https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:00:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1259665 Fri, 23 May 2014 23:26:12 +0000 jackiec 1259665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look great in shorts! The only thing that really jumped out at me was that the ombré seems like it is backwards on the Gap shorts! I think if it was reversed so blue on top and white on bottom they'd be more magical! Those last ones you linked are cool too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1259657 Fri, 23 May 2014 23:20:59 +0000 Vicki 1259657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the paisley shorts on you, Janet. &nbsp;They look great all the way around to me, but I know everyone has their own&nbsp;"sweet spot" when it comes to proper shorts length, PSL? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1259633 Fri, 23 May 2014 22:38:55 +0000 Sal 1259633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the paisley ones and I think your legs look lovely in them. I think I am similar shape to you and find shorts also hard, too long is frumpy and stumpy, and too short feels bare! Mid length is about right but hard to find, especially in a pattern.</p> <p>If you love the paisley I would go with it. </p> <p>I just tend to wear quite classic shorts and funk up shoes and tanks or shirts, accepting the shorts are not the hero. It kind of works! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1259621 Fri, 23 May 2014 22:20:48 +0000 cciele 1259621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heh, funny you should mention running shorts. I came across these when I was searching for shorts:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/t-by-alexander-wang-satin-track-shorts/3640617?origin=keywordsearch">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/t-.....wordsearch</a> </p> <p></p> <p>ETA: Just realized you were looking for patterned shorts! These Caslon ones are cute too:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/caslon-clean-front-five-inch-shorts-regular-petite/3343066?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&amp;contextualcategoryid=2375500&amp;fashionColor=Navy+Peacoat&amp;resultback=300&amp;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_C">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....gin=keywor</a></p> <p>or the shorter inseam, wider opening ones:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/caslon-drawstring-linen-shorts-regular-petite/3402237?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&amp;contextualcategoryid=2375500&amp;fashionColor=&amp;resultback=300&amp;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_B">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....eywordsear</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1259619 Fri, 23 May 2014 22:16:21 +0000 Mo 1259619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I like the idea of finding some in a similar cut to the running shorts. &nbsp;There seem to be a lot of soft, rayon and silk, drapey shorts out there this year, as opposed to just denim and chino fabrications. &nbsp;You might luck out! &nbsp;(oh, and I've even seen leather 'Dolphin' shorts, so curved hems should also be easier to find ;)) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1259601 Fri, 23 May 2014 21:33:13 +0000 Janet 1259601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, everyone, for helping me analyze and giving me some feedback and ideas. I realized something yesterday when I took the puppy out for a run -- my running shorts are not long, maybe a 5" inseam?, but I actually think they're more flattering than many other shorts are on me. Perhaps it's the curved hem. I wonder if it would be worth looking at some similar styles, but not quite as gear-ish. I found the Asos shorts below and wondered if in the Tall version they might work for me. I like the print very much. They don't list an inseam length.&nbsp;</p> <p>Rabbit, it's so funny -- I have a harder time with skirts than with shorts, even. Skirts just seem to emphasize the expanse of my hips. At least pants and shorts visually divide the area, if you know what I mean.&nbsp;</p> <p>Isis, I like those Asos basketball shorts -- I just wish the color palette was more in line with what I have in my closet. The flower ones are really cool, but I don't think that pattern placement would be too flattering on me. :-)&nbsp;</p> <p>Carla, I'll check out LE, thanks! I may also have to try the Gap ones Angie recommended.&nbsp;</p> <p>Again, many thanks, all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1257906 Thu, 22 May 2014 02:16:29 +0000 rabbit 1257906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the length of either short works on you. &nbsp;That said a skirt on myself &nbsp;always looks better to me unless the shorts I'm wearing&nbsp;are skinny, long, dark denim. &nbsp;I have two heavy duty&nbsp;short cotton skirts with shorts underneath I can clamber over ruins and tree-trunks wearing&nbsp;if necessary. &nbsp; Or I wear cargo clamdigger length things and lean RATE UWP. &nbsp; I trekked around Nepal wearing a wrap cotton skirt over leggings or gym shorts and it was great, worked fine.</p> <p>So I'd wear shorts if you like them and feel happy in them, otherwise, why bother? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1257898 Thu, 22 May 2014 01:59:42 +0000 Jaime 1257898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shorts are so divisive! With no connection to you and your legs, I also prefer longer shorts in general, but the decision is so fraught huh? Should I not wear them because of my legs, should I go ahead and wear them to spite my legs, should I wear them because I have great legs? Ugh!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1257850 Thu, 22 May 2014 01:05:23 +0000 abc 1257850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I can't stop scrolling through the forum and thinking I have a problem with SPORTS illustrated too. Hahahahahaha</p> <p>Good luck on your shorts quest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1257832 Thu, 22 May 2014 00:36:27 +0000 Mo 1257832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just another thought on 'short' shorts: the width of leg opening matters a lot in both how short they feel and possible ride up. &nbsp;I have some 5" inseam that feel shorter than a 3.5" pair,&nbsp;because the leg opening is cut snugger to the thigh. