wearing: Splendid VLR Tank XS, Blank Denim Cutoff Shorts size 26, shoes sold out, but these lace-up flats are WAY better
Ok so I had this idea in my head. This idea of the PERFECT Spring Break / Summer outfit. It was, uh, basically the above pic: easy tank, cool, slouchy shorts, and complicated, sexy flats.
WOMP WOMP
Truthfully, the picture does the outfit more justice than it should. Mike has clearly mastered the skill of making me look taller. Cause in reality…
Yeah Ok. That’s what I’m talking about.
But the thought was good, right? I simply wanted shorts that were a bit longer than my usual daisy dukes. No offense to Daisy, but sometimes I just want to get up from a chair without having it imprinted on the backs of my legs, you know?
One rumor floating around is that the perfect denim shorts can be had by simply buying your favorite pair several sizes larger. This worked for Scotti, in fact. As evidenced above, it does NOT work for me. Not only do the shorts look like some great flapping bird, but I’ve reached that age in life where I want more from a zipper than to simply BE THERE. I want it to HAVE A PURPOSE, for crying out loud.
So I turned my focus to boyfriend shorts. They’re long, they’re slouchy, and you don’t need to size up in order to get the right fit. In fact, I had the opposite problem. Here we go…..
Rag And Bone Boyfriend Shorts
First I tried my usual size in Rag and Bones: 25.
wearing: Splendid VLR Tank XS, Rag and Bone Boyfriend Shorts size 25, shoes sold out, but these lace-up flats are WAY better
Um…NO. Something is still off here. It started to dawn on me that I had more than just a shorts problem. I think I had an outfit problem. So I changed the top:
wearing: Rag and Bone Aria Striped tank, size S
Then I changed the top and the shoes.
wearing: Stateside Boxy Cropped Tee XS, Rag and Bone Boyfriend Shorts size 25, neon Tieks flats (some sizes just restocked!)
Ok fine. This is getting better. So then I messed around a bit trying to see if the shorts just need some….OHIDON’TKNOW..belt?
wearing: Three Dots Ribbed Tank XS, Rag and Bone Boyfriend Shorts size 25, woven Sperry’s, Fossil Belt
Bottom line – with the longer shorts, less complicated shoes seem to work better. I just don’t have enough leg to pull off all of the crazy in that original outfit. (SOB!)
So the Rag and Bones are…not bad. They still appear rather large and flapping so I’m not totally sold but OK. Next!
Anthropologie Pilcro Stet Roll-Up Shorts
Having learned my lesson from the Rag and Bone styling, I kept it simple this time.
wearing: Splendid VLR Tank XS, Pilcro Stet Roll-Up Shorts size 25, Vans, Tarte Matte Liptint in Lively
Now THESE shorts I like. A great color, subtle distressing, a leaner fit. Nicely done. And the bum?
I can live with this. Boyfriend jeans are not known for their good bums, and boyfriend shorts are no exception. But this, my friends, is about as good as it gets. So YAY, Anthro!
Sidenote: Please ignore my hair. I keep forgetting that I suddenly have curly hair (thanks, chemo!) and still think I can just let it air dry. ha, ha, ha #NO
Madewell Denim Boyshorts
I had high (HIGH) hopes for Madewell shorts. I wore a pair of Madewell shorts after Pax was born 4 years ago, they no longer fit, but I remember loving them. But the new version? Hmmmmm…..
wearing: Splendid VLR Tank XS, Madewell Denim Boyshorts Rip & Repair size 25, Vans, Tarte Matte Liptint in Lively
My typical size, 25, looks terrible. The shorts are a bit stiff, which you can tell from the side view:
Still hopeful, I sized down. Here’s the size 24 Madewell shorts:
These are….NOT my shorts. I mean I just don’t even know quite where to start. Perhaps the stiffness of the fabric coupled with the higher rise? They weren’t comfortable to wear, and they look rather dumpy, sooooo….let’s do a rear view to really twist the knife:
Maybe I’ve been staring at these too long, but the rear view isn’t half bad. Usually boyfriend jeans (or shorts) are baggier in the bum area. Hunh. These may have potential for someone….
BTW! Have you noticed how tan my legs became? Seriously – look at the very first pic, and then the very last pic. That’s due to ONE APPLICATION of Nature’s Gate paraben-free gradual tan lotion. Not bad, right?
