The Long and SHORT of it

June 3, 2006
as seen at FlyLady.net
by Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

Dear Friends,  

Are you ready for some sizzling summer style? Shorts are the way to go this season! They have taken the place of the mini-skirts and all I can say is thank goodness, double exclamation point!! Shorts came on strong last year with all the celebs wearing every imaginable style like Bermuda, capris, cropped pants, clam diggers and dress shorts for work. Even dressy versions have been seen on the Red Carpet. With so many lengths available, you can choose the right length for your body type and look up-to-date, too.  

 This trend is going to head into the fall season with tights being worn underneath. Shorts are slowly becoming all-season clothing, believe it or not. But, for now the weather is hot and getting even hotter.  Shorts are the way to go, but MissusSmartyPants is going to point out some do's and don'ts to help you look your best.

 1. Select the right short for the proper occasion. The more casual fabrics, like denim, cotton twill are for casual affairs. On the other hand, dressy fabrics like gabardine, men's wear fabrics are for fancier occasions. Shorts are traditionally known as casual wear.  A rule of thumb would be, if you can wear jeans-you can wear casual shorts.

 2. Dress shorts are BIG! They are a cute option, but need to be at the knee (no shorter) and make of a dressier/trouser fabric. Check with the office manager at work if you are in doubt. But, usually any office that is business to business casual-these will look great! Pair your dress shorts with a semi-fitted blazer (short-sleeved ones are good choices) and add some feminine pearls. Wear kitten heels or no more than a 2" heel.

 3. Short shorts are for women that are 5'9" and taller, all legs and slender, perfect shapes and model thin. Did I eliminate anyone? To quote someone at the DMV, "NEXT!"  

 4. Choose the proper length for your body. Proportion is everything! Good lengths can be at the mid-thigh (IF you have nice legs) or if you are not so confident, select the bermudas at the knee (these are flattering for most shapes!) The most important factor is to NOT allow any pant, short or skirt to ever stop at the thickest part of your leg or you'll look like a cut off tree trunk! Remember this! Use your mirrors!

 5. Here are the names of the short/pants and the their lengths so you know what's out there:

 Cropped-just above the ankle bone. Capri-mid-calf (by the way not a flattering length, again unless you are 5'9" and slender, etc.) Clam diggers- below the knees, straight cut with a slit at the sides. Bermuda shorts- At the knees, body skimming fit. Look for shorts with some stretch in them.

 Remember to choose the right style of shorts for your body type:

 Bottom heavy- Make sure your shorts are longer and a bit loose. Select darker colors.  

 Boyish shape- short shorts to mid-thigh lengths help add curves to your slender build.

 Petites-to give you the longest look possible, wear a shorter length.

 Last but not least, remember to groom your legs (shave ladies!), tan if need be (I LOVE Jergens gradual tanning lotion), and make sure your tooties are in shape. Chances are you'll be wearing sandals. Make sure your feet are groomed and ready to bear their soles (ha ha, couldn't help myself).

 Enjoy the summer months and don't forget to choose the most flattering shorts for your body type!

 Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

 ************************************ FlyLady here: Leslie is helping us get ready for summer. Thanks Leslie!

 

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