https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:12:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions/page/2#post-1783324 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 09:00:39 +0000 Anonymous 1783324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ </p> <p>The answer was here all along: </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2013/08/30/when-art-and-fashion-intersect/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2013/08/.....intersect/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782811 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:10:27 +0000 LaPed 1782811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gigi -- it sounds like you have some really nice variety in your summer wardrobe! I'm thinking linen overalls or short-alls are on my wishlist this year. And definitely a new sundress -- but so hard to find the right one... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782799 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 23:35:49 +0000 Gigi 1782799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Boy, do I hear you! I feel like I wear the same few pieces all summer long.</p> <p>Some of my standbys last year for the hottest days:</p> <p>. a pair of denim boyfriend shorts, which were sufficiently loose to allow for some air circulation<br />. a linen romper from Anthro (which was kind of a pain when I had to go to the loo, but it was lightweight and breathable otherwise)<br />. a linen midi dress from Anthro (the swingy skirt gave me air circulation)<br />. a denim pencil skirt from J Crew<br />. a rayon maxi skirt (it was a fuller skirt so gave me air circulation)</p> <p>Of these, by far my favorite was the dress. I don't usually wear dresses because I am a size larger on bottom than on top, so it's hard to find any that fit. But I found that not having to layer separates at the waist area (that is, not having to layer the shirt and bottom) was a huge help in staying cool and not feeling sweaty.</p> <p>Thanks for posting this. It was helpful for me to think about what worked for me last summer so that I will make good choices this year. Another dress or romper would certainly be worthwhile.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782732 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 20:06:55 +0000 Glory 1782732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I stopped wearing shorts about 4 or 5 years ago because I felt I was simply too old for them. I have already decided that I will start wearing them again this summer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782725 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 19:58:39 +0000 LaPed 1782725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet -- you bring up a good point about footwear. The reality of summer for me is that I'm almost always around the water (we live next to a large pond, and much of my extended family lives on a lake), and end up wearing Chacos about 90% of the time. My sandal tan lines from last summer are just now fading. I switch into nicer options for specific events, or city trips, but in all honesty I probably need to build the bulk of my summer wardrobe from the sport sandals up. Hmm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782720 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 19:52:01 +0000 LaPed 1782720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had J Crew chino shorts in the past -- I like that they still offer some in 100% cotton. I tried some last summer and the ones that fit my thighs fell off my waist... I'd really like to *not* have to bother with altering shorts.&nbsp;</p> <p>You know, Smittie -- I made a pair of skinny/fitted bermudas out of old jeans last year, thinking it could work for me as I like it on others, but then I saw a picture of myself in them and decided not to wear them anymore. That hardly ever happens to me. It was the side view that did it. :-/&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782687 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 19:03:44 +0000 Anonymous 1782687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is too bad that we have poison eye for Bermuda length because it would solve a lot of problems.</p> <p>I wear Bermuda-length skinny jean cut offs with wedges. I think it's a good look on me but I don't see anybody else wearing it, so maybe it's a terrible look and i just don't realize it! The key is that they're pretty tight around the thigh. They're a bit warm though. </p> <p>I like the JCrew chinos--nice and thick and won't ride up. I like the shortest ones: 3" long, and then I size up, as Diana does.</p> <p>I like Textstyle's feathery ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782655 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 17:40:11 +0000 Janet 1782655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try as hard as I can to avoid the "soccer mom" look you mention, LP, because I'm a good deal older than you and things can skew matronly on my body really quick. </p> <p>My solution is to edge up the footwear and wear tops that have some detail or style to them, rather than just a plain tee. Texstyle echoes my thinking along those lines. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782654 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 17:39:50 +0000 LaPed 1782654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, I have some free time today and I've been perusing.&nbsp;</p> <p>I quite like the look of these: &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/250090302/handmade-linen-shorts-for-women-elegant?ref=hp_rv">https://www.etsy.com/listing/2.....?ref=hp_rv</a></p> <p>and am tempted by these as well, though they may come off a bit too mom-wear on me IRL:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.grana.com/women-s-denim-loose-shorts.html?size=201&amp;color=275">https://www.grana.com/women-s-.....;color=275</a></p> <p>I'm 5'4"; a 3" inseam is about the shortest I'll go, but longer than 6" or so and they start to feel too long.