Don’t Sell Yourself Short For A Businesslike Look At Work, Fashionable Walking Shorts Can Fit Right In

Shorts have always been the warm weather hybrid of pants and skirts. Comfort and brevity, however, isn’t always the most flattering combination. But with the proper selection, say experts, you can have it all. You may even wear shorts to work.

The mere thought of shorts, however, can send many a woman into a panic about her figure. That may not be a bad thing, says Lynn Cooper of Lynn Cooper & Associates, a Chicago-based image specialist, who compares shopping for shorts as one step below buying a bathing suit. “More of your body shows with shorts, so it is definitely the time to be critical and think about how you look when buying a pair,” says Cooper.

Virgina Sullivan, president of Image Communications International, a New York-based image firm, says the problem with shorts is that many women tend to recycle old shorts rather than invest in new pairs each season. Figures change, and what looked appropriate last year may not work this year, she says.

“A lot of mistakes get made in the name of comfort. The first question should be, ‘Do these shorts look good on me?”’ says Sullivan, who considers walking shorts and skorts almost always preferable to spandex cycle shorts or short shorts. “Walking shorts look great on most figures, while the A-line shape of a skort will help thick thighs.”

Image experts agree that when it comes to selecting shorts, fashion should take a back seat to situation and figure appropriateness. Hot pants may currently be the height of fashion, but the average woman over 21 would be shorts-sighted not to take a pass.

Here, some do’s and don’ts on how to make shorts work for you:

DO

Look for tailored styles with figure-flattering front pleats, side and hidden back pockets.

Consider going up a size. A roomier fit will make you look slimmer.

Think about your height when choosing lengths: Small frames can wear shorter shorts, while taller women should stick to styles no more than five inches above the knees.

Wear a top that balances the bottom instead of a snug T-shirt. A jacket or a cardigan will serve the same purpose.

Tuck in your blouse and add a belt for maximum polish. Emphasizing the waist will take 10 pounds off the silhouette.

Wear sheer hosiery with shorts to work or special occasions. If you dare to bare, consider a self tanner for your legs. Opt for more fluid fabric to float over bulges.

Think twice about wearing high heels with shorts. Flats are a better bet, for flattery and function.

DON’T

Neglect to look at yourself from all sides, especially the back view.

Forget to sit down in shorts while in the dressing room. You want to see how high they ride up and whether they cut into thighs.

Buy shorts too long. They should be a good few inches above the knee.

Wear thick, dark tights under shorts as they defeat the purpose.

Choose a style with a tightfitting leg. Loose legs will have a slimming effect on thighs.

Wear cycle shorts in public, unless you’re cycling. Ditto for boxerstyle athletic shorts, unless you’re heading to the beach to play volleyball.

Forget to check your underwear line. Buy nude-toned panties for linen and light color shorts.

Opt for cuffed shorts if you’re petite. They can stump the legs.

Even consider a bold color or pattern if you wish to minimize your bottom. Stick to neutrals like khaki, navy and black.