Summer shorts used to present quite the challenge… but over the years, Ive really honed in on what works for me.
Maybe it’s age. Maybe it’s experience. Maybe it’s simply knowing what I like and what I don’t. Whatever the reason, I no longer have the patience for shorts that almost work.
Too short.
Too tight.
Too trendy.
Too uncomfortable.
When you find yourself reaching for the same pairs over and over again, it becomes pretty obvious which ones deserve a spot in your closet and which ones don’t.
The shorts below are the pairs that have survived countless closet cleanouts, vacations, hot summer days, and moments when I stood in front of my closet wondering what to wear.
They’re the ones I actually reach for.
What I’m Looking For In A Great Pair Of Shorts
At 42 and 5’2″, I’ve learned that finding flattering shorts has less to do with trends and more to do with balance.
I want shorts that feel current, but not overly trendy.
Comfortable, but not sloppy.
Easy to style, but polished enough to wear beyond the pool or beach.
Most importantly, I want pieces that work with the rest of my wardrobe. The older I get, the less interested I am in buying something for a single occasion.
If I can’t picture myself wearing a piece multiple ways, it’s probably not coming home with me…
A Final Thought
One of the biggest shifts I’ve made over the years is focusing less on building a wardrobe filled with options and more on building one filled with favorites.
The goal isn’t owning more shorts.
It’s owning the right shorts.
The pairs that make getting dressed easier.
The pairs you pack without thinking.
The pairs you reach for year after year.
Those are always the pieces worth keeping.
Breaking my go-to pairs down below….
(Shorts (also here), Sweater, Sandals, Pendant)
(Shorts (I also found these, for $60), Tank, Shirt, Sandals)
(Shorts, Tank (old Ref, sold out))
(Shorts, Top, Pendant, Clutch)
(Shorts, Similar Top, Jellys)