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782650 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 17:26:59 +0000 RobinF 1782650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have also been struggling with shorts lately. As I've gotten older my old 3" inseam favorites seem too short for anything other than around the house. But below knee length just looks too dated for me. I do have some denim cutoffs that I like but agree they are too hot on the hottest days. And I have some cotton cuffed shorts I still like, they are probably more like 4" and that extra inch makes a difference. I'll be on the lookout for a few cotton pairs this year. I agree with you, though, too lightweight and they don't hang right. What I did most of last year was wear a couple of gear-type shorts around the house and switch to cropped pants to go anywhere - not really an ideal solution. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782646 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 17:10:55 +0000 Style Fan 1782646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been struggling with this for years.&nbsp; I am not found of my legs in shorts that are knee length.&nbsp; Forget capris.&nbsp; My legs look like stumps.&nbsp; My legs look best (not great but better) when I wear shorts that are baggy at mid thigh.&nbsp; I kind of like the draw string effect.&nbsp; I then wear a light weight denim shirt rolled up at sleeves.&nbsp; Never anything tight on top.&nbsp; <br />My other bottom option has been linen baggy trousers.&nbsp; They seem to work fairly well.<br />I just bought a denim jean skirt that is a couple of inches above the knee.&nbsp; I am in Florida.&nbsp; The skirt has been worn constantly.&nbsp; It is 27 C and so far so good.&nbsp; I can not do knee length or my legs look like stumps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782635 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 16:33:05 +0000 Anonymous 1782635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do wear short shorts even though I'm over 30! I always wear them with wedges or heels which is maybe a tad tacky for some. However I prefer a light dress and sandals in the heat. Looser is better when the sun makes itself known! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782619 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:31:47 +0000 cindysmith 1782619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shorts are kind of a PITA for me. I don't find a lot I like, so I have a lot of placeholders right now. I do a lot of lightweight pants, and I have a lightweight jersey-knit maxi skirt to help me get through hot days until I find some love-them-for-a-long-time shorts. I'm starting to think they don't exist, so I'm going to look into the recommendations here and see if I can find some things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782615 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:25:15 +0000 JAileen 1782615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the past I've always worn shorts. I had several pairs from Royal Robbins. But I'd gained weight and didn't the least bit fab in them. So last summer I bought a bunch of crops at Kohl's. They were Lee I think. Our summer is very hot and I agree, denim is too hot. These all were made of lightweight fabric. With a variety of summer tops and cute sandals, I felt ready for anything. It was the first year I felt decent and prepared for summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782606 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:16:39 +0000 Anonymous 1782606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear shorts a lot in our long summer. I like basic twill or sateen for comfort - denim is just too hot where I live for daytime wear.</p> <p>I've had the best luck with styles from JCrew and, of all crazy places, Talbots. Both offer basic twill shorts in a variety of lengths every summer. Talbots pants don't fit me well, but like others have mentioned, I prefer shorts pretty loose. Their basic shorts style actually works pretty well for me. I have khaki, navy, black and off white. I have yet to find a good pair of olive shorts, which would round out my collection. </p> <p>My favorite short was the J Crew Andie, which has been discontinued, but NWT pair are still available on ebay. </p> <p><a href="https://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi41274&#038;defaultColor=2208&#038;N=10431&#038;selectedConcept=" rel="nofollow">https://www.talbots.com/online.....edConcept=</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/shorts/solid/7-stretch-chino-short/G2333" rel="nofollow">https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens.....hort/G2333</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782602 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:11:58 +0000 LaPed 1782602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all these ideas!</p> <p>I have mostly moved away from t-shirts in the summer, wear a lot of buttondowns in all sleeve lengths, from sleeveless to long sleeved, in linen, poplin, chambray, etc. I've got summer shirts pretty well figured out for myself. I always have an easier time with tops than with bottoms.</p> <p>I think I have a couple shorts problems:</p> <p>1: I really dislike exposed drawstrings, which are so prevalent on linen shorts and pants, and make me disinclined to tuck or semi-tuck, which I do think makes most shorts look better. If I can find linen shorts with a button fly, I'll be thrilled. Maybe I need to check the men's department...</p> <p>2: Really lightweight fabrics tend to ride up and not hang right when they're made into shorts. I may need to investigate longer lengths, but something about long shorts (anything from bermuda to capri) really screams "soccer mom" to me, and since I'm 30 with a 3 year old, I try to avoid looks that fall into that stereotype -- nothing against soccer moms, I just try to buck the norm when I can! If anyone has Finds for "edgy" or "tough" longer shorts (zippered pockets, moto seams, I dunno, anything?), I'd love to see them.