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Spring Try-On Haul: Shorts Edition

I have a new try-on haul today, and it’s mostly shorts. After my Dos and Don’ts for Wearing Shorts was so popular last week, I realized you all are ready to ditch spring and move on to summer.

I’m right there with you. This spring has been pretty brutal, weather-wise and otherwise. I’m ready for summer — summer heat, summer fashion, and hopefully a summer reprieve from this ridiculous virus.

What better way to welcome summer than with a few new pairs of shorts! I also found a fun skort and a great pair of crop jeans, and I’m revisiting the Vuori joggers.

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and 135 pounds-ish, with a slight hourglass shape. I wear a 28 in jeans, a 6 in pants and shorts, a small in tops, a 6 in dresses/jumpsuits, and a size 8 shoe.

TRY-ONS: SHORTS

Let’s start with shorts. When shopping for shorts, I look at several things:

  • length (anywhere from 3 to 5 inches is my sweet spot)
  • mid-rise (around 10 inches is most comfortable)
  • rear pocket placement (the pockets should be centered on both cheeks, and not too big or too small)
  • leg opening (not too wide — this is always my biggest challenge, as I have wide hips and comparatively slim legs)
  • they shouldn’t ride up in the back or sag in the inseam area

Does this unicorn exist? It does, but it’s not always easy to find. Let’s get started!

AG Hailey Denim Shorts in White (size 28)

These white denim shorts are made in the USA of a cotton/polyurethane blend. They have a 10″ rise and a 3.5″ inseam, with stitched-down frayed cuffs. They’re also currently 30% off at Bloomingdale’s.

I actually have these shorts in a size 29 from several years ago, and I wear them a ton in the summertime, but they have quite a bit of distressing, and they’re also big on me now. I liked the cleaner look of these, and I ordered the size 28 for a better fit.

The rear view checks out — the pockets are a nice medium size, centered perfectly vertically and horizontally, and the white denim is thick and soft and not see-through.

I like this length a lot. It’s long enough to cover the widest area of my hips, but short enough to keep my legs looking long and lean.

The 10″ rise is very comfortable, and the size 28 seems to fit well in all areas. I do wish the leg opening weren’t quite so wide, but it’s not a deal breaker.

VERDICT: Keeping! I know they’re spendy for shorts, but the cost per wear will work itself out over time. I’ll wear these several times a week all summer long.

By the way, my gold Millers are on sale for $118! I find them true to size, but some ladies size up half.

also wearing: Tomboy V-Neck Tank Top (size S) with Tory Burch Miller Sandals

WHBM 5-Inch Denim Shorts in white (size 6)

These shorts are made of a cotton/polyester/LYCRA spandex blend, and they have a 5″ inseam with sewn cuffs. They’re currently on sale for $49.

These shorts are softer and thinner than the AG pair, and they have quite a bit of stretch to them. While they have the traditional 5 pocket styling and grommets of a jean short, they definitely have a more refined look about them.

The rear view is pretty good — the pockets are centered, and while they’re a little long, that kind of works with the longer length of the shorts.

I like this longer length okay. 5″ is about as long as I can go without feeling frumpy, but sometimes I’m with a more conservative crowd and I like to have a longer option.

The leg opening is also pretty good for longer shorts, but it could be a little narrower. These are the size 6, and knowing that White House Black Market runs big, I also ordered the yellow pair in the size 4 to compare.

VERDICT: Undecided. I fear they will stretch out as I wear them, and I’ll wish I had the size 4. I might take advantage of the sale price today and re-order in a size 4. That said, maybe going with the bigger size is safer in white shorts, as they tend to show through more than darker colors.

also wearing: LOFT Henley Linen Tee (size S; on sale for $10!!!) with Tory Burch Miller Sandals

WHBM 5-Inch Denim Shorts in Solair (size 4)

These shorts are made of a cotton/polyester/LYCRA spandex blend, and they have a 5″ inseam with sewn cuffs. They’re currently on sale for $49.

This is the same pair of shorts as the white ones above, but in yellow. I LOVE this yellow color — so pretty.

I like how these fit narrower in the leg, and they do have a fair amount of stretch, so they’re comfortable even though the fit is snug.

The rear view looks good — they aren’t riding up or stretching across the widest part of my tush.

