Every summer, I hear some version of the same sentence: "I'd love to wear shorts, but..." But my legs. But my age. But what people will think. And I always find myself wondering when shorts became such a loaded item of clothing. Men seem to throw on a pair without a second thought. Meanwhile, many women spend years deciding whether they're still "allowed" to wear them. It's odd, really.
I've owned a boutique for years and I've met thousands of women. Tall women, petite women, sporty women, glamorous women, women who love fashion and women who couldn't care less. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that very few women are completely happy with their bodies. The women with slim legs wish they were longer. The women with long legs wish they were slimmer. The women with toned legs worry about their knees. There always seems to be something.
And yet, some women wear the shorts anyway. Not because they have perfect legs, but because they'd rather enjoy the sunshine than spend another summer worrying about them. Personally, I think they've got the right idea.
The question isn't really, "Can women over 50 wear shorts?" Of course they can. The better question is, "What kind of shorts make me feel comfortable and like myself?" For some women, that's a pair of stretch denim shorts with trainers and a white tee. For others, it's linen shorts and sandals on holiday. Some prefer a longer length. Some like them shorter. There isn't a correct answer.
That's one of the joys of getting older, actually. You slowly realise that lots of the rules you thought existed were mostly in your own head. Or perhaps in the pages of magazines that haven't spoken to real women for years. I see women every day trying things on in the shop, and it's fascinating how often they're surprised by themselves. "I never thought I'd wear that colour." "I haven't worn shorts in years." "I can't believe I nearly didn't try these on." Those moments are some of my favourites.
I sometimes hear people say, "I wish I had your confidence." But confidence is a funny thing. Most people aren't born with it. Often it comes after the decision, not before. You wear the shorts. You feel slightly self-conscious for about twenty minutes. You notice nobody is paying much attention. Then you get on with your day. The next time feels easier. And eventually they're just... shorts. No drama. No big statement. Just another item of clothing that helps you stay cool on a hot day.
So can women over 50 wear shorts? Absolutely. But I suspect most of us knew that already.
The more interesting question is this.
If not now, when?