</p> <p>I wonder if I just need to live with the fact that I like shorts for gear (river shorts, running shorts, board shorts) and not for casual wear. I do have two pairs of old full-length chino pants that work well for me; they were thrifted so I could probably afford to chop one of them just to play around with different length shorts. I'd love to find a loose-fitting, sturdy skirt in a knee length with pockets that doesn't fall into the prairie-frump look too easily. I'm finding this Elizabeth Suzann skirt tempting, because I can envision wearing it year-round, but styling such a voluminous garment is intimidating to me: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://elizabethsuzann.com/collections/bottoms/products/clyde-billow-skirt-cotton-canvas?variant=29861947148">https://elizabethsuzann.com/co.....variant=29</a>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782601 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:10:19 +0000 Diana 1782601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, one more thought. I very often deliberately size up in shorts for a looser fit. I like my shorts to generally fit looser than my jeans as it's less warm that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782599 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:07:37 +0000 Diana 1782599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, shorts are a weekend-only item since I don't wear them to work (even though I could and nobody would care) so I don't need very many. I'm v. picky about shorts - I have poison eye for Bermuda length, so only like mid thigh or shorter (but not TOO short), don't like them to be fitted on the thigh (and I have Thighs of Doom, so that rules out a lot), and don't luke denim or polyester (both too hot for different reasons). So, I look for short, loose, lightweight pairs. They do exist. I jut saw these at gap which look like a promising option.<br /> <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&#038;pid=638084012" rel="nofollow">http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=638084012</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&#038;pid=522536012" rel="nofollow">http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=522536012</a></p> <p>For summer work days when I don't want to wear skirts or dresses, I have linen culottes, silk/cotton blend knickerbockers, and lightweight linen trousers </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782593 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:52:48 +0000 texstyle 1782593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Regarding styling shorts - I find (for myself) that wearing a belt, jewelry and "non t-shirt" tops helps up the style of shorts outfits. I don't wear heavy jewelry often so just something light and shiny is great.&nbsp; Or wearing "nicer" shorts like the patterned ones from my Finds above is also a good bet for me - I wear those with a navy eyelet top that is very airy (I wear a navy bralette under it).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782582 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:39:34 +0000 Anonymous 1782582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle with shorts too, and have used texstyle and Janet's posts for inspiration over the past couple of summers. &nbsp;I wear them every single day in the summer , and usually default to athletic shorts (Lulu) , denim cutoffs, or khakis from the Gap. &nbsp;They are tricky to style too - and I never like the way I look wearing them. &nbsp;I have had lots of success with skorts/golf/tennis skirts too... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782579 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:32:14 +0000 Anonymous 1782579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I first joined YLF, something called clam-diggers was trendy. They are somewhat loose and hit at the knee or even just above. I have chopped off longer pants to this length and rolled. I do not wear shorts no matter how hot it gets. Denim and twill skirts are great because they are heavy enough not to be see thru. I have also collected a casual grey linen skirt and cotton knit skirt with matching sleeveless tank for hot summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782576 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:27:31 +0000 Anonymous 1782576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I must say it's much easier for women in the summer, so much more choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782574 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:25:37 +0000 Lisa 1782574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only own 3 pairs of shorts and last year didn't wear them at all. &nbsp;Even in the heat I'm just not a shorts gal, they don't ever seem to fit my athletic legs well, even when I go up a size. &nbsp;My solution has been cropped jeans or cropped trousers, I have a pair of olive grey chinos from last year (Banana Republic). &nbsp;The material is lightweight, so these are thinner than a pair of jeans, and they seem to work well on the hottest of days. &nbsp;You can see the olive pants in the second and third photos in<a rel="nofollow" href="https://shoppingbrake.com/2017/02/27/spring-and-summer-capsule-wardrobe-prep-part-3/"> this post on my blog</a>. &nbsp;Maybe a pair of chino trousers would work for you if you aren't in a shorts mood? