Shorts and shoes for the short and shoeless
June 2, 2017 12:06 PM Subscribe
Mid 30s petite woman and generally hapless dresser seeking advice on how to wear shorts, what kinds of shorts to wear, and how to pair them with shoes so that I do not look like a child and/or dweeb.
Build: 5'2" if I stand up quite straight; 115-120 lbs but quite busty and with a very muscular bottom half due to exercise. (My calves in particular are giant.) My legs are not particularly short proportionally, but my thighs are rather long in comparison to my calves. Fashion-wise, straight-legged jeans and skinny jeans look great on me, other types of pants...less so.
But I overheat at the slightest provocation, and wearing long pants in the summertime makes me absolutely miserable. I used to wear dresses, but lately they all seem much too femme for my tastes, and frankly, even with dresses I always struggled with finding lengths and shoe pairings that didn't "cut me off" horizontally in odd ways. Flip-flops and other open sandals look okay, but shorts and flip-flops is really tricky to pull off when you're not at a literal beach. Also, I do not tan, and I do not fuck around with spray tans or anything, so paleness is a factor.
So if you are a short person who wears shorts, and in particular a short person with a non-willowy frame, how do you style them? What lengths and cuts and fabrics are flattering? What kinds of shoes do you wear with them? Or alternately: How did you stop worrying and learn to love shorts that possibly just look a bit goofy?
Build: 5'2" if I stand up quite straight; 115-120 lbs but quite busty and with a very muscular bottom half due to exercise. (My calves in particular are giant.) My legs are not particularly short proportionally, but my thighs are rather long in comparison to my calves. Fashion-wise, straight-legged jeans and skinny jeans look great on me, other types of pants...less so.
But I overheat at the slightest provocation, and wearing long pants in the summertime makes me absolutely miserable. I used to wear dresses, but lately they all seem much too femme for my tastes, and frankly, even with dresses I always struggled with finding lengths and shoe pairings that didn't "cut me off" horizontally in odd ways. Flip-flops and other open sandals look okay, but shorts and flip-flops is really tricky to pull off when you're not at a literal beach. Also, I do not tan, and I do not fuck around with spray tans or anything, so paleness is a factor.
So if you are a short person who wears shorts, and in particular a short person with a non-willowy frame, how do you style them? What lengths and cuts and fabrics are flattering? What kinds of shoes do you wear with them? Or alternately: How did you stop worrying and learn to love shorts that possibly just look a bit goofy?
I wear Keds or other low simple canvas shoes with those super low invisible socks and I think it looks nice and casual, but not as casual as flip flops.
posted by Grandysaur at 12:38 PM on June 2, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by Grandysaur at 12:38 PM on June 2, 2017 [4 favorites]
I'm the same height and used to be the same weight. Best shorts ever were from Eddie Bauer, no pleats, cut well. LLBean.com, EddieBauer.com, and Landsend.com all have petites, which I need in tops, and like in shorts and skirts. I like short, sport-ish skirts.
posted by theora55 at 12:48 PM on June 2, 2017
posted by theora55 at 12:48 PM on June 2, 2017
I'm your height and have an athletic build. I like to wear sporty tops and also feminine tops and find tights or biker shorts work great with both and are super comfy. I also wear knee length dresses with biker shorts/tights that go just below my knee. With both either flats or mid high sandals look great. A little heel will show off killer calves! Biker shorts are so versatile, you can dress them up or down, get different colors and shoe styles, black, white or brown are the basics.
posted by waving at 1:04 PM on June 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by waving at 1:04 PM on June 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
The longer the stretch of exposed leg, the taller you will look, generally. That calls for shorter-length shorts, but of course moderated by one's personal comfort and taste.
Most shorts for women don't vary hugely in cut, except in general volume (i.e., the variety of "shape" is much more limited than in jeans). If you are concerned about perception of breadth, avoid lots of visible pockets and very voluminous cuts; go for shorts that basically skim but don't bind. Cargo shorts are out.
In most casual settings, pretty much any kind of casual sock that's not a white knee-high pulled up to the knee (a little Boy-Scouty) will go fine with shorts and any kind of low canvas shoe, like a Superga.
