Let’s Talk About Shorts

Well, I was going to send out a newsletter today, but MailChimp isn’t working for me (is it user error? LIKELY.), so before I lose the will to share this information altogether, I thought I’d create a lil’ blog post like I used to back when my hormonal functions were still highly regulated.

(Also, a Google doc was another option, but do you know how much y’all need tech support with Google docs? SO MUCH. SO MUCH TECH SUPPORT.)

(I understand this, btw. Because I can’t get MailChimp to work.)

Anyway. Earlier today I decided to clean out my closet, and as you can imagine, that has led to a time of reflection about shorts.

Here’s the deal. For a long time I was self-conscious about wearing shorts. I didn’t love how my legs looked. I thought I needed to be tan (number of times I have ever been tan in my whole life: zero times). I felt like maybe I should wait to wear shorts after I had been on long walks for 30 days in a row so that I had ample time to firm up my calves. I scrutinized my knees.

But then, eight or nine years ago, I considered how hot it was outside, and I wondered why I was punishing myself by wearing long pants to run errands when it was over 90 degrees. At that point I had transitioned from teaching English to working with the girls at my school, and I wondered what I would say to them if they were mired in some over analysis about how their legs looked. So that summer, on a trip to New York with David, I decided I was going to give shorts a try for the first time in some years. It just so happened that the temperature was somewhat akin to the surface of the sun for the entirety of that trip, and my gosh I was grateful that I had decided to give shorts another try. I’ve never looked back.

Now, if you’re a shorts skeptic, please know that I totally understand, and you should absolutely make the shorts-related decision that feels right and best for you. No pressure from me where that’s concerned. After all, I don’t like to wear sleeveless things – I don’t like to feel my underarm rubbing against the side of my ribs – and no amount of persuasion is going to convince me that wearing sleeveless shirts is the right move for me. So I get it.

BUT. If you’ve been wanting to explore your shorts options but haven’t been sure where to start, then this info may be helpful to you. To my utter delight, there are lots of shorts that work great on a grown woman’s body while also being legitimately comfortable and surprisingly affordable.

Here are some of my favorites.

First, I really love cut-offs. I don’t know exactly why. They just feel easy, for some reason. You can dress them up with a button-down, dress them down with a t-shirt, and they’re super cute with sneakers or sandals. Of all the shorts I own, my cut-offs feel the most effortless, and if they have a little give in the waist, all the better. That’s why I love the cut-offs from Aerie and American Eagle. The denim is super soft, the back of the waist sometimes will have a little elastic, and they’re loose around the tops of my thighs. So comfortable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aerie Daydream Denim Short – 4″ inseam – less than $40

If you’re looking for something a little longer, I think these are oh-so-cute, and I just ordered them for myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Eagle Dreamy Drape Baggy Jort – 8″ inseam – less than $30

To me these AE shorts have sort of a mom jeans vibe – but in the most fun way. I would love these with a pair of slides, a plain t-shirt, and a lightweight summer cardigan if that’s an option where you live (for me that lightweight cardigan business is only a summertime option when I’m much farther north than Alabama).

Here’s another great longer option (that I also just ordered for myself).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aerie Daydream Denim Jort – 4″ inseam – only $20

I think I’m captivated by these longer shorts because the length reminds me of what I would have worn back in the 80s – only the fit and style are so much better. Man these are good for a grown woman’s thighs :-) – but that frayed hem is so modern and fun.

I also rediscovered some Athleta shorts that I love when I was cleaning out my closet today. My friend Steph loves these, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retreat Linen Midrise – 4″ inseam – on sale for $39

These are the perfect pull-on shorts – roomy through the hips and thighs, comfortable in the waist – and they get more soft every time you wash them.

And if you’re looking for a great bargain…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Dyamic Fleece tech shorts – 4″ inseam – $15 (they’re on sale)

Tons of great colors and so easy to wear if you like a high-waist option. (I happen to adore a high-waist option.)

Also, if you’re thinking about a cute skort option – which has the bonus of built-in slip shorts underneath, this is a great one to try.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extra High-Waisted Stretch Tech pleated skort – less than $20

This actually opens up a whole new discussion about how slip shorts are an absolute game changer with dresses and skirts, but we’ll put a pin in that for another day.

Oh! One more possibility. Melanie loves the clothes she has ordered from Quince, and I love the classic look of these linen shorts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100% European Linen high-waisted shorts – 5″ inseam – less than $30

There are matching linen shirts, too.

And listen, if shorts aren’t part of your overall summer vibe, please walk in freedom wearing whatever you dadgum please. However comma if no fabric below the knees sounds like a good plan to you, I hope you feel encouraged in your shorts journey.

Hope you’re having the best week!