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The Style Company Personal Style Consultants |
Suddenly summer has thrown itself upon us – and if you are anything like me, you'll be panicking your summer wardrobe isn't quite up to par yet.
I'm not ready for this heat…I don't have any shorts yet. Or you may be sitting back reading this, thinking I can't wear shorts, I will not won't wear shorts – or maybe you just don't know how to wear shorts.
Shorts are a summer wardrobe staple. I'm not saying everyone looks fab in shorts by any means, but we do all need a decent pair of shorts to get us through the summer. So, I'm about to tell you that you can wear shorts – it's just about following a few guidelines to find the ‘right fit' for you.
1. First, it's all about the in-seam. Mid-length (or seven-eight inch in-seam), tend to flatter a wide range of figure types.
This mid-length style falls just above the knee, which can aid in hiding problem areas, such as big thighs and bum – and this length also makes the legs appear slimmer and longer. We love that!
2. A great tip I heard is to stand in front of the mirror and look at your bare legs. Note the spot on your thighs where they just start to taper in towards your knee; this is an ideal spot for your shorts to end. Try it – it works!
Another great tip, which works with this one above, is to stand tall with your arms by your sides. If your shorts are shorter than your finger tips they are probably too short.
3. Fabric choice and fit are big factors too. Unless you are tall and thin, you are safest to go for shorts made from stiffer fabrics with structure, rather than silks or thin cottons that are more unforgiving. A slim or tapered leg in a darker colour is always going to create the illusion of longer and slimmer legs.
4. Cuffs, or rolled hems, will shorten your legs.
5. Run away from pleats – instead you want flat across your tummy and skim across your thighs and bum.
6. Watch out for bulky pockets on ‘bulky' thighs and bottoms. These add unwanted width.
7. Wear wedges or a slight heel with your shorts to create longer slimmer thighs.
Mid-length shorts: Shorts with a mid-length leg, are universally flattering.
Why we love them: Shorter lengths make your legs look longer, while still covering problem areas like the upper thigh. For the most flattering look, keep fullness under control, (slimmer-legged shorts will make your legs look slimmertoo).
www.oldnavy.com
Knee length shorts: Shorts that finish just on or under the knee are great for covering problem areas like dimpled or flabby thighs. Just make sure they are a slim or tapered fit (not too full), to give your legs a longer slimmer look. If you have shorter legs, balance out the length of the shorts with a pair of wedges or heels for extra length and height.
Why we love them: They provide great coverage for thicker thighs and legs that have, shall we say, ‘texture'.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/
Short length shorts: Lengthen shorter legs with shorter shorts. (Just note your ‘ideal' hem length in the tip above).
Why we love them: A slightly shorter in-seam is still long enough to give some upper-leg coverage, but short enough to lengthen the leg. Avoid cuffs or rolled-up styles because that will just make your legs look shorter.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/
Plus-sized shorts: If you've got lots of curves, a longer-cut short is the most forgiving, like these Bermuda shorts
Why we love them: They provide great coverage and look fab on you curvier gals. Pop on a pair of wedges for a leg-lengthening look that's really flattering.
www.lee.com
Roll up shorts: These are a great option for our tall, thin girls to create a bit of extra volume and curves. Roll ups and cuffs effectively break up a long, thin leg line.
Why we love them: They make stick thin legs look curvier; and by having a convertible length, you have more options.
And finally, make sure you are comfortable in your shorts. If you still just can't, won't and don't want to do shorts – then don't! You won't feel good unless you are comfortable knowing that your look good.
So tell me…will it be shorts for you this summer?
