Finding the right short lengths have been a bit of a problem. In all honesty, up until a few months ago, I’ve stayed away from shorts just because I thought they weren’t really all that great looking on me, but I figured out that length and how it lays on your thigh truly makes a difference. I have short legs and a really long torso so making my legs appear longer is the goal when wearing shorts. That being said, any shorts that hit at the knee or longer, such as bermuda shorts, or shorts with an 11′ inseam are not the best option for me. If you have a leaner thigh, you can definitely get away with shorts that are more form fitting to the body. I’m not in that category, and for this particular outfit, I chose to do a more flowy short that doesn’t cling to the thigh. Below I’ve provided a few things I feel matter when you are on the shorts hunt.

1. Inseams Matter
When shopping for shorts figure out the inseams. This will help you with rise and help you determine if the length will look flattering on you. Inseams matter most when shopping online. Take your measurements if you have to. Rule of thumb, if your 5’4 or shorter, you might want to consider shopping petite sizes, if you shop regular women’s sizes, chances are your shorts will be way to long. This may work to your advantage if you prefer a longer short.

2. Fabrics Matter
I like cotton, something that breathes, because my thighs are thick and I need some type of air flow, LOL. Denim is nice, but if you sweat easy you want a fabric that moves and breathes.

3. Colors Matter
I’m fuller on the bottom so I like shopping for colors that are dark with minimal prints and patterns. Of course, if you are leaner on the bottom, I recommend you go crazy with the bright colors, prints, distressed look etc… Sadly, I don’t find that very appealing on me. Lastly, if you sweat easy, it’s best to buy dark colors to avoid seeing sweat stains.

4. Waist Matters
I find that some shorts will fit perfectly in the thigh, but fit very loose in the waist, and vice versa. If your willing, get your shorts tailored. I’ll tailor shorts that I paid very little money for so I don’t feel bad for spending additional money on making it fit. The shorts I’ve worn for this blogpost have a drawstring, this is also a clever option.

5. Shoes Matter
If you have short legs, your goal is to lengthen! lengthen! lengthen! I do this with a comfortable wedge or if I know I’ll be sitting most of the day or I’ll wear a cute block heel. If you have long legs, rock a cute statement flat or sandal. If I absolutely have to wear a flat, I opt for a pointy toe flat, it provides balance to the lower half of my body which is much fuller.

Happy shorts shopping good people.

Shop similar shorts, top and jacket at the links above. I’ve also linked my cute Ralph Lauren wedges for your shopping pleasure. Happy Monday, lets get it!

Sincerely,

Deidra Marie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m all about creating shape to my clothes and creating the illusion of an hourglass frame. I’m pear shaped with short legs and a very long torso so it’s better for me to cut things at the waist sometimes, that being said, I’m no stranger to a belted dress or two and lengthening my legs with a heel. I’m 5’7 so I’m fairly tall but most of my length is in my torso so wearing a heel does make my legs appear longer. We all have some things about our bodies that make it not so great to rock certain styles and trends so I try to find clever ways to work around it. This is for my pear-shaped ladies out there. Here are some suggestions for dressing the pear shape body type.

1. Work your Top
Being pear-shaped means you are fuller on the bottom. Some women don’t like to draw attention to the areas that are fuller. I like to draw more attention my arms, shoulders and neck. Choose tops that have interesting necklines. In this case, I added a funky belt and bright yellow earrings that draw attention upwards.

2. #pantshapesmatter
I’ve just accepted that certain styles of pants and denim won’t work since I’m bottom heavy. Over the years I’ve found that I look best in flared, boot cut, wide leg and relaxed skinny (since I have big calves). Pants with pleats, boxy shapes near the waist or pants with to many details look awful on me, it just doesn’t lay right and makes me look bigger than what I am.

3. Say YES to the dress
Dresses are a great option for pear-shaped body types, and work really well in our favor because most styles with the exception of shift dresses look amazing. Form fitted dresses hug our full bottom half and show off our curves. Flared dresses and A-line dresses create a darling shape. Be careful though, seams that come to close to the bust can look borderline maternity dress, especially if you have short legs.

4. Balance Things with a Good Shoe
I find that when wearing denim or dress pants, the shoes are a main factor in how the overall look comes together. With a skinnier dress pant or denim, I wear pointy toe flats, they make my legs appear longer, and provide a good balance to the rest of my outfit.

5. Accessorize
For the longest time I never really realized that my obsession with accessories was really to accommodate my shape. I just kind of bought things because they looked cute on but didn’t think that they looked cute on because it was for my body type. I do scarfs, bold earrings and necklaces, it draws more attention to the upper half of my body and draws the attention away from my fuller hips, thighs and legs.

Hope these tips help. I am in no way an expert, and I’m still learning how to dress my body while staying trendy and in style. It’s a constant battle as trends change frequently,
but I make fashion fun, and it’s less stressful when you know your body type. It makes shopping a whole lot easier too.

Nabbed my hot pink dress from Gap a year or so ago, and have had this belt since college from God knows where, but don’t fret, I’ve linked a darling pink dress, and a similar blue belt for your shopping pleasure.

Sincerely,

Deidra Marie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While it is entirely to hot to be wearing denim at this time in NC, I DID IT. Sue me! I found this denim nestled away in the back of my closet and couldn’t resist styling and profiling in it for the day. Yes, it was sticking to me, but I was cute, LOL. We have casual Friday’s at my place of employment, and this outfit would be one I’d wear on a casual Friday as the denim is dark and still professional and the top is flirty, fun, but still office appropriate. In all honesty, most of the time my shopping habits are tailored to work. Meaning, when I shop, I more than likely won’t buy it unless I can wear it to work. Every now and then I’ll buy pieces I clearly can’t wear to work, but for the most part I’m shopping for a professional setting as that is where I’m at in life right now. I know, it doesn’t sound fun, and I totally want to buy some distressed denim shorts this summer, but I’d only be able to wear them on the weekends, and it would be on a Saturday as Sunday I dress business casual for church.

But, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. If you are like me, and your going to shop only work appropriate clothing, you want to make it fun, youthful, and trendy. Here are some outfit ideas I use often, courtesy of Pinterest, on mixing and matching some of the pieces I’m wearing in this blogpost.

– Pair denim with a light weight tank and light weigh blazer
– Pair the denim with a tank and cardigan set
– Pair the denim with a simple tee and printed scarf
– Switch out the denim for a Khaki short and blazer

I try to make work clothes fun yet still professional. Hope these ideas help and hope your  Father’s Day was awesome!

Happy Monday everyone!

Sincerely,

Deidra Marie