You are hilarious. I just was laughing out loud so hard I think I did a sit up, while also scaring my cats. Wow those Free People shorts are something 😂 . Excited to see part 2 of this ❤️
I am so so happy you are writing about this! Free the legs ladies! I am 52 and will wear shorts until I die. Not because I have jelly free legs but simply because I chose to. I cannot wait for part 2.
I am 68 and still wear shorts ( not super short). I bought two pairs of Phillip Lim 3.1 shorts this year in Olive and a light tan. And I am not athletic unless you count walking🙃
Looking forward to the styling half of this conversation…
He might be an interesting interview for you - how he balances his design work/ fashion house with his humanitarianism ( he was a UN ambassador!) and activism ( with Stop Asian Hate).
I was just talking to my sister about this. I wear shorts (41 yo) and always have. I wondered when the point of “no shorts” hit as our mom doesn’t wear shorts and it seems there is a large contingent of women that don’t.
My issue with jean shorts: I have yet to find any lightweight enough that are worth wearing when it’s hot out.
You're probably athletic too. LOL. Please pick me for your team! We will n ot win but we will have fun. That's a really good point re. jeans shorts. I am usually wearing when it's not that hot. I can address now in part 2!
Ha yes. You are on to something with that hypothesis. I think it’s the same for sneakers. It seems either someone wears them or it’s not their vibe. Looking forward to part 2!
(Also I mean no disrespect about the “no shorts” at a certain point- I understand every body has different comfort levels- I’ve never been a cleavage/low cut shirt person so to each their own).
“Oh hey, someone’s all dressed up.” (You’re not wearing shorts.)
‘At 53, I know myself, and I know I don’t want to throw the ball around, thanks. I’ll stay here in my pareo reading a book while you enjoy that’
I want to hear more about the ‘tyranny of casual dressing’. I’ve heard the ‘someone’s all dressed up’ comment every day of my young life starting at age 10.
O shorts! Perhaps it's a matter of exposure (ha!).. By that I mean my OG California Girl Nana wore shorts almost daily in summer till she died. She would not have considered herself a fashion icon but she knew what she liked and what looked great on her. When I wear something simple with a certain vintage sportiness (not my usual go to) one of my daughters always compliments it as a Nana look. Nana played a bit of badminton in her youth and was the mother of six very athletic boys. All of them wear shorts the second it's remotely warm. They don't truck with long baggies either. For them it's thigh baring 70s tennis length. Into their sixties and seventies now, they all rock it. As do I. No matter my size (currently 18) or age (55) I wear shorts. I orefer them short, 3-5 inch inseam. And yes, I and the rest of my family all have what are sometimes called "nice legs". But more than that positive societal reinforcement, I think we feel good in shorts because they are a normalized part of our family culture. When I see people in shorts I think effortless, undone, free. I think sunshine. I also like fancy shorts in which case I think circus performer or gogo dancer and both are good for me. My point here is that I think fashion comfort and joy comes from connection and association not age, size or shape. I also think it's possible to change our associations consciously, to prune those that don't serve us (age restrictions) and tend ones that make us feel great. So of course don't wear shorts if you don't like them! But I'm glad we have some shorts styling coming our way just in case. Looking forward to part 2!
I really just don't like shorts and it's for one reason: physical comfort. I don't have issues showing my thighs or body. but long loose shorts always ride up and get "eaten" so they are all bunched up around my crotch. shorter shorts cause chafing from the thigh rub. spandex bike shorts are the only ones I wear, but they work with a limited number of styles. when I realized I'm happiest in a summer skirt or dress with the spandex bike shorts underneath (to prevent the aforementioned painful rub) I became a happy summer woman. and I promptly donated all my non spandex shorts
My biggest hang up with wearing denim short is….sizing up so they are comfortable (!!) and slouchy in that effortless way. I know the size isn’t supposed to matter but it’s such a land mine for me!
I get that. I have been working with women to think of size as a tool to get the look you want. Like Levis vintage denim , everyone goes ALWAYS 2-4 sizes up. So can we think of all clothing that way? You are sizing up to get the slouch-- it is not a statement about you except about how coool and fun you are.
I grew up in shorts (Miami!) and until maybe 5 years ago they were always in some form of rotation, but just sort of fell out. You have inspired me to dip a toe (or leg as it were) back in...xx
I love this, and now feel totally inspired to get my denim cut-offs out again this summer. Yay!! Also: "I wouldn’t scar my kid for life just to wear micro shorts." 🤣🤣
Good thing I didn't read this this morning when I was having my coffee or the part re Free People would've killed my laptop hard drive 😆 Thankfully in recent years there are so many more style and size-inclusive mid/longer lengths and diverse fits! I have three pairs of denim shorts and the only moderately indecently short pair is classified as beach-only. There's nothing quite like perfectly broken in denim shorts for summer though.