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1257823 Thu, 22 May 2014 00:27:00 +0000 Carla 1257823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for the paisley shorts! Considering you are standing barefoot as well, your legs are fab! (I had DH take pictures of me in a bikini standing barefoot in the sand, and then with a pair of cork wedge platforms. BIG difference! Athletic but definitely a bit stumpy when barefoot, and long and leggy with the wedges.). When you consider that YOU are barefoot AND in a change room selfie....only think what DH gets to see IRL when you style up your shorts!</p> <p>The ombré shorts are just weird. The shorts. Not you.</p> <p>Lands' End has a big collection of shorts, including prints, in their recent catalogue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1257804 Thu, 22 May 2014 00:02:46 +0000 Marley 1257804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a fan of the length of the paisley shorts. &nbsp;To me, they would look too short on anyone over 35 - regardless of what their legs look like (and yours, by the way look great.) &nbsp;I also can not imagine them being very comfortable when you sat down - but maybe you did the sit-down test and they were ok? &nbsp;I much prefer the length of the GAP - but agree with you that the ombre effect (which in theory is kind of cool!) draws the eye horizontally, rather than up and down - and to me does not make you look "hippy" - but just rather short - it shortens your leg line and makes it look like your legs start down lower than what they really do. (Wow - I really slaughtered that sentence, didn't I?) &nbsp; I think of longer shorts as being more modern/trendy than the shorter styles - except of course for the teens and twenty-somethings who wear those that have legs that are cut off right at the crotch area! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1257798 Wed, 21 May 2014 23:44:16 +0000 unfrumped 1257798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love how the dark&nbsp; print shorts look--much better than the ombre. I think they look fine on you so if <u>you</u> like them, you should feel reassure, &nbsp;but also I understand if you like to wear them a bit longer, then you should try to find your HEWI--definitely search for similar prints! &nbsp;I like a bit longer short for going out and about but that's a personal preference. I also like how the BF-type shorts&nbsp;give option for&nbsp;rolling&nbsp;hem-- lets you control the length and have dual options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1257768 Wed, 21 May 2014 22:49:47 +0000 Isis 1257768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer long flowy shorts on just about everybody; I think they look great!</p> <p>ETA:&nbsp; I like long flowy shorts in general, but I do not like the ombre shorts.&nbsp; They are just wierd, and also not flowy. </p> <p>I have had good luck previously at ASOS and here are some. They have a weird search function, but these were pulled up by searching "long shorts". &nbsp;&nbsp;The homepage also has a code for 20 % off. &nbsp;I'm tempted by the basketball shorts myself....</p> <p><a href="http://us.asos.com/River-Island-Printed-Basket-Ball-Short/13800i/?iid=4191442&amp;SearchQuery=long%20%20print%20%20shorts%20women&amp;sh=0&amp;pge=0&amp;pgesize=36&amp;sort=-1&amp;clr=Greenprint&amp;mporgp=L1JpdmVyLUlzbGFuZC9SaXZlci1Jc2xhbmQtUHJpbnRlZC1CYXNrZXQtQmFsbC1TaG9ydC9Qcm9kLw." rel="nofollow">http://us.asos.com/River-Islan.....long%20%20</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://us.asos.com/White-Chocoolate-Spot-Print-Skater-Shorts/12bdwm/?iid=3808979&amp;SearchQuery=long%20%20print%20%20shorts%20women&amp;sh=0&amp;pge=0&amp;pgesize=36&amp;sort=-1&amp;clr=Black&amp;mporgp=L1doaXRlLUNob2Nvb2xhdGUvV2hpdGUtQ2hvY29vbGF0ZS1TcG90LVByaW50LVNrYXRlci1TaG9ydHMvUHJvZC8" rel="nofollow">http://us.asos.com/White-Choco.....ry=long%20</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Shorts-In-Hawaiian-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3953100&amp;SearchQuery=long%20%20print%20%20shorts%20women&amp;sh=0&amp;pge=0&amp;pgesize=36&amp;sort=-1&amp;clr=Multi" rel="nofollow">http://us.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-S.....rchQuery=l</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated/page/2#post-1257679 Wed, 21 May 2014 21:05:06 +0000 Angie 1257679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HAH. Viva. No. You can bat for Team Unrolled. I <i>do</i> think that the roll is revolutionary. Like the partial tuck - it provides subtle structure.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257671 Wed, 21 May 2014 20:39:27 +0000 viva 1257671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really love the first pair on you. I just bought two pairs of shorts at the Loft -- solid colors, but still 4" inseam. I too carry weight in my thighs which are muscular - always have been, always will be, no matter how much walking and stretching I do. But summer is summer, and it's going to be particularly hot on vacation for me this year. So there you have it.</p> <p>I think you have gorgeous legs, and as far as "rules" go, I don't think it is the same as a short dress or skirt, by a long shot. As always, it is about personal comfort, but if you are looking for an outside perspective of <b>how</b> <b>you look</b>, I think you look fabulous in those shorter shorts. To me, they are EONS more fun and more flattering than the ombre ones. </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257667 Wed, 21 May 2014 20:16:04 +0000 Gigi 1257667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dislike the ombre ones for the reasons others have mentioned...the break in color falls in an unflattering spot.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for the first pair, I think they are OK but not super great. I feel like a bit longer length would look better, not because of any problem with your legs (you look fine!)&nbsp;but because I think the proportions are more flattering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257548 Wed, 21 May 2014 17:50:51 +0000 rachylou 1257548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eh... instant hate for me with the paisley. Too short, too ordinary. Frumpy even. I like the blue of the ombre... but it's more two tone than ombre. </p> <p>Ack! I'm a hater! