How to find the perfect warm-weather shorts
Finding the perfect pair of shorts can be tricky.
A lot of shorts are too short, in my opinion, to be worn without being self-conscious. I mean, I like a good pair of shorts as much as the next person, but they should be tasteful. As someone who makes the argument that wearing leggings is immodest, I would be a hypocrite if I were to recommend shorts that showed everything but the kitchen sink.
So how do you find the perfect pair of warm-weather shorts? I always keep four things in mind when I'm shopping. Here's what I keep an eye out for:
1. Length - The first thing I always check is the length. When I bend over, I don't want to be worried about showing off all my assets, if you get my drift. I look for a pair of shorts that hits about three inches below the widest part of my hips. Thumb-length is usually a good starting point, but it depends on how long your arms are.
I find that the shorter a pair of shorts are, the more uncomfortable they get. And I'll be honest with you - short-shorts are generally unflattering. Why? Two reasons. The first is that if you wear a pair of short-shorts, they will probably cut your legs off at their widest point. From far away, that's where the eye is drawn and it makes you look wider than you really are. The second is when you sit down, your legs generally spread a bit (unless you're so toned that your muscles hold their shape, in which case, more power to you). If your shorts are really short, they'll squeeze your leg as you sit down in a less-than flattering way. So I'm a proponent of wearing shorts that hit a bit further down the leg - and are more comfortable to boot.
2. Waistline - I love myself a good pair of high-waisted shorts, but choose the waistline that is most comfortable and flattering for your body shape. I tend to recommend high-waisted shorts because you have the option of tucking in a shirt for a cute outfit or leaving your shirt untucked for a less polished look. But whatever waistline you generally wear, keep it in mind and choose something that you'll actually enjoy wearing, not throw in a drawer and forget about. The shorts I'm wearing above are one of my favorites because of the little buckles on the side that look adorable when I tuck in a button-down white blouse.
3. Fit - I highly recommend choosing a pair of shorts with a more relaxed fit around the leg. I like the pair above because they flair out at the hip, which is really flattering, but a straight-cut will also give you ease-of-movement and not squeeze your leg in an unflattering way. I don't think that shorts need to be tight to be flattering, especially since you're already showing your legs. So choose a pair that fits you just right.
4. Style - This is where it gets fun! As you probably know by know, I am obsessed with nautical clothing. So when I saw these shorts, I couldn't resist. Another pair of shorts that I own has little blue flowers all over a red background - and they're adorable. Choose a style of shorts that you'll love wearing. They can be flowered, striped, lacy, or denim - just choose a pair that you love and you're excited to wear.
I've linked a few alternatives to my shorts below. What do you look for in the perfect pair of shorts? Let me know in the comments!
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