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WIW - keeping it real in casual shorts

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Since lately we've been talking a lot about everyday outfits that are just casual and nothing particularly special, here's my contribution. All old pieces, for a very casual afternoon in the heat.

It's 88 here as I write this. I sweated buckets just walking today, much less running. So I'm just putting on old, yes, khaki-ish Caslon shorts and a sleeveless top. At least last year I started upgrading some of my old tees to lightweight but nicer tops, like this Mara Hoffman one. Not my most typical color palette, but the turquoise stripe and the geometric tribal pattern won me over. And it's light yet NOT sheer!

My old Cole Haan sandals (actually my second pair, since I nearly destroyed my first ones, which are now relegated to ranch wear), rose gold MK watch, and the Zara clutch again.

So, shorts are not my best look, I know, so I guess this is JFE. At least I hope so -- I spend a fair amount of the summer looking like this.

Comments & suggestions always welcome.

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37 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

cciele

Veteran

Why is it so hard to find a light top that's not sheer these days? I love that top!

And I think you look just fine in shorts.

Anonymous

I love how the mint/turquoise back picks out the shades in your top. It's a lovely print. You look great!

Aida

Veteran

Ooh a very soft color palette for you, but it works so nicely with the khakis, pastel clutch, and metallic sandals. The soft colors also seem cooling in a way. I need to find some of these elusive light-but-not-sheer tops. The shorts look good to me, I dunno what you're seeing

crutcher

Veteran

I am not ready for hot weather...This from one who cussed and swore and stomped through the Polar vortex...Is there any way to please us?...
I do like your cool weather look...and I like the way you said this is the look you hope to have all summer...
Maybe summer clothes are just not chic enough to be pleasurable?...
I am going to work on how I feel about that...

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Well, it's not that I *hope* to look like this all summer, it's just kind of my reality. I just hope that I look a little better than acceptable. There are ladies here who look *awesome* in shorts, and I am not one of them. I don't feel particularly amazing in these kinds of outfits (I'm not sure amazing describes how I look most days anyway :-D) -- summer weather just leaves me wilted, and dressing for summer saps my energy. I feel like I *settle* a lot more in my summer wardrobe than in cooler weather. It's a bummer, because I was really enjoying my spring outfits and didn't even get a chance to wear some things I really wanted to take for more outings. I am really not a fan of our summers here. Sorry for my whinging and whining.

Anonymous

I think you're being way too hard on yourself. To me, you look pretty darn fabulous in shorts!

FWIW, I like this recent streak of everyone posting their gear and ultra-casual outfits. It makes me feel like I'm not such an unfashionable slob, after all. Just normal and living my real life. When I'm not at work, I'm typically very dressed down.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

It's my reality too, Janet! In fact, I have shorts that look exactly like yours. I like the top you've paired with them, it seems so hard to find non-sheer tops these days!

Zibbets

Veteran

You look fantastic! Love your gold toes and sandals and the turquoise in your shirt and bag.

dustt

Veteran

you look great in shorts!! and I really like that top - a great departure from a t or blouse when it's blisteringly hot!!

sinead

This is a really nicely done casual look. I can go way too gearish when it gets hot, but you've managed a casual-but-put-together look here. I think the great sandals and bag along with the top (love this summery top!) elevate this everyday outfit.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I really like the top, it's very pretty on you - I think you look casual but still stylish here. I size up a bit on my shorts (have to wear a belt) and I like to buy them longer so I can roll them up - I wonder if you've tried that approach? For some reason I think it might make a difference in your opinion of them on yourself. Rolling gives you control over just the right placement of the length. Do you already have denim BF shorts? I really like the Kut from the Kloth Catherines in both blue denim and white.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I hear you on the reality of summer dressing. It's not my favorite season, either, style-wise. I must say you look great in your shorts, though. They fit beautifully, and with the pretty blouse, gold sandals, and clutch, you make khaki shorts look chic!

carter

Veteran

So with you here! I don't look nearly this cute in my off-duty Summer clothes. You've inspired me to work on that capsule. I really like that, despite the heat, you wore a "complete" outfit that looks so put together. I also thing you look great in a softer palette for this time of year. BTW, you rock shorts!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, everyone!

Texstyle, I do generally like longer shorts, and sometimes roll them, but I have a hard time figuring out a good spot for them to end on my upper legs. Honestly, I struggle with shorts and I hate trying them on. They're right up there with swimsuits. They confuse me. Sometimes I think I look better in something that ends about halfway down my thigh because that seems to be a relatively narrow spot on my leg, and then I look at all the cellulite and think I should just stick with covering all the way down to or below the knee, but sometimes that proportion just doesn't look right. It seems to be hard to find anything in those longer lengths that isn't frumptastic, but admittedly, I haven't looked much.

Sizing up is something I'd consider, but it's a little tricky -- the ones here already stretch out over the course of the day (they're looser now than they were when I took these photos), so I'm not sure I want them bigger than they are. I'm not sure if baggy butt looks better or worse in shorts than it does in jeans.