Rag and Bone Round 2
So the Madewell vanity sizing got me thinking…..about a size 24. Typically, I wouldn’t go near that size in Rag and Bone, the 25’s fit just fine (and I typically assume size 24’s are for 12 year olds), but…..
wearing: Splendid VLR Tank XS, Rag and Bone Boyfriend Shorts size 24, Vans, Tarte Matte Liptint in Lively
Ok. In the case of boyfriend jeans, it might be worth trying a size down.
Guess Which Pair Came to Puerto Rico With Me?
Yup – the Rag and Bone’s. Anthropologie’s Pilcro shorts are arguably the most flattering (and are the better value at only $78), but I wanted some extra distressing to give the longer hem some edge. It was just a matter of taste, at this point, and you know me and my distressed denim obsession. (ps. You’ll be seeing this whole outfit again next week.)
I’m curious to see if I end up loving the longer length, or if I go back to booty-shorts all summer.
My next purchase?
Yowza Free People. Going right for it, aren’t ya? (Somewhere my husband is reading this and doing a happy dance.)
But gang – weigh in on your denim short options. Have you found some longer length ones that aren’t frumpy? (And has anyone tried Free People’s shorts above? The other pics are less, um…DRAMATIC.)
Anyway, I’d love your thoughts on denim shorts.
MWAH!
S
ps. The Shopbop Friends & Family sale ends tonight!
J to the Crew.
Ok. So after the Madewell debacle I was all BOO you Madewell and your JCREW sister too…but I’ll admit I had my eye on JCrew’s broken-in denim short: http://rstyle.me/~4UtGH
Is that the one? Or do you prefer the regular style: http://rstyle.me/~4Uu32
Shana…I just received the J Crew short (broken in). They fit nicely..no flapping for me..I got my regular size.
Paige Denim Jimmy Jimmy Shorts are amazing! I think they describe these shorts on their site as a tailored boyfriend look? They are my favorite shorts!
Ooooo…I didn’t try these, they looked so short online! But, now that I think about it, those models have mile-long legs so they’d prob hit my knees. 🙂 Thanks for the tip, Lisa!! (Here’s a link if anyone else is interested: http://rstyle.me/n/y7376pxu6)
So in the past Gap has made some really good ones. 2 years ago there were a faded distressed pair that were absolute perfection. Sadly they were my postpartum pair and I’m still kicking myself for not buying them smaller for future wear. Sadly they look horrid but I still love them. Last years were ok. Stiffer but not bad. This year I think they’re even worse but you never know they may make a good one later on. You always have to size down. Way down like 2 sizes usually and I think a flat sandal is best with a bit more fitted top or something feminine to balance it out. I’m short too at 5’3″ and really like the length. To me they are easier to style than a boyfriend Jean. Good luck!
You read my mind with this post. I hate shorts, but desperately need them. I’m tall so it’s all about the inseam. I think I need something about five inches but it’s hard to find that without looking like a frumpalicious golf pro.
I tried Loft a while back because they have lots of length choices, but none of them fit me right in the hips and waist. I have a small waist to hip ratio so I’m thinking boyfriend shorts my be the ticket.
I will be following these comments closely, looking for good suggestions!
I love shorts, but most look horrible on me. I have skinnier than average legs, but a larger than average waist. So, I’m usually given the choice of a muffin top and decently fitted legs or a good fit on my waist and giant flapping legs. It sucks.
I love the anthropology ones on you Shana. I love the leg colour too! And….as for the curls I think they look really good. x
Aww…thanks, Chick! MWAH!
I can’t get on board with any style that gives me saggy butt and dropped crotch. I’m already 5’2 and get mistaken for a pre-teen babysitter. Why purposely look like I’m wearing my brother’s old clothes?
I just got a pair from jcrew (one size down from my usual) in the dark von wash. I love them!! They are a bit more fitted than the pilcro ones you show here, but not too fitted. Stretchy and comfy, and long enough that I feel comfortable without being too long. I think they look a bit shorter than most of the ones in this article when cuffed, but I also like them uncuffed (there is a bit of fray in the hem). Good bum view too!
I hate hate hate hate hate shorts, and the boyfriend shorts would NEVER work on me. I would love a post for us ladies with “apples in our pockets,” I just can’t pull off shorts, if I must-I go for fitted and longish (not sure if that’s Bermuda or not).