If the shorts/shirt combo is a little nicer (e.g., Bermudas and a nicer top), you can do ballet flats with no socks, or with those shoe liners.
Honestly, on most shorts-wearing occasions, appearance is not the #1 concern!
posted by praemunire at 1:07 PM on June 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Most shorts for women don't vary hugely in cut, except in general volume (i.e., the variety of "shape" is much more limited than in jeans). If you are concerned about perception of breadth, avoid lots of visible pockets and very voluminous cuts; go for shorts that basically skim but don't bind. Cargo shorts are out.
In most casual settings, pretty much any kind of casual sock that's not a white knee-high pulled up to the knee (a little Boy-Scouty) will go fine with shorts and any kind of low canvas shoe, like a Superga.
If the shorts/shirt combo is a little nicer (e.g., Bermudas and a nicer top), you can do ballet flats with no socks, or with those shoe liners.
Honestly, on most shorts-wearing occasions, appearance is not the #1 concern!
posted by praemunire at 1:07 PM on June 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Whoa, wait, it's allowed to just wear bike shorts in a non-biking scenario now? Have they been excluded from the general ban on yoga pants when one is not at yoga?? (this may be regional but the harrumphing against public yoga wear is quite loud where I live.)
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 1:19 PM on June 2, 2017
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 1:19 PM on June 2, 2017
This is So Hard. I'm also about the same height and maybe a little heavier in the bottom half and equally pale, with proportionally short legs. It feels like all shorts these days are either too short (I'm 41 and do not feel comfortable in shorts that aren't much longer than underwear) or too long and frumpy-looking. Even supposed mid-length shorts look long on me because of my short legs.
Which is a long-winded way to say my favorite length shorts are ones I've cut myself so they cover 1/3 of the length of my thighs; no more, no less. So although a frayed edge is probably too casual in many circumstances, it points to tailoring as a solution. Maybe try cutoffs at varying lengths (perhaps chopping thrift store pants/shorts yourself) until you figure out your ideal shorts length before you start spending $ on tailors?
As for shoes, Vans, Chucks, and a casual loafer in a cute color are my go-to summer shoes. I don't really like wearing flip flops other than at the beach and have a hard time finding sandals that I like, especially given the gladiator style that just won't go away makes me look like i got cut off at the knees.
posted by misskaz at 1:41 PM on June 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Which is a long-winded way to say my favorite length shorts are ones I've cut myself so they cover 1/3 of the length of my thighs; no more, no less. So although a frayed edge is probably too casual in many circumstances, it points to tailoring as a solution. Maybe try cutoffs at varying lengths (perhaps chopping thrift store pants/shorts yourself) until you figure out your ideal shorts length before you start spending $ on tailors?
As for shoes, Vans, Chucks, and a casual loafer in a cute color are my go-to summer shoes. I don't really like wearing flip flops other than at the beach and have a hard time finding sandals that I like, especially given the gladiator style that just won't go away makes me look like i got cut off at the knees.
posted by misskaz at 1:41 PM on June 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Petite, athletic legs? Sounds like you could pull off denim/chino/twill shorts just fine! I'm 5'3" with non-willowy legs and I prefer shorts with a 3" cut. Praemunire is right that the more exposed leg, the more flattering, and us shorter folks can get away with the shorty shorts that might look more provocative on taller folks.
Something like this or this or this. I have small boobs but usually wear a fitted tank with a cardigan or a denim button up. There's a bunch of sandal options that don't scream "beach" nowadays - Urban Outfitters and Free People have a good selection of sandals that go with a more fitted look.
But most of all - I used to be self conscious about my legs and wondered why I didn't have the barely-there calves that everyone else seemed to covet (or so I thought!). But now I embrace that these muscles enable me to feel strong, powerful, and alive and I love that! Also, it seems fashion is trending towards athletic builds so being a muscular woman is so super cool right now :)
posted by blueberrypuffin at 1:52 PM on June 2, 2017
Something like this or this or this. I have small boobs but usually wear a fitted tank with a cardigan or a denim button up. There's a bunch of sandal options that don't scream "beach" nowadays - Urban Outfitters and Free People have a good selection of sandals that go with a more fitted look.
