Summer Shorts - How to Choose the The Right Ones For You
its summer, but is the prospect of baring your legs in shorts a daunting prospect?
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On warm sunny days and especially if you’re going to on holiday somewhere hot, you’re going to want to stay as cool as possible and that could mean wearing shorts. If you feel your legs are too white, too short, or a bit wobbly, you’ll want to choose a style that will give you the confidence to stride out and enjoy what the day brings.
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work with your bodyshape
The key is to accentuate your best features and let these be the focus. When you’re wearing an outfit that highlights your best bits, you’re going to feel good in it and you feel relaxed. When the clothes you’re wearing don’t feel right, it drains your confidence and creates anxiety.
So which shorts are right for your bodyshape and will give you a confidence boost?
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apple shape
If you carry weight in the upper body, especially around your middle, you are typically an apple shape. You’ll probably have wide-ish shoulders, a larger bust with slimmer hips and thighs.
Highlight your great legs with mid or high waist shorts that create the illusion of a defined waist. Flat front or side zip styles and plain colours will avoid adding extra bulk around the tummy area. Non or minimal stretch denim shorts are supportive and help to hold the tummy in. A wide or flared leg shape and longer length shorts will create a longer, leaner torso.
pear shape
If you have a triangular shape with a smaller bust and upper body and your hips and thighs are definitely wider than your shoulders, you have a pear shaped figure.
Create a balanced look with high rise shorts that emphasise your narrow waist and elongate your legs. Denim boyfriend or A-line styles in dark colours slim the legs without clinging to the hips and thighs. Hip pockets and details will create extra bulk that you don’t need. A simple, tailored style de-emphasises bigger hips and thighs. Try to find shorts that are mid-thigh or at least below the widest point of your thigh.
rectangle
If you have a straight up and down figure without a defined waist, you have a rectangular or straight figure.
Aim to add curves by wearing shorts with pockets, belts and pleats from the waist can add some volume and create the illusion of curves. A straight, long tailored shape will emphasise your straight silhouette. High waisted styles in pattern or print will also break up a rectangular shape. Try front tucking your top to create the illusion of a waist. You would look great in a vest top, blazer and shorts outfit for a smart/casual look.
Marks & Spencer
inverted triangle
Women with a broader upper body and a slimmer lower body are described as having an inverted triangle or athletic shaped figure. You might have a big bust, broad chest and strong shoulders.
You can create more balance between the upper and lower body with loose, flippy shorts that give the illusion of wider hips. Horizontal stripes are also a really good way of creating width across the hips. Deconstructed denim, prints and cargo shorts with big pockets also balance a broad top half. A more fitted top will accentuate your waist.
Monsoon
hourglass shape
If you have an hourglass figure with a balanced shape - shoulders and hips about the same width and a defined waist - you will suit most styles of shorts.
High waisted and A-line will look particularly good as they highlight your waist and flatter your balanced proportions. Paper bag styles which have a high waist cinched in with a belt, and loose fitting legs are really flattering for an hourglass as they emphasise your natural waist. Chino shorts are a neat, tailored look that suit your shape. Go for a mid thigh length rather than very short which might overly emphasise your hips.
Reiss
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shorts length & body proportion
Pick your style of shorts according to your bodyshape, but your ideal length is determined by your proportions.
Short Legs - Choose shorter shorts rather than low-thigh or knee-length ones. Wear low cut (eg., ballet pumps), or close to skin coloured shoes with them for a leg lengthening effect.
Petite - As a rule, you’ll also find shorter shorts more flattering because showing a bit more skin will give the illusion of longer legs.
Long Legs - Shorts with a mid rise and mid-thigh length are perfect for your proportions. If you like your legs to looks even longer, choose short shorts!
Curvy - Mid rise shorts are a good choice if you find that high rise feels restrictive around your middle. A slightly longer leg length will work if your shorts tend to ride up a bit.
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extra style tips for feeling good in shorts
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Balance your outfit. If your shorts are loose fitting, wear a more fitted top and vice versa.
Choose the right footwear for the vibe you’re after. Heels or wedges will elevate your outfit and elongate your legs, while flats and sandals are a more casual, laid back look.
Generally, the longer the length, the smarter the look. It depends a lot on your level of cconfidence though, and what you can carry off!
Check the rear view. Just like with jeans, the back view can make or break a pair of shorts. Small pockets can make the bum appear larger, and low pockets can make things look saggy.
Don’t go too small. If shorts are too tight across the hips and bum, they will make any side pockets stick out, and they can ride up where you really don’t want them to…
Short shorts can be more flattering than you might think. Longer ones can look frumpy and make short legs look stumpy. Mid-length shorts (around finger-tip length) are pretty much universally flattering, and are a safe bet.
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Whenever the subject of shorts comes up, women bemoan the condition of their legs, especially those who feel their age is a barrier.
Every body is different, and we all have things about ours that we don’t like, but let’s be kind to ourselves. What’s important is that you wear shorts that fit well and are appropriate for the occasion. Beyond that, it doesn’t really matter how old you are or what your legs look like. And always remember, no one pays nearly as much attention to your perceived imperfections as you do.
Of course, you don’t have to wear shorts if you don’t want to, but if you do, I hope my tips are helpful!