The Dreaded S word
Now what could that be?.. Summer?
Well for those of us of a certain age, if it means warmth and therefore having to bare flesh, then yes. Summer can indeed be a dreaded word.
But taking it one step further... dare I mention Shorts?
Now for many, shorts at 42 and over can seem like a contradiction in terms.
However I have been set a challenge to see if the following shorts exist. It is possible to find a pair of shorts....
- that don't flash your behind to the world
- that don't make you look as if you've got a permanent wedgie
- that you don't have to buy three sizes too big so that they sit on your hips. I'd like them to fit properly everywhere (usually I find that buying larger sizes and have them sit on your hips is the only way to ensure points 1 & 2 don't happen)
- that aren't denim
- that if they're not denim, don't make me look like I work on a cruise ship
- that are flattering (yeah right)
- that don't give me a muffin (again - see point 3 above)
The people at Boden have assured me that their shorts fit. They assure me that there are gazillions of people (who aren't journalists or bloggers...) who have tried their shorts and love them - the proof is on the huge list of positive reviews online.
So they sent me some. And blow me down with a feather, they are right. I promise you. These. Work.
Alas, they neglected to send me tanned legs to go with them (selfish or what?) so I have done the best I can with my pasty offerings. But I would actually get up early in the morning to tan my legs so I could wear these shorts. (proviso being it gets slightly warmer please....)
They sent me two lots to decide which ones I think are best - Cargo and Cistro. Both get amazing reviews and both genuinely fit really well. And both sell out very very quickly.
So I got sent the Bistro shorts in the navy and the white.
So here's how they fit on the model....they do a fair few pairs in print as well which are definitely worth looking at if you tend to prefer wearing plain tops in the Summer.
And on little old me... *DISCLAIMER* It is way too early for me to normally be wearing shorts - the first time my legs have been exposed to any sort of fresh air since last Summer so no, I'm not at my most comfortable at the moment in these. Give me a couple of weeks of scorchio weather and I'll be wearing them every day.
And the bravest shot you'll ever see of me online... my behind. First legs out shot of the season. In WHITE shorts.... Testament to how much I rate them....
Jumpsuit - Topshop
Blazer - Topshop
Ponyskin mules - Anthropologie
Harker bag - Anya Hindmarch
And the bravest shot you'll ever see of me online... my behind. First legs out shot of the season. In WHITE shorts.... Testament to how much I rate them....
But for me - it was the Chino shorts that had the edge. They are slightly more casual (but would anyone wear shorts to a smart affair? Maybe the longer length ones to be fair...with a smart shirt if you have a very preppy style?) and I love the added detail of the turn up and the slightly more textured feel to them. As opposed to the crisp cotton look and feel of the bistro shorts. This is very much horses for courses and will be personal preference.
Colourwise, I got the Dune which are the perfect shade of sand to go with absolutely everything.
Now I also got the artichoke, also £39 This is a quite green khaki which again would be super useful.
Personally though, I think I've got a lot of khaki going on this season and as this is a green toned shade, I think the Dune would be a better neutral for me - plus I don't have any trousers in that colour, so it's the perfect addition to my wardrobe. However I would LOVE them in the white and so am going to swap the white Bistro shorts for them.
Here's what they look like on someone young and nubile...
And I don't think (once I've got my head around getting my legs out again....) too bad on not so young and nubile me.....
So whilst both are great, for me, the winner is the Chino pair. It really does depend on whether you prefer that slicker edge to the Bistro or the more laid back look of the Chinos. Funnily enough - exactly the same as comparing bistro pants to chinos. Bistro ones are going back, chino ones in dune are staying.
A much easier way to ease yourself into the season though is with a Summer top. Especially when it looks warm outside, but actually it's still pretty chilly. So the sun is shining but you're not quite ready to bare your legs yet - a top is the ideal solution.
And one with sleeves please.. As well as asking my opinions on the shorts, I was also asked which colourway of the Arianne Top did I prefer.
(you see she's got them with the Bistro shorts there... hmmm, but I still think for me, I'd prefer the cuffed Chino ones....)
Here's me in the blue. I will admit I have resorted back to the comfort of my jeans. At least it does mean that I can wear the top....
So initially I thought it would be a no brainer, with my current love of all things khaki, surely it was going to be that which would tip the balance. I have sand cargo pants it would look great with, amazing with the Dune shorts, love it with black skinnies and block heel sandals - also great with white.
