Shorts for Every Shape

Summer is here -- it's time to trade in those jeans for a shorter option.

Real Simple Mgazine Executive Editor Sarah Humphreys stopped by "The Early Show" Wednesday to show us the best cuts and styles for your body shape.

Wide Hips

Humphreys suggests a pair of solid long shorts with simple details in a dark shade which will provide a sleek look. When it comes to shorts in this case, it's all about minimizing. In this case its about minimizing. Try to avoid pockets on shorts that line up with side seams. These tend to pop open and emphasize the hips.

"The Early Show" featured a pair of Nicole by Nicole Miller for JC Penney stretch-cotton shorts paired with a fitted blouse from J. Crew as well as Bandolino wedges.

"There's a lot of stretch so you won't be pulling and tugging and they'll move with you. It's a great price point at $25.00," said Humphreys, "This body-skimming cut creates a straight but not tapered line from the widest part of the hips down to the hems. Dark fabrics are also always more forgiving."

A statement-making necklace is always a plus since it brings the eye to the neckline and away from the problem area.

Hourglass Figure

Humphreys suggests highlighting your waist if you are hourglass figured. Try to avoid shorts that are cut straight up and down, it will not do any favors for the hourglass figure, instead it will give you a grocery bag look from behind, it's going to be gaping in the back.

"A pair of medium-length shorts with a contoured waistband or high-rise style will help eliminate the gaping at the mid-section that often results with this body type," said Humphreys.

"The Early Show" featured a pair of DKNY Jeanscotton shorts ($59.00) with a tie-waist paired with a Banana Republic top and metallic sandals from Club Monaco.

Straight Figure

Short shorts are the way to go if you have a straight figure. Humphreys suggests shorts with a gathered waistband and a voluminous shape which will add extra swish to the hip area.

"They're really fun," explained Humphreys, "You have a lot of bells and whistles here which is what you want with a straight figure since it will give you more curve."

"The Early Show" featured a pair of BCBG Max Azria linen-blend shorts ($88.00) paired with a classic tank with an embellished neckline from Banana Republic with a pair of nude heels by Unisa.

Short Legs

If you have short legs, Humphreys again suggests a short pair of shorts. It will give the illusion of a longer leg, you'll have more skin showing which will make your leg look longer.

If you have a fuller body, a pair of simple short shorts without side pockets will help slim the leg. For those with a straight figure, you want to find a pair of short shorts that has some texture, whether it is gathered at the waist or has pockets in the front.

Another solution for looking leggy is to wear a nude shoe. Shoes that are the same color as your skin create a clean unbroken line that elongates the leg.

"The Early Show" featured a pair of shorts from Club Monaco ($59.00) paired with a ruffled tee from Banana Republic with a pair of simple wedge sandals from Aldo shoes to complete the look.

"Try to avoid broad horizontal patterns. Solid colors or vertical stripes will also help give elongate the legs," warned Humphreys, "Anything too long, around the knee or longer will just truncate your legs and make you look shorter."

If You Have a Tummy

In case you have at tummy, Humphreys suggests going with a pair of long shorts with vertical stripes. It really helps elongate you and stretch you out. The key here is to pair it with an empire top and a necklace so that the eye is drawn higher away from the problem area.

"Try to avoid belts and patch pockets which tend to magnify the trouble area," said Humphreys. But she did suggest seersucker stripes on shorts which look great as well as summer-like.

"The Early Show" featured a pair of Gap cotton shorts ($50.00) paired with an empire waist top from Ashley Stewart with a pair of cute wedges by Nicole.

"Wedges help elongate your legs," explained Humphreys, "They also draw attention to your best asset."

So no matter what your size or shape, looking good can be easy, affordable, and fun. For more information and tips, take a look at the article featured in Real Simple Magazine.
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[jsf14]

Most women don't have the legs to look good in shorts. If you want to wear them for comfort, fine, but if you are over 20 (and maybe lots younger) you won't look good.