Consider your height: Longer shorts create the impression of shorter legs, while short shorts lengthen the leg, giving the impression of height. Play it safe. Women of most heights can find stylish and flattering shorts that hit around the mid-thigh. [2] X Research source Consider the fit: Shorts that flare out toward the bottom, rather than hugging the thigh, are flattering for petite girls and curvy women alike. Long styles like mid-thigh shorts or Bermudas are best, while taller women might find longer shorts more appropriate. Common inseams for women are 3 in (7. 6 cm), 4 in (10 cm), 5 in (13 cm), and Bermuda shorts that go to 8 in (20 cm). [3] X Expert Source Neepa SikdarPersonal Stylist Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.
You can wear printed shorts, a solid top, and sandals. [5] X Expert Source Neepa SikdarPersonal Stylist Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.
Buy shorts that extend past the hip, but not quite up to the narrowest part of your waist. These are sometimes called “mid-rise” shorts and can be more flattering.
Rule of thumb regarding length: Nothing but your legs should be sticking out from the bottom of your shorts. This goes for the pockets of jean shorts, underwear, and anything else your shorts cover. For a professional look, select high-waisted shorts that fit in with the fingertip rule. With the shorts on, let your arms fall loosely to your sides. The bottom of the shorts should be below your fingertips.
In some zones (read: hipster) short jean shorts, also known as jorts, are increasingly popular, while elsewhere extra-long baggy shorts that hang below the knee are stylish. If you’re curious about whether or not you can pull off either of these styles, it’s probably a safe bet to go traditional and leave the experiments to the trend-setters.
If you work somewhere it would be appropriate to wear shorts, get the appropriate cut and style and use the same judgment you’d use in your regular work attire. They should be clean, pressed, and professional.
When in doubt, go for mute colors. Beige, gray, navy, and black shorts will always be in style. The bright pink pair you picked up for the yacht trip might spend a lot of time at the back of the closet. [9] X Research source If you wear cargo shorts, aim for the smallest possible pocket, in inverse proportion to your age. If you’re in your 50s, that pocket needs to be incredibly small. If you’re 15, you can get away with larger pockets.
If you want to sag, do it carefully. Slip on the shorts up to your pubic line. Make sure the back of the waistband is just below the “fault line,” so to speak, but tight to your body, using the drawstring to secure the shorts as you walk. To get them to stay, combine fairly large boxer shorts with a tight drawstring to get them to stay without having to constantly tug at them and pull them up.