They do pull some across the front of the hips, but that may stretch out some with wear. In my experience, WHBM shorts and pants tend to grow a bit as you wear them. My instincts tell me these are the right size.

The WHBM website does not provide a rise measurement, but I’m guessing it’s around 10″. It’s very comfortable, and it looks about right as well.

VERDICT: Keeping. All of my shorts are white or blue denim, so these will be nice for a change.

also wearing: Banana Republic Slub Cotton-Modal Scoop-Neck T-Shirt (size M) with Nine West Gianna Sandals (similar)

WHBM 5-Inch Smooth Stretch Shorts in Antique Glass (size 6)

These polished shorts in a stretch cotton/poly/spandex blend have a 5″ inseam with front slash and back welt pockets. They’re currently on sale for $49.

I wanted to try a dressier style, and these are very nice looking. The inseam is a good length and they have a lot of stretch, so they’re very comfortable to sit and move around in.

The back welt pockets aren’t my favorite, although I appreciate the more tailored styling for dressier shorts. I just always feel like a patch pocket is more flattering on my rather flat derriere.

I like how they hang nice and straight. All in all, a nice looking pair of shorts for a dressier style, although I’d like them better styled with a pretty blouse and maybe a low wedge sandal.

VERDICT: Returning; I just don’t see myself wearing them much.

also wearing: Rag & Bone Vee Tee (size M; 25% off) with Nine West Gianna Sandals (similar)

Talbots Relaxed Chino Shorts in Gingham (size 4)

These gingham stretch cotton shorts are 97% cotton, 3% spandex with front slash and back welt pockets. They have a 7″ inseam and a comfortable mid-rise, and they’re currently 40% off.

These shorts are longer than I typically wear, but I wanted to share an option for those who like longer lengths. They have a nice, refined look about them, and they’re lightweight and stretchy and very comfortable.

The rear view actually isn’t bad, especially considering the welt pockets. Again, anticipating that Talbots runs big, I ordered the size 4, and I do think it’s the right size.

Depending on how I stand, the leg opening isn’t terribly wide, but I would like them better if they were 3 inches shorter with a narrower leg opening. Overall, though, a nice choice for ladies who like longer lengths.

VERDICT: Returning; they’re not really my style.

also wearing: Everlane The Pima Micro Rib Cap-Sleeve Tee (size M) with Eileen Fisher Lee Espadrille Flats (size up half)

WHBM Utility Shorts in Taupe Terrain

These taupe utility shorts have angled zip front pockets, back patch pockets with contrast twill trim, and sewn cuffs. They’re made of a cotton/rayon/spandex blend, and they have a 4 1/2” inseam. They’re also on sale for $49.

I ordered both the 4 and the 6 to try, and I think I like the fit of the 4 better. They have a fair amount of stretch to them, and I feel like the leg opening is more flattering in the 4. This is the size 6…

I love the styling on these — the pockets and the gold hardware. The color is really nice too. Khaki tends to be too warm for my liking, but this taupe color works well with the cool tones in my wadrobe.

The rear view on the size 6 isn’t the best — I don’t care for how they flare at the bottom, and they don’t do much for the shape of my tush.

I did think these were the right size, though, until I tried the 4. These are the size 4… This front-on view is still a little wide in the leg opening, but it’s better than the 6.

And the rear view looks a little better too.

I do wish the rise were an inch higher — you can see my “muffin top” because this shirt has body-con fit. If they came up a bit higher in the waist, it would look smoother.

VERDICT: Keeping the 4. While they’re snug in the waist, they have a lot of stretch, and I think they’ll give a bit over time. I love the color and the styling — they’re a nice alternative to the jean shorts I typically wear, but still have that casual vibe that I love.

also wearing: Everlane The Pima Micro Rib Cap-Sleeve Tee (size M) with Sam Edelman Bay Slides

DL1961 Cecilia Frayed Denim Shorts in Newton size 29

These frayed hem jean shorts have a medium blue wash with some fading and subtle whiskering. They’re 98% cotton, 2% spandex with a 10.5″ rise and a 3.25″ inseam. They were on sale when I ordered them, but right now they’re back to full price.

I really like this wash for casual looks, and the 3.25″ inseam is a nice length. I have some from years past that are 2″ and 2.5″, and I’m getting too old for that. These are still short, but they cover the widest part of my thighs.

The rear view is good, but they are snug, and I’m not sure how much they’ll stretch out. They’re snug in the waist as well.

