Shorts for short legged Pears?

On a roll with my questions tonight! (See what happens when I go shopping and try lots of things on!).

I was looking at shorts for summer - some like the "boyfriend shorts" I asked Angie about, others just regular nice shorts - tried quite a few pairs on - all straight leg or slightly wider.

I feel (and look) extra short and wide in shorts like these...

What I think I've worked out is that because I am short in the leg, not overly tall in general (5'4" just), and pear shaped - anything that fits my thighs/bottom, and then is a straight leg, is quite wide and seems to really cut my legs regardless of whether they are just below or just above my knee. Anything wider than straight leg and its even more ridiculous. If they are shorter (like mid-thigh) they are less obviously leg-chopping, but I'm not comfortable in shorter shorts like that.

Does that even make sense to anyone else but me? LOL

Of course, I have no doubt wearing heels would make it less problematic, but that's not a realistic option for me in my lifestyle - low wedges at the most.

So, has anyone else come up against a similar dilemma?

I'm thinking that sticking to clams is probably going to be my best option as they are less likely to cut my leg so obviously.

I just really like a comfy pair of nice shorts for the odd day in summer when I want shorts for practical reasons, but I'm realising they aren't so flattering

Any other suggestions/ideas/experiences?

Thanks!

15 years ago

shana

Veteran

Theresa, I can commiserate. Knee-length walk shorts look awful on me! I'm not a pear but I am petite and my thighs are maybe not thin enough. I look very stumpy and it's definitely not an attractive look. I don't even think heels would help me much. After trying on a billion pairs, I have found that the best length/shape for me is 7" and a little wider rather than a straight shape. I rarely wear shorts but some activities really require a pair and this is the kind I go for. Otherwise I stick with clamdiggers or skirts.

They may not be age appropriate or fashionable but I think many women just look better in shorter shorts because of their proportions and the shape of their thighs. It's probably trial and error in terms of what shape/length shorts are the most flattering but I do not think that straight leg, knee length walk shorts are universally flattering.

lynne

Me, too. I thought they looked good until I saw a picture of myself. Stumpy for sure. Im not overweight. I couldn't figure out the problem until I realized that I have short legs and the proportions were off. I'm spending more time now looking at this.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Shana, I don't believe that you look stumpy in walk shorts. You just need them a little shorter - that's all.

Theresa, try just above the knee and fairly streamlined.

anne

Theresa, your question is my question too! i like my clams but for days that are hotter than that - not so good. I have one pair of shorts that I thought were good, but they aren't my best look.

chewyspaghetti

I have found that a looser fit on the boyfriend types of shorts looks better to my eye. It does not exaggerate my hips like a closer fitting pair does. Have you tried sizing up and pulling them down so they ride lower? That's how I wear mine. I have these ones
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....pid=705606
I also think the lighter wash helps to combat leg shortening because there is less of a contrast with my leg. I wear them with nude sandals and a bright top.

Lisa

I am a 5'3" pear and stick to dark wash Bermuda shorts. I have one pair of shorter shorts from AT that are cotton twill with a 4 1/2" inseam.

Theresa

Wow I'm so pleased that others have this problem too!!

I love the comfort of shorts on some days, but yes, they really aren't my best look! We always tease my Dad about his incredibly short stumpy legs, and I have decided to never do it again because every time I do, I'm teasing my own legs too!! Thanks genetics LOL

Shorter ones do look more in proportion and make me look less stumpy but I don't particularly like showing off that part of my leg - its quite cellulitey and makes me really self conscious.

Angie I will try more tapered ones on when I next go shopping.

Khris I actually tried a pair like that on, but in my regular size - I never think to try on a bigger size because the waists in my usual size are always too big so I worry about things falling around my ankles LOL Will try though cos you never know till you try!

But having said that, in the midst of more cleaning/decluttering today I found an old pair of mens Guess jeans I had, that fit me fabulously around the mid section but were not slim fitting through the thigh, so I'm going to chop them shorter and see if I can find an ideal length in the comfort of my own home.

Thanks gals!!!

Maya

I have to admit I don't like tapered knee length shorts on anyone Clams work because they end at a good place where most people are pretty narrow, but ending anywhere on the thigh is just so unflattering UNLESS it is straight down and not tapered.

Good:
http://images3.like.com/produc.....-short.jpg

Bad:
http://www.drjays.com/shop/P63.....k159398%29

Obviously I'm going against Queen Angie here, but that's just what looks right to my eye :\

hehe well I can assure you that those very first pair would look horrific on me! They are almost identical to a pair I tried on yesterday!

Of course I'll have to reserve judgement on the tapered ones until I get to try some on, but I have a slightly tapered pair that aren't too bad now - just not a good size on me!

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