Shopping for summer or a tale of two lengths - YouLookFab Forum

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Shopping for summer or a tale of two lengths

Astrid

Veteran

From all the summer items I had on order, just these shorts are a possible keeper. They are from Boden and I had ordered them when they had them on mid-season sale (mid-season, really?!). Well anyway, they fit fairly well on top, no gaping and the pockts don't stick out either. I would say they're a pretty good fit for shorts which are hard to fit on me.

But, I'm really conflicted about the length (I ordered them in the long and the middle length). I had already bought two new pairs of shorts last summer, but I ended up not wearing them because I felt uncomfortable because they showed a lot of leg. So I ended up in my old worn out pair instead! That's not an option for this summer, I truly want a new pair I can wear and feel comfortable in. The shorter pair of these ones is a tad longer and looser than the ones from last year, plus the navy is fairly low-key. I still fear that I'm going to feel uncomfortable in them and would have spent the money for nothing, again. Psychologically I feel much more comfortable in the longer pair, even though I freely admit that they don't look as good in the pictures (and make me look bigger too, I think).

I've worn shorts like in #3/4 when I was three sizes bigger in bottoms, but ironically I can't seem to get on board with it now. Interestingly enough it's just normal everyday clothing that's a problem, I feel perfectly comfortable in bikini bottoms...

Thoughts? Any ideas how to push through this? I don't want to be the one with the hang ups about her legs... And of course, should I keep a pair? Thanks.

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Shopping

26 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Tanya

Veteran

I much prefer the shorter length on you, they are every flattering.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Tanya! And I agree with you, looking at the pictures. Maybe these will help me get over it, I don't know.

KikiG

Veteran

The shorter ones are better, but what I'd really like on you would be if the shorts themselves were less wide in the leg, what I would call a Bermuda short. That would be a little more polished and refined, plus, that style asks for the longer length that makes you more comfortable. The wider leg on both pair of shorts looks sporty and casual, and if you want these shorts for hiking and such, then you want the wider leg for freedom of movement. If, on the other hand, your goal is to have a more polished short for city wear, you might look for a Bermuda cut.

Mochi

Veteran

Astrid, I didn't look at the pics until after I read your posts. I was expecting to see some reeeeeaally short shorts--but the second pair is quite modest.

However, I still feel I am pushing you to take on a look you're uncomfortable with. But I do think you look great in that pair.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

What a thought out post. Let me first say you have gorgeous gams. Next It is all in your mind. It is something you have to reprogram your mind to see and think. Is it a process? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. I would play dress up in my home for the longest time. Then little by little I would take my real self and clothing out on the town. To the grocery store, picnic, concerts, work. I would have to force myself but years later I am comfortable with how I choose to present myself to the world.

Thirkellgirl

Veteran

I think you look adorable in the shorter ones, but I'm sympathetic to feeling a little exposed. I'm the least spatial person in the world so I can't tell - is there a little room to shorten the longer pair just a smidge? As far as pushing through it... my 56 years of changing body shapes and sizes has led me to make my comfort, psychological and otherwise, my top priority when choosing clothes. I know that heels are prettier with floaty dresses, but I'm not going there anymore. I know that I offend the world's eyes less when I'm wearing sleeves, but when it's 90 and humid the world's going to have to get over it. What I'm saying is that I have learned to (mostly) give myself grace to like what I like even if it's not objectively the most attractive or fashionable choice available, and I hope that you can, too, long before the age I was able to. You're adorable and anyone who would judge you based on a few inches length in your shorts instead of your spunky spirit and beautiful smile is too shallow to worry about. Disclaimer: I haven't *completely given up trying to look good, that's not what I'm saying. If two options are equally comfortable, I do try to pick the more fashionable/attractive/flattering one.

Bonnie

Veteran

You look really good in the shorter version. I think the shorter ones are more youthful and fun and the longer ones look more traditional and appropriate for fitting in more conservative occasions. Do you have to choose? Can you get both?

rachylou

Veteran

I think you should try knee pants as opposed to shorts. Same length, but closer fit. I'm thinking this, because I'm thinking you might like a neater short pant with more shape/structure. These look good, but I hear you wanting 'more.'

Alassë

Veteran

I actually like #1/2 better, but I like long shorts.

Astrid

Veteran

Okay, thank you all for your replies so far! The shorts are definitely for casual wear, I wouldn't even want to wear the longer length to work and my life is pretty casual otherwise. I hope to find one or two dresses I could wear to work if necessary. My motivation of updating my spring and summer wardrobe mostly resulted out of the fact that I've recently been super happy with my fall/winter clothing and in contrast to that the spring/summer clothing situation is pretty dire... I think hemming my one pair of jeans recently was a good move, but I need a lot more new things. Plus I'm going to have a real summer holiday this year where it might be truly warm, and I didn't want to feel badly dressed all through it.

