Welcome to another edition of Style & Scopes, your monthly plus size style horoscope!
Ask the Reader: Plus Size Shorts: Would You? Could You? Do You?
We all know as curvy citizens out there that there are a lot of undue rules and regulations imposed upon us when it comes to fashion. From color schemes to patterns to lengths and fabrics, there are lot of fashion don’ts out there when you’re over a size 12.
Walk outside and before you hit the corner sometimes, there’s some rando stranger popping up like whack-a-mole to let us know their opinion about our wardrobe. Who knew the world had some many fashion style experts? You’d think there’d be more shows on the subject, right? Okay, enough snark! I assure you there’s a destination to this train of thought!
Plus Size Shorts: Would You? Could You?
ASOS CURVE Mixed Floral Print Shorts, at US.ASOS.com
The point I am trying to make is that as much as we try to brush off these ideas about what you can and cannot wear while plus sized, they can sink into our subconscious and thus it becomes an unspoken rule. I know I had such a rule when it came to red lipstick. After years and years of hearing black girls couldn’t wear it… I tried Ruby Woo and it’s now my favorite everyday shade!
But when it comes to fashion? There are items that I love to see my fellow stylish girls with size rock, but myself? Not so much… Bodycon dresses? Slay me! Crop Tops? Werk!! One item that really gives me great pause is shorts! In my younger days, I had no problem roaming the streets in Brooklyn with a pair of cut off shorts. Now that I’m months away from 40? Yeah, again? Not so much! LOL
Floral Scalloped Shorts, at Eloquii.com
I want to change those thoughts and beliefs about what I can and cannot wear based on my size and my age. There’s not much of a difference between the me I was at 17 and me today at 39 (I still get carded… #ThatMelaninTho) in terms of physical appearance or size.
What IS drastically different is the exposure I’ve had to mean-spirited and close-minded attitudes about women of size. Opinions and beliefs that I’ve had numerous opportunities to internalize. Which is why this summer, I’m ready to break the rules… Who’s with me?!?
Splatter Paint Fringe Shorts, at AshleyStewart.com
The long and the short of it is, the only rule to fashion is don’t use your rent money to buy it and if it feels good and makes you feel like Beyonce must feel on her best day? Then rock it, boo, rock it! I’ve learned that the comments won’t decrease with conformity, so you might as well dress to suit your style and not the menagerie of mean girls and guys out there.
Because the haters are going to hate anyway. Whether I’m dressed in all black and keeping as out of the way as possible or not, if mean-spirited people want to randomly harass someone to make themselves feel better, they are going to do it. Between you and me, I’d rather be rocking an outfit that makes me feel fabulous. That way, I can say to myself, “Okay… You’re crazy because I’m too fly right now!” and keep it moving! And just between us… There are a TON of really cute shorts out there that can build such a feel good ensemble!
Missguided Plus Ripped Longer Length Denim Shorts at AsosCurve.com
From daring denim, exotic embroidery, luscious lace, and funky fringe, 2017 is the perfect opportunity to break out of your self-imposed box and let your legs get some sunshine this summer. When the days get especially sweltering, your skin will thank you for the fresh air… Trust me on this!
Opt to wear whatever shorts you choose with a simple tee and sneakers, a flowy tunic and sandals or feminine blazer and pumps… You’ll slay either way!
Foliage Print Plus Size Short, at CityChicOnline.com
Now that I’ve said my peace, what I really want to do is hear from you! Is the scope of your body acceptance limited to certain items, like shorts? Do you feel like a body positive fail sometimes because of it? I’m 72% certain that I’m not the only one who thinks this way!
If you answered “yes”, would you be willing to be daring this summer and try rocking a pair of shorts? If you answered “no”, pics or it didn’t happen… Show us your photos wearing shorts, and let us know your favorite thing about rocking them.
But we need to know…
Plus Size Shorts: Would You? Could You? Do You?
We cannot wait to hear how you feel about this fashion rule!!!
About the Author
I’m a pear 80% of my weight is on my legs so I’m shorts shy unless they’re knee length
Me too, they also need to be skin hugging denim. Otherwise my thighs “eat” my shorts and they creep up into my crotch. To those that can, more power to you!
I would love to wear some ,but they really are ugly the ones in the stores around here. Also would like them till just above the knees.
I can’t not wear short shorts. I’ve been wearing them since I was a wee one. I was thin and now I’m fat but I just love showing off my legs. ððð
As an alternative, culottes are long and cover up legs. Yours Clothing have some x
Nope. My crotch tries to eat them, and fabric creep is not sexy.
I do it! Super short too. In recent years, I’ve noticed my thighs aren’t as smooth as they used to be, but whatever. As a kid I didn’t like them because they showed off my knock knees. But today? Child, please
SAME!
To the knee because I hate wearing shorts caught up in between my legs.
Yes I’d like to wear shorts but I like at least knee length which are very hard to find.
And if they are knee length they have a cuff wth is that for?
