I am finally, for the first time in my adult life, at a weight where I feel comfortable wearing shorts. The problem is that I haven't paid attention to shorts and shorts-wearing in years--shorts were something other people worried about.

To be clear: I am not talking about spankies, but reasonably conservative grown-woman shorts: denim and khaki and olive-drab shorts that come about half-way down the thigh. I wore a pair into the grocery store today and felt horribly self-aware and awkward. Is it ok for a woman in their 30s to wear shorts to the grocery store, or is that weird? What about to the movies? What about a mid-range sit-down place, like Chili's or something? What other sorts of places am I not even thinking of? This is all in Texas, if that changes things.

Here in FL shorts are popular and around at all sorts of places like that -- errands, movies, Chili's,etc. I imagine TX would be similar with the heat.

I wouldn't wear the grubby-paint-the-house-dig-garden shorts out and about, but a nice pair with a cute top and sandals is fine.

A.

shorts are standard gear down here - doesn't matter how old you are.
Go for it.
I normally use some daily bronzing moisturiser first though otherwise people would damage their eyes from the white glare and makes me feel less conspicuous.

I think they'd be appropriate for any of the places you've listed. I think being self-conscious about wearing them will lessen in time.

Enjoy yourself wearing shorts; it's a nice NSV for you and you've earned it!

I think they're appropriate everywhere you listed! I'd steer clear of wearing them to work (unless it's an extremely casual place), church, or a restaurant with table cloths- unless it's a kitschy BBQ joint!

Congrats on being able to wear them! I dream of that NSV...I'm a little too self-conscious at this point.

Thanks. It just feels SO WEIRD to show my legs in public--but I kinda want to, because they are practically normal these days--my 50 remaining pounds are all around my stomach.

Yah! You're wearing shorts for the first time! A great victory! Enjoy it.
Have you tried capris? They are a little more covered up, but still cooler than long pants. Some really cute styles are out now.

i think they're totally appropriate for grown woman. just when you're going to a nice place, step up your shorts as well. like nice tie-front khakis would look adorable to a nice lunch.