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No shorts for summer?

AnaElizabeth

I was just browsing Oprah's site and was clicking around the fashion and beauty link and I found an article in which Trinny and Susannah (of What not to Wear fame) said that shorts should only be worn at the beach, otherwise, opt for a cotton skirt. Here's the link:

http://www2.oprah.com/presents....._103.jhtml

Do you all agree with this? I live in the south where it gets so hot, if I didn't wear shorts, I'd be in skirts all the time, which just isn't me. I like to mix skirts/dresses and shorts, and I have 2 pairs of these 5" plain shorts (in stone):

http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/p.....=cat300212

Are these "okay" for stylish summer wear? Would there be something better, keeping in mind the stifling heat of Texas in July? (I'm 27, by the way).

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

mayapple

Short shorts are pretty unflattering on probably 90% of the population. I think they make most people look top heavy. Knee length walk shorts are so much better. I know it's hard to hear when you already own something, but I think you really need spectacular legs and considerable youth to pull off short shorts. The only time I liked them was in a very stylized dressy wintery look that involved tights and boots, which gave more coverage and overall balance. The ones you posted aren't awful or totally inappropriate, but I still think a good pair of walk shorts is a million times better.

AnaElizabeth

Hmm...I do have 2 pairs of walk shorts that are in summer weight materials, but they have cargo pockets, so I was thinking of just getting rid of them.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am on Trinny & Susannah’s side this time. No shorts, unless you’re a noddy body teenypopper. Read these blog posts for more info:

http://youlookfab.com/2007/06/.....rhaps-not/

http://youlookfab.com/2007/04/.....-be-risky/

AnaElizabeth

Not even walk shorts, Angie? Or do you mean, no short shorts? And by "short shorts" do you mean anything above the knee? I'd always thought of short shorts as really really short (less than 5").

Nicole

Veteran

I think it's a tall order to give up shorts for the sake of fashion. There are certain situations that a walking short is more appropriate than a skirt. (Like a picnic, or day at an amusement park, or even a sporting event.) But too many people take advantage of casual attire. That is why, I think it's okay to wear shorts--but they need to be the right length, they need to be neat and clean and classic in style, and you shouldn't let the top half of you get too sloppy looking.

For me, my problem with shorts, is the footwear. Something about heels and shorts look odd to me. Espadrille heel would be the only exception. But my legs look better in heels than flats. I have definately shyed away from shorts over the last few years. I don't have many walking shorts. I was wearing capris last summer--I know now that they are not the fashionable choice to replace shorts--but I'm not convinced I can get through the summer without them. I suppose I'll be beefing up my skirt collection this summer....

Hmmm this is something to think about.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Walk shorts, absolutely AnaElizabeth. At the knee (find your best knee length) and no shorter. Sorry!

You may have noticed that I am an absolute stickler for pant, skirt and dress lengths. I have a particularly strong opinion about this topic. The right length on a garment can make all the difference.

AnaElizabeth

Okay, thanks for the clarification. Luckily, the tags were still on one pair of 5" chinos I had and I found the receipt, so I took them back this evening. I'll look around for some walk shorts, then. Any suggestions for quality, summer weight, knee length shorts?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm thrilled to hear this response AnaElizabeth. Wait a wee while. The walk shorts are about to hit stores everywhere first week of April. Where do you usually like to shop?

AnaElizabeth

I shop at J. Crew, Banana Republic, Macy's, Nordstrom's, Ann Taylor (they just opened a Loft here in Austin, also). There's a Saks and Neimann Marcus nearby but I've only gotten a couple things there. Gap, sometimes.

I tried on the summerweight chino bermudas at J. Crew last night. I liked how light the fabric was, but it sort of creased or bunched around the zipper area (does that make sense?). The front wouldn't lay totally flat, even when I went up a size (but then they were just too big around the waist), So I decided I'd keep looking.

I'd really like to find a pair of "chino" type ones, and a pair of denim ones also.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You shop at great retailers. You were right to leave the J Crew style, you'll find super fitting walk shorts soon enough. Beware of tan, the colour is very close to the colour of your skin. Try white instead and denim is always a good choice.

AnaElizabeth

Okay, thanks for the tip, I'll stay away from tan.

Nicole

Veteran

Angie, I've seen some walking shorts worn in a smart casual...work friendly way. And I've seen some worn in a much more casual--day at the flea market kind of way. I'd love to wear them to work. What is the key to making this smart enough for work?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Quite right Nicole. The right walk shorts are very work appropriate and it’s a super look. It’s all about dressing up dressy walk shorts . Dressy walk shorts are CLEAN, no bells and whistles, dark denim or thick cotton twill (nothing that looks faded). “Slacks fabric” is also good. Now match this bottom up the same you would in a “smart casual” or “business casual” sense and Bobs your uncle. Does that help?

Nicole

Veteran

Yes it does help, Thanks! I assume walking shorts are to be worn with bare legs? It's still cold here, so I have some time to put the look together.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The styles for Spring are for bare legs indeed. Winter walk short allow hose. It shall be a good few months before I start wearing those. It’s 47 degrees here today!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The styles for Spring are for bare legs indeed. Winter walk short allow hose. It shall be a good few months before I start wearing those. It’s 47 degrees here today!