But I'm glad you're making me think about all this. This year might be a good time to reevaluate my shorts and get some new ones. These and my other similar ones, all have those slash front pockets, which probably don't do me a lot of favors in the hip area. But it doesn't seem so easy to find anything without some kind of pocket bulk in a casual short. I've been wearing the same ones for the last three summers. They are pretty snooze-worthy, but all the cute shorts I see (patterns and such) are too short. My time for 3" inseams is long gone. Even a 5" inseam comes nowhere near the middle of my thigh. I think the ones I'm wearing here are 9". For BF shorts, I have some old, slightly too-large jeans I chopped off below the knee, and I roll them up a little bit. They're OK, but really, really casual.

I like shorts that are not tight, but also not so loose as to add a lot of volume. I love the idea of something lightweight and drapey, but anything like that I see is pleated, and I am not going there.

I guess you can tell, I just can't get excited about shorts for me. But it's just not feasible for me to wear skirts and dresses every day in the summer. I pulled out these shorts today and threw them on for this outfit, but I haven't taken a good hard look at my summer bottoms yet, so you've given me food for thought.

viva

Veteran

I have a hard time with shorts, too, Janet. Aside from workout gear, I have exactly two pairs. I probably need at least one more pair, but the idea of shopping for another pair is really upsetting. Just do not like shorts on me.
You look so pulled together in this look! The pretty sandals and toes, the clutch, the great top -- it all elevates those shorts. You look beautiful.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh viva, I'm sorry you also dread short shopping! But it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You look fab. xo

jackiec

Veteran

I think you look great! That clutch amps everything up a notch, and the metallic sandals too. I was just talking about this with my kids today too, actually. I find I wilt in the summer and my style sometimes takes a bit of a nosedive. My best weather is sunny, clear, and about 18-20 degrees (sorry i can't do fahrenheit!). So not too hot and not too cold, but not rainy either (sorry Vancouver, love you but hate the rain sometimes). I wear shorts, but never quite feel that put together. On the other hand, when I put on a skirt I feel like I'm trying too hard. Ok enough whining here too.

MsLuna

Veteran

So comfy! The low contrast colours and this particular neutral really works on you. Love the turquoise clutch!

Anonymous

I think you look delightful, right down to your metallic toes. That fab turquoise clutch is turning into a workhorse, yay!

Aida

Veteran

Janet, FWIW I do well in both shorts and pants and much prefer baggy shorts to baggy pants. I think that option is worth exploring. No side-entry pockets for me, either. Also, the right pleat can actually do nice things I also hate shopping for shorts, but when I find those good ones I'm always glad I put in the effort when it warms up.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Aida, I hear you, and I try to never say never, but pleats are awful with my short waist and wide hips. I have photographic evidence from long ago (much like the mom jeans *shudder*). Gentle gathered waists can work as long as there is not too much fabric that poofs out. I almost have a poison eye for pleats, but I do think they can look nice on ladies like you with nice slim hips. If anyone can ever prove me wrong about pleats on me, I'll happily change my tune!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Janet I have lots of empathy for your self-critical nature but wish you could see what we all see here and in your real life. You are gorgeous from head to toe!

Aida

Veteran

What about bucket-waist type shorts (like the ones I have on here)? Those have the little gathers and a very intentional shape that kind of looks like pleats without actually having any, and if the material is nice and drapey you'll give it great shape. Not super common right now, unfortunately.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Aida, those are so cute on you! I wore something like that many years ago. Honestly, I haven't tried anything even close to those looser, fuller cuts in shorts in way too long to have any idea what they would look like on my body now. I had a mental hurdle around slouchier pants and managed to find some I like, maybe it's possible to find it in shorts.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Shevia, you are so sweet. Thank you.

Aida

Veteran

I will cheer you on from here! You can do it

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Janet, I hear you loud and clear on the heat, I do. I think you look pulled together and great. Heads above the tank tops and flip flops I see all over here.
I did those paper bag waist shorts in the late 80's (in bright teal, no less!) and have memories, too . . . That said, I am playing with the idea of silky patterned shorts that may or may not have very subtle pleats to keep the fit flowy with movement.

Karina

This is a great outfit! Simple shorts elevated with a gorgeous shirt and nicer sandals/clutch. I have to chime in on the shorts--those look great on you. I struggle also with the right length for my body, and side pockets can be just horrible. I have a curvier bottom half with a longer rise but proportionally shorter legs. I had great luck this year with Old Navy 5" shorts--the angle of the pockets seems to work fine. My other shorts in a similar size/shape from Target are hideous with the bulging pockets. I know you said 5" shorts don't feel quite right but I did notice that ON has 7" shorts similar to this on sale right now for $15. Good luck with the shorts hunting and great styling with this outfit!

Women's Twill Shorts (5")

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