There are a few items of clothing that scare most women when it comes to buying them … and wearing them.
Swimsuits.
Jeans.
and …
Shorts.
Most of our fear around buying and wearing these items is wrapped up in our own crazy body issues.
It took me styling more than 150 women (before this blog became my full-time business) to realise that one woman’s body issues is another woman’s ideal.
This realisation was a big AH-HAH moment for me, personally.
I’m far from immune to carrying around the chatter of negativity in my head but, in that moment, I realised that it was MY chatter and the only person who could stop it was me.
No-one else is standing around waiting to share negative thoughts about how my body looks.
It was up to me to continue to work on my confidence and replace the negative with the positive.
I must say that’s something that also comes easier with age. Well, it has been the case for me.
So … to today’s topic. SHORTS.
I’ve had a couple of reader questions about shorts for summer 2015.
It’s a trend that shows up every spring-summer but this season there are definitely more options out there.
What I’m loving is that the after a few years of only denim “undies” available as a shorts option, there is a variety available for all occasions.
Here are my top tips for how to wear shorts.
Style tips
1. Find a length of short that feels comfortable for you. Remember, don’t let the negative interfere too much with finding those comfort levels. Any length from the top of the knees to mid thigh is most flattering on most people. If your legs are shorter, the shorter the short, the more your legs will have the illusion of being lengthened.
2. Create interest by creating contrast in the volume of your shorts’ outfits. With a fitted style of short, contrast that with a loose top. With a loose style if short, contrast that with a fitted or streamlined top.
1. Katies cardigan $29.95 | 2. Betty Basics singlet $19.95 @ Birdsnest | 3. Ruby Olive bangles $23.80 (on sales) | 4. Tony Bianco bag $119.95 | 5. Django and Juliette sandal $169 @ Styletread | 6. JAG shorts $89.95
3. Wear shorts with sneakers, flat sandals, thongs, wedges or heels. Just choose the right shoe for the right occasion.
4. Don’t be afraid to dress up shorts for a night out. Yes, we mostly think of shorts as a casual outfit option but the right style of shorts really does lend itself as a stylish alternative to a frock or skirt for a summer evening out.
1. Country Road top $129 | 2. Trenery shorts $99.95 | 3. Amber Sceats earrings $79.20 @ The Iconic | 4. Mimco clutch $179 | 5. Mollini heels $149.95 @ Styletread | 6. Witchery cuff $69.95
5. Shorts can also make for a summer office outfit. Umm, no denim undies in corporate land but a longer, style of short with a silky top, jacket and block heel or wedge can be right at home in the workplace.
1. Belle Bird jacket $119 @ Birdsnest | 2. Belle Bird tank $69.95 @ Birdsnest | 3. Karen Walker necklace $149 @ The Iconic | 4. Country Road bag $279 | 5. Frankie4 Footwear wedges $239.95 | 6. Katies shorts $29.95
6. Think about where your waist sits when seeking out shorts to suit. We can get hung up on our legs but it’s often our waist that gets in the way of finding the right pair of shorts for our body. If you have a long and defined waist, embrace a high-waist short. If, like me, your waist is short, a low-to-mid waist (or buying up a size to wear lower) will give the illusion of extending your torso.
7. Get your legs out there. I know it may mean a bit more prep than in winter – hello hair removal and a faux tan – but there is something quite fun about wearing shorts. You don’t want to miss out, do you?
#everydaystyle inspiration
The real women of #everydaystyle know how to rock a pair of shorts. Take inspiration from these women and make sure you follow them on Instagram.
Clockwise from top left: @trysomecolour; @fourlittleducksbydesign; @stylingyou; @morgs71; @fromhandbagswithheels
Clockwise from top left: @lovelightandlife; @champagnecartel; @nat.tucker_make.it.look.easy; @beachstylemum; @desperatelyseekingsuzy
Do you know it’s almost two years since I first shared my daily outfits on this hashtag? We’ll be celebrating those two years with a lunch at the end of November with about 30 of the women who regularly join in and live near Brisbane. I you live further afield and would like to get yourself to the lunch, email me: [email protected]
Would I find shorts in your summer wardrobe? Found any fab ones of late?
