The Short Story

I just bought my first pair of shorts in over 12 years. I know, I know....I live in Florida where it is hot a lot more than not. So you might want to ask, what the heck have I been wearing all this time in the summer time?

I've worn capri pants. I am a very pale white woman and my legs are pale enough to reflect light. I have used sunless tanning lotions and they work well but now that I'm home a lot more, I don't need that "silk stocking" look anymore.

But I was in Beall's Outlet store and found a nice pair of dark stretch denim Bermuda shorts with pockets for only $8.99. So I bought them. But I am conflicted about wearing them.

Here's why I haven't worn shorts in a while. My thighs touch. And that means that many shorts, when walking in them, ride up in the inner thigh.

Which means I keep having to pull them back down to look decent...a lot of work for a wrinkly bunchy image, when the simple solution is longer pants.

Capri pants don't ride up, bunch up and they usually look attractive even if your thighs touch.

The other dilemma when wearing shorts is the shoes. Yes, you can always wear sneakers, slip ons, ballet flat or sandals but somehow I feel exposed and vulnerable. High heels usually make me feel confident...but I can't wear them with shorts without looking a little trampy. Or feeling that way.

So I'm keeping these one pair of shorts to see how I like them. How I feel when I wear them, how I can accessorize them appropriately, and to determine if I want to buy more or not.

I do love to wear sweaters and light jackets but doesn't that defeat the purpose of staying cool in the Florida heat? I just don't know.

Do you, my friends, wear shorts in public? How many do you own? If not, why not?  I am curious.

I have seen other women "of a certain age" wearing shorts of various fabrics, cuts, lengths and colors. Some look pretty good but others look tired, aged and sloppy. This is a small but weather-related issue and I'm looking for your input.

Please share your thoughts on this short story.  Until two weeks, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz