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De-stumpifying shorts?

Anonymous

Shorts are my nemesis-part 2...
Does anyone have any tricks to feeling less stumpy in shorts?

In theory, they should work well for me, as my legs are long (30 inseam and I'm 5'3"). But...they're much longer hip to knee than knee to floor-so I rely on cognac wedges if non gear shorts. Then my body is short waisted and curvy. Pockets will pooch out-and things that work for skirts (fitted top + looser bottom, long over lean) don't translate in the same way. Long shorts make below the knee look short. Short ones make the legs look long, but emphasize the short body. Skorts aren't as bad, but similar. Ugg!
Proportion, shape, fabric tricks? Comiseration gripes? Just deal cause its 95 degrees out and others look stumpy too?

Dressing

33 replies

Latest reply was from

Sal

Veteran

I also struggle with shorts despite being tall with long legs. But my legs are muscular and I am short waisted.

My tips are:

- longer tops with not much length on the short showing OR shorter tops at the waist (tucked or on the waist band). In the middle is unflattering for me.
- slightly shorter shorts with some ease in the leg OR knee length and quite fitted. In between is unflattering.
- flattering shoes....I prefer low contrast colours.

My WORST are bermuda about one to four inches about the knee. About five - six inches above the knee is good, and shorter than that is getting a bit too short for me.

I think I look better in a swimsuit or bikini or leggings than I do in shorts in the most part. But shorts are perfect on some days so I keep on trying.

Anonymous

It sounds like we have a similar body type, although I'm 2 inches taller (but apparently shrinking annually ). Shorts don't look great on too many people, and to my eye, that mid-thigh length is usually most flattering. I assume we are talking casual shorts, right? Athletic short-shorts are great if you are lean and muscular, and about 25. I have stopped worrying about how flattering my shorts are - because I just don't have the bandwidth to worry about one.more.thing. I prefer a lower rise, hang-from-the-hip type of chino short, and then I don't have that pocket pooch, or front zipper pooch thing going on.

I wear them when it's hot and I'm at home, or going on a walk or on my bike. And I put them on and try not to obsess.

notsaf

Veteran

Have you tried high waisted shorts, which would balance out your long thigh bone? I have these and they’re the only shorts I’ve worn in years: https://www.modcloth.com/shop/.....lsrc=aw.ds

Anonymous

Yes swimsuits are much easier, even when my weight is higher! I'm guessing shorts work best for people with long torsos-more in balance or something.

Anonymous

High waist then shortens my torso-and I have 1 hand only between ribs and waist Lower waist could maybe work better, but then I worry about them sliding down!
I thought mid thighish shorts would be the solution...make my legs look long, but still be reasonably covered. But then top and shorts are the same length-and I end up looking boxy.

Runcarla

Veteran

Do top and bottom same colour or tonally the same. My preference is for a short with a 5-6 inch inseam.

Anonymous

I do that usually. It's less awful...but still awful-lol! Lower contrast to me may help, like olive instead of dark denim.

Joy

Veteran

My so.ution is no shorts ever. ( No one wants to see an over 70 year old man or woman in shorts! ) I wear crops instead. On really hot days a linen skirt or linen pants rolled to crop length are cool enough. Shorter or longer shorts than usual used to be my solution. Straight, not wide, for my skinny legs, including thighs. Banded bottoms on tops, or those that show some abs

bj1111

Veteran

Jcrew chino shorts with a 3-4 in inseam is the only one that works for this short pear. The pockets pooch a tiny bit so I use as intended and stick my hands in

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm 5'4" and my legs are relatively short but longer hip to knee than knee to ankle. Plus I'm long in the rise and short in the waist. And my legs are (ahem) not my best feature. Shorts are not flattering on me really in any length, but I do still wear them. Bermudas cut me off but slim ones seem to work okay if I go for lower contrast top and footwear (if possible). Shorter shorts are a rarity for me but the best ones are sort of mid-length (like 5 or 6 inch inseam) and a looser style. I do think tops and footwear make quite a difference.

Anonymous

Thanks all!

I'm wondering if changing necklines based on shorts length would help to look more balanced? Higher neckline, thus longer torso, with shorter shorts. Lower for longer. Maybe? High neck halter tops have been less awful than regular tanks-I think...

Maybe technical fabric, like hiking shorts, or board shorts (for SUP) not denim?

The only non gear/lounge shorts I own right now that fit are mid thigh length denim. Even though they're thin and stretchy, they still seem too rugged.

In a couple months I'll be having the same angst re: casual pants!

Liesbeth

Veteran

My best tip would be to wear shorts with low contrast to your skintone, so there's not such an obvious cut-off line on the leg. For me that's shades from beige over grey to tan. I find it decidedly improved stumpy silhouettes in any short length.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I see it differently and am in the minority. We all see different things and that's good. No negative judgements either way

9 times out of 10, when a client is battling with shorts and she wears them a little longer - the planets begin to align.

Visually, I think longer shorts are more flattering on most despite the high or low contrast, the necklines of tops, or adding heels. Hovering just above, on, or just below the knee - (just like a pencil skirt because it's where the body naturally cuts you into thirds, and your leg line in half) - is where my eye finds peace a lot of the time. The fit has to be great too.

Of course, this is a sweeping generalization. Shorter shorts can look fabulous (especially on petites). But it's harder because it challenges the natural proportions of the body. Generally, clients who rock short shorts are extremely confident wearing them. They enjoy showcasing a lot of leg and it shows. Short, long, or regular waisted!