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782570 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:19:56 +0000 Sara L. 1782570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear denim shorts cutoff shorts in the summer but (like others have said) I make sure they are loose. &nbsp;If I don't have any of my own that I'm ready to chop, I go to the thrift store and buy them one or two sizes too big and then cut them off. &nbsp;I also buy cotton twill shorts like Texstyle mentions - usually from Old Navy or Target. &nbsp;Again, I buy them at least a size too big so they are loose. &nbsp;</p> <p>I wear jersey skirts and dresses too - the type that can be thrown in the washer and dryer. &nbsp;I have one or two with built in bras that make them especially nice for summer. &nbsp;One dress I bought at Sam's Club is perfect and I wish I had bought a second one. &nbsp;The biggest problem is finding them long enough - they need to be knee length or they become fussy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782567 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:09:55 +0000 texstyle 1782567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I live in central Texas and 100+ degree weather is common - in spring and summer. I wear rolled light twill Bermuda shorts from AE quite a lot. I have several pair in various colors and they are not tight and not too warm. They do have a lower rise however - unless they've changed that this year. I also find some shorter shorts from BR to be good, but they aren't my everyday choice - because of the shorter length I think. I don't mind denim shorts in the heat - but I never wear them tight - I typically size up in all denim anyway. I did buy one skort and it seems comfortable but I don't wear skirts typically.</p> <p>I also really love my new Loft Lou &amp; Grey chillout pants and bought 2 pair to wear in spring if not in summer heat.</p> <p>Gap (Athleta) linen shorts are nice if you don't' mind the wrinkling. I wear them mostly as lounge wear but also on some of the hottest days.</p> <p>I splurged on a light but not too see thru pair of white twill EF white pants to wear this spring/summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782563 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:04:14 +0000 Ginger 1782563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The very coolest shorts I've ever had were some I made myself from a mid-1940s playsuit pattern. They combined both delurked and Sisi's recommendations, being very loose in the leg (fitted with deep sewn-down pleats) and made of a linen blend.&nbsp; They are a so-called high waist, but rather short in the inseam. Very cool and comfortable. And very far from your aesthetic! FWIW, these by the vintage brand Collectif are very close to what I'm describing.<br /><a href="http://www.unique-vintage.com/clothing/bottoms/shorts/collectif-retro-style-high-waist-jane-denim-shorts.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.unique-vintage.com/.....e-denim-sh</a></p> <p>A modern version is these from Anthropologie. The fabric sounds a little heavy to me, but they do have a looser cut that should be cool.<br /><a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/julia-pleated-poplin-shorts?category=bottoms-shorts&amp;color=001" rel="nofollow">https://www.anthropologie.com/.....;color=001</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782561 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 13:58:35 +0000 Sarah 1782561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to wear nicer gear skorts a lot in summer. My other go to for really hot weather is looser fit cotton and/or linen mid thigh shorts. I will often buy my shorts 1 size bigger than my pants because I hate anything tight when it is really hot. Since you said you have enjoyed wearing linen pants in the summer I would suggest trying some linen shorts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782560 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 13:56:21 +0000 Janet 1782560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you. I don't love wearing shorts because I don't have fab legs, but they are usually the most comfortable, practical choice in the summer for my casual life. I feel the same way you do about skirts and dresses in summer -- they're nice but not everyday. </p> <p>I was wearing some Athleta and then Zella loose athletic crops the last few summers, but I'm not feeling them for everyday wear so much anymore. </p> <p>Last summer I got a pair of loose khakis from Anthro and cut them off to just under the knee -- I then roll them to about knee length for a sort of clamdigger length short. They are cooler than capris but a bit more covered than regular shorts. I have an awful time finding shorts that are more than a 3 or 5 inch inseam, which is just too darn short on my body. So cutting off longer pants and rolling the hems works for me. I also have jeans (blue and white) that I've cut off in this manner that work for me in summer too. Like Delurked mentions, I make sure they have a loose fit so they stay cool. I don't like linen bottoms on me because they are so wrinkly and crease across my hips, creating a really unattractive widening effect right where I don't need it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782552 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 13:24:03 +0000 Sisi 1782552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can you find shorts in cotton or linen? I think these are the best in hot Summers. I don't wear shorts but I like them very much on others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shorts-solutions#post-1782549 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 13:17:01 +0000 Anonymous 1782549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've found the key to jeans shorts in my hot climate is a looser fit. I'm pondering the other part of your question myself. The last couple years I've done several hack jobs from cotton crops or full length jeans to about a Bermuda length short. A looser leg is important to me for coolness (as in, I don't shorten skinny jeans). I also am a fan of skirts, and please please let me find a couple lightweight dresses this year with short sleeves and knee length. </p>