Mine would have to be Bermuda shorts in order for me to feel comfortable, and even then I would rather have crops/capris/pedal pushers over shorts. I am not comfortable wearing shorts that are above my knees since my thighs are so big, and I hate having to pull them down as they ride up.
I love shorts. I have big legs but they’re nice and shapely. Finding the right pair for me has more to do with my height (or lack thereof) than size.
I have a few pair that I mostly wear at home. It’s hard to find any I like so mostly I wear capris, which go just below the knee on me in the summer when I am out running errand or whatever. I look at it this way just like thinner people I get hot too in summer and need to wear clothes that will help keep me cool. If people don’t like the way those cooler clothes look on me then they can look somewhere else.
I’m more of a capri fan, than shorts. I would like to find ones that are just below the knee which is hard since I’m short. I wish they sold capris or short based on height length the way they do for pants.
Catherine’s does shorter capris, and some in petite length, too.
Oh good to know. I will have to check it out. I wish more stores would like Lane Bryant.
I’ll wear shorts but not too short…I need a certain amount of coverage to be comfortable. I prefer bermudas and capris.
If a pair of shorts could be created that actually did not ride up into the crotch, i’d be all over it. I am wearing shorts today. Hot has hedes here. But i know it is going to annoy me most of the day. Why cant they make shorts that fit the waist /hips and then fit the legs as well. #customshortsneeded
If I could find them in a decent length!! The only ones I find in my size are either Ugly grandma length or my butt is halfway out. Can I just get some normal cute shorts please!?!?!?!? ð
Vacations call for shorts, you only love once ladies wear what you like
ððððð
I love wearing shorts but I usually have to opt on getting fabric or linen pairs. Every time I go to find denim options they fit in the waist but I’m drowning in them in the legs (or vice versa). I carry all of my weight in the middle and don’t have very big thighs so when I wear shorts they end up looking horrible because the legs are too big. Thankfully I will find a rare pair at torrid or old navy that fit right but it’s a struggle! I also agree with everyone else’s comments. I personally like Shorts that are regular length (3-5 inches) but they usually end up riding up or give you camel toe or all you can find is ones that are too long, like Bermudas.
I actually found really good fitting ones at torrid last summer. High waisted. Almost knew length, so don’t ride up. I wear them with sneakers or with pretty sandals and a blouse to go out.
Always. It’s hot and time for shorts.
I do wear shorts. I used to avoid them, but it’s too hot to care about other people’s opinions.
Two summers ago I didn’t wear shorts at all. Now? I don’t give a hoot what others say and I’m learning to love what I have!
I would. They look really comfy.
I live in Arizona therefore shorts are a big yes! I wear them all the time. It’s too hot to care about what other people think of my gorgeous thunder thighs.
I’ve got too much Chubb rub to wear short shorts. I usually just stick to capris.
Vagisil has a nice chafing cream…. ð
Wearing some today
Yes.. Yes & Yes…
Yes I would, yes I could and yes I do. Why are we asking this question? Do we ask slender women this question?? ð¤ð¤
No, but we’re not like slender women.
I love them, but oh so hard to find a pair that fits right.if I put them up to my waist then I get this stupid empty space in between my thighs and crotch piece. I want them to be high waisted and for the crotch to be actually in my crotch with like 3-4inches of fabric that go down to mid thigh. Is that too much to ask?
My legs have been in the dark for so long, I would fear for people eyeballs if they saw them on a sunny day.
I’ve just never found a pair that suits me.
I’ve cut sweat pants off at home, but I don’t venture out into the public with them. 🙂
Yes, and I don’t shave my legs or tan. 😮
I love em ð
I figure If you have nice legs/ thighs why not?
Yes! Yes! And Yes!!
I love outfit #1 <3
I love shorts, but my thighs rub and that hurts.. So just a bit longer and fitted, so they they stay put
Life hack: rubbing gel deodorant on inner thighs eliminates chafing… rock them shorts girl!
Ahhh. Been using the wrong kind, have to try that… Thanks! ð
Or monistat sells an anti chafing gel. Works great for me
Chafing gel ð
I’m a size 10, not really plus size I guess, but I didn’t wear shorts for over 20 years and after my second kid I was just HOT so I said F it and went for it and the world is still spinning and no one cares.
I always say that my comfort is more important to me than my legs offending someone! They can turn away, but I’m not overheating for nobody!
I wear shorts cuz it gets hot dang it! I don’t care about other people’s opinions. It’s not about them, it’s about ME! ð¤
Yes, yes and yes, as long as I have a good fit, and my ð isn’t hanging out the back (no bootie shorts).
I never wear shorts. I wish I could find that “perfect” pair.
Not as short as the models have in the photo, because I have very large legs and short shorts creep up, then thigh chafe is an issue.
No, my shorts are down to the knee. But I spend all summer, spring and some of autumn in shorts. I’d overheat otherwise!