Age shouldn't stop anyone from rocking shorts. But honestly, those super short "booty shorts"? Not really for any age, if you ask me. Also, I've got another reason I lean towards longer shorts - I just can't deal with my bare thighs touching weird surfaces. I'm not exactly a germaphobe or anything, but I can't shake off this quirky hang-up of mine.
Huuuuuge thanks! As a 43 yo shorts lover I have an experience to fit it everywhere, even to the office dresscode. So many interesting insights I've found at Part 1, can't wait for Part 2
Rachel, thank you for taking on the shorts subject! I do love, and have always worn shorts. ( Btw, I'm a walker with a lemon drop, too! )
But, I'm 56 now, none of them fit, my footwear is going to be similar to your Dad's, and I'm 5'1". So, I have a few challenges to looking stylish. Despite this, I'm ready to evolve my style and I look forward to learning from you!
Shorts and me 🙅🏼♀️ At 45 I finally have 2 pair that are acceptable when it’s so hot that I can’t wear pants, but I never feel put together or quite myself in them the way I would in another fit. Can’t wait to see what you’ve pulled together!
You are hilarious. I just was laughing out loud so hard I think I did a sit up, while also scaring my cats. Wow those Free People shorts are something 😂 . Excited to see part 2 of this ❤️
And it will be ready tomorrow!!
I am so so happy you are writing about this! Free the legs ladies! I am 52 and will wear shorts until I die. Not because I have jelly free legs but simply because I chose to. I cannot wait for part 2.
Yay, thank you so much for the encouragement!
I am 68 and still wear shorts ( not super short). I bought two pairs of Phillip Lim 3.1 shorts this year in Olive and a light tan. And I am not athletic unless you count walking🙃
Looking forward to the styling half of this conversation…
That's a great brand idea. They always make good things that don't feel dated.
And he seems to be a nice fellow🙃
YAY for that.
Last comment!
He might be an interesting interview for you - how he balances his design work/ fashion house with his humanitarianism ( he was a UN ambassador!) and activism ( with Stop Asian Hate).
I was just talking to my sister about this. I wear shorts (41 yo) and always have. I wondered when the point of “no shorts” hit as our mom doesn’t wear shorts and it seems there is a large contingent of women that don’t.
My issue with jean shorts: I have yet to find any lightweight enough that are worth wearing when it’s hot out.
You're probably athletic too. LOL. Please pick me for your team! We will n ot win but we will have fun. That's a really good point re. jeans shorts. I am usually wearing when it's not that hot. I can address now in part 2!
Ha yes. You are on to something with that hypothesis. I think it’s the same for sneakers. It seems either someone wears them or it’s not their vibe. Looking forward to part 2!
(Also I mean no disrespect about the “no shorts” at a certain point- I understand every body has different comfort levels- I’ve never been a cleavage/low cut shirt person so to each their own).
None taken :-) And cheers to that.
This is so great. Forwarded to all my friends…
“Oh hey, someone’s all dressed up.” (You’re not wearing shorts.)
‘At 53, I know myself, and I know I don’t want to throw the ball around, thanks. I’ll stay here in my pareo reading a book while you enjoy that’
I want to hear more about the ‘tyranny of casual dressing’. I’ve heard the ‘someone’s all dressed up’ comment every day of my young life starting at age 10.
GRRRRRR I can’t with that! I will find a way to address!
I cannot wait for Part 2!
While you wait: https://heymrss.substack.com/p/the-bullying-effect-of-effortless-dressing-222088daec35?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2 (you will relate!)
Thank you!!! I cannot wait to read this!
Anyone who tells me what's age appropriate I immediately tune out. Don't tell me what to do Mom!!!!
Same! I want to do the opposite and be “bad” like when we smoked Parliaments in the woods.
