Incoming Message: I was thinking and dreaming about getting some nice new clothes/shoes/accessories and wondered…Can short girls wear short shorts? Or are they only for tall, skinny girls? I need some cute spring/summer clothes, but don’t know what to get. Anthropologie had these and I could sort of see myself wearing them with a platform wedge or cute strappy sandals.

Response:

I know that pleats are trying to make a come back this spring/summer season, but I’m going to advise on my gut instinct… don’t do it.  Pleats and a thick waist – like the one shown, are very hard to pull-off for most of us.  My advise is for you to invest in a  flat front short with no pockets on the sides as the pockets will provide extra hips. 

When it comes to length, as a petite, you can definitely wear shorter shorts. Just make certain that the shoe you pair them with aren’t too high or you can easily fall into hoochie-mama territory vs. cool-mama.  Another thing I would warn on this style: Cuffs.  If you are petite, stay away from cuffed shorts as they will visually make your legs that much shorter.

When styling shorts, I always think BALANCE.  For example: If short is shorter, then I’ll pair them with a tunic blouse and flat sandals.  If the short is longer, like a peddle pusher, then I opt for a fitted tank or t-shirt with a great necklace and a wedged strappy sandal or chic retro sneaker.  This reminds me…

Unless the short is for exercising, DO NOT wear running sneakers with your shorts.  Your legs, short or long, will look terrible.