Keeping the other things in mind I also still need I definitely want to get only one pair of shorts. Or get a totally different style in addition. And of course hemming the longer pair is always an option. I probably wouldn't do it myself, but alterations are inexpensive. But I guess if I decide I want more length I would just pick #1/2 and call it a day.

ETA

There was the suggestion of a tighter fit twice now and the only way I would do this is with covered knees. Tight and above the knee? No, thanks. If there's a secret to pulling of those styles I haven't discovered it yet.

Thirkellgirl

Veteran

I don't pretend to be a fashionista anyhow, so I'm just going to throw this out there. Would you feel more comfortable in a pair of cargo shorts? Would the pockets make you feel a little less exposed? I think the length of the longer pair could work but they're a little...plain, I guess. I think that if you don't love them, don't keep them (either pair).

Astrid

Veteran

I think cargo shorts would be too tomboy for my taste, I definitely need some degree of "pretty/dressy/girly" to make the look work for me with the sandals and my tees.

Mochi

Veteran

Astrid, I think I could see you in a cute little floaty skirt (above the knees) and some bicycle shorts that hit at or a little past the knee.

Astrid

Veteran

Mmh... Not sure about that look - probably because I totally associate it with little girls wear.

Mochi

Veteran

To me it's kind of boho, but I do know what you mean! I was just thinking of when I was little, and we girls wore shorts under our skirts, often, as protection for when the boys might try and flip the skirt up

Summer

Veteran

You should have no fears about wearing the shorter length, Astrid. They look lovely on you. Can you cuff the longer ones, or does that distort the fit? If you can turn them up, you would have the best of both worlds.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Another vote for the shorter ones. these are NOT short, especially for casual wear. I think you just need some adjustment time... but I do understand that may not happen and you don't need another orphan!

I also like the suggestions for another longer pair in more of a burmuda cut. Not tight, just a bit slimmer cut than these ones. These ones in the longer length just seem like a lot of fabric.

rabbit

Veteran

I think your legs are lovely, really. Psychologically feeling that is something different, but if that's your main concern I think you could wear either length happily.

Proportionally, I think wider shorts work when they are shorter (like the second pair).

I like wearing longer Bermuda length shorts myself, but I like them to fit more like jeans, so closer to the leg. I prefer denim with give and stretch so they are comfortable, or non-denim materials with a little stretch too (in those cases, I kind of like the 1950's look of capris, sometimes ending right at the knee though).

The other thing with shorts, like skirts, is I like to check out how they look while I'm sitting. That's also where I like slightly tighter shorts because they stay in place and there's no visibility up the leg hole which can happen with some super floating shorts (not these though I don't think).

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks everyone. I decided to return both. Tried the longer length again, but somehow the fit wasn't as good as with the shorter pair. Then I wore the shorter pair a bit around the flat, but I didn't really warm up to them. I strongly suspect they'd become another wardrobe orphan, so they're going back and I will keep looking.

Diana

Veteran

I prefer the shorter pair, but I have a bermuda shorts poison eye so my opinion is probably not objective. I see you've decided to return both anyway. How do you feel about shorter (like, knee length or maybe just covering the knee) culottes?

ETA: something like these finds.

Pleated Stripe Culottes

$295.00 $119.98

Sale

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Top Pick

1

Wide leg crop pants

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Top Pick

2

Thirkellgirl

Veteran

Good, I want you to find the perfect pair. You will.

Astrid

Veteran

Diana, I'd love some culottes! I've kept my eyes open for a pair, but the few I tried so far all didn't fit or looked strange. I'm definitely going to keep looking.

Thanks, Thirkellgirl.

abc

Veteran

Way to know yourself and follow your instincts. You'll find a pair. Patience will pay off.

Sara L.

Veteran

I liked the shorter pair but I think it's great that you returned them since you didn't feel comfortable in them. You don't want another orphan. Speaking of your orphans - can you let the hem out on last year's shorts that were too short? Maybe they could be rescued.

Anonymous

Kiwigal and maneera mentioned wearing a top with a curved hemline with shorts.
Could you cut off a pair of your jeans?
Or buy some jeans second hand and cut them off?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks, abc.

Sara, you can't really let the hem out, no. I'm keeping one pair to wear at home, I might resell the other.

Smittie, I don't really have anymore jeans I could cut off, so that's not an option. But I always keep in mind that I can hem things when I'm on the lookout.