Shorts 101
Since it’s shorts season, I thought you might like a run down on how to find a pair that feels just right for you. A pair that fit your body well, feel comfortable to wear and are easy to style.
As with any other item of clothing or accessory, there are solid reasons why one pair of shorts might make you feel frumpy and dumpy where another feels fabulous. And that’s down to your unique body shape and your style.
The right length
You might think that the more of your thigh that’s covered up by your shorts, the better. But this thinking is more often than not, quite wrong. The best way to work out your best length is to stand in front of a full length mirror with bare legs and take a bath towel. Hold the towel by it’s short edges so that the length of it drops to your knees. Then, slowly raise the towel noticing how your legs look below it. There will be certain points where your legs appear longer and more shapely. These are the lengths to go for. Sometimes just a couple of centimetres shorter makes a huge difference.
The right waistband
The shape of your waist determines your most comfortable and most flattering waistband. If you are short waisted and thicker in the waist, I’d recommend you avoid drawstrings, elasticated waists and pleated waistbands. Stick to flat fronts (ideally with side zip) but any waistband that is flat at the front will work best.
If you have a smaller waist than hips, you’ll likely feel good in elasticated waistbands, drawstrings and belts to show off your waist.
If you are long bodied, high-waisted styles look great.
The right style
Your dominant clothing style will play a huge part in the style of shorts that you feel great in.
Classic – If your best style is classic, you like to be smart and well put together even when you are dressed casually. A pair of chino shorts will always look and feel good.
Dramatic – If your best style is dramatic, you enjoy wearing clothes that stand out and have impact. Choose coloured, patterned or textured pairs that make a statement.
Girly – If your style is more feminine, you’ll look gorgeous in any shorts with feminine detail, such as scalloped hemlines or embroidery.
Naturals – You are natural if dressing casually is when you feel your best. The denim short was made for you. These create a relaxed look that works best for your style.
Give these tips a try and let me know what you discover by leaving me a comment.
Want to know more about your style?
If you’d like to understand more about your best styles and the best options for you for ALL types of clothing, from tops to dresses, jackets, trousers, outwear and even footwear and accessories, check out my wonderful online style program – The Style Plan.
In this eye-opening and enlightening course, you’ll learn the colours, shapes, styles, fabrics and details in an outfit that will always work for how you and your body are today. Learn how to mix and match your clothes to create outfits that feel just right and understand what to leave behind because however much you love it, it just doesn’t work for you in the way you want. Over time this course could save you £££! And aside from that, the confidence and ease that great style brings is priceless. The Style Plan isn’t just for summer, it’ll support you with great style all year round!
Check out The Style Plan here.
And if you’ve got a question, just get in touch here: helen@helenreynoldsstyle.com