Instead of me writing an entire blog post about why I have not worn shorts for 25 years let me just focus on helping you WEAR THE SHORTS. I am determined to get as many women to focus on the positives instead of listening to the voice that tells you you can’t wear shorts because *insert your reason here (I am not even going to list them because it simply does not matter).
For some reason holidays do not count as I seem to get special powers when abroad. How do we begin to unpick years of hiding away? Let me tell you a few tricks I have used.
Tip 1
Firstly wear the shorts around the house ALL THE TIME. Make it feel normal. I swear lockdown and the mini heatwaves have normalised wearing shorts for me. I lived in an old pair of jersey shorts, an emergency purchase from Joules when the sunshine came out to play at Wells next the Sea and I thought I was going to pass out in jeans. They were the only size 18 available in the whole shop so not only were they not something I would have chosen (horizontal stripes) I also added the additional mental tag – only pair of shorts for the fat lass sweating her tits off in front of hut 202.
After weeks of living in my shorts I wondered if I could find a pair that sparked a little more joy so I boldly ordered one style of shorts from Marks and Spencer and boom. (Now sold out in Khaki but other colours available – I just got ordered the grey pair too!)
I have lived in them so when I was running late and needed to take Oscar round to the local park my instinct was to go and get changed but it was hot and something in me thought sod it INPO, wear the damn shorts. I must admit I felt a little sick walking along the road and kept pulling them down despite them not really riding up. On the short walk to the park no cars crashed at the sight of my legs. No one laughed at me. In fact no one noticed! It is like wearing shorts was easy??
TIP 2
Create an outfit around the shorts to stop them being the focus in your head. Short wearing is new to me so I decided to create the look I wanted to achieve. It may seem really simple but concentrating on the whole look helps to keep the negativity under control.
This outfit has a whole host of my tips. I do not want to waste my energy focusing on the negative but for me I always felt stumpy and large in shorts. So for the shoes it is one of two options…
TIP 3
A wedge is a perfect pairing with shorts. A bit of height which lengthens the leg. I steer clear of anything with a strap round the ankle as I feel it cuts off and highlights my calves.
I love a wedge as I find them easier to walk in than heels and are not too over dressed. Choosing a similar colour to my legs helps too although I must admit I did not think about that when creating this outfit!
My other winning shoe option is the Rally trainer from Fitflop. Yes I just thought it was ugly looking flipflops too but turns out they have beautiful designs including these trainers which are ridiculously comfortable and so light. I have loads of pain in my feet and these have actually helped that. Anyway getting back to the point they have a really small tongue so again doesn’t cut off the leg.
TIP 4
Take your bag out. Instead of making it a big deal about leaving the house in shorts, get excited about taking a new bag or a bag you have kept for a special occasion out. Or I LOVE the larger bag I bought for the beaches we are not going to this year (promise I am not crying – much) because although yes I am wearing shorts, this is still new and sometimes it is nice to have the comfort of a bag to hide behind.
TIP 5
The more you wear the shorts and see your legs, the more normal it becomes. This is not about size because this effects so many people. Do I love my legs? No but I am a WIP (work in progress) on that front. I can look at these photos and appreciate how bloody far I have come and also that I look a bit of alright. Anyway. I hope this has helped a little!!! I will finish with a selection of Shorts inspiration for you. Dare I call it INPO INSPO?? Shall we make that a thing!?
INPOx
All images the wonder cracker that is Kelly Reeves Photography
Marks and Spencer AD – PR PRODUCTS
Matalan – AD – PR PRODUCTS
Affiliate Link to FitFlop Rally Trainer – PR PRODUCT
Some clothes from my wardrobe scattered in too.
I wear a size 18 in all clothing and I am 5ft 6inches.
I am crying! Happy (hormonal!?!) tears of joy because I bloody love your shorts and I want some. Size 18 and 5ft 3 with fat knees (I know, blessed) I’ve avoided shorts since the year 2000 (after travelling the world size 10/12) I now want to wear shorts again! 🩳 thanks INPO x
Please please please wear them!! Send me a pic if you do! xxx
Love this !! You rick ! And you are the best role model for women !
Oh what a lovely thing to say. Thank you xx
Thank you thank you thank you. X
Hope it helps a little x
Just awesome!! No other words! Just awesome!!
Thank you!! XX
You look gorgeous in shorts! I threw some shorts on today and felt weirdly comfortable for the first time ever, I was wfh so didn’t see anyone except from the dog and my husband but still, the knees got an airing!! You are so inspiring, thank you xx
Whoooohooooo well done!! x
I bought some next boyfriend shorts and have lived in them in lock down. First round the house and then to the garden centre or Sainsbury’s and now out!! It’s taken me a long time to realise that actually shorter shorts look better than longer ones on me. I’m 51. Size 18-20 and 5’9”. When I wear my shorts and slides I fell young and sassy!! Wear the damn shorts. Xx
Yes!! Absolutely brilliant to hear!! X
Thank you for this post 😊
It really spoke to me and I’m going to go and look at some shorts. I haven’t worn them in so long, after very similar leg hate. Currently running after 3 year old twins in jeans.
Keep doing what you’re doing! You look amazing x
We need to be kinder to ourselves xx
Love this! I’ve been building my sod it just wear it attitude and this is just perfect. Also, yes! Totally make INPO INSPO a thing! X
INPO INSPO a gogo!! X
Only just gone and ordered a pair of shorts from M&S 🩳 Thanks for the confidence boost 💕
Let me know what you think of them when you get them!!! X
You are a superstar and look gorgeous in all the pics 😍. You just inspired me to dig out my old shorts and buy some new ones (not worn them in years, much more of a “hide under a maxi dress” type in summer) x
YES!!! This makes me super happy!!! XXX
As an extra little hint or tip, try tanning, be it fake or natural. I have worn shorts throughout the heatwave in my garden and my legs look and feel better with colour. Hiding the bluey tones makes me less conscious and to me my legs are now a thing of beauty
Yes that is so true. By wearing the shorts at home to start off with my legs got a little colour. I am desperate to get better at fake tanning as I always cock it up!! X
Thank you for writing this & for the tips! If I can find the confidence to wear shorts this year (& I really want to, but can’t quite bring myself to do it) it’ll be a miracle, & I’ll have you to thank!
Well let me know WHEN you do! XX
Gorgeous – love my M&S shorts too 💕
You look fabulous in all shorts. X
Oh this is SO helpful! I messaged you recently to tell you I WORE THE SHORTS! But these tips will give me even more confidence for next time. Wearing them for comfort at home is such a great idea to make it feel normal. Thank you!! Xx
Oh this is SO helpful! I messaged you recently to tell you I WORE THE SHORTS! But these tips will give me even more confidence for next time. Wearing them for comfort at home is such a great idea to make it feel normal. Thank you!! Xx
So happy you are wearing the shorts!! XX