Shorts, Crops and Capris

Me and my family in front of the Bellagio Las Vegas...

I'm back from my vacation and my blog-cation! I've taken some time off from the blogosphere to re-connect with the real world and spend some quality time with my family. I've had a blast!

My family enjoyed a couple of thrill seeking adventures during our trip. We went snow skiing (just 45 minutes out of Las Vegas) and we went mountain biking in Red Rock Canyon...as well as a trip to the beautiful California Coastline!

My family is quite active...yet I found myself always one step behind them since they are all MEN and my daughter-in-law is not only young, smart and pretty--but quite an athlete too! Our adventures were challenging to say the least and I ended up a bit scratched and buised. 

I hope my family feels as I do our experiences created some great family memories to cherish!

At the Charlotte Airport heading to Las Vegas and California...

Me and my sweet daughter-in-law at City Center Mall in Las Vegas...

 Laguna Niguel California...view from my hotel room. It was sooo beautiful!

My son Blake and his wife Faith enjoying the ocean breezes...

 

Mountain biking in the desert outside of Las Vegas!!!

Red Rock Canyon (Blue Diamond Cottonwood trails)...this is the ONLY smooth flat area, LOL! 

That was the most rocky trail I've ever ridden!

How about talking fashion now? Are you ready to wear shorts?! 

Yes, I asked if you are ready to show some skin (scary, huh?) Now that the weather is getting warmer (for some of you...its still getting there) it’s time to think about wearing shorts, capris and cropped pants. If this frightens you because your Thighmaster has been collecting dust all winter…don’t fret because there is good news...there are some stylish options.

(photo: Nordstrom Eileen Fisher Cuffed Short)

There are stylish and do-able shorts, crops and capris for all this season! The walking short or city short! Yes, ladies this short style has been around a couple of season and it's still fabulous. A city short hits at the knee or just above--this is a great length for ALL. We can all finally wear something cute, comfortable--and trendy! 

Women wonder (and ask) what are the most flattering shorts, capris and cropped pants? Your pant or short length is one of the first things noticed about you. Where your shorts (or skirt or pant for that matter) stops on your leg creates a horizontal line and the eye is naturally drawn to this line on the body. So...wearing the best length for your body type is critical to looking your best in what you wear.

To help you find your best length I’ve listed all the different types of shorts and who should wear them:

Bermuda shorts: Hits at the knee. This length is universally flattering. Look for a flat front (no pleats) straight cut for the leanest look. Inseam should be about 12”. For more comfort, look for fabric content to include 2% stretch. HOW TO WEAR: Add a wedge heel or espadrille sandal for a long sleek and dressier look. A cropped or fitted jacket works well with Bermuda shorts too. For a more casual look, wear flats, a short-sleeved cardigan sweater and perhaps a pretty long beaded necklace.

(photo: Nordstrom Sanctuary Clothing Shorts)

Walking shorts: Hits mid-thigh and are loose, casual and comfortable. This style is best for women that are fairly confident with their legs and thighs. Best length is around 7” inseam.

Short-shorts: These are also called “Daisy Dukes” or Hoo-chee mama shorts. Short-shorts are for ladies who used their Thighmasters all winter--or answer by the name of Jessica (as in Simpson). Inseams are a mere 3”. Only for the young gals (sorry if you are only 'young at heart') or the totally toned chicks.

Capris: These tend to stop around the mid-calf area. They can be hard to wear because the calf is the largest area on a woman's lower leg. Women love Capris because they are cooler than long pants and hide a multitude of “issues”. The best Capri silhouette for most women (unless they are tall and thin—then any length is okay) is above the calf. If capris are long, have them hemmed up shorter to add slenderizing length to your legs. Avoid capris that hit your thickest part of your calf.

(Nordstrom: NYDJ's Nicole Capri)

Cropped pants: This is this season's answer to the "skinnys" we've been wearing the last couple of seasons.These are skinny or slim cut pants that are rolled above the ankle bone. Cropped pants can be very hard to wear. If you are heavier or shorter—your legs appear chopped off—like tree trunks. If you are tall, you appear even taller and like you are wearing high-water pants! HOW TO WEAR: Wear cropped pants with a heel in a NUDE color for the most leg lengthening look (like pictured below)

(photo: Nordstrom)

Petites and plus sizes: Find a length that is flattering (around the knee is best) and avoid the longer lengths that can make you look dumpy. The longer your legs look...the better, tall, leaner, etc.—you get the picture!

One last thing before you get your legs out there…spend some time pampering! Groom your legs (shave) use tan-in-a-can (if you need a glow) and get your tooties looking terrific too! Now you are ready for flip-flops, sandals and of course--Bermuda shorts!

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants...your fashion stylist who also wants to put her best LEG forward this spring!