But most of all - I used to be self conscious about my legs and wondered why I didn't have the barely-there calves that everyone else seemed to covet (or so I thought!). But now I embrace that these muscles enable me to feel strong, powerful, and alive and I love that! Also, it seems fashion is trending towards athletic builds so being a muscular woman is so super cool right now :)
posted by blueberrypuffin at 1:52 PM on June 2, 2017
You and I are similar height and weight, though slightly different builds. So I totally know what you mean about being "cut in half" visually. Long and/or baggy shorts look terrible on me. So, I love my Icebreaker Shasta shorts. I've had mine for a couple of years (the style hasn't changed a ton) and they are very comfortable and well made. I don't look good in baggy things either and these make me feel reasonably stylish. I wear them with a nice pair of Ecco sandals similar to these--comfortable, nothing too fancy but nicer than flip flops.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 2:00 PM on June 2, 2017
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 2:00 PM on June 2, 2017
Re: bike shorts and leggings and such, it all depends on where you're at. I'm in central North Carolina and we're pretty much out of damns about anyone wearing leggings in public unless you're in a place of worship or work in a bank. I teach college and have worn leggings to work, and I'm not nearly the only one. When I'm going to work in them, they're underneath a long flowy top or short dress, as waving linked to above.
(The poor admissions folks have to wear suits, so YMMV and all that).
posted by joycehealy at 2:06 PM on June 2, 2017
(The poor admissions folks have to wear suits, so YMMV and all that).
posted by joycehealy at 2:06 PM on June 2, 2017
I think flip flops like these look good anywhere. Especially with a good polish job on your toenails.
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 2:26 PM on June 2, 2017
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 2:26 PM on June 2, 2017
Since you asked, no, I don't think it's possible to dress up visible bike shorts (as opposed to those worn and generally unseen under, say, a dress for modesty or comfort). Especially not somewhere where people frown on public yoga-wear. If I saw someone wearing bike shorts, I would assume they were on their way to or from exercise.
posted by praemunire at 2:56 PM on June 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by praemunire at 2:56 PM on June 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Skorts.
There, I said it. I lucked into a Title IX Swingtastic (?) skort, and I love it. Low-heeled sandals and a casual short-sleeve blouse or shirt and I'm good to go out for errands. Wrap-style cargo skirts, similar to the one linked above by Theora55, might also work for you. I am also on the short side, and find that my favorite skirts hit right above the knee, or two inches or so higher; the flare on the Swingtastic is my favorite skirt silhouette because I think it balances out my chest. AND skorts are shorts! That I can move in! And be comfortable in!
posted by MonkeyToes at 6:12 PM on June 2, 2017 [2 favorites]
There, I said it. I lucked into a Title IX Swingtastic (?) skort, and I love it. Low-heeled sandals and a casual short-sleeve blouse or shirt and I'm good to go out for errands. Wrap-style cargo skirts, similar to the one linked above by Theora55, might also work for you. I am also on the short side, and find that my favorite skirts hit right above the knee, or two inches or so higher; the flare on the Swingtastic is my favorite skirt silhouette because I think it balances out my chest. AND skorts are shorts! That I can move in! And be comfortable in!
posted by MonkeyToes at 6:12 PM on June 2, 2017 [2 favorites]
I'm 5'3" with similarly athletic legs and I live in these, these and these all summer (basically, less than a 4" inseam and I'm good), usually with Birkenstocks, Brooks Heritage Vanguards, or slip-on Vans.
posted by ThatSomething at 6:56 PM on June 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by ThatSomething at 6:56 PM on June 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
I'm your height, probably paler than you, and slimmer, and I just wear the long shorts I actually feel OK in, short legs be damned. I spent many years just wearing pants because I felt exposed and weird in short shorts and also hated shaving the top half of my legs.
Now I'm a mom and I don't give any fucks if my clothes make me look short, plus I have hella spider veins just above my knees that look like unshaveable scraggles of hair! Thanks, 2 pregnancies. So I wear the fuck out of brightly-colored knee length shorts and I love it. I wear them with these sandal-ish shoes and usually no socks.
