HOW TO WEAR SHORTS
Shorts…ahh! the garment we all dread to wear but have to wear. However unappealing a pair of shorts, there are days in the summer when only shorts will do.
The beach, city sightseeing, theme parks, coastal trekking, festival camping - shorts are essential basic summer staple but like knickers not an exciting or easy purchase to get right.
I’ve done a bit of research with some hints and tips on how to wear and style.
CHINO SHORTS
Chino shorts are the practical short. Styled with trainers and t-shirt they look super casual but can look smart styled with a pair of sandals. They suit the sporty client who prefers a classic style, unafraid to show leg. Be brave and try a chino short if you have shorter shapely legs as often a ‘shorter’ short will suit you more. I find a longer leg chino swamps me whereas showing more of the leg above the knee balances my legs out (I have big ankles). The kick flare of the short around the top of the legs really helps make the leg look smaller - avoid straight chino styles that are tight to the leg.
Be brave and tuck in at the front and wear a looser style flattering t-shirt or feminine style blouse. A basic t-shirt looks too basic with these shorts.
A simple chunky sandal or smart trainer works best to keep the overall look smart. A belt would help too!
Good for: Casual sightseeing/camping/adventure holidays
Suit: Rectangle/Apple body shapes
ULTILITY SHORTS
Khaki utility shorts are an edgier laid back way to wear shorts. Khaki can look very casual worn with black but teamed with a summer sequin t-shirt you are entering a relaxed glam look. A paper bag style focuses around the middle so tucking in is essential. If you have a rounded tummy style the tie high on your waist. The looser leg style is super flattering as it makes your legs appear smaller. Style with chunky sandals, Birkenstocks, trainers and funky wellies when it rains!
Good for: Camping/Safari/Festival holidays
Suit: Rectangle/Pear/Hourglass
BERMUDA SHORTS
Bermuda shorts are tailored and longer. Perfect for sophisticated summer styling for the office. The longer style suits tall women who don’t want to appear too leggy. If you are styling with a matching blazer, keep the look minimal and less fussy. A fitted top works best unless you are very petite and can carry off a classic shirt. Avoid pleats at the front if you have a tummy and consider the leg length of your short. I have a bermuda style and they are a bit too long so without a smart heeled sandal they swamp my legs and I look even shorter than I am!
Good for: Summer office/City breaks/ Day to night dressing
Suit: Apples / Rectangles
SHORT & SHIRT COMBO
This seasons PJ trend style for the summer. Relaxed, loose, elastic waistband it can be styled high or low on the hips. A minimal style that looks smart when teamed with the matching shirt. Shorts would work alongside a matching bikini or swimsuit or super cool with a white or black t-shirt. Leg length vary. These shorts are great for bigger thighs or bottoms as you can style the matching shirt open. I would reccomend buying the matching shirt otherwise you’ll look like you are going out in boxers.
Sliders or simple Birkenstocks look best, trainers would be too heavy.
Good for: City/Beach/Cruise holidays
Suit: Apples/Pears/Rectangles
PRINTED
Printed shorts are a fabulous way to express your personality in the summer. Print is also your friend as it can distract parts of the body you don’t want to highlight. Printed shorts tend to be looser, floatier and some almost look like a skirt. If you buy a co-ordinated top, you can create a cute short jumpsuit style. When packing make sure you pack plainer pieces to compliment all the colours in the print. Shorter printer styles are good for holiday evenings out and beach style. Longer styles are perfect for sightseeing days.
Style with classic tan sandals, sliders or heels in the evening.
Good for: City breaks/Beach/Festival holidays
Suit: Hourglass/Pear/Rectangle/Apple