I don't wear shorts unless they are long. These are my favourite shorts of all time. 10 years old and still going strong. Dressy, and like a skirt.

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

What's wrong with a shorter torso, seriously? Post some pix and I bet the rest of us will not be convinced that you look bad. Maybe we'll even find an angle that will redeem the look for you.

Angie, are you including the pedal-pushers/clam-diggers you have on in those pix under the term "shorts"?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I struggle with this too, despite having longer legs. But I just put some shorts on, semi-tuck a top, and move on. My preferred shorts lengths are like Sal’s — either mid-thigh (about 6-7” inseam on me) or knee-length and narrow.

I faced it a long time ago that no one wants to see me in shorts, whatever my age. I have fat saggy knees and cellulite. My legs are shaped like upside down tree trunks. Oh well. When it’s 90 degrees and 90% humidity, I’m gonna wear whatever makes me sweat the least.

Anonymous

I didn't participate in the entire discussion very well - ooops. With regards to tops for shorts and how to make the whole look better, I bought 5-6 printed tops in different styles with the intention to up my shorts game (from the usual plain tshirt or tank) . The experiment was a decided failure, and I'm really annoyed that instead of buying just one new top and seeing how it went, I bought a whole collection of them and wasted a lot of money. Most tops are too long on my shorter torso to wear with shorts, and I am NOT going to spend time and $ shortening a bunch of cheap $40 tops just to wear with shorts. My go-to with shorts now is a boho-style peasant top , maybe with an elastic wide neck (can be pulled down on the shoulder) . The volume looks decent with slim shorts showing beneath, and I feel somewhat more pulled together than I ever did wearing a plain tshirt.

delurked

Veteran

Just skimmed replies, but I’m with Angie. My best shorts are Bermuda length. Just above the knee or grazing knee. Slimmer leg. I don’t love it with tennis shoes, though I will wear them when needs must. I like a sandal with just a touch of heel (I don’t actually wear heels of any significance), but not completely flat is better. It’s also better with a lower vamp so a bit more of the leg line shows. I’d say play around with the shoes.

If that’s a bad look, best I don’t know because I think I look pretty good in them.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Have you tried loose shortish tops (that wouldn't be so short on you) untucked with simple kinda short shorts? Like this

https://www.zalando.de/blue-se.....3-j11.html

https://www.zalando.de/warehou.....b-e11.html

And how are wrap looks for you? https://www.zalando.de/mintand.....v-h11.html

Btw, I'm not suggesting any specific prices range, wouldn't put you or a thing you bought down because of the price. Not specific items either, because overseas.

If that’s a bad look, best I don’t know because I think I look pretty good in them

Pure awesomeness

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, I think whatever style pants or even other bottoms you wear can actually translate pretty good into shorts - meaning the rise and general fit up top, then it's just a matter of getting the right length (in my view at least). I have to admit that in early spring when I first start wearing shorts I feel like my legs need sun - and they get it when I swim and hike as I don't wear sun screen on my legs. Not sure if I'd love shorts as much if I lived in a cooler climate but I feel like they look fine and I'm well over 50.

I wear mostly denim shorts (I often used a sharp razor knife and long heavy steel construction ruler to cut jeans down to shorts myself). I guess I like a little structure in my bottoms, as opposed to a flowy type fit/fabric and cutting them myself gives me the option to cut them a bit longer and roll them as desired.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I’m thinking more structured
“baggy”, if that makes sense, paper bag waist, pleated,

I’ve also included finds from Angie’s recent post on Trendy Shorts

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Anonymous

Hmm, maybe longer would be less awkward, since I like my skirts best knee or longer. Narrower looks better to my eye if long. The looser, flowy ones I like more shorter, but those models have much straighter bodies than mine. Ones like Angie's may work on my shape, but the dropped crotch may just look like saggy bum on me!

Top wise I like the idea of wrap tops and boho blouses, when I can find sleeveless versions.

Shoe wise I just wear nude to me shoes most of the time, and only sandals with shorts. If its warm enough for bare legs its warm enough for sandals

Anonymous

And Janet, it's only been 50-60% humidity most days this year!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yes, thank goodness we have a a bit of a rest in humidity on many of these days. But 90+ makes me sweat no matter what the humidity!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am 100% on team Angie here, and have a near duplicate of her silk harem shorts that I love. I do consider them shorts, as with all my knee length shorts and do consider this length most flattering on most people. Apart from everything else, mid- thigh or shorter shorts get stuck to seats! Seriously, everyone should wear what looks good to them - I live in a very hot climate and never wear shorts shorter than knee length.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

shevia, I have no issue with people wearing them, but once they're beyond the knee, "shorts" is a misnomer.

SarahD8

Veteran

For me the trick to shorts is about width more than length. I find some fluidity/ease around my thighs more flattering. I happen to prefer a shorter inseam (2-3”, which isn’t as short as it sounds when you’re 5’3”). Narrow shorts look terrible on me no matter the length. The Bermuda shorts that everyone on this thread is raving about were incredibly stumpifying even when I was 20 pounds lighter. So my advice is don’t give up if a “universally flattering” style...isn’t.

bj1111

Veteran

I’m ready to try harem shorts

Anonymous

Update, I did try on an olive pair on my lunch break. They didn't fit right, but the lower contrast made a big difference. The experimenting continues...

Sal

Veteran

Olive is a great colour for shorts. I have two black pairs ( one floral) and I think they are too high contrast. I am about four months from wearing them though!!

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