Happy Tuesday everyone, I hope you are having a fantastic week! I have some exciting news for you – this post is a feature I did for the Penningtons blog.
Today I am going to talk about something that I think a lot of women struggle with – wearing shorts.
I had the opportunity to meet some of the wonderful social media and marketing team when I attended Curvy Expo and we got to talking about shorts as I was on the hunt for a specific pair. Afterwards we thought it might be a good idea for me to share my story so here you go…
I have been plus size and a size 24 or higher for most of my life. I am also a pear shape so I carry most of my weight in my hips and thighs and so showing a lot of leg or my knees has always been something that has made me very uncomfortable.
As a result, for years, I shied away from wearing dresses and skirts that didn’t hit me just below the knee. And as for shorts, you could forget about those…
Then last summer after I had started my blog, I realized that it was time to give shorts another try. If I was going to encourage other women to step outside their comfort zone, I had to as well. My first stop on this new adventure was Penningtons, which is one of my go to stores for bottoms.
I particularly love their “curvy” fit as the cut is perfect for my shape. I think it is particularly important when looking for bottoms to know your shape and shop accordingly. It helps to avoid the disappointment of putting something on and not having it fit when it probably wasn’t meant to fit you in the first place.
What I loved about all the shorts I tried on was that the length was long enough where I felt comfortable and knew I wasn’t going to have to worry about the dreaded chub rub. So last summer I bought and wore shorts for the first time in over 10 years!
At 40, I couldn’t believe I had gone a quarter of my life limiting my wardrobe options. Wearing shorts was truly freeing for me, they were so much more comfortable and cooler than capris.
So this year when I was in the market for some new shorts I went back to Penningtons and was not disappointed. I decided on the d/c JEANS Curvy Fit Straight Leg Denim Short. These shorts are made of the infamous super stretchy fabric that the d/c line is known for and the fit is amazing. I am wearing the size 28 and felt that the fit was true to size.
I then paired them with this simple but classic Dual Layer Shell Top in a buttery shade of yellow. This shell is made of a lightweight fabric with adjustable straps and a high low hem with side slits. I am wearing the 5x.
To complete this casual weekend chic look I added this flirty Sleeveless Printed Vest. I loved the bold print and its versatility – you can wear it as a vest or a scarf and it is also reversible. And it is so lightweight that it is great for summer layering. I am wearing the 4x and the fit was generous.
Don’t forget to add some fun accessories to complete any look. This beautiful statement necklace is also from Penningtons. I then added sparkly flip flops and a cute wristlet and I was ready for some fun and adventure.
The bottom line is that we all have parts of our bodies that we are self conscious about and we shouldn’t let it hold us back from wearing what is fashionable, trendy, or in this case practical! If you wear what you love, you will feel good about yourself and that happiness will shine through.
So ladies all I can say is go for it and tag me when you do – I would love to see you rocking your shorts this summer!
Photos by Robert of Robert Skuja Photography
Shorts by PENNINGTONS | Vest by PENNINGTONS | Tank by PENNINGTONS | Necklace by PENNINGTONS |
