Feeling the frump in new shorts

The discussion on Suz's post reflects what I'm feeling with this order of three shorts that just came in. I don't absolutely hate them but not liking them on me. Which is too bad, because they'd otherwise dress up a very active summer lifestyle. (For me, "dress up" is relative.) For example, I bike as a means of transportation, on weekends I might be on a boat, and I garden. Now I'm wearing plain athletic shorts but was hoping to wear something just a little better. Not the white for gardening, but you know...it gets hot where I live, but I don't want to look boring ALL the time.

All three are KUTs. The first is a boyfriend and the other two are Bermudas.

I don't like where they end at the knee, and from reading Suz's post with responses, I'm agreeing that slouchier would work better for me. If you have recs, feel free to give them.

The fit for all three is good. The boyfriend's a regular size and the other two are petites. I'd be wearing with a drapey tee, at least if not longer than this

1-3 Catherine boyfriends

4-9 Natalie bermudas

10 fallback athletic shorts I always wear

Thanks for your input!

This post has 10 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

9 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

You and I are both struggling with shorts -- Suz's post prompted me to start a thread too. So at the moment, I'm not trusting my ability to differentiate "good" from "bad" shorts style very well. I'll abstain from advising but I will follow along to see what others say. I also have to say you have great-looking legs!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Actually, I think the first white BF shorts are fabulous.

Suz

Well, heck, I like them on you and think you have terrific legs!

But honestly, I'm evidently not the best person to advise on this.

I don't think any of these would be frumpy styled up with a nice top and footwear a la Janet.

Mochi

Heh. Thanks, Angie. Well, if I am to keep one pair, those are the ones. I will think about it, and keep following all the shorts (actually long) discussions today.

MrsK

Active Member

Your athletic shorts are a great length on you, very flattering! I agree with Janet, your legs look fantastic! I think you should aim to pick up some non-athletic shorts with a similar shorter inseam - I'm not loving the length of the ones you tried on you (I also can't make bermuda/knee length shorts work, and find that going shorter creates much better proportions for me).

Anonymous

I can't tell the difference between the two white pair, and they both look good to me! And I'm the opposite of MrsK above me here in preferring the longer length on you - !

I also prefer the longer length here...

So it just goes to show....

Re: the length preference. I like the length of your athletic shorts because they hit at a very flattering point on your leg. However, the proportions with the untucked top are not the best (too high top-to-shorts ratio), so I see what those are saying about preferring the longer length on you.

and that's precisely what's influencing my eye on that photo

Who'd've thought you needed a Ph.D. to figure this out...

Seriously. Design school for shorts sporters.

I'm going against the grain. I much prefer the longer lengths in #1 and #7 as opposed to the shorter length of the athletic shorts in #10. To my eye, the longer length are more hip and flattering.

Yes, Angie. But for knocking around/gardening/etc, I'll keep them handy.

Actually, there is nothing to figure out. We go through shorts discussions EVERY season, and the forum is split with their subjective preferences. Some prefer shorter shorts, while others prefer longer shorts. Some like classic Bemudas - others loathe them. Some like very short shorts - others not so much.

Generally, I think that longer shorts look better in denim and more fashionable fabrics and styles.

(Of course, Nancy. Lounge and gear shorts are perfect for that purpose).

Diana

Ok so take this with a huge grain of salt because I have a well known aversion to Bermuda shorts ... But I think your legs look great in your old shorts so maybe you should look for a shorter mid thigh inseam. I do think the fit of the white pair is nice other than the length. What do they look like shortened?

Vix

Hi Ms M --

You really suit a slim cut in pants and shorts (IMO) so I love the longer black pair on you.

I also think #1 looks good (and could be rolled shorter if desired, maybe?)

For me white pair #2 are too wide in the hips so you get Flying Dutchman thighs.

rachylou

I think they are both fab on you. I very much like the dark - I hate shorts, but Astrid has turned me on to the idea of them. I think these could be frumpy on someone else (like me, because they're not really in my lexicon)...but you have an innate urbanity. I mean, you could even wear them with espadrilles and still look like a cool kid! Hehe.

catgirl

I love the first pair. My personal issue is white shorts... I don't wear them. And I prefer a shorter length. At this length of style them like a pencil skirt.

I just ordered these shorter shorts from BR - Natalie showed the same pair in a different pattern and I had tried them at the store.

http://m.bananarepublic.gap.co.....pdn=search

Those are gorgeous, Una!

El Cee

Mochi -- First of all -- You have great legs. None of these shorts look bad on you. Some are just better looks than others. I really love #1 on you (Catherine BF's)… a good length, and neither too slim nor too baggy in cut. I hope you keep them because you look amazing in them.

CocoLion

I think they all look good on you. You will not go wrong with any of them. Are there any that feel the most comfortable?

I think the first pair felt the most "normal" on me (funny, because I live in skinny jeans). But you know in summer, I'm more physically active and so I want the extra give.

Thanks for all the recs as well as kind comments! I'm out all day with just my iPhone so can't write anything at length right now.

texstyle

For me the width of the leg opening is something that usually bothers me as much as the perfect length. I would roll the Natalie bermudas up another roll and would prefer the first white ones to be just slightly less roomy in the legs where the roll is. But that's me. I'd be likely to try rolling the white ones one more roll too.

Category