I sized up to a 29 in these, recalling that DL1961 jeans run small, and they’re still a little right all over. In my experience, this brand doesn’t stretch much, so I’m not sure I’ll keep these. I’m afraid I’ll end up tugging at them the whole time I’m wearing them.

VERDICT: Probably returning. I have others I like better that cost a lot less.

also wearing: AllSaints Emelyn Tonic Tee (size S) with Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle (size 39)

Try-Ons: Crop Jeans, Joggers & a Skort

KUT from the Kloth Lauren Crop Straight Leg with Wide Hem in Vibes Wash (size 4)

These straight crop jeans with hand sanding and whisker detailing are made of 80% cotton, 19% polyester, 1% spandex. They have a 9″ rise and a 24″ inseam in the size 4. (I measured mine because the stats on the website were self-contradictory.)

If you’ve followed along for a while, I had these last year in the size 8. They were big on me, even then, and I’ve lost 5-7 pounds since, so I ordered these in the 4. The fit is perfect, so they definitely run big.

I like the subtle texture to the denim — it’s really nice for summer and they’re fairly lightweight so you can wear them on all but the hottest days.

The rear view is pretty good — the pockets are maybe a half inch higher than ideal, but they will stretch out with wear and probably end up being about perfect.

I really like this inseam for summer — it’s almost a capri, but not quite. They still end below the widest part of my calf.

FIT TIP: You never want your pants to end at the widest part of your calf.

I also really like the wide hem. Overall, these are a great pair of crop  jeans for summer, and they’re on sale for $71.

VERDICT: Keeping!

also wearing: LOFT Henley Linen Tee (size S; on sale for $10!!!) with Sam Edelman Bay Slides (TTS)

Talbots Geo Print Woven Skort size S

This geo print skort has a skirt made of a polyester/spandex blend and undershorts that are cotton/spandex. It has on-side seam zipper pockets, and the inseam measurements are as follows — Misses: 17″; Petite: 16 1/2″; Plus: 19″; Plus Petite: 18″.

I had some requests for skorts when I shared my alternatives to shorts, so I found this one, and it’s really cute and sporty.

I like the side slits, the geo print, and the lightweight fabric. It’s very comfortable too!

It looks good from the back, and it’s a nice length. Sometimes skorts are really short, and while I don’t mind short shorts, I’m not a fan of the mini skirt, which is how a skort often looks.

It runs TTS; the small is a good fit for me. While it’s a little wide in the skirt, I don’t think I could take it any smaller in the waist, and I believe it’s supposed to have a subtle A-line shape.

VERDICT: Keeping! This is a fun alternative to shorts when I want a sporty look.

also wearing: Everlane The Cotton V-Neck (size S) and Veja Esplar Sneakers

Vuori Performance Joggers

Finally, I tried these joggers a while back in the medium, but I thought I needed a small, so I returned them. I keep seeing them and thinking about them, so when they were on sale a few weeks ago, I ordered the small and medium to compare.

Well, it’s a good thing I ordered both b/c I ended up needing the medium after all. The small are really snug, and the front pockets gape a bit.

Here’s the size small…

And the medium…

I don’t know how much you can tell in pictures, but in real life, the difference was pretty evident. They’re definitely supposed to have the baggier fit.

I love the fabric on these; it’s a polyester/elastane blend, so they’re really soft but still have a sort of shiny finish. There’s plenty of stretch, but nothing that will bag out, and they’re a nice lightweight fabric as we head into summer.

The contrasting striped tie waist is a fun detail, and they are an exact match for my Vuori hoodie that I wear a lot (size S), so I’ll definitely wear them together on cooler days.

VERDICT: Keeping the medium. LOVE these.

also wearing: Everlane The Cotton V-Neck (size S) and Adidas Running Edge Lux 3 (size 8.5)

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24 Responses

  1. I really like the joggers and the fit is perfect. I like that the legs aren’t baggy and sloppy. I prefer a more tapered, slim fit as your are. I’ve been searching and searching for a pair of off-white or cream joggers to no avail. If you or any of your readers have seen such a thing at a 50.00 or less price point, please share. I’ve been surprised at how difficult they are to find.

