I had every intention of photographing the outfit I am wearing as I type this...a feminine mixture of red and baby blue.
Unfortunately, the rain outside is so ferocious that photography is impossible, and the texture of my skirt really needs natural light.
I hope to share it with you soon.
Anyway, after my shaky 4th attempt to wear my culottes I thought I would show you an outfit I am happy and confident in wearing....
Masculine-style tailored shorts
This may seem confusing.
If I struggle to wear feminine culottes, how on earth can I be comfortable in shorts?!Surely they must be harder to wear?
Much harder to style, especially over 40!
Well, for some inexplicable reason, these shorts make me much happier than culottes ever could.
I have tried to analyse the reasons behind it, but I am stumped.
If you have any ideas please let me know!
With this look I wanted to play up my (slightly) androgynous side.
Choosing to wear a chambray shirt, and a knitted waistcoat, casually thrown on over this pair of tailored shorts.
Comfort, quality and cool androgyny were the order of the day.
Of course, we women do struggle to look "masculine", even in more male-style clothing.
Even with short hair and a not particularly rounded figure.
All it takes is a tiny nod to our feminine side in order to make a masculine look 'girly' again.
The glimmer of femininity in this look was my chunky necklace (this could be my new favourite).
I could have worn some slim jeans, and gone for the double denim look, but I really wanted to wear these tailored shorts.
They are so masculine in style.
The Prince of Wales check adds to the manly vibe.
I love the fabric of these shorts...they add such a nice structure to my body.
And, they have pockets.
I do love a good pocket!
I needed to wear opaque tights as it was cold...not to mention my legs being almost 42 years old, and blue!
Black opaque tights would have been too harsh, but these grey ones were perfect.
Such a nice warm grey tone which picks out some of the colour in the shorts.
I was glad to get my cut-out boots on my feet again (they were my hero shoe of the autumn).
Still a masculine feel, but adding some colour and shine to my look.
Adding even more of a "borrowed from the boys" vibe.
And, the sun came out!
Winter sun is the best (in my opinion) it has a unique quality, low and glowing.
So nice to have a break from the rain....although it is back with a vengeance today!
Do you ever like to dress with a masculine twist?
Or, borrow clothes from the man/men in your life?
Please let me know in the comments....I love to hear your thoughts!
Or, if your prefer, tweet me @samantha4blair.
Shirt: Urban outfitters (this one is beautiful)
Shorts: Joseph (from Ebay) these ones are suited to a longer waisted figure (and on sale).
Waistcoat: White company (this one is so nice, I want the whole look!)
Necklace: Charity shop (This one is a stunner!)
Boots: Redoute (these ones are similar)
Bag: Urban country
Tights: Levante
Get the look:
P.S. If you liked this post you might like this one, when I wear a gent's shirt or this one where I style my shorts with a chunky knit.
Notice how much happier I look than in my Culottes!
ReplyDelete:oD
DeleteWell first off, it's probably because you have fab legs!!! So why not show them off? I keep looking for a winter pair of shorts (I thought I found them---a tweed pair but they were sold out---ugh) after seeing a previous post of yours! This is such a perfect outfit---I could totally copy it (after I get my pair)!! That necklace adds such a nice interest point to the entire look!! You rock, girl! jodie
ReplyDeletewww.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you for that Jodie! I was particularly pleased to find this necklace in a tangle of junk. It needed a new home. XXX
DeleteI have recently started following your blog, and I love it! You have such a great sense of style, and have a real gift for putting creative looks together. My thoughts on the culottes vs. shorts- I really do think it's the specific cut of the culottes! Maybe just that particular pair? At any rate, the lack of structure and shape just didn't flatter your physique. These shorts on the other hand, are a bit more tailored and structured. You literally look like you lost weight compared to the culottes picture. Such a great look!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being an inspiration to me to think outside the box, and to think about my outfits with a more creative eye!
Patti D.
Thank you very much Patti.
DeleteNot just for taking the time to leave such a nice comment but for following my blog.
Welcome!
I am in agreement with your assessment of the culottes, and I read your comment with interest.
My husband joked that I looked like I was trying to hide a big belly under my jumper.
I had laughed it off, but now that you have mentioned it, maybe he was right?
Perhaps I should start listening to his thoughts on style??....Hmmmm....okay, maybe not!
Thank you again for your lovely comment and giving me more to think about. XXX
I think they have a much more tailored look.
ReplyDeleteI love masculine inspired looks.
I think you rock this look partly because you have extra wonderful legs.
I've tried similar versions of this on myself only to be scared off by looking too Hobbit-ish thanks to my "man-legs" and (affectionately) "cows" in place of calves.
bisous
Suzanne
Oh Suzanne...hahahaha.
DeleteI did laugh at your Hobbit-ish comment....although I am sure we must be looking at different legs??
If only we could see ourselves the way others see us! I would love to see you in some shorts and OTK boots. In fact, I might be tempted to try that myself! Thank you for your kind comment. XXX
The shorts look fabulous on you! The whole outfit is great! From the shirt to the necklace to the fun tights (the grey is so perfect) and the fun shoes!
ReplyDeleteI missed your culottes post. Off to read it now!
P.S.: You inspired me to get my first pair of red tights! :-)
I saw those on Insta, Andrea! Yay!!! It is a brave step but you will get more and more confident, coloured tights can become a bit addictive. Thank you for your lovely comment. XXX
DeleteGreat choice! I think the tailored look suits you beautifully and the necklace makes it all pop. thanks for linking and have a great week, xo
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thank you Patti, you too! XXX
DeleteUmmm, I can tell you why! Because those shorts are CUTE-- like a classy mini-skirt-- and you can wear them with your fun tights and fun shoes. Beats culottes hand's down. Mystery solved! :)
ReplyDeleteYay! I agree...these shorts are kicking my culottes to the kerb. Thank you. XXX
Deleteloving particularly your tailored shorts, both the pattern and the shape look cool and elegant with a twist, I think you rock that 'gamine' style, gorgeous!!, and love how you've paired them with chambray and a grey vest, such a magnificent ensemble! and your shoes!! adorable!!
ReplyDeleteBut now I agree with you, shorts look better!, I think that culottes length is not flattering, they're like those midi-skirts, really difficult to sport properly!.
Really loving your style!
besos
Thank you Monica. I feel so much more confident in shorts than culottes. And a positive attitude is the best accessory, after all! XXX
DeleteI wouldn´t know a good pair of trousers, shots or jeans if they jump on my throat, hahahhahhaa.
ReplyDeleteYou look lovely and that is what matters to me.
I know about the bad weather, you are taking all our rain, jajajjaja
Tons of love, dear Samantha
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hahahaha Sacramento! You are definitely a dresses and skirts kind of girl. I am so glad you like my outfit. Thank you! XXX P.S. Sorry about the