All right ladies, can we all breathe a collective sigh that the warm weather is coming! And then we will all do that silent scream inside because….shorts. I can’t be the only one that gets pretty frustrated when it’s time to go find ones I love.
Note, any of the photos I share here are from my Google Searches, as I just don’t wear them enough to own very many pair.
WHAT IF MY STYLE ISN’T OUT THERE?
Don’t see your style? What I know for sure, is that IT IS out there. As it turns out, there is more to shop for than the ripped up, super short, pockets hang lower than the leg shorts! Isn’t that great!
We all have our problem area we like to “hide” with our wardrobe. Shorts season might be especially frustrating for you if that area happens to be your legs, so here’s some tips to help. But if you love your legs and can’t wait to show them, you might find a tip or two in here as well.
Keep in mind, these tips are for ALL kinds of shorts. Even though denim cutoff’s never seem to go out of style, use these tips to find a variety of great shorts to get you through the warmer weather.
If I can leave you with one store to head to, it’s J.Crew. This is not an advertisement for them, or a sponsored post; but I suggest you give them a try this summer if you haven’t before. LOVE their inseams (4″ and beyond), straight or scalloped hems which add a fun detail to your look, and LOADS of colors and patterns.
SHORTS TIPS TO CONSIDER
Just like most of the other pieces you will shop for, fit has to come first. So, if your hips are wider, and your waist narrow, fit the hips, and have the waist nipped in by the tailor. Remember those darts I told you about for denim?? Works here too.
If you’ve got curves, stay away from anything big and baggy. It adds to your frame, so look for something a little more tailored.
Make sure they are versatile, and a fabric you want to wear. Cotton and cotton blends will breathe well in the summer, synthetics will not be as forgiving in the heat.
Maintenance. Can they be folded up nicely and put away til the next wear? Machine wash? Or are they a cute linen number, that has to be ironed / pressed before every wear even if you hang them up. What’s ideal for YOUR lifestyle?
DEFINING DETAILS
You know I love the details! So keep these in mind if they apply to you.
FLAT BOTTOM
Pockets with flaps, or even just regular ones, will add more to your backside, if you aren’t feeling curvy enough.
Photo copied from Pinterest, found on the lovemaegan.com account via Google Search.
BIG BOTTOM
High waisted will be great here as it will be snug at the narrowest part of your midsection, and have you looking taller. A longer short will be great to elongate your look. Also consider looking for an A-Line short, where it’s narrow at the top and gradually gets wider to the bottom.
Image above from www.asos.com
Image above found via Google Search for A-line Shorts
SOFT BELLY
High waisted can help with any “extra” you’ve got near the tummy and create a much smaller waist up around your belly button. Also consider a style that is more roomy (but not loose and baggy) to help hide your least favorite area.
Image found via Google Search on www.womenarray.com
NO NATURAL HOURGLASS
Don’t forget a belt to help define the waist. Wear a straight leg short, about 4″ inseam that’s not too tight around the leg, and a top with some volume at the shoulders. Voila. The look of wide -narrow-wide. Not all shorts have belt loops, so double check if a pair you love does. The shorts I’m wearing below were from Old Navy.
BIG THIGHS
Everything feels tight, right? So make sure you are fitting the largest part of your leg first, so it’s comfortable, then belt it or take it in. You are going to want to wear a simple short, not too many embellishments (if your big legs are not your favorite part), and definitely don’t go for shorts that are too short, look for a 7″ inseam. You want to avoid the hem hitting at the widest part of your thigh, as it creates a visual line right there. Have the hem come a little lower down the leg so it draws the eye down.
Image from www.landsend.com via Google Search
LONG AND SLENDER
Almost any style will work for you! If you love to show your legs, go for a shorter hem; but if you can also pull of a longer look with ease.
Shorts by www.jcrew.com
Spring is here and summer is on it’s way! Go through your closet now, try on all of your existing shorts from previous years, and make sure they still fit, AND you like them. If they just don’t cut it anymore, get them OUT of your space so you don’t consider them as options! What do you need? Denim shorts? Dress shorts? Do you need to add some pattern? What are your Spring / Summer tops? What do THEY need to compliment them in an outfit?
Doing a little research and organization now, will help you feel like you know what you want to look for, you can shop with intention and keep in budget. No impulse buys for you my friend, you know what you need, and now you’re going to get it!
xoxo Taryn
PS, header photo by Mandi Roach Photography.
If you are in the Houston area and need a fabulous photographer for your blog, brand or family photos, this gal is YOUR gal. She’s a dream to work with and I’ve always loved her photos. She also came to my husbands baptism in 2016, and she captured ALL THE FEELINGS.
Also shout out to my friend Torry Ludwar who came along on this shoot with Mandi and I, and just gave me moral support…this was from my FIRST EVER official blog photoshoot, and I was so grateful to be surrounded by friends.