I have a pair of knee length (Bermuda?) white denim shorts from Lucky. I love them. They’re close to my knee and have a 1/2 fold at the bottom. They’re comfortable, they look great on my bum, and I can wear them with wedges or flip flops. Win! I can’t wear short-shorts anymore so it’s long shorts or something mid-length like you have above.
I have to say, I gave up on denim shorts a while ago. They just don’t work for me, not comfy or forgiving enough for all the time I spend bending down, etc. But what I do love are elastic waist, drapy-material shorts with pockets. Got a pair at Lily Pulitzer a few summers ago that have become my summer uniform. I think many of these ensembles would look awesome with them…and the comfort is unbelievable, especially post-partum. Splendid has some that I would love for you to try for us! Such as these chambray ones (http://www.splendid.com/store/productdetails.aspx?productid=8965&colorid=26109) or these, I love a print (http://www.splendid.com/store/productdetails.aspx?productid=10153&colorid=24283)?
I have a couple pairs of boyfriend denim shorts that I bought a few years ago at an American eagle outlet of all places. I had to size down 2 sizes and they still hang on my hips nicely. I roll them to make them a bit shorter.
I favor boyfriend jeans/shorts with looser tops like you do. My husband is not a fan of that look but your posts inspire me to keep doing my thing. 🙂
What about madewell’ Adirondack shortalls? I love them, but is it mutton dressed as lamb?
I have a very old pair from Target that is super soft and stretchy and in this longish length. I stopped by today to see if I could find another pair (perhaps one size larger….is it still baby weight four years later?) and there were many pairs of distressed boyfriends that were great. I’m not in love with wilde distressing, so they stayed at the store, but the fit was good and cheap.
I have been on the hunt for flattering, light wash, slightly distressed cutoffs for the last several years. Unable to find any, I was attempting to resign myself to the fact they were just no longer an option for my body. Still not actually resigned to that fact, I bought the free people “irreplaceable cut offs” last week and I love them! I have short legs, so I appreciate the visual elongation from where the sides are folded up (and not the middle – keeping them out of scandalous territory). They do run large. I took my regular size and that zipper is definitely not necessary (here’s hoping I’m past the age where it’s funny to de-pants your friends).
I tried on the same shorts at Madewell, but just couldn’t love them. They were very stiff, like you said, and the zipper seemed, Idk, off some how, almost like it was too long or something. Tried size 27 if that makes a difference? Have a pair of Madewell distressed shorts from last year, size 28, button-fly (love bfly!!!!), that are slightly too big, but the slouchyness works somehow. Not so much for the booty. Looks like I’m smuggling a diaper, but the honey loves them rolled short and I love the slouch, so its a win. Just wish Madewell would bring these button-fly babies back this year ’cause those zipper ones gotta go! Have a pair of JCrew jean shorts, but they feel kinda Mom’ish. Anyone else feel this way about Jcrew jean shorts?
Jen!! I feel like I could’ve written this exact comment!! Yes to the saggy-butt-yet-perfectly-slouchy Madewell button shorts! That’s the pair I wish I had bought another size smaller for when the baby weight came off! They DO work, don’t they? I’m so mad that Madewell didn’t bring them back! And JCrew denim in general doesn’t work for me, so I’ve just been giving side-eye to their shorts. But maaaybe…??
Totally agree! JCrew denim and I cannot get along. I try and I try to make them work without any success. Express jeans and Lucky jeans are my favorites, but neither of their shorts work for me. So confusing?! Maybe Madewell will bring back those button fly babies before summer officially arrives.
For me personally, I find the shorter my shorts, the more flattering they are (husband high fives self). I love the look of these boyfriend shorts on you, but with my body typed, I’d just look frumpy. So I opt for shorts with a 2-2 1/2in inseam. I’ve found some great ones at Express and even some Abercrombie ones (I know, right?) at Marshall’s that are great.
There is NO DOUBT short shorts are more flattering. I totally agree. I was just….hoping, you know? 🙂
I love those Rag and Bone shorts! I want to venture into more distressed denim this summer. Do you need to hand wash shorts (and/or jeans) like these to keep the distressing from coming unravelled?
