Contrary to popular belief, shorts can be worn by virtually everyone. It’s not about being a certain height, shape or size, and it’s not about going with a certain trend or a “classic,” avoiding all the rest. As with any fashion purchase, it’s about how they feel on you, whether or not they’re in your comfort zone and what you wear with your shorts. We’ve taken the confusion out of the process with five things to consider when choosing the perfect pair of shorts for you.
Related: Shorts Story: Street Style-Approved Ways to Show Some Leg
What to Consider When You're Looking for The Perfect Pair of Spring/Summer Shorts
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Choose Your Shape Wisely
This is the summer of the structured, exaggerated bell shape. Are they right for you? This type of short tends to look best on long and lean stems, as well as a boyish torso. But if they're worn with the extra room seen here (that is, not tight), they can also provide coverage for shapely hips.
Stella McCartney Pink Flower Printed Pleated Shorts $780 at SSENSE
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They can also add extra fabric you may not want, making you appear more generous in the hip area than you'd prefer. These are best tried on before you commit to purchasing.
Alexander Wang Pleated Waist Bloomer Shorts $425 at Nordstrom
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Pattern Play
I'd like to say any woman should wear any pattern she wants. And you can, the only question is, does it flatter the way you'd like it to? Big, bold patterns on a small pair of shorts draw attention to that part of your body and that part only, which can cut you off in the wrong places and make you seem shorter-limbed than you are.
A.L.C Hayes Silk-Floral Print Shorts $345 at Saks Fifth Avenue
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Horizontal stripes, even pretty ones, will make you look wider than you are.
J.Crew Collection Cotton-Blend Jacquard Shorts $100 at Net-A-Porter
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Thread Counts
For a night on the town, dressy shorts are fantastic. A pair in allover lace, satin or even leather can be killer. But when it comes to wearability, as in a pair you're sporting midday in June, choose breathable fabrics, like cotton...
Vince Camuto Flat Front Cuff Stretch Cotton Shorts $74 at Nordstrom
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What to Consider When You're Looking for The Perfect Pair of Spring/Summer Shorts #6
...or linen.
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When In Doubt, Search for Dolphins
There are cuffed hems and frayed hems, and then there are dolphin hems. The shape of this hemline (shorter at the sides) is uber flattering, and they tend to come in easy breezy cuts, which are also comfortable. If you're feeling like the hem of a pair of shorts is too tight (who hasn't?) and cutting into your legs, go dolphin.
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Banded or Elastic?
Don't assume an elastic waist is comfortable compared to a solid, banded waist. If the elastic is too thick, not providing for enough movement and stretch, they can be super constricting around your waist or hips. These are a try-on style, for sure.
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Often, a well-fitting banded waist is more chic and comfortable.
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The Long and Short of It
Who wears short shorts? Confident women who like the way bare legs feel walking down the street in summer. That's it. There's no "rule" about what type of body or age or woman can sport these. So don't be so quick to discount them.
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Women with shapely legs often think they've got to cover them up and automatically go for a Bermuda style. Problem is, this can actually draw more attention and be less flattering than a shorter pair, perhaps one in a drapey style. Know that longer shorts make your legs look shorter than they are, whether you've got on heels or flats.