  2. Great post!  Thank you so much for sharing a pair of longer shorts and a great skort!  I hope that I’m not the only one (over 60) that kissed shorter shorts goodbye years ago.  And a big thank you for sharing that you too have a muffin top.  That is something I am still trying to accept and not let it get me down.  From what the meteorologists for central GA are saying, the summer heat is now here to stay, so lighter weight clothing will be the norm.  Have an awesome day!

    1. You’re not alone – honestly I’ve never liked short shorts – but certainly now at 67 don’t wear anything much above 3-5 inches of my knees. Lol

  3. Love this post! I shop at whbm so the ordering size online will be easier for me. I am someone who likes to try on at the store. But that’s not an option right now. So I really appreciate your pictures and ALL the details you take time to write. Thanks. 

  4. I agree about the shorts you didn’t keep, and like the ones you did. The skort is cute and sporty. Still waiting on our weather to warm up, not sure how warm its going to get this long weekend but at least we may see the sun, and I do need to get going on our garden.

  5. These are the posts I like the most. You show us what works & what doesn’t work & why. It’s so helpful when shopping for clothes. I think I’m finally getting it. Lol

  6. Great post!  You look wonderful in the shorts you decided to keep.  I am tall with long legs, but still prefer the look of a 4 or 5 inch inseam.  My only issue is that my shorts ride up in the legs when I sit down and I don’t like that look.  Does anyone else have this problem?  

  7. I purchased those Kut from the Kloth Louren Cropped Straights a coupe of weeks ago at Nordstroms. Since the weather has turned warm I haven’t stopped wearing them. So comfortable.  If anyone needs a size 18 in these (the only size left) they are on sale for $55 now at Nordstrom’s.  Heed JoLynne’s warning…they run big.

  8. Have you tried the Dee short by AGolde?  They are really high rise and would be so flattering on you!

  9. Great try-on haul and perfect timing. I love the WHBM taupe shorts on you (so cute!) but I’ve never shopped there and it seems like sizing is tricky. I’m trying to branch out from denim shorts a bit. I finally ordered the Vuori joggers in charcoal heather when they got restocked at Nordstrom and now am worried the S will be too small. I usually wear a size 26 in jeans; fingers crossed because they are adorable and the fabric sounds amazing. Request for the future would be athletic/athleisure/lounge shorts or capris? Thank you!

  10. I just bought the AG shorts, can’t wait to get them. I don’t usually like denim shorts with cuffs, but the cuff looked subtle, and I love AG jeans so I figure the shorts will look great as well. And couldn’t pass up the great sale! Could you do another shorts post sometime that features athletic and casual shorts, maybe terry/nylon shorts that are great for beach and amusement parks? Because someday we will be doing those things again. 🙂

  11. Love the post- very useful info. I have a question about the fit on the vuori hoodie. I am in between sizes, more often an xsmall than small. I’ve read the reviews on the hoodie and having trouble deciding which size to order. Is the small roomy on you?

  12. I ordered and returned the Vuori leggings but they seemed a little smaller than I wanted without being seriously too small. Maybe I’ll try to size up. Shorts don’t work for me and I need to find a comfortable cool solution. I like the idea of the Vuoris in non black but I’m a bit hesitant to try anything that’s not dark in a legging.

  13. Hey Jolynn! Great post! You look super cute in shorts and love that you like them short…me too!  I also think you look fabulous in the gingham shorts outfit. Maybe for when you want to look a bit more dressed up? But I get it if they just don’t feel like you. 

    WHBM usually runs 1 or 2 sizes bigger than most stores. You definitely need a size 4 in the mint shorts (which I know you’ve probably already sent back.) They’ll stretch plenty. I know this bc I have the same shorts…just a different print. Before I bought the pair I have now, I was never a fan…felt like they were too dressy to be shorts. But I really like the print of mine (2 years old) and thought it would be fun to have a pair of shorts for date night or gno. I wear them with a sexy top and a small wedge…changes the look of the length. 

  14. Hi JoLynne- I just ordered the Talbots skort! It looks cute and not frumpy. I am wondering if you can share ideas for what to walk/run in during the summer. I feel too hot in full-length leggings and I end up wearing twill shorts which isn’t very much of workout gear. Need help! Thanks!

      1. Thanks for that recommendation- they look great. Do you wear any bike shorts or anything longer?

  15. Looks like the 7” length Talbots shorts look the best. More polished & a better overall proportion. The skort is a great alternative look.

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