“I’ve learned to love my legs in shorts!”

So, like a lot of women who dislike their legs, I tend to keep them hidden in jeans, jumpsuits or long dresses and skirts. That is until, it was the long hot summer of lockdown, and my two young daughters asked me “Mummy, why don’t you wear shorts?” to which I felt like I couldn’t reply “I’m a midlife woman with a complex about my legs. I haven’t worn shorts for 30 years.” They love running around and playing sports in shorts and didn’t understand my reluctance to bare my own legs and join them unselfconsciously.

So, I purchased a denim pair from Jigsaw knowing full well that it was lockdown, and I wouldn’t be seen by anyone (yes, it was cheating) and do you know what? Astonishingly, I actually liked what I saw in the mirror. I don’t know if it was sheer fluke that I chose a particularly flattering pair or my midlife body confidence suddenly emerged, but after decades of shorts searching, I was happy with how my legs looked in them, in fact, I even went on to purchase two more pairs from Wyse London.

After hiding my legs behind fabric for 30 years, the freedom I felt getting them out was truly liberating. It’s amazing how a humble pair of shorts completely divides the crowd, but believe it or not, there’s lots of reasons why we should embrace them. When the weather’s sweltering, shorts are simply more practical than skirts and dresses which also blow up in the wind and are no help against thigh chaffing. When it comes to holidays, they’re easier to pack, and less likely to crease (and who wants to iron anyway?).

I know what you’re thinking; holiday shorts are one thing, but do you actually wear them in real life? I’ll be honest, I’m not sure I’d come to the office wearing them (it’s more about them feeling too casual rather than not wanting colleagues to see my legs), but I’m honestly very happy to wear shorts on the school run, weekend adventures, out and about in my local high street bumping into people I know! To be honest, I wish the UK had a few more hot sunny days so I can wear them a little more often.

So, if like me, you’ve always hated your legs but want to give them another chance to shine, here’s my top five tips for choosing a flattering pair. Take it from me, shorts for the shorts-averse do exist!”

CHOOSE STURDY STYLES

If you’re conscious of the width of your thighs, denim, cargo or utility shorts are often made from thicker fabrics, so the structured shape won’t hug your thighs – the wider A-line silhouette will make your legs look smaller.

Jigsaw Denim Patch Pocket Shorts

GO SIMPLE AND DARK

Less fuss and drama on your bottom half will draw less attention to your legs. Don’t automatically choose black. I have khaki, navy, denim blue and chocolate brown shorts which look really chic.

Wyse London Coralie Cargo Short – Khaki

THE LONG & SHORT OF IT

The shorts sweet spot is to go long, but not too long and loose, but not too loose. Think softly tailored and just above the knee – they show leg, but not too much thigh which is the area I find most people are self-conscious of.

Massimo Dutti Bermuda shorts with double darts

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WIDEN YOUR TOP HALF

Wear stripes, puff sleeves, ruffles and pintuck shoulder tops and oversized shirts which will instantly balance your bottom-heavy proportions.

Boden Tie Waist Linen Shorts

TAKE A SEAT

Before purchasing a pair of shorts, try sitting down in them. Often, I found my legs looked ok whilst standing up but the moment I sat down, they would ride up revealing all my cellulite dimples on the side of my legs. No thanks!

Wyse London Faria Linen Short – Denim Blue