But you know what? I love the blue. I really really love the blue. It's not a colour I'd normally go for - it's bright for heaven's sake - but I adore it. With the white shorts, with white jeans, with cut off denim shorts, with high waisted flares, with faded rolled up jeans, the blue wins hands down for me. Although The Husband much prefers the khaki........ Which one do you prefer?
I have to say they are so so easy to wear - I have the blue one on as I'm typing, about to go to a BBQ with friends. Perfect attire.
I have to say they are so so easy to wear - I have the blue one on as I'm typing, about to go to a BBQ with friends. Perfect attire.
The other option of course, would be the Arianne Dress... Now funnily enough, I would prefer this in the khaki. I think with block heel clog shoes or white espadrilles - even gold ones..... this would look amazing.
Also lovely in the blue but in the dress version, it's the khaki that has the edge.
These really are the perfect holiday packing option. Throw on over a swimsuit during the day, still looks perfect if you're going for a lovely lunch and then with some chunky heels or smarter sandals, you could wear this out in the evening.
Ditto with the other new option, the Ingrid Dress.
This is stunning. (and comes in two lengths - whoop whoop)
Which would you choose? I have to say, I'm not usually a fan of red but there is something about that print, combined with the white and the sort of pattern it is, that makes it the winner for me. I would go so far as to say with this one, as well as wearing out in the evening on holiday, I would also wear out to a party at home. It's partly silk (but does still go in the machine - result) so would be ideal for pretty much any occasion. The more I look at that red one, the more I think I'm going to have to try it.....
So which would you pick? Shorts - cargo or bistro? Khaki or blue Arianne top? Arianne or Ingrid dress....? The thing I love about these - especially the dresses actually, is their versatility. No they're not the cheapest dresses out there but a) they're not going to go out of fashion and you'll be wearing them on holiday for years and b) they will work on so many occasions throughout the whole of the Summer.
I still actually have to send my dalmation print dress back - the one that the colour bled on from last Winter (god I am so so lazy - I can't believe I haven't done it yet) and I'm going to see if I can pay the extra and get the Ingrid dress. Hopefully that will be one more dress sorted (thank heavens for the extra length they do!)
Finishing with outfit from Friday.
Jumpsuit - Topshop
Blazer - Topshop
Ponyskin mules - Anthropologie
Harker bag - Anya Hindmarch
Let's hope by even mentioning shorts that the weather will turn this weekend and finally finally we may be actually able to contemplate getting those pins out....... (for the record, my legs are firmly encased back in jeans although I have cracked out the new Arianne top and sliders in a nod to summer....)
So jealous of your legs - haven't worn shorts since I was 12 ��
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I have only worn them for the past two years. Since being 40!!!
DeleteIf I had legs like yours, I'd wear shorts all summer. But alas, with my cellulite I prefer maxidresses :-P
ReplyDeleteYou are lovely but up close, there are lots of imperfections! I just decided at 40 that my 70 yr old self in years to come would want to slap me. I will do a maxi dress thread soon, I promise xxx
DeleteShorts are deffo out for me. Too many issues. Wear them while you can, you look amazing in them. Was wondering though about the sizing of your items? I do like a bit of boden but the sizing drives me nuts..were these true to size? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you and YES I should have said sizing. Right, the shorts are a size 10 and are a perfect size 10 I would say. The tops I got in a 12 as I do find with Boden they cut smaller and shorter on their tops. Hope that helps xx
DeleteI prefer the blue but don't like either that much. I just don't like Boden clothes. They miss the mark for me and move into Mummy territory. The shorts look good on you but you have great legs. There are no shorts in the world that I would look ok in!
ReplyDeleteFair enough and I agree that there are lots that I wouldn't wear but then I could say that about every single shop! I have tried loads of shorts on over the past couple of years and these ones really are the best cotton ones I've found. I love love the tops, personally I don't think they look Mummy at all!
DeleteI've just read this and feel bad about using the word 'mummy' as an insult. Apologies to the mummies! https://www.the-pool.com/news-views/lauren-s-blog/18/lauren-laverne-mum-as-diss
DeleteWould only wear knee length shorts - you look fantastic in both pairs - like the top but not the dress - blue deffo! Bar B Q?? (peers out of window at gloom) very brave!
