Tropical Summer Shopping

I was in Palm Beach a few weeks ago and got caught in one of our typical afternoon/tropical thunderstorms. I waited out the worst of it in the car (listening to satellite radio) and at the first break darted into a nearby store to browse. It just happened to be the Lilly Pulitzer boutique - oh darn.

There was one other couple shopping on this very quiet summer afternoon. In season, because of all the out-of-town shoppers, one can barely get a parking place on Worth Avenue or changing room in a store. I took my time and enjoyed the feminine atmosphere and the overload of uniquely Lilly / Palm Beach colors.  

Lilly Pulitzer Store - Palm Beach 

On the last cruise I saw an absolutely gorgeous off-the-shoulder dress and inquired if they had it still available. I just can't get enough of the off-the-shoulder look. Based on my description - I was told that was "last season" and it sold out very quickly. No surprise there. They did have available in a very similar pattern the off-the-shoulder top shown above. If I remembered the dress correctly, that was the exact same print.  Maybe it is my feminine nature - I do remember stuff like that.  

I tried it on over my white Chico's "So Slimming Girlfriend Jeans" and even the other couple shopping commented how nice it looked with the skinny jeans. Of course the sales girls "oohed and awed".  At home I already have the white Lilly scallop shorts so that base is covered. (Sorry for the sports analogy.)  

Had I had the right shoes (take your pick from the above collection), I would have worn it to my "evening meetup" at the Colony, Palm Beach. Double darn!! For another night. Lilly, not just for a cruise.  

Left photo taken by the sales girl and the other a selfie taken in the changing room mirror.

Would You Wear - Shorts?

I have girl friends that avoid shorts. When I mention that I still/do wear shorts, I get an eye roll that says "sure?" then a big shark. Many women over 40 avoid shorts because they simply don’t know how to choose (or style) a pair in a chic and flattering way. Some avoid shorts because their legs are too white, or unattractive with leg veins or cellulite. There are good reasons to not wear shorts, but do not limit your style option when you can make shorts work. And be attractive.           

According to 40+Style, take into account these three things:  Body Shape; Height; Legs.  

Body Shape: Most women are one (or sometimes a combination) of 5 different body shapes: apple, pear, rectangle, inverted triangle and hourglass. Certain shorts will work better on one shape over another. Keep your shape in mind when looking at the styles.

Height: Height can also add to the variable of how to choose the best shorts for your body shape. Petite women should be more careful of how much fabric the shorts have in the form of bows, pleats and other details, which can overwhelm the frame. Regardless of height, always consider if the shorts you’re trying on are the right length for your height. If they’re too long, hem them. Too short? Choose another pair.

Legs: Legs are probably the top reason most women won’t wear shorts. Being self conscious about cellulite, veins, scars or other issues are valid but there are solutions. Choose longer short styles to hide imperfections that may make you self-conscious like cellulite. Why not wear a pair of lightweight stocking under a shorter pair of shorts like below? It’s a fashion-forward look and some tights or stockings like the ones Spanx makes will also conceal veins or scars and smooth the body fat in your legs. Give this look a try for Spring or Fall.


Read more at 40+ Style - The Best Women’s Shorts That Fit And Flatter Women Over 40 Of Any Shape.


Because many mornings I like to walk on the beach, I enjoy shorts and have several pairs or jeans shorts. My favorites are "Banana Republic White Denim Roll Cuff shorts" or my "Levi's Women's 501 High Rise Shorts". 


  

My favorite is the "shortie" if I must select from the list above. Would you wear shorts - Do you?  What style?  What have you found to be the best shorts for you? 

Cozumel Mexico - June '19