Oh. This is very good. Thank you for posting, Janet.

...so funny enough, the only outfit that does not work for me as I look now, is the one closest to Suz's. The blue birds top. The sort of side flare hem. The deeper neckline. The straight down sides. Not sure why. I think both tops are fine, as are your shorts, but the combo not so much. Maybe it's a trend thing. Maybe it's that I see you both as classic with a twist and I can't find the twist. Which is hard to do in summer, when the goal is to wear as little as possible, now that I think about it...

Thanks for delurking Andrea. You and I aren't the same shape, as I could never be mistaken for petite , but I'm glad to hear your experience with that athleta short. Do you like the drape of them? I can't tell if they are actually kind of silky? If so, it's hard to imagine I could pull those off.

Rachy, the one with the black bermuda shorts? I know what you mean. Those shorts are hovering on the edge of my donation pile. (They are also starting to get a little old and faded). I love that top, but it's quite fitted on me these days and I think needs to be paired with something looser and less structured on bottom -- maybe my black draped midi skirt?

Janet - I think I like you in white and denim shorts the best of what I've seen. It's not that the others look bad, just that to my eye you look more stylish in the longer ones.

Specifically, Janet.

FWIW, I had a look at all the outfits you posted here. I love them all. You have an EXTREMELY good handle on how to wear longer shorts with sass and style.

The shorter rolled mint shorts are my least favourite, just because I subjectively prefer you in longer shorts. I find the lines and outfit proportions more fashionable and flattering. They also look more elegant, which I know is a vibe you like incorporating into your style.

Note that I am NOT saying that you shouldn't wear the short mint shorts. They are very breezy and extra casual, and there is a time and place to wear those in your climate and lifestyle too.

I love the mint shorts...well, I don't like shorts, but those are the way to do it, lol.

It was actually the third down, with the white I was thinking of. I hear what you're saying about the top with the black shorts but it's got rock and roll magic ...

Delurked, I do like the drape of them. They are sort of a midweight stretch ripstop type fabric, so they're cool and stretchy but also have some body to them. I don't find them clingy at all. I'm not a shorts wearer (which is why I'm following these threads closely) and I bought these specifically for day hikes, but I like them enough to have worn them not in the woods.

So I love the mint shorts on you as well as the the clamdiggers. Not so much the Bermudas. It has nothing to do with your legs. (Next time I'm in Baltimore I will need you to point out your issues in person since I CANNOT see them.)

My thought is that the Bermudas seem like a compromise length on you - they are neither here nor there.... kind of middle of the road, kind of like a black pencil skirt. And you and I are statement gals. Shorter or longer makes more of a statement to my subjective eye.

Just my thoughts.

Great input, everyone! Una, I feel the same way about Bermudas. They're maybe too classic for me. I will continue to wear my mid-thigh shorts for ultra casual days. And it's good to hear from you all that I pull off the clamdigger length and make it work for my style.

This is where footwear makes a huge difference. I think that my thread from the other day when I was pondering the "currentness" of some of my old summer shoe styles dovetails into this shorts topic -- I can see how shoes like my Freebirds, lace-up sandals, and updated slip-on sneaks help keep the long length of the shorts looking current, even if I don't see many other women wearing this length. Around here it's either bermudas or short-shorts, or the dreaded mom capris.

I have come to the conclusion that I wear simple shorts, and up the fashion via tops and footwear (and maybe hats and glasses). It makes my shorts collection small and not very exciting, but it works for me.

I like all these options on you Janet - I think they are all flattering and current.

Janet I think you look great in all the outfits. My favourite outfit is the last one. The BF jeans that are just below the knees with the Freebird sandals. I think your legs are fabulous.
I prefer shorter shorts on me. I find they are more flattering. I do not have great knees. I do not have great legs. Longer shorts make me look stumpy which is something because I am 5'7.5". I always wear baggy shorts.
This is a problem because my legs are not improving with age. I don't know what I am going to wear this summer.

Janet, I too think all of your shorts look great. Shorts are one of my least favorite things to wear. My inclination in the past was to wear them only around the house--so comfort was the main consideration. I just ordered some bermuda shorts to wear out in public--have no idea how I'll feel about them. I like the idea of keeping them simple though and putting the emphasis on footwear, tops, etc...much as you've done. I really like all the outfits you've posted.

I, too, think you style all your shorts really well. I was just shopping for shorts this afternoon. It was hard to even find bermuda length. There were piles and piles of super short shorts. I came home still needing shorts.

I don't know why but I had never considered shorts so controversial before. On me, I have a strong preference for just covering the knee and I never thought of it as frumpy, chicotastic, or whatever. But if it is, so be it, it is the length that looks right to me on me. I live in a very hot climate, but I tolerate the heat well, and honestly don't think a few more inches up would make me much cooler. I do look for shorts of that length with interesting design, but also happily wear basic bermudas. Not sure if that helps !

Great post, Janet, and I've learned so much...including what clamdiggers are...i have one pair that i wore yesterday (i just thought on them as slightly longer burmudas) Anyways I bought a new backpack and had my husband take a pic of my rearveiw to see how the pack looked...and i was a bit horrified at how my backside looked in those shorts! You looked fab in them, but i think mid-thigh might be the right length for me.

I really like ALL your shorts outfits. I don't see frumpy anywhere. Infact, you look really really really good in the shorter shorts, but you also look fantastically put together & polished in the longer shorts.

Can it be possible that you're just over-thinking this? I've noticed one thing myself--- when I'm feeling very conscious and a bit bleh, an outfit I previously loved can start to look awful. The day I'm happy and feeling good, everything looks good( to my eye, at least).

If you tried these shorts again and found out that you're not looking as good, it's possible that the 'thing' lacking/changed is your confidence. I've gained weight this summer too....I felt frumpy & dumpy in my short shorts & dresses for a couple weeks...then my eye adjusted. I'm only mentioning my own experience here....

I realize that I avoid shorts. I never liked them particularly well, and have always found a dress or skirt to be cooler, but there are times I wish I wore them well. On hot days, when you're traveling or attending a picnic, they are supremely practical.

For me, I can't be comfortable in shorts if I have to worry about how I'm sitting, or if I'm flashing more thigh than I intend. That means bermudas only for me! I have a blue and white denim, and that's it. Boring, I know!

I've been enjoying my athleisure crops this season. They might not be best when temps reach the mid 90's, but I like the cool, lightweight microfiber.

I looked and looked again and could only come up with the fact that you DO wear shorts really well and you already seem to know what works for you best in terms of length and styles. I'm not sure you need to change anything at all but just keep doing what you've been doing!