. But I also bought boyfriend distressed AG jeans, they are light ans soft and I will use them but probably not in the city. I think it is important to tone it down,
The proof is in the pudding. Let’s see them.
This has been my dilema for sometime. I own one pair of apc black shorts. It’s the best I could do. I just don’t know when the self consciousness crept in. But that being said, I do feel, that cut out denim shorts are not for every age. I don’t care how great one’s body looks. Seen it. Done it. Wore it in my twenties. Was my favorite with everything from max mara loafers to dessert boots. But at 41, that boats sailed for me. Now I am on the A line skirt ship.
Rules be damned. If they are chic and they look good on you, wear them. I’m 46, work out and I finally have the body I’ve always wanted. I wear short skirts because I look and feel good in them. I always listen to my instinct when I see something; I instinctively know when something is too short or too young-looking.
Don’t let anyone define who and what you are or what you look like.
The shorts I bought are the James Jeans boyfriend shorts. I didn’t run a photo because they look like any other pair of denim shorts until you put them on. Fit is what counts here and I think you really have to try a few pairs on (like I did) to find the right ones. Hope that helps!
I think things can be adapted and can be made to work.
SO where are they ?!
Loved this post! I am cruising towards 50 and think that if you have great legs then do it! I wore mine with a hip cropped nautical blazer(great buttons), crisp white shirt and gold ballet flats. My husband loved it and so did I. Go for it!
I truly believe we should wear what we like – though my legs are past their sell-by-date so, for me, that no longer means shorts!
Would Ines de la Fressange and all the French style icons wear them-not so sure …
Basically and not being a prude I feel that the shorts thing unless being twenty or at the beach is going a little far and especially with high heels. Too much skin and not the best male attention…
It gets over 100 degrees here in California’s Central Valley. I wear shorts in the summer with thin t shirts. As I’ve aged (I’m nearly 60), the shorts are longer–top of the knee now and the t shirts have at least a cap sleeve, no sleeveless tanks anymore. That said, I look fashionable and can beat the heat at the same time.
I’ve never liked the way I look in shorts. I’d much rather wear a cute dress, instead! And I see no harm in showing off legs!
wendy @ thestylishcity.com
This is really a tough one. A lovely, youthful celebrity wore a pair disembarking from a jet after a stay in rehab, where she was recovering from her split from her much younger husband. It’s not that they won’t look fabulous on the right body, whatever the age…it’s that they seem to be trying too hard on anyone older than 24. My rule: if you have to ask, the question is answered.
Life’s too short not to wear beautiful things! You go for the shorts! I just turned 40 and not in a million years am I cutting my long hair short. I don’t think I will at 50 either, but might have to get back on that one later:)
I must confess that I am floored by the comments on this post. I’m 50 and spend my summers in a casual beach town off NYC where I wear jean shorts most of the time. Short ones. I’m not going to wear ugly unflattering jeans because of some arbitrary sell by date, because of some decree that it’s inappropriate. I still have good legs. And I look terrible in long shorts and boyfriend shorts (I’m short)- bought some this year and both my husband and daughter told me they look terrible. Funny how women can be our own worst enemies. Funny too how most people think I am much younger than 50- it’s my attitude not my looks.
If you have great legs at any age and feel good in shorts whatever length – wear them! I always thought my legs were heavy. Now at 59 I look back – I was wrong. We’re they model’s legs? No but they weren’t nearly what I thought they were. I have long hair and I love it. Nothing wrong with finally loving yourself and what you look like. Our own Philly born Linda Creed wrote a wonderful song called The Greatest Love Of All. She sings that to love yourself IS the greatest love of all. Do it!