(member)

01/05/2008 12:38

to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

Every year I have the same problem. Trying to find a pair of shorts that I don't look too horrendous in. Shorts and I do not get on. Though I must say I am of the opinion that, generally speaking, the human race weren't designed to wear them. It used to be okay when I was younger because I have good legs so could get away with short shorts. However now, although the pins are still pretty good, the face tells a different story. I had decided that I would go to M&S next week and try on every pair in the shop, regardless of price. However I have just got back from Sainsburys, a different one to the usual. This one is fatal because it sells clothes etc and at the moment they have 25% off all clothes and accessories until Monday. I came back with 2 pairs of cut offs. One is awful because they are too long and look as if I'm wearing a pair of trousers that are too short for me. However the others are shorter and look okay. As an added bonus, they were Ł9 (less 25%) and a size 12. I've just put on 2lbs so their sizing is obviously very kind.

Do any of you have similar problems?

(member)

01/05/2008 12:40

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I'm short and round - nuff said!

(member)

01/05/2008 15:33

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

Even at the teeny weight of 55 kilos, I felt like an "elephant" in shorts! Ridiculous really because I was in fact very slim....... But I never liked wearing 'm, and still do not.
On the other hand I look good in, and really like wearing capri pants, or 3/4's or something just below mid calf-ish... paired with for instance some pretty sandals, and a gorgeous top..... as long as it looks "different"

(member)

01/05/2008 15:46

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

Although I consider I've got a pretty good pair of pins, I don't like wearing shorts. To look my best, I would much rather wear pedal pushers or a skirt or dress with flat shoes. I know a lot of people like shorts, but I think there’s something quite uggish about them.

Good that you managed to find a pair though, and at a bargain price too!

(member)

01/05/2008 16:10

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I think I look better in shorts as I have short legs. But now I am a certain age shorts are out except for the garden. Cutt offs are trendy but look quite dumpy in cut offs. What is a girl to do?

Loo

(member)

01/05/2008 16:11

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I wear denim cut offs in the garden but not to go out in. Most women who do, should not wear them. Sometimes they can look just about okay from the front but the back view can really be awful.

I wear skirts or dresses in the summer instead. The only concession may be cycling shorts on the bike but then a skirt would not look the part!

(member)

01/05/2008 16:30

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I prefer 3/4 lengths as anything shorter doesn't do me any favours but will wear shorts in the garden (or where I can guarantee I won't meet anyone I know).

(member)

01/05/2008 16:39

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

Hi Loo
I think you need to look at the shape of your cut offs. If they are straight all the way down or even flare out, they make anyone look dumpy. You could always wear wedge sandals with them to give yourself some more height.

Foxie

(member)

01/05/2008 17:20

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I wish we had a Sainsburys near by that sold clothes as well but then like you Susie I would be sure to spend far above my normal weekly food shop ŁŁŁ's!

I feel as I am over 40 and even with still good skin, no major veins yet and fairly good shaped legs I reguard myself as past my prime for shorts.
I am happy to wear shorts in the back garden and possibly while on a walk in the summer heat and while on holiday.

Sad to say but best, I feel, to leave shorts wearing to those say under 30s and to teenagers like my 18 year old daughter who wears short shorts and when out on Saturdays night. In my opinion they can get away with it but not me.
My legs ?

I wish!!
Mind you looking at the larger picture and more closely mine aren't far off these

and the colour of the shorts are correct

dbverycherry

P.S

Me in 2002 Grand Canaria. Every thing has gone a little furthur south now and I am a bit wider in places

(member)

01/05/2008 17:27

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

My legs are truly awful - think fat with lots of spider veins!

I only wear shorts:
1. in the garden
2. on the boat
3. in foreign coutries where I won't meet anyone I know!

I do like to get colour on my legs as they look so much better hence the shorts - but if there are poeple around I'll wear cut offs (I am tall).

(member)

01/05/2008 17:30

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

For the last couple of summers now I have noticed how bad I look in shorts.I stick to linen trousers mostly now....except when in the garden!!

