I responded team navy to Angie's question, and yet I think I might be team chocolate. Or benched, at least.

I bought these brown shorts at Mango yesterday--maybe a bittersweet chocolate color?--and did a bunch of try-ons with them today. I really like the color and style of them.

The color is a super close match to a pair of Eddie Bauer shorts that I've had for about 15 years. I've kept them through thick and thin, literally--hung on to them through the seasons that they really didn't fit, just because I couldn't bear to let them go. The style, length, and color made them favorites that could not be replaced. (Ironically, those Eddie Bauer shorts are back to fitting me nicely again, as you'll see in photos below.)

The style of the Mango shorts are like some beloved khaki shorts I wore in the 1990s. I think they were J.Crew. They are long gone.

After I did these try-ons today, I ordered the size down from Mango. I did try on the next smaller size in the store, and I chose the ones you see here. But I'm feeling they are a bit too loose. I may be between sizes; we'll see.

Meanwhile, here are many ways I might wear them. And I put on the Eddie Bauer shorts with some of the same items, for comparisons.

1-4: Mango shorts with a brown and purple arty-striped tee (made by me), white denim jacket (Banana Republic)

5-6: with a lilac-gray tee (Aritzia) and floral denim jacket (made by me); closeup in photo 25

7-11: Mango shorts and Eddie Bauer shorts with a mauve floral tee (made by me) and dark denim jacket (Caslon)

12-14: both pairs of shorts with an arty blazer (NY 77) and a cotton crew-neck tee in chalk and a black and white linen v-neck tee (both Eileen Fisher); closeup of the chalk tee, EB shorts and blazer in 24

15-16: with a white with purple floral linen cap-sleeved top (made by me)

17-21: with a silk cap-sleeved long-tailed multi-colored abstract floral top (made by me), a blush wash jean jacket (AllSaints), and a mint linen long cardigan (Caslon)

22-23: with a silk long-tailed brown, mint, and aqua tie-dyed tank top (unknown designer)

26: dressing room photo of the back of the shorts.

I'll be interested to hear your comments on the new shorts, the comparisons with the Eddie Bauer old favorites, ruminations on chocolate, or any other thoughts you wish to share.