Shorts are one of the easiest things to wear during the summer. They’re comfortable to walk in, no potential chafing issues, and keep you nice when hopping on and off rides at theme parks or picnicking on the grass. No skirt blowing up issues on windy days either.
Just stay away from short shorts right? Wrong! Let’s smash another fashion rule and learn how to wear short shorts.
I’m going to share my road tests with you and my tips on how to wear short shorts. I finally started wearing short shorts when I was 40. Better late than never, so they say!
I really stepped out of my comfort zone for this Smash the Fashion Rules Road Test. I am a believer in body confidence and love what you have, but this was confrontational for me. I had to teach myself how to wear short shorts.
Clockwise – 7 for All Mankind cutoffs at Seaworld, Zimmerman tailored shorts at California Adventure World, Katies shorts at Disneyland, GAP boyfriend cutoffs at Palm Springs
During our recent trip to the USA, I found myself reaching for shorts again and again. In hot weather with lots of walking, they are really the best option. I decided to stock up on shorts, but just like Goldilocks, I had issues finding shorts that were just right. They were either too tailored and grown up or they were the ubiquitous denim underpants.
Wearing Disneyland tee, classic brass buckled belt, oversized GAP denim shorts, Ziera flats, Tory Burch hairbow
Inspiration struck – boyfriend cutoffs were just the thing. I found a pair of oversized denim cutoffs at the GAP outlet. They’re about three sizes too big and are meant to be worn in a much more, ahem, snug fashion. Teamed with a chunky belt and worn lower on the hips with an oversized tee tucked in the front waistband and left loosely gathered at the waist, they performed a couple of fashion magic tricks.
Wearing them a little lower on the hips gives a little extra length. The oversized tee worn loosely gathered at the waist disguises the fact that my shorts are worn lower than my knickers. The extra fabric should make me look bigger but in fact is a fashion magic trick similar to ruching. Wearing a long necklace to lengthen the torso and nude sandals to lengthen the leg helps with the visual illusion.
The biggest fashion magic trick is the width of the legs, thereby making the width of my thighs appear to be narrower. Love that!
Wearing 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target tiger tee, 7 for All Mankind denim shorts, Sterling & Hyde Snakeskin Neon Pink Loafers, Seed rose gold belt, Oroton scarf
I loved this outfit so much, I duplicated it. Another black tee worn with 7 for All Mankind denim cutoff shorts. Don’t you love my 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target tiger tee? Sadly, not available for shipping to Australia but try eBay if you can’t live without some in your life.
They’re slightly more fitted than the GAP version. I made them more Kimba-friendly (and age-appropriate) by unpicking the stitches holding the rolled up cuff in place. I was already out of my comfort zone and there was a limit!
The feature belt draws the waist in, and unrolling the cuffs creates the all important thigh-thinning visual illusion.
Wearing Cue silk top, SanCerre tap shorts, Ziera Mary Jane flats, Tory Burch hairbow
If you still can’t stand the thought of denim cutoffs, try on a pair of vintage inspired high waisted “tap shorts”. The flowing fabric creates the thigh-narrowing visual illusion whilst the cuff draws the eye in at the point where the thigh narrows. The shorts team back beautifully with a flowing empire-line silk tank – a great tummy trimming trick.
I wore another version of this flattering and comfortable outfit, when I teamed Katies floral printed shorts with a Sussan red flowing broderie anglaise tank, for a day at Disneyland.
Tap shorts usually feature an elasticated waist, whether full or just at the back. Although designed to be worn high waisted, they can be pulled lower for more coverage. Try teaming this style of shorts with a fitted tank tucked in, a waist-defining belt and a cropped jacket. A great casual outfit or dress it up with statement accessories and sparkles for a summer date night.
How to wear short shorts for day
Sushanti Hat by Tigerlily from The Iconic | $69.95 | click here to purchase | affiliate link
Wooden tassel beads by Verily | $40 | click here to purchase | affiliate link
Rubber flats in Olive by Mox | $39.95 | click here to purchase
Neutral Sleeveless Lace Top by Katies | $39.95 | click here to purchase | affiliate link
Soft Navy Short by Katies | $39.95 | click here to purchase | affiliate link
How to wear short shorts for evening
Basic Stretch Knit Tank in Sand by Target | $9 | click here to purchase
Bellecurve Shine Bright Sequin Shrug by Target | $59 | click here to purchase
Fair Maiden Belt by Seduce | sold out
St Etienne Mary Jane heels by Aussie Girls Love Shoes | $189 | click here to purchase
Triple Drop Earrings from Colette by Colette Hayman | $9.95 | click here to purchase | affiliate link
Flat Cobra Chain Bracelet in Black from Colette by Colette Hayman | $9.95 | click here to purchase | affiliate link
Shop for Short Shorts
Refuge Shorts by Decjuba from The Iconic | $69.95 | click here to purchase | affiliate link
Ladies’ Roll Cuff Boyfriend Shorts by Target | $25 on sale | click here to purchase
Soft Navy Short by Katies | $39.95 | click here to purchase | affiliate link
Chambray Soft Short by Katies | $39.95 | click here to purchase | affiliate link
Urban Shorty Shorts by EziBuy | $18 on sale | click here to purchase | affiliate link
Lucy Shorts from SanCerre | $19.99 on sale | click here to purchase
Are you a fan of short shorts? I don’t love my legs but I do love feeling cool and comfortable! Now that you know how to wear short shorts, are you going to give it a go this summer?
Kimba Likes Image Credits
Product Images from SanCerre, The Iconic, Target, Aussie Girls Love Shoes, Mox, Katies, EziBuy, Colette by Colette Hayman, Verily
Photographs copyright Kim-Marie Williams
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