Who Likes Short Shorts?

by Retro Chick
May 18, 2011
13 Comments
1 minute read
120 Views
14 years ago

Not me, actually.

It’s probably been a good 8 years since I last wore a pair of shorts. I have a long body, short legs and wide hips and there’s nothing more guaranteed to make me look hideous than drawing horizontal lines across the widest part of my body.

Recently, though, I’ve been looking at those lovely high waisted, 40s style shorts and wondering if maybe, just maybe I could get away with them? The leg lengthening effect of a high waist band, combined with a pair of sky high wedges might just make them wearable for hot summer days.

In fact maybe, if I wear them like that, I’ll look like Lana Turner or Ginger Rogers (though I’ll give the fur bikini top a miss…)

That’s right, and maybe they’re magic shorts. Maybe they’re the portal to a magical fairy universe where chocolate and cocktails aren’t fattening and no one voted for Jedward to win X Factor.

So whilst one trip to the shops will no doubt dispel my leggy pin up fantasies, that doesn’t stop me knocking up a wish list of the best vintage style high waisted shorts for Summer. I’ve tried to steer clear of those button up sailor shorts which look so adorable on the leggy and slim, but can only serve to highlight the failings of the rest of us by slapping big eye drawing buttons up the middle!

Tara Starlet Striped Shorts £48

Pretty and elegant, but *ouch* that’s pricey for a pair of shorts.

Lady K Loves Pleat Shorts £35

High waisted, and with wide pleated legs to avoid any unsightly digging in and make your thighs look only willowy and slender. Look like they should be teamed with a crisp white fitted blouse, a vintage tennis racket and a gin and tonic.

Vivien of Holloway Shorts £35

Modelled here by the lovely Fleure De Guerre who needs no help in the willowy thighs department. The winged patch pockets are a handy distraction technique and draw the eye upwards, they could add extra bulk to the hippy though.

Freddies of Pinewood Casual Black Shorts £35

A far more casual short, tied at the waist with a bandana.

What do you think?

Are you brave enough to wear pin up shorts? Are they a flattering style or are they only for the tall and willowy?

- by: orlaith
- 13 years ago
i do like shorts, not too short mind you as i am just 5 “4 size 10/12 so i can’t get away with anything too daring. Although i did purchase a great wee pair of brown prarie shorts and put dark brown leather braces on them which work quite well. Teamed with a chiffon, vintage shirt, a silk blazer along with my trusty military boots and some chunky maroon hiking socks aswell and i’m set. I have often got compliments on the outfit, so continue to wear it and it is very easy to mix and match other items in the wardrobe with it too. 🙂
- by: Paperdoll
- 14 years ago
In my head my white New Look shorts (high waisted with 2 lots of gold buttons) teamed with a blue and white striped T-shirt and 50s sunnies looked very moviestar glam, however I have avoided looking at holiday photos, so I don’t really know what they actually looked like, probably for the best!!! Lol.
- by: Lottie
- 14 years ago
I have a pair of the Vivien of Holloway pin up shorts and I love them, however, I’m not so sure they love me. I have a short torso and short legs and I have had to admit to myself recently that high waisted anything just isn’t terribly flattering on me. I’m loathe to admit this as I love the look. I shall wear them on holidays but otherwise stick to dresses. I think long legs are a must for this look unfortunately. Dammit!
- by: kerry
- 14 years ago
Shorts I can do with tights, but not bare legs. I wish I could! My pins are not my greatest feature…possibly my worst! x
- by: Suzy
- 14 years ago
High heels all the way! I think you could easily get away with shorts. If you find the right length (I find an inch or two really makes a difference!) and team with sky-high wedges, you’ll be fine!
- by: For Those About To Shop
- 14 years ago
To me, it’s not dignified for a grown woman to wear short shorts and I won’t unless I’m on a beach or at the cottage or doing yard work or running. I realize I am lonely in this opinion but I stick to it.
- by: LandGirl1980
- 14 years ago
No shorts for me – no matter how much I *think* they have gone – I still have and will always have, meaty thighs. I am a skirt and dress girl. The end.

But- it doesnt stop me oggling those lovely ladies in aforementioned shorts.
- by: Perdita
- 14 years ago
I have pretty much the same attitude as you do to short shorts.

I ‘don’t do’ shorts.

Having said that those Freddies of Pinewood ones don’t look TOO scary…hmmm…dare I try them? I’ll have to dig out my VERY VERY HIGH wedges (which seem to have magic powers of leg slimming).
- by: Fi Phillips
- 14 years ago
The only person other than myself who has seen my thighs in recent years is my husband, poor man. No, short shorts are not for me but they can look great on the right body.
- by: Steph (@mrs_sock)
- 14 years ago
i’m tall and curvy and yet to find a pair of shorts that fit/flatter! good luck in the quest!
- by: Fashion Limbo
- 14 years ago
This is one item of clothing I stay well away from…never been able to brave it and wear any other types of shorts apart from jean cut-outs for the beach. Last year I bought a Karen Millen playsuit, extremely cute, but felt naked and awfully pale in it, seeing that much of my legs, so I returned it and exchanged it for a dress. That’s my only attempt with that garment in years…but then I see the pictures you share here, and it makes me want to give it a go, especially since I moved to a warmer climate.
- by: Miss Ruby Demuir, Photographer to the Starlets x
- 14 years ago
Gemma, they are most definitely NOT only for the tall and willowy.
I, too, am a little lacking in the leg length department but it makes no difference, they still look stylish.
ps. The fur bikin top is a Good Look, too 🙂
x
- by: Sandy
- 14 years ago
Hi (I’m new to your blog so have been doing a lot of catch up reading…now that doesn’t sound stalkerish at all does it!?! Yikes!)

Anyhooo back to the shorts….I mistakenly thought that if I made some from a good trousers pattern that I’d have lots of fabulous high waisted shorts….however, I soon discovered that the legs on the trousers distract from my mahoosive tum…shorts just highlighted it! I was vair disappointed….I personally find it better just to wear “normal” shorts from somewhere like Sainsburys Tu! LOL!

I don’t think you have to be tall and willowy but you def don’t need a big tum like me! Here’s to you keeping your highwaisted shorts dream alive! 🙂