Not a p funk!! 😂
O shorts! Perhaps it's a matter of exposure (ha!).. By that I mean my OG California Girl Nana wore shorts almost daily in summer till she died. She would not have considered herself a fashion icon but she knew what she liked and what looked great on her. When I wear something simple with a certain vintage sportiness (not my usual go to) one of my daughters always compliments it as a Nana look. Nana played a bit of badminton in her youth and was the mother of six very athletic boys. All of them wear shorts the second it's remotely warm. They don't truck with long baggies either. For them it's thigh baring 70s tennis length. Into their sixties and seventies now, they all rock it. As do I. No matter my size (currently 18) or age (55) I wear shorts. I orefer them short, 3-5 inch inseam. And yes, I and the rest of my family all have what are sometimes called "nice legs". But more than that positive societal reinforcement, I think we feel good in shorts because they are a normalized part of our family culture. When I see people in shorts I think effortless, undone, free. I think sunshine. I also like fancy shorts in which case I think circus performer or gogo dancer and both are good for me. My point here is that I think fashion comfort and joy comes from connection and association not age, size or shape. I also think it's possible to change our associations consciously, to prune those that don't serve us (age restrictions) and tend ones that make us feel great. So of course don't wear shorts if you don't like them! But I'm glad we have some shorts styling coming our way just in case. Looking forward to part 2!
Beautifully said. Thank you so much for sharing. Nana sounds magical, and I can see why nodding to her makes you feel so freaking good!
I really just don't like shorts and it's for one reason: physical comfort. I don't have issues showing my thighs or body. but long loose shorts always ride up and get "eaten" so they are all bunched up around my crotch. shorter shorts cause chafing from the thigh rub. spandex bike shorts are the only ones I wear, but they work with a limited number of styles. when I realized I'm happiest in a summer skirt or dress with the spandex bike shorts underneath (to prevent the aforementioned painful rub) I became a happy summer woman. and I promptly donated all my non spandex shorts
Good for you. It’s so satisfying to know yourself. I LOVE LOVE LOVE styling kneecap length bike shorts with flats BTW
My biggest hang up with wearing denim short is….sizing up so they are comfortable (!!) and slouchy in that effortless way. I know the size isn’t supposed to matter but it’s such a land mine for me!
I get that. I have been working with women to think of size as a tool to get the look you want. Like Levis vintage denim , everyone goes ALWAYS 2-4 sizes up. So can we think of all clothing that way? You are sizing up to get the slouch-- it is not a statement about you except about how coool and fun you are.
Love this! ❤️
thank you!
I grew up in shorts (Miami!) and until maybe 5 years ago they were always in some form of rotation, but just sort of fell out. You have inspired me to dip a toe (or leg as it were) back in...xx
Yeahhhhh!
I love this, and now feel totally inspired to get my denim cut-offs out again this summer. Yay!! Also: "I wouldn’t scar my kid for life just to wear micro shorts." 🤣🤣
You get me XOXO
Good thing I didn't read this this morning when I was having my coffee or the part re Free People would've killed my laptop hard drive 😆 Thankfully in recent years there are so many more style and size-inclusive mid/longer lengths and diverse fits! I have three pairs of denim shorts and the only moderately indecently short pair is classified as beach-only. There's nothing quite like perfectly broken in denim shorts for summer though.
LOL -- Right? I howled. And I think you are so right about that. I got rid of a couple great pairs in a fit of "I'm too old." And no I'm not! XX
Never too old to wear what you love!!
Age shouldn't stop anyone from rocking shorts. But honestly, those super short "booty shorts"? Not really for any age, if you ask me. Also, I've got another reason I lean towards longer shorts - I just can't deal with my bare thighs touching weird surfaces. I'm not exactly a germaphobe or anything, but I can't shake off this quirky hang-up of mine.
OMG that is so true. The slappy peel-off sound is also not ok.
You nailed the description. LOL, now I gotta try to unhear that sound. 😂
😂 me toooo
Huuuuuge thanks! As a 43 yo shorts lover I have an experience to fit it everywhere, even to the office dresscode. So many interesting insights I've found at Part 1, can't wait for Part 2
Office dress code! I bet that is FABULOUS. Thank you so much for reading XX
Rachel, thank you for taking on the shorts subject! I do love, and have always worn shorts. ( Btw, I'm a walker with a lemon drop, too! )
But, I'm 56 now, none of them fit, my footwear is going to be similar to your Dad's, and I'm 5'1". So, I have a few challenges to looking stylish. Despite this, I'm ready to evolve my style and I look forward to learning from you!
I hope you get some rest and feel better soon!
Damn them! We are in it together!! XX
Shorts and me 🙅🏼♀️ At 45 I finally have 2 pair that are acceptable when it’s so hot that I can’t wear pants, but I never feel put together or quite myself in them the way I would in another fit. Can’t wait to see what you’ve pulled together!
XOXOXO I feel youuuuuu