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257535 Wed, 21 May 2014 17:27:33 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1257535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree completely with the shorter printed version. &nbsp;I think the ombre ones are due to placement of the horizontal line... I wonder what another pair in that length would look like?<br />I think my problem with short doesn't have anything to do with my legs, but everything to do with my curvy hips... I wear them but am still in search of the holy grail.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257516 Wed, 21 May 2014 17:06:34 +0000 Gracie 1257516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for the paisley shorts - let there be legs!... the side view is amazingly flattering. I'm currently searching for a Hawaiian-print pair of long board shorts - 9" or longer as a bikini "cover up"... nowhere to be found! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257448 Wed, 21 May 2014 15:34:48 +0000 Angie 1257448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't either, Janet. Just like most dresses are still too short to wear to the office at the moment. And we are going into our 5th year of that trend.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257446 Wed, 21 May 2014 15:32:58 +0000 Janet 1257446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, Angie -- I did spot that one and just faved it. I'm not the biggest camo fan in the world, but I like the colors and they would play well with my wardrobe. Thanks! I still don't understand why the vast majority of printed shorts are so short. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257441 Wed, 21 May 2014 15:29:15 +0000 Angie 1257441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could find this in a print:&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257440 Wed, 21 May 2014 15:29:01 +0000 Gaylene 1257440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I think you ought to listen to your husband on this one because the length of the first pair looks really good on you. My gorgeous DIL, who is also a bit sensitive about her thighs, wears shorts that length but has me put a small slit into the bottom of the side seam. Such a little design difference, but it really elongates the look from the side and it's an easy fix. </p> <p>And, for what it's worth, I've always thought that toned athletic legs look better in short shorts than do skinny, "perfect" legs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257432 Wed, 21 May 2014 15:19:15 +0000 Anonymous 1257432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Janet! The first shorts certainly don't read hootchie in any way IMO and you can rock hem with your toned runner's legs. The ombre ones are nice too, but WHY do they put the white on the top? That would make my belly bashful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257430 Wed, 21 May 2014 15:17:44 +0000 Janet 1257430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I like those, but I wish there were some nice prints! I don't have as much trouble finding solid shorts, but prints all seem to be in shorter lengths, for some reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257411 Wed, 21 May 2014 15:04:44 +0000 Adelfa 1257411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, that's interesting about how shorts don't ride up on you--I was going to ask about that. I never thought of the effects of where you carry your thigh weight! So if sitting isn't an issue, I agree that they look really cute on you! The ombre shorts wouldn't look good on anyone, IMO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257401 Wed, 21 May 2014 14:58:58 +0000 Angie 1257401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer the length of the Gaps, but am with you on the ombre cutline being distracting. It draws attention to your crotch point. The paisley pair look fine. Fun pattern, and they will certainly keep you cool.&nbsp;</p> <p><b></b>Janet, I highly recommend these shorts from the Gap. Get them roomy and roll the hems.&nbsp;I think you'll like them too. You also might like the Zella city shorts.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257384 Wed, 21 May 2014 14:41:57 +0000 Janet 1257384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Susie, LOL about the blue toilet water scenario! Yes, the blue starts at an awkward spot. Perhaps if they'd started the effect down closer to the hem, it would be more pleasing. </p> <p>Thanks for all the feedback on the paisley ones. I feel better about being drawn to them. It's weird, I feel physically comfortable in the length, but the questions are in my head. I confess, I do have a pair if solid cornflower blue shorts from JCrew a couple of years ago that I must have bought in a moment of self-confidence (or the presence of flattering lighting and a skinny mirror?), that are that same length. </p> <p>I don't have problems with shorts riding up and sticking up between my thighs -- I suppose a positive aspect of carrying weight on the outer thigh rather than the inner. That does make shorter lengths easier (more comfortable) for me to wear than they are for many women. </p> <p>The rebel in me wants to wear short shorts just because I *don't* have perfect legs! How weird is that?</p> <p>This has been very helpful. Thank you, all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggle-with-shorts-illustrated#post-1257369 Wed, 21 May 2014 14:25:39 +0000 Susie 1257369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the shorter pair look perfectly fine. And they are a fun but sophisticated pattern so I like them for you. I would just want to make sure that the length works when sitting too. </p> <p>The Gap pair remind me of the movie Vegas Vacation. Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo are in the airplane bathroom trying to uh,&nbsp;join the&nbsp;mile high club. She is wearing a white pant suit and puts her foot in the blue toilet water, staining her pants blue.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ok after that visual I doubt anyone wants to wear those shorts! </p>