SMART SHORTS

Shorts?? eek!!

For a long time these have been a worry purchase for me and many.

I didn’t have the legs for 90s cut offs in my 20s and felt frumpy in a short chino in my 30s, so I’ve tended to avoid them.

Looking stylish in a pair of shorts for me was frankly impossible.

This changed a few summers ago.

I was shopping with a client in a 60s and found her the most fabulous pair of snake print loose shorts from Anthropologie. She looked fabulous in them, so I indulged and gave them a go.

I’ve never looked back. I’ve worn them for two years on holiday, at work, at parties and felt super smart, stylish and comfortable (hurrah!!)

These were the game changer shorts.

Snake print was a winner, really versatile. They can look classic teamed with a while blouse, edgy with t-shirt and smart with a blazer.

The cut of the shorts gave me a new found confidence to bare my legs.

A short skirt wouldn’t feel as comfortable but a loose short just above the knee does.

After two years, I felt a new short was worth investing in, so after lots of trying on, I winners were a black, linen Bermuda style from guess where….M&S!!

Why black? I wanted a classic colour so I could wear for smarter days.

Camel/beige are also lovely but my skin tone didn’t really work with that - too wishy washy.

Navy are a great classic choice and look fabulous with a Breton stripe and a pair of white pumps.

Khaki are cool and casual and will down play all your posh printed tops.

Bold colours look vibrant teamed with a matching blazer (see pink below!)

The Style - Tailored but loose on the leg. This helped with feeling confident with my legs. The belt works to draw in the waist and pockets are of course always a winner!

Top tips for styling smart with shorts

A tonal look with your shorts look smarter. Not normally a fan of all black but the simplicity of the black vest looks smart (could also wear a black linen shirt)

Balance out the weight of the shorts with a blocky shoe (a ballerina pump can make your legs look bigger!) a wedge espadrille would be fabulous too.

Mix your posh blouses with your shorts to add femininity to the look.

Switch the fabric belt for a belt to match your outfit. Tan suede would work well with tan espadrilles.

Blazers are a brilliant way to complete the smart short style. Use one from another suit or buy a short two piece.

Don’t go too short otherwise you’ll loose the elegance.

Similar Styles to try..