The Best Mid-Length Shorts For Summer

I’m ashamed to say that I avoided shorts like the plague for years because I never felt my best in them.  But, once I discovered a cut that worked for my body type, I started buying & wearing them again and I’m so glad I did!  If you’ve had a similarly frustrating experience, let this be the year that you give them a shot – keep trying several different silhouettes until you find some that you love.

I personally think that mid-length shorts are the most universally flattering & appropriate for all ages so that is what I’m choosing to highlight for you today.  I’ve been getting lots of questions lately about where to find the best shorts for summer so I’m rounding up a few of my top picks below, along with some important tips to keep in mind when trying to find your perfect pair:

For petites
If you’re on the petite side and want to give the illusion of longer legs, I recommend a 3.5″ or 4″ inseam.  Obviously every body shape is different, so what flatters one figure might not be the best for someone else.  The key is to ensure that the hem of your shorts doesn’t hit at the widest part of your leg (it should go just beyond that point).  Stores with petite size offerings include: LOFT, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, ASOS, Gap, JCPenney and H&M.

For talls
Sometimes just ordering shorts with a longer inseam works for those of us who are vertically blessed.  But, if you’re having a hard time finding shorts that fit just right in the rise, you may need to order styles that are specifically cut for tall ladies – try ASOS, Ann Taylor, Old Navy, Gap, JCPenney and Long Tall Sally.

For plus sized
More and more stores are adding plus-sized styles to their online offerings, which means there are more options than ever!  Check out H&M+, ASOS, Violeta by Mango, Maurice’s, LOFT, Eloquii, Kohl’s & Target.

General fit tips
Don’t get so concerned with the number on the tag that you buy something ill-fitting – my motto is: when in doubt, size up!  I personally think shorts look best when they aren’t super-tight on the leg – no one wants to look like they’ve squeezed themselves into something.

When buying online, I often will order my regular size & one size up to try them both and see which has a more flattering fit. The only exception to sizing up is for denim shorts with spandex in them (which tend to stretch out with wear).  For these, I suggest trying them on, doing a few squats and then walking around in the house a bit to see how much regular wear will affect them.

For denim shorts & cutoffs, pay close attention to the rear view – pocket size & placement makes a huge difference in accentuating curves and flattering your backside!

Bermuda shorts are very on-trend this season and I think they can definitely work for most women if they are styled correctly.  I recommend pairing them with nude or light colored sandals to help lengthen your legs (highly recommend a wedge or block heel over a flat).  These will also look best with a top that is slightly cropped or tucked in (a front tuck works too!).

Now that I’ve shared my tips with you, I thought I’d share some of the best affordable styles I’ve found recently.  I purposely chose options that I think will be the very versatile & these all range from 3.5″ to 9″ inseams, so hopefully there’s something for everyone!

ROW 1:  ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR
ROW 2:  ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR
ROW 3:  ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR
ROW 4:  ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR

MORE MID-LENGTH SHORTS