I think I look kinda cool, actually. Maybe I am just a delusional middle-aged lady and everyone's laughin at me behind my back, but I'm of the opinion that if you act like you meant to look this way you can rock an eccentric look. Especially if you double down on color or weird prints.
posted by potrzebie at 10:48 PM on June 2, 2017
Now I'm a mom and I don't give any fucks if my clothes make me look short, plus I have hella spider veins just above my knees that look like unshaveable scraggles of hair! Thanks, 2 pregnancies. So I wear the fuck out of brightly-colored knee length shorts and I love it. I wear them with these sandal-ish shoes and usually no socks.
I think I look kinda cool, actually. Maybe I am just a delusional middle-aged lady and everyone's laughin at me behind my back, but I'm of the opinion that if you act like you meant to look this way you can rock an eccentric look. Especially if you double down on color or weird prints.
posted by potrzebie at 10:48 PM on June 2, 2017
Best answer: I buy shorts from H&M and Madewell. You can find "flared" shorts that generally can look tailored or fitted-- denim, khaki, or fabric-- and Madewell is usually more stretchy and forgiving of muscular/thick thighs than you'd guess. H&M has lots of "long" tight denim shorts that are basically skinny jeans cut off above the knee, and I also think that shorter (but a little flared) denim shorts look good on our type of frame.
I style them with any kind of shoes (sneakers or sandals or whatever type, sometimes loafers) and billowy shirts for tighter shorts. With more flared or loose or tailored shorts, I do usually tighter for tees (long sleeve or shirt sleeve), sometimes tank tops or "muscle shirts." I like the casual blazer with a tee and tailored shorts look, too.
posted by stoneandstar at 11:05 PM on June 2, 2017
I style them with any kind of shoes (sneakers or sandals or whatever type, sometimes loafers) and billowy shirts for tighter shorts. With more flared or loose or tailored shorts, I do usually tighter for tees (long sleeve or shirt sleeve), sometimes tank tops or "muscle shirts." I like the casual blazer with a tee and tailored shorts look, too.
posted by stoneandstar at 11:05 PM on June 2, 2017
Oh, and both H&M and Madewell are contingent on finding your correct size-- they can fit small but sizing up usually does the trick.
posted by stoneandstar at 11:06 PM on June 2, 2017
posted by stoneandstar at 11:06 PM on June 2, 2017
Best answer: I am the same height With muscular calves. Follow the advice above re buying as short of shorts as you are comfortable wearing and are appropriate for the situation - 3"-5" usually okay with narrow legs or slightly stretchy fabric. For shoes, low cut Keds, nicer lowish cut sneakers, or flip flops in good shape are good - you want something with a low vamp (I think that is the term) meaning it comes down low on the top of your foot closer to your toes. It makes your legs look longer. If you need something nicer/less casual, try a heeled sandal or flip flop - I have 1.5" wedge sandals that I sometimes wear with shorts in the summer and they are very flattering. Also, I try to buy shorts with drawstrings because the fit is more customizable and if you gain or lose a little weight or muscle you can still wear the shorts.
posted by Red Desk at 12:40 AM on June 3, 2017
posted by Red Desk at 12:40 AM on June 3, 2017
My summer standard are high waisted denim short-shorts, like these. I'm short, with a big muscly bum and thighs (thanks barre!) and these make me looker taller and slimmer than any other cut. I wear them with sandles and a brightly patterned and fitted t-shirt or tank, tucked in.
posted by Wantok at 11:20 PM on June 3, 2017
posted by Wantok at 11:20 PM on June 3, 2017
For shoes, +1 on the canvas sneaker with shorts. I just got myself a pair of Supergas and have been wearing them every single day since I got them - they just look good with everything. There is even a platform version of the classic sneaker, if you are into that kind of thing!
posted by annie o at 7:16 PM on June 5, 2017
posted by annie o at 7:16 PM on June 5, 2017
Just a suggestion - I just swung by Gap and they have a bunch of lengths of shorts - I left with 2 pairs of their mid-rise 3" inseam "Summer Short" and they're on sale in store right now for $20. (Gap has real vanity sizing so I was a size 4. The online listing says that model is also wearing a size 4 also and frankly, I think the shorts look better a bit filled out on my shorter, fuller frame. And they don't come anywhere near exposing butt cheek on me.)
posted by misskaz at 1:52 PM on June 6, 2017
posted by misskaz at 1:52 PM on June 6, 2017
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posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 12:30 PM on June 2, 2017