Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto via Getty ImagesLong shorts are like cigarettes—just say no, right?
The conservative bottom leaves a bad taste in many mouths. Perhaps it's because the proportions can feel unflattering. Maybe it's because the long short is often categorized with other fashion faux pas—the fanny pack, platform flip-forms or other practical-yet-tragic pieces used to stereotype the ‘90s, suburban tourist come to mind.
Despite what seems like a mainstream aversion to the garment, celebs like Zendaya, Kylie Jenner and Kristen Stewart are making a compelling case for the golf fanatic's wardrobe essential—and we fully support them.
Here's why you should at least consider long shorts—bermuda, boyfriend, culottes or otherwise.
Sometimes, You Just Want Coverage: Anne Hathaway—most recent long-short fanatic—put it best in an Instagram post: "There is no shame if it takes longer than you think it will to lose the weight (if you want to lose it at all)," the pregnant A-lister wrote. "There is no shame in finally breaking down and making your own jean shorts because last summer's are just too dang short for this summer's thigh. Bodies change. Bodies grow. Bodies shrink. It's all love."
Even the most fit person can feel insecure about wearing itty-bitty cut-offs. We all have our off-days—maybe you feel bloated, you didn't hit the gym or you just don't feel like squeezing into short-shorts today. In these cases, purposely go longer; it's a little more giving. Wrap those thighs in a comfortable cocoon of fabric and revel in it.
You Can Make a Real Fashion Statement: Long shorts have such a bad rep that, of course, high fashion brands are motivated to create something daring, beautiful and innovative out of them. With the right styling, they'll draw more good attention than the expected cutouts or jumpsuit could ever garner. Case in point: Zendaya in this menswear-inspired ensemble.
Couple a classic pair with impeccable tailoring, expensive fabric and formal pieces, and you just pushed the dress code envelope. Go for the unexpected—it's time you took a risk.
There Are Fashion-Forward Options: Believe it or not, not all long shorts are made in plaid or look like your grandpa's cargo collection. Nowadays, brands are playing with all kinds of silhouettes, fabrics and design details. They can be edgy without looking like you belong in a motorcycle gang. When in doubt, leather, a high waist and any distressed element, as seen here on Alexa Chung, adds major cool points to any pair.
You Can Recycle Old Jeans: Frayed denim is so on-trend right now, so do as Anne above and chop an old pair of denim down to get that distressed look. Now how do you wear this thing if you aren't model height or if you have curves like Kylie? A little skin goes a long way. Balance out the conservative bottom with a slightly risqué top—a crop top or a lacy bralette peeking out of a tank or shirt that cinches in at the waist makes your freshly cut shorts look more youthful.
Curvy Women Can Wear Long Shorts: Hate or love it, Kim Kardashian went for it in these Spanx-like bike shorts. While many voluptuous women may fear any type of long shorts could accentuate their hips too much and make them appear shorter, Kim provides us a with a genius tip: Go top-heavy. The bulk of her Enfants Riches Déprimés leather jacket is demanding most of our attention, while her velvet Gianvito Rossi heels give her added height. We're not saying to copy this exact outfit—but the formula to a successful long-short ensemble is here.
Now given our completely irrefutable arguments in favor of long shorts—would you sport a pair?