Love shorts! Just bought a couple pair this past weekend. A pair of short shorts and a pair of longer boyfriend shorts. A fellow shopper who revealed she was 40 (so am I) commented that she felt she was too old for short shorts. I reached right next to her and grabbed my short shorts. ð
Yasssss…..I’ll be 40 this year too. I would’ve done the same thing as you!
If I can find a pair that look half way decent I would definitely wear shorts.
Issa no for me. I don’t like things that I have to keep pulling at and fixing as I move around. Denim shorts are cool bc they fit tight, but like a trouser short, no for me…looks like my crotch is eating the shortsð
I wear shorts that hit either above or below the knee. I like the the look of shorter shorts but the chub rub situation tends to rule them out these days.
Sure if they fit
I wear walking shorts – i.e., longer shorts, similar to bermudas, that come to just above my knee by about an inch/inch & a half. I love my walking shorts in summer.
I do I will and I shall.
Yes, but longer ones only. If they are too short they just ride up and get all crammed in your crotch and I have to stop and dig them out from btw my thighs lol
I want to, but chub rub is fierce. I can do Bermuda shorts just fine, but the shorties just don’t work out for my particular shape.
I have a pair of City Chic crochet shorts and they’re super cute!
Yes i would wear all 3
I like gauchos or wide leg culottes or capris if I could find them!
Yes
I bought my first pair of shorts last year and I’ll never go back. It’s way too hot to try and mess with pants in the summer. I also got a rad tattoo on my thigh and I now LOVE to show off my legs where before I was ashamed of them.
YEP!!
As long as they don’t ride up like crazy in the crotch
If they ever fit right. They’re always waaaaaaayyyyy too big in the legs
Yes, if they are the right length!
It never crossed my kind that I shouldn’t wear shorts because I’m fat.
I’ve had thick thighs since I hit puberty, and I love shorts. The shorter the better. Just hate the chub rub. ð°
Yes. They havd to be tge right fit and length.
Yes the right length
I like shorts to a point. But I feel like plus size wise they pretty much only give us two options…either those long bermuda shorts that stop just short of the knee….or they are thigh riding short shorts that make it feel like you have a perpetual wedgie or your vagina is suffocating even though they are in yours size lol I am kind of stoked honestly. My job will finally be getting plus size in the stores and not just online so I am interested to see how they maintain diversity in the short world.
I like the high waisted mid shorts. Not too long. But still high enough for my belly. One day flat tummy…… one day……..
I wear short shorts and longer length. I’ve never not had thighs that touch or rub. I absolutely wear them and sashay while they kiss my thighs. Lol. Do you! ð
Haven’t worn shorts in 18 years. They bunch up between my legs and i get tired of pulling them out. Thick thigh chronicles
Off topic but I really want that denim jacket the model on the right has on… lol
All the time
I just started wearing shorts again and I’m obsessed!!
I always wear shorts but honestly find the best fitting ones are pants with a wider fit through my thigh that I’ve had hemmed or have cut into denim shorts. I rarely if ever had found a pair in stores that have ever worked.
Can’t find any that are comfy!
I would wear the City Chic ones, but not in floral. I prefer solids: white, khaki, navy. I love Torrid cargo shorts. I bought several of the Pixie 3″ from Old Navy.
I do!
Check my lane bryant outfit on my cover photo. Shorts by Melissa McCarthy.
I like them if they are the right length.
Short wearers: where do you find them?? I have a vacation coming up, little time to spend on finding shorts, and desperately want some! Any help is appreciated.
Cute… but the thigh chafe for me is too much.
I loooove wearing shorts. My problem is finding ones that aren’t knee length! I have a couple pairs of those, I need to find new short shorts!
Yes yes yes. I found a great pair of mom shorts at Avenue. Hits right above the knee. Mom shorts!
I always have a problem with shorts that ride up on the inner thigh. If I could get some that stayed down I’d like them a lot more.
Not that short tyvm.
I didn’t even care for shorts when I was thin. I haven’t worn shorts since I was 15.
I have not worn shorts very much since high school. I became ashamed of the way I looked in them because other kids let me know I have “knock knees”. So I stopped wearing them. But I am willing to take the plunge and wear shorts again! After all God made me who I am and He don’t make mistakes! Thank u for causing me to revisit this area.
Yes I would, yes I could and yes I do!!!!ð
I do! I must! I live in AZ so I have the weather for them for like 9 months a year. I’m loving Target’s Ava & Viv midi rise in dark wash.
I teach preschool, can’t get through the summer months without cute comfy shorts 🙂
I love shorts and I don’t care what people say..I aam fat and I no it … size 24… I dress appropriately.. I have always wore shorts in the summer ….
I’m a hot-natured girl living in the South. I find skirts to be much cooler. That being said, I don’t mind a mini skirt. So yeah, I’d do shorts.
Not usually in public, but I’m taking a pair to Comic Con with me in case my costume gets too hot. I’ll still have tights on, so my legs won’t get burned.