(member)

01/05/2008 19:19

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I spend most of my time in shorts I don´t thnk I look good in them but they are a lot more practical to wear than skirts

(member)

01/05/2008 19:39

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I never wear shorts, even on holiday; I think they are deeply unflattering on most women, other than skinny teenagers. We try and have a week in the sunshine most winters and I tend to wear a short cotton or denim skirt on the beach and walking about. Much more flattering!

(member)

01/05/2008 20:03

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I would definitely wear knee length shorts or capri pants if my legs were not so marked and went brown , but short shorts definitely not, not even in the garden.

I don't know whether anyone noticed the photo on page 18 of the Fashion How supplement that came with the May edition but I didn't like the city shorts with high heels. For me shorts are casual items of clothing that need to be worn with flat shoes,

Jane I'm mortified

. What do you mean by 'uggish'? - nothing to do with people who wear Ugg boots, I hope.

I've worn a pair with my jeans all through the winter. I suffer terribly with Raynauds Syndrome and for the first year ever I've not had numb toes - I could do with a pair for my hands!!

When I first got them I was bit worried about how I looked in them (I'm over 50), but when I realised how warm and comfy they were I gave up worrying. I wear them for medical reasons - that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

(member)

01/05/2008 21:55

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I do like my shorts in the summer. I look and feel like a frump, but they are so cumfy. They are really good at stopping my thighs rubbing together and getting sore!! I wear linen ones on my hols or when I'm doing my countryside walking, wearing them is very handy when climbing over stiles. When at work or just out and about I wear 3/4 linen trousers. When wearing shorts or 3/4 trs my legs have to be brown otherwise they look very nasty on me!!

perry

(member)

01/05/2008 22:06

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

Duckegg, by uggish, I guess I mean unattractive, so nothing to do with Ugg boots!

(member)

01/05/2008 22:37

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

Ok imagine this - short legs, big bum and hips, lymphodema in one leg - thats me. Shorts? I don't think so! Even cut offs just make me look even shorter and wider. If God had only given me a couple more inches in height!
BB

(member)

01/05/2008 22:50

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I entirely agree chatelaine! Capri pants are perfect. They need to hug the leg though, and not flap about round the calf! I have big wide feet and look stupid in pretty sandals but have some gold pumps which look better on me!

(member)

02/05/2008 06:07

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

You look fab, Debbie - I don't think I ever looked that good, even at 18!!!

Don't agonise over the shorts issue, ladies - I have a horrid feeling they might only be wheeled out of the cupboard for 48hrs in August, the way we're going.

Sky the colour of granite here once again this morning. Boo.

(member)

02/05/2008 08:37

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

Agree with Rungirl on that one, but have a look at Cotton Traders web site, I have bought two pairs of their longer length shorts and they do look really nice on. (Lets hope I get chance to wear them)

(member)

02/05/2008 09:19

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

Wow, what a response. I thought it was only me! Reckon they should be totally banned then they wouldn't be a problem. Anyway if anyone wants a laugh, there will be a mad blond in M&S next week with every pair in her hands, probably doubled up in fits of laughter!

(member)

02/05/2008 11:16

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

Susieblue, I'll come with you! Shorts are disgusting, lets get rid of them!! LOL

(member)

02/05/2008 12:21

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

And I thought it was just me. Sometimes, I even think that I have got away with it on holiday...and then the photos come out! How hideous can one look and not even realise? Of course, H gets it in the neck because "how could you let me go out like that? you might have told me I looked like a pregnant hippo! sob!" (can you imagine the carnage if he had?)

So now, to his great relief I also stick to skirts, dresses and linen trousers in summer!

(member)

03/05/2008 17:45

Re: to shorts or not to shorts, that is the question

I would not be seen dead in any pair of shorts, look great on my lovely tall slim daughter but on me NO NO NO.
Its either cropped tailored pants, skirts or linen trousers.
I'm only 4' 11" and not large but I do think shorts on the majority of women look awful.

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