Short shorts to suit your body type

Once reserved only for weekends and the hottest days of summer, shorts have come out of the casual closet and are turning up just about everywhere this summer.

“This is a year when people wear them even in the winter, with a pair of tights or a pair of leggings. It’s become a huge staple in everyone’s wardrobe,� says Nicole Campre, head designer at local boutique Loft 82.

Shorts are more versatile now than in the past, showing up in a variety of lengths and materials that make them work for many occasions, adds Alma Visscher of Coup Boutique.

She suggests shorts paired with a blazer in the same colour and a contrasting top underneath. Dressier shorts can look great with thicker tights underneath and an ankle boot or pump to carry the look into fall.

Campre says pretty much anyone can wear shorts, regardless of body type. “It really depends on how they wear them. For example, if you’re showing a lot of leg, I would wear a longer-sleeved top, covering another part of your body to balance the amount of skin you’re showing.�

A longer, flowing cardigan is also a nice look with shorter shorts, she says. “So you kind of play with your layers. And I’m not super-skinny, so it makes me feel more comfortable.�

For curvier gals, try high-waisted shorts, which are more flattering and accentuate curves, she says.

Older women might want to go with a longer short — to the knee — paired with a tank or sheerer top, she adds.

In fact, longer shorts are one of Campre’s favourite looks for the future — a knee-length short in a flowing fabric. The look is also one that could work for the office.

“I really like the look of the flowy, wider, longer shorts, like gaucho pants from the ’70s. With a tailored jacket, I think that’s appropriate for the office.�

As a barometer of appropriate length, Visscher suggests considering the length of the skirt or dress you’d normally wear to the office, then wearing shorts that are at least that length as well.

Wear the shorts with a relaxed blazer, a tucked-in blouse and a pair of flats for the office, then add a bold accessory like earrings or a clutch to head out for the evening, she adds.

For next spring, Campre is designing a mullet-style short for Loft 82, again in a flowing fabric, that is slightly shorter in the front than in the back.

For shoes, Campre recommends a simple, strappy, platform sandal with shorter shorts for warm weather. For fall, she likes shorts with an ankle boot and slightly longer socks that peek out above the boots. Visscher loves the “flatform� or flat platform sandal, which works well with any length of short, adds height and is still comfortable.

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