It’s shorts season! I feel for many shorts can fall into two categories…love ‘em or hate ‘em. It could be a sweltering 90 to 100 degrees out and many will still don jeans or leggings.
Of course, you are under no obligation to wear shorts if you don't feel comfortable doing so. There are many choices, including lightweight dresses. However, we uncovered some terrific SHORT tips that will have you looking your best if you choose to wear shorts.
First, you need to find your ideal inseam. There’s no hard and fast rule and it truly depends on your height and body type as to what length will look best on you. Typically, shorts fall into three categories. Short is usually a 3 ½” to 4” inseam, mid-length will be 5”-7” and Bermuda ranges from 9”-11”. I’m 5’ 3” and generally prefer a 5”-7” inseam.
Next, consider your body type. For example, if you are tall, you are able to pull off Bermuda shorts, which tend to look frumpy on the rest of us. Those of us who are short look better in shorter shorts because it shows more skin and gives the illusion of longer legs. If you are curvy, high-waisted shorts are terrific because they accentuate your waist.
The leg opening is the third thing to consider. Shorts shouldn’t be too broad or too tight; they should fit along the line of your leg. If they are too wide, you will look frumpy. If the leg opening is too tight and your hips and thigh area are a problem area for you, a tight leg opening will accentuate and draw attention to those areas.
When you find shorts that fit you well and are the right length, you should then think about the color of your shoes. You should choose shoes similar to your skin tone. This will draw the eye down and make your legs look longer. Darker shoes will "cut the legs off" and give the opposite effect.
Finally, wearing shorts can make women feel self-conscious about their legs. We frequently tell ourselves things like "when my legs are toned I'll wear shorts" or "when I get rid of my cellulite I'll wear shorts." Most women, in my opinion, have a part of their bodies that they dislike and will steer clear of wearing anything that can draw attention to or enhance that area.
I'm 58 and....my thighs jiggle, my arms wave back at you and my boobs are not as perky as they were in my teenage years. LOL! I'll admit it, I'm in the majority of people who dislike some parts of their bodies. However, the truth is that neither your age nor the appearance of your legs matter! As I've mentioned in previous blog entries, recognizing your body shape and making sure you're wearing clothes that flatter it will make you feel confident and in control.
Style, fashion, and trends have always been about confidence for me. I've held the belief for a number of years that my body wasn't perfect or that I was too old to wear certain styles, so I could only wear certain things. I didn't realize that my lack of confidence was the only thing that dictated what I was "allowed" to wear or "could" wear until I started Coastal Loft.
I also realized that I didn’t want anyone around me to feel that they couldn’t wear something, and that my confidence could have a ripple effect and help other people of all ages to build their confidence to wear what makes them feel good.
I know that I probably will always have body areas that are not what I want them to be but I will now not allow that to stop me from wearing what makes me feel amazing and confident!
I’m going to wear shorts this summer and I feel good about it. I hope when others see me feeling good, they will feel they can wear whatever they want and feel good too.
Coastal Loft wants you to know that you can wear any type of shorts that make you feel good, no matter what your body looks like! Everyone deserves to wear what makes them feel good! So go ahead and wear those shorts you love, whether they’re long, short or anything in between!
Wear the damn shorts and....Dress unapologetically!
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XX00 Marsha, Paige & Micki |