* This post contains some affiliate sales links. You don’t pay any more if you buy something via the links but I may receive a small commission from you doing so.
I’d love your vote!
I would so love your support and vote: Kidspot is hosting a competition where I have the chance to win $2500 for my charity – Dress for Success Brisbane – plus I would also receive a business grant, which I’d put towards my current project of creating a tool that will help make it easier for you to plan out what to wear each day. Click the image below or head over here to vote (you can vote as many times as you’d like). Thanks SO much. x
Comments 57
Hi, I am desperately looking for shorts to wear. I too, haven’t worn shorts in many many years as I am worried about the way they look on me. I have quiet large thighs and big knees. I am off to Thailand in February and want to find at least two pairs that I feel comfortable in. Can please you recommend?
Many thanks!
Hi Brooke, ditto on the large thighs and big knees. The knees? I just put up with and the thighs, I find that the looser fitting shorts are best for me. You might struggle to find a wide variety of styles in store now as the summer fashion season has come to a close but look around. There’s still a good offering at Katies http://www.katies.com.au/Shorts.aspx?pl&s=597
Just found some flat front linen shorts at Suzanne Grae $39.95, so comfy and two great colours grey and neutral just above knee and nice tailoring and I have short chunky legs
Fabulous!
I love my navy Trenery shorts from last year. They were great on my last holiday with my – yes you guessed it – my striped top ! I would love to come to your lunch at the end of November. How do I get invited ? @Brisbanefrannie
Hi Frances, I emailed you back x
I have very thick thighs and usually find shorts just aren’t cut to fit my legs 🙁 Any suggestions?
Hi Victoria, these ones from Bohemian Traders are great for that https://bohemiantraders.com/copy-of-classic-utility-short/
Over this year I have lost 23kg so this summer I am embracing shorts! At last count I have 6 pairs and all mid thigh or above. I always thought longer shorts would be more flattering but having short legs, shorter shorts seem to work better and give me a little more leg length. Do it ladies they are so comfy 🙂
Hooray for that Kate .. and yes, shorter does work better for leg lengthening!
Thankyou for getting me back into shorts…..last time was about 20 years ago. Your advice has really empowered my leg confidence and opened up my summer wardrobe to new possibilities xx
Oh that’s just so wonderful to hear Kristie!
Such a timely post…I needed this. After putting on a heap of weight and my shorts no longer fitting I needed a push in the shorts direction. This is also where #everydaystyle comes in useful…real women with real legs! Picked up a pair of Katie’s soft shorts to do the job until I manage to get back into my others and I have to say, I’m so pleased with them 🙂
Oh fantastic – they are fabulous shorts indeed!
I love wearing shorts but have always been concerned as I am nearly 60, however I always try to wear longer style with a lovely top. I am certainly going to take on board your tips.
I’m so glad – don’t let age stop you. It’s how YOU feel in a garment, not what you think others might feel about it. x
I must day I love shorts! I just ignore my pasty splotchy legs and embrace the freedom!
Amen to that Jess … only way to be!
I must say, my new $10 Kmart denim drawstring shorts got a serious work out at the beach on the weekend. Bargain! Not dissimilar to the Country Road shorts from last season. Luffing them sick!
Oh well played and and discovered!
I’m always telling people to roll up their shorts or buy shorter ones. The length and where it hits your leg makes such a different depending on the shape and distribution of your leg. I’m team shorts! Thank goodness it’s that time of year again.
I’m glad you’re a Team Shorts cheerleader!
Me too!
Ooh I love that evening look – that’s definitely one I’m going to try this summer!
You would so rock it!
I find it hard to shop for shorts, but I have some Boohoo ones that fit me perfectly! I usually stick with capris but this year I have seen some gorgeous shorts- those Katies ones in your office suggestion are beautiful.
I’m so glad you found some shorts – and yes love the look of the Katies ones!
I love a good pair of dress shorts for date night! I think they can actually be flattering, especially when paired with some sexy heels. Off to buy the black trenery and silk Katie’s ones – both look gorgeous! xx http://diariesofabride.blogspot.com.au/
They can be. I’m going to trot out an evening shorts outfit tonight. Why not, I say!