ReplyDeleteHa ha! It was gorgeously sunny but it turn rather chilly so we all ended up drinking brandy alexanders round the kitchen table (not the kids can I point out...!)
DeleteYou look fab in the shorts. I like my old denim ones myself but you might have convinced me to go chino!!. L
ReplyDeleteI've been wearing denim ones for the past couple of years (and couple of years only) and I really needed another style to ring the changes. These fit the bill perfectly!
DeleteBoden's shorts are amazing, I purchased the red pair last year and they were my favourites on holiday, super flattering for the legs and most importantly in hot weather comfy. x
ReplyDeleteforgot to say mine are the chino ones (the shorter leg) so I am with you Kat in the chino camp. x
DeleteDefinitely chinos! Can't wait for some warmer weather to get them out... decidedly boots and sweatshirt weather today..
DeleteLooking good in the shorts mind Kat!
ReplyDeleteI like the chino style. I used to wear them....working abroad (sadly not on a cruise ship but in much warmer climes than Cumbria) but dammit I looked smart! :-)
Thanks love - it does get warm enough in the summer to wear shorts though up there, I do know that!!
DeleteIf I had legs like yours, they'd be out at every opportunity! I only ever don shorts in the privacy of my back garden - never in public!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the blue top on you & that red Ingrid dress is beautiful x
You are too kind. Honestly I have only had them out in the past two years.....
DeleteLove the khaki shorts on you!
ReplyDeleteThey're The Husband's faves but I think I'd get more use out of the sand and the white. They're a lovely green shade though.
DeleteI love the Bistro ones on you!! Your legs look amazing and could definitely give any model a run for her money! I love the dressier look of pairing shorts with a silk tee/tank and blazer except it's hard to find an occasion for the look (too casual for work but too dressy for most weekends.) Still not letting such a small thing deter me from heading to the Boden site before they sell out in my size! :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely idea actually. Could definitely be nicer on a day when you just want to feel a bit smarter - but then you're right, I probably would feel a bit too exposed with the legs out. I'm tall and my legs are a bit long and in the way!
DeleteThose shorts look absolutely amazing on you! I love that top too :) Love from a fellow 40 something blogger :) Kirsten xx
ReplyDeletewww.thelifbissue.com
Thank you xxx
DeleteStop moaning you have wondeful legs and look fabulous in shorts ;) I am jealous xx
ReplyDeleteHa ha ha thank you! xxx
DeleteUniqlo micro shorts look just like the Boden ones...and fir a fraction of the price. I have them in navy, khaki and white, cost me about £7 a pair (on offer) and they have had a LOT of wear. Got to admit now that I live in Bangkok so every day is a legs out day ;-)
ReplyDeleteI am slightly scared by the prospect of "micro" shorts...!! Wow must be lovely to get your legs out every day - I bet they look amazing!
Delete*for not fir - you can take the girl out of the North....
ReplyDeleteha ha ha - thought it was perhaps a Thai dialect....
DeleteCan't find that jumpsuit on Topshop website - looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteI think it's sold out now. Went a bit viral on various sites & instagram (not my doing may I point out... I am so so late to the party, I only saw it on The Pool and then happened to find it instore!) But there were a couple instore if you live near a TS?
DeleteThank you my love - hope you had a fab weekend. I am now hoping for a change in the weather so I can actually wear all this gorgeous Summer stuff.....
ReplyDeleteI like Boden shorts. I had a pair of the beach ones from last year, (which are a little tight this Summer, so you won't be seeing them any time soon!), and they were great, especially as you could wear them as swimwear. I keep meaning to try the Bistro's, but I've just pushed the boat out on a £10 pair in Tesco, so it might be another year before I get round to it! Love the blue top on you, and good on you for getting your legs out in the name of research on what was probably a freezing day!! :-D xx
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't the warmest day.... I waited and waited and waited and nope, it didn't get any warmer!
DeleteHi Kat...I think I asked this before but my comment didn't publish for some reason! How sheer is the hush black and cream stripe jumoer you have? I've been thinking of buying it but don't want it to be too see-through!
ReplyDeleteAs you can see from the photos above with the navy shorts, it is slightly sheer but it's fine with a nude bra underneath - I'm happy to wear it without a tee underneath and don't feel like I'm flashing my undies to the world!
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