Alison, it depends. I try to look for distressed denim that will still look OK when the threads unravel – it’ll happen eventually no matter what you do. But I wash all of my denim in there seriously awesome mesh bags….let me find a link….Here it is! http://rstyle.me/n/y74ndpxu6
Try Target… I kid you not
I have some old gap sexy boyfriend shorts and they are okay, not great. A few years ago I randomly got a pair at the Loft and I rarely wear anything else. I am loving those Anthropology shorts. I may need those for this summer. I love denim shorts because don’t show dirt and to be honest sweat. A loose v-neck tee and shorts like these are my summer uniform. It is too hot where I live to wear jeans or really pants of any kind in the summer so finding good shorts is a must. Thanks.
I love the Anthro shorts! Though the rag and bone distressing is awesome. Curly hair tip from a curl haired girl! Check out Lorraine Massey’s book, The Curly Girl Guidebook. It has revolutionized my hair and even has a section on post-chemo curly hair. Air drying is the only way I dry now : )
I love the Anthro shorts on you, too. I saw them in the store today, no time to try them on, but I touched them and they are super soft and broken in. You are a girl after my own heart with the Vans slips ons with the shorts. I love mine and hope they don’t go out of style soon because I might have to pretend I don’t know that.
Is there anything where fit depends more on body type than jeans or shorts? I got a pair of boyfriend shorts from Gap last year that I loved. I actually sized up to get a slouchier fit. Gap being Gap, I have no expectation to be able to buy another pair of the same thing, and certainly not in the same size.
But I have a big butt and thighs, not to mention being pretty tall. Something tells me anything Shana would recommend based on her fit would be disaster for me, and vice versa. Shorts that flap on her thighs would probably nicely skim mine without being too tight, and anything that works on her would be very unflattering booty shorts on me, even in the right size. No way around it but to try on a million pairs and find the ones that work for you, I think. I’m probably also less picky about the bum…I just don’t look back there :).
As for what to wear with? Slouchy white T and brightly colored flat sandals. Not creative but it worked.
you do have a thing for gray tanks huh? 🙂
Hi Shana, This is what I did to get my favorite pair of boyfriend shorts–it was really a no brainer. I had a pair of boyfriend jeans that were just starting to bug me. If it’s possible, the holes were becoming too much. At least that was then, a year ago, before total mega holes were ultimately cool. Anyway, when I’d put them on there was always a chance my leg would go through the hole instead of the pant leg. So…..I cut them off, and presto: the easiest DIY ever! Boyfriend shorts made from my old Gap boyfriend jeans. I’ll be posting a pic of them this Friday. I’ll come back to give you the link. I wore them biking on a recent spring break trip so they’ll be in my Style Story.
Now that I’m back to Internet, I’ll be enjoying catching up what I missed on The Mom Edit!
Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
I have these pair of Free People shorts and absolutely love them. I spent all last summer in them. http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-denim-distressed-jeans/fp-denim-cut-off-shorts/
They have a 3 3/8 inch inseam, which is much longer than some of their other denim shorts. (For example their shark bite shorts). My second choice were the Anthro Pilcro pair but I have fuller thighs than you Shana and the wider opening of cutoff jeans was a lot more flattering for me. (I’m about 5’4” and around 130lbs and pear shaped and I have a size 4). My only complaint is that the tears on the hem have to be handled with care so that the tears don’t tear too much more than how they perfectly look when you first purchase them. I just make sure to launder them in a mesh bag and air dry.
Ok! I need more info on the Nature’s Gate Glow tanner product! Do you recimmend it? Thanks!
THANK YOU! You never talk about post partum thighs, but I totally have that. My legs are pretty good, but ever since being pregnant they just go *whoa* right at the upper thighs. Anyway, I am always on the hunt for good looking longer shorts, but I don’t like myself in bermudas. I snagged the R&B shorts during the last minutes of the Shopbop sale. They are a lot shorter on my 34.5″ inseam legs- I knew you were tiny, but you must be TINY! Still, I think I will live in them this summer.
Totally late to the game here, but I have a new pair of Lucky denim shorts and I’m loving them. They had some fringe and after a few washes, the fringe looks better and more naturally distressed if you will. I had to size down a size or two (no complaints here!) to get the right fit, but other than that, I love them!
I just found a great pair of Rock & Republic jean shorts at Khols. Great color, just enough distressing and a good length on me when rolled up. I just came across them at my local store, but can’t seem to find them on line anywhere. Now I need some suggestions for tops. Help!