Who Likes Short Shorts? Maybe You!

Shorts. Some folks flat-out refuse to wear them, and I understand. The wrong shorts can show off all the things you don't love about your legs. They can make your thighs look wide, or make you look short, or ride up and just look bad.

But they don't have to. Whether you're wearing them for daily casual clothing or for your athletic endeavors, a few simple tricks will keep you from wearing a pair that will only embarrass you if a photograph surfaces.

Over at The Working Closet, style expert Susan Wagner offers a few rules to live by when buying casual shorts, recommending that most people opt for:

• "... shorts that fall straight from the widest part of your hips. If you carry your weight through your hips and thighs, you might be tempted to opt for a short that tapers in at the knee, but don't do it! You'll look like an ice cream cone, I promise."
• "... a mid-rise, because it's the most flattering; it will enable you to balance top and bottom. Unless you are very tall and very leggy, skip the low-rise shorts, and remember that a very high waist will make your backside look gigantic, particularly in shorts. A mid-rise hits just below the belly button."
• "... a hemline that hits at the narrowest part of your thigh; for most of us, this is NOT a Bermuda short, which hits right at the knee, but something a wee bit shorter." A seven-inch rise is just about right for most women, but if you're very short or very tall, you might need to find something shorter or longer.

I actually have the Old Navy Perfect Khaki Shorts she recommends, and her advice is right on. They're not "Mom shorts," but they don't look like they should be reserved for anyone still using a fake ID to get into a bar. However, they would look perfectly appropriate on both moms and daughters. They are perfect!

One of the issues I especially want to point out is length. I think most of us know that tiny little shorts that show butt cleavage are generally not a terribly flattering option. Hey, if you have killer legs, good for you -- we still don't need to see every inch of your thighs. However, as Susan points out, you can go wrong by going too long as well.

This is especially true of workout shorts; particularly fitted workout shorts, like spandex. Something hitting at mid-thigh is generally going to look better (and more proportional) than something going down to your knees, which can leave you looking stumpy and out-of-balance. Don't believe me? Quit trusting your eyes in the mirror and grab an honest friend, or at least have someone take a picture.

Now, my disclaimer: If you're working your butt off at the gym or on a run, and the shorts you have on are comfy and you feel good, then by all means, keep on wearing them. Nobody needs to go out and buy a whole new workout wardrobe, especially in these trying financial times. But, if you're looking to add a new pair to your wardrobe, I guarantee these tips will help!