The Best of Summer 2020: Shorts

It’s summer so it’s time to break out those shorts! I will be honest though after having 2 kids and not working out probably as much as I should it can be intimating putting my legs out there for the world to see.

Today I have broken down my favorite styles of shorts and why they work for this 5’5 10/12 mama with short legs and thick thighs!

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Denim Shorts

KUT from the Kloth Denim Short (I’m in an older wash) | Amazon swing jersey tee

Fit Tips: tee size down if in-between, M // short size down if in-between, 10

These KUT from the Kloth shorts have been my number one for over a year! They have a good mid rise (9″) and 4″ inseam, on me this is pretty much the perfect combo. They are not too short but also not too long to overwhelm my shorter legs. These have a touch of stretch but they should feel a bit tight when you put them on because they will loosen up as you wear them. They don’t stretch out after a day of running around and don’t ride up on the thighs either. If you are looking for a high rise version they make those as well with a 10 3/4 rise.

Target V neck tee | KUT from the Kloth Gidget Shorts in Sea Green | Steve Madden Studded Sandal

Fit Tips: Tee sized up for larger chest and looser fit, L // shorts tts, 12 // sandals tts 

These also come in a gorgeous Sea Green color for Summer 2020. This color though I stayed true to size in a 12 since they seemed to stretch less than the denim color.

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Rolled Cuff Denim Short

Caslon Rolled Denim Boyfriend Shorts | Soak up the Sun Tee | Converse Shore line sneakers

Fit Tips: shorts size down, 30 // Tee size up for looser fit, L // converse tts

This pair of shorts I just purchased and y’all they are GOOD! I’m not typically a fan of rolled shorts but had so many readers say that they love this style and I needed to try it!

These are also a 4″ inseam with a 8.5″ rise so a bit shorter on the belly but still comfortable and they don’t feel too low rise. This pair has a bit more thigh room with a 23.5 leg opening. Very similar feel to the KUT shorts in the way that they have just a bit of stretch and it’s good for them to feel a bit tight when you first put on and then they loosen up as you wear them.

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Every Day Short

Vineyard Vines Every Day Short | Gibson Smocked Ruffle Blouse

Fit Tips: Runs tts, I sized up to a 12 in the white seen here but all the rest of my shorts are a 10 // Blouse tts, M use code RYANNE25 for 25% off

I call these my every day shorts because when you are looking for that classic “khaki” style short this is it! I have tried sooo many styles and brands over the years and when I found these last summer I knew I had hit the holy grail of shorts. The funny part was I then found out that a lot of my friends loved these as well.

The white shorts have nude pockets to make them even more opaque and slimming.

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White Denim Short

J.Crew White Denim Short | Amazon Tank

Fit Tips: shorts tts, 12 // tank size up for larger chest, L

Now these have been my favorite white denim shorts but the online picture is misleading because they are cuffed. The cuff is not sewn so I could easily drop it down and make these longer. They have a good mid-rise and some stretch.

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Soft Short

SOMA Sunday Short

Fit Tips: I wanted these to be a looser fit short so I sized up to a L

These thicker jersey shorts are the PERFECT lounging short. They are soft, have a great rise (aka not too high not too low) adjustable tie and big pockets. I sized up to a L since I can be in-between a M and L in SOMA shorts but wanted these to not be too tight on the thighs and they are perfect.

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Paper bag waist Short

Aerie Camp Short | Target V-neck Tee

Fit Tips: I wanted these to be a looser fit short so I sized up to a L (previous year color) // Tee size up for larger chest, L

I was so surprised on how comfortable these camp shorts were when I slipped them on. These are a bit shorter with a 3.5″ inseam but because they are loose and flowy I don’t feel like they are too short. The green you see here goes with a ton but they also come in a ton of other colors including pink camo! I have tried on so many other “paper bag” style waistbands with most of them being too high rise and looking stupid, these are great because they are not too high and not too see through. Overall my look cute yet feel like I’m lounging shorts.

Athletic Short

Athleta Printed Mesh Racer Short | Old Navy Tank

Fit Tips: These do have a liner and a thick elastic waistband, tts 12 // tank size up, L

I has called in love with the Lulu lemon Tracker short but they are so expensive and hardly go on sale so when I found this similar style I gave it a try and I’m a convert!

The Athleta style has more thigh room but still a good 4″ inseam and lightweight moisture wicking material. I love the camo print but they also have solids here.

STRETCHY SHORT

V Neck Tee | Shorts

Fit Tips: tee size up for looser fit, L // shorts tts, L (except black ran small)

This is a later in the summer edition but they are so good I had to add them! These Target All in Motion Shorts have quickly become my favorite as well as so many readers of TRM. The have a great mid rise, large pockets and come in 4 colors, for some reason black has been running tighter than the others though.

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