Interesting – this is highly controversial, but I don’t much like the way shorts look on most adults, either men and women. Obviously there are exceptions, but to my eye, they look university-ish, where most skirts and dresses and trousers look more sleek.
I hope I’m not adding to anyone’s internal negative chatter! It’s nothing to do with anyone’s body type, it’s simply the styling.
Not controversial – just a difference of opinion! And that’s mighty fine by me.
Yes, yes and yes! And one more yes just to confirm ! Thank you Nikki for putting it out there, why are we so obsessed about having the perfect body before stepping outdoors? What a way to live ! Time to get over ourselves girls and wear shorts if that’s what you feel like wearing. By the way after reading your blog today Nikki I jumped onto Jag and got myself a few more pairs of Tomboy shorts. I’m so glad they are still producing this style as I did buy some last summer. They are great for social, casual, and even golf wear. Perfect length for me anyway. And it’s also great seeing all your style picks from the Spring shop everywhere !! We all need to save ourselves time and just buy everything you put up in your online store, you have an amazing ability for picking the key pieces that will trend ! Congratulations!
Oh thanks so much – lovely words! And glad you picked up some more of those shorts!
Love this post Nikki, I’ve got a pair of black shorts on today with a grey T (and black GEORGiE’s 😉 ), but as I’m super self conscious about my cellulite at the back, I simply tie my chambray shirt around my waist to cover any dimples. Coverage at the back, pins out at the front. Win win. Get your pins out ladies!
Oh I’ve seen your pins … they should be out at the back and the front! HAH!
Hahhaha think I need to take on your comments about those voices in my head 🙂
Love this post Nikki, I’ve got a pair of black shorts on today with a grey T (and black GEORGiE’s 😉 ), but as I’m super self conscious about my cellulite at the back, I simply tie my chambray shirt around my waist to cover any dimples. Coverage at the back, pins out at the front. Win win. Get your pins out ladies!
Wow those girls look great. I love my shorts but they were only ever part of my ‘at home’ wardrobe before I ‘met’ you. Now, apart from work, cos I’d freeze to death, they’re my everyday/doing whatever item of choice.
Oh Cheryl, that makes me so happy! So glad you’re getting your pins out there!
thanks nikki!
everyone looks good!
not a shorts girl myself! have had c r black linen ones which I wore to death once upon a time! … no need here! … maybe at home or to the beach!
who knows I won’t say never, but I can guarantee I won’t be wearing them with heels, to a dooo! lol m:)X
Never say never, M! And yes, doesn’t everyone look fabulous x
Hi Nikki, as one of your curvier followers, the Coles Mix Walking Shorts are my go to when spring rolls around. Great length, cut and range of colours, even a soft chambray this year. Great post x
Thanks for the hot tip Jenni-Maree!
I love shorts so much. I usually team them with a floaty top to level everything out. Some gorgeous #everyday inspo from your community Nikki. xx
I love that volume contrast as well Zoe!
I love shorts. so easy to wear int he warmer months. Loving all the stylish ladies and yourself in shorts. Thank you Nikki. V x
Thanks V – they all look fabulous x
This post couldn’t have come at a better time! I’ve injured my foot and now have to wear the very stylist moon boot for some time so shorts/skirts are what I’ll have to wear for now until Xmas. Thanks for cheering me up with your post Nikki!
Oh dear, that’s no good but upside is there are lots of shorts and skirts around this season. Hope you get some outfit inspiration x
Nikki, I love your top, is it an oldie or a new one?
It’s current season at Bohemian Traders Lianne
I love this – look at all of those stylish Women rocking out in their shorts xo
Thank-YOU for rocking shorts as you do!
Thanks, Nikki! I’m still looking for those elusive perfect shorts. The closest I came was Boden, the other day. Once I worked out their sizing! Happy Wednesday. Jude
Thanks for the hot tip on Boden Judith!
All these ladies are working these shorts beautifully (or like a boss as my teens would say0
Effortless chic
They are working them so well Cheekie – I always get so much inspiration from the ladies of #everydaystyle