An Effective Guide to style Women’s Shorts
Some time ago, they seemed too specific. A certain hesitation did exist when the moment came to wear them. Some even wondered if they would fit to the dress code of the event they were about to attend. There were times that you put them on, but then you changed your mind for the zillionth time.
Right now, there are no hesitations, no second thoughts, no wasted hours in front of the mirror. Right now, they are no longer considered specific. Yes! We are talking about shorts! One of the most polyvalent pieces of clothing that can effortlessly become you go-to garment, come summer or come winter; no matter if your next stop is a work dinner or your afternoon exercise routine!
A brief history of Shorts
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, short trousers were considered a garment to be worn exclusively by young boys and scouts. Maturity and serious business meant…long trousers! It wasn’t till after WWII, when soldiers that fought in warm and tropical climates started using them, that shorts became somewhat more famous. Still, several decades had to pass in order for them to be used by all and finally occupy the place they truly deserve!
Sadly, due to narrow-minded and non-inclusive ways of thought, women had to wait even more to be able to add shorts into their wardrobes and outfits. To this day, women of the urban spaces of the West tend to wear them more, while their use is not so common in the most traditional environments.
The different Types of Women’s shorts
There is a type of women’s shorts for every occasion!
· Pleated
· Cargos & Chinos
· Denim
· Running (and all kinds of athletic shorts)
· High or low Waist shorts
· Bermudas
· Skorts
· Cut-offs
· Boyfriend shorts
· Dolphin
And as of lately we also have
· Gender Neutral shorts
Depending on your lifestyle, the place you live or the place you dream off finding yourself, the weather, your work or hobbies, there is surely a type of shorts specifically crafted to satisfy even the most exigent consumer!
Are shorts suitable for the Office?
This is not a Yes or No question — even if there are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to wearing shorts at work — It is just a How situation! Most of the times the way we do something is as important as what we actually do! If you style your shorts carefully and in perfect alignment with your work’s conditions and guidelines, the answer is a straight Yes!
In any case, since the 1990’s, formal shorts are included in the Casual dress code and can be worn at several business environments in countries like the UK, USA, Australia or New Zealand.
We should never forget that real elegance is the ability to fit perfectly and harmoniously in time and space. So, keep it stylish, smart, never too short, combine it with your wonderful inner spirit and you will have no problem going to work wearing your favourite pair of shorts (as long as HR doesn’t have a specific anti-shorts policy!)
If you still think of how to style your new shorts maybe this guide of how to wear women’s shorts might be helpful!
5 cool ways to style your favourite Shorts
1. The formal way
A pair of navy-blue Chino or beige pleated shorts, an elegant shirt or t-shirt (opt mainly for monochromatic tops) paired white sneakers or derbies and you are ready for a long workday. If you want to make it more formal, wear a pair of white suit shorts, a slim-fit summer (or autumn) blazer, add some golden or silver details (rings, earrings or both!) and your black leather clutch. A pair of high heels wouldn’t be a bad idea either! Dressed like this you can even crash any wedding comes your way!
2. The casual way
Casual is nice because it is easy. Casual is comfortable because it is flexible, transformable and adaptable! An eternal white tee, olive green shorts and a pair of all-stars. There is nothing more practical, there is nothing more fitting if you want to hop from one place to another with no need to change outfits! If it is sunny wear some cool shades and replace the white tee with a tank top and your all-stars with a pair of sandals. Are you at the beach? Put on your flip-flops!
3. The all-day way
Is it one of these days that you have to be an early riser and a night owl? You will need an outfit that will be comfy, lightweight and will keep you fresh and cool all day long. Put on a pair of elastic beige, khaki or black shorts, a camp collar shirt with a Slim-fit top or a bodysuit, white socks and the most comfortable shoes or sandals you have. Dr. Martens, Pompeii or Hoff sneakers, Birkenstocks or Campers and don’t forget to stuff everything you are going to need into a big classy shopper bag!
4. The athletic way
They can be either denim, cotton, polyester or linen-made. They have to be breathable, elegant and ready to accompany you at the street, the trail, the treadmill or the 100-meter race with your family and friends at the park. How to pair them shorts? With a knitted polo, an athletic t-shirt, a French-ly tucked button-up or a mesh tank-top. If you are on vacation or at un urban oasis, wear them with your bikini! As for the shoes? Go barefoot, go Vivo barefoot, go Asics or go Hokas. It depends on the amount of cushion you want!
Extra tip: Running shorts are a type of shorts that is very in-style right now and you don’t have to be an elite runner to enjoy them!
5. The Workwear way
The predicament is already presented and we consider the matter closed. Shorts can be worn at work! How to style them? What is your line of work? You move all the time or you stand for long hours? You know your work better than anybody else! Shirts, overshirts and t-shirts, sweaters and hoodies, sneakers and mules and loafers and moccasins; everything can be combined with the right pair of shorts!
The best thing with shorts is that with some tights or leggings they can also be worn during winter! In the end, this garment is much more versatile than we tend to believe!
Women’s shorts and Sustainability
Women have been the precursors to many historical changes. Having lived deprived of their most basic rights for so long, it is only natural to fight — among the first — against all types of inequalities and unjust situations. Now, that climate change and other environmental issues have to be faced urgently, women are once more at the forefront of another battle!
From various positions in the Fashion Industry, women work hard to introduce positive changes, to implement revolutionary and innovative techniques that will not only generate cool clothes but ensure optimal living conditions for all!
The planet we inhabit has specific needs and we must respect them. After all, we are nothing more than –mere– passing visitors!
Obviously, women’s shorts must also be sustainable and eco-friendly. Fortunately, nowadays, the options of sustainable shorts are (almost) unlimited. No excuses, no more! To be sustainable is not only vital, it is easy! Brands like Dockers® offer complete lines of Sustainable clothing that will accompany you any-where, any-time!
To make the long story short! Shorts are among the most comfortable garments to create the best and most inspired outfits (Casual or Smarter)! There is also the extra plus, of finding them in all cuts, sizes and fabrics. Use them, rely on them and they will be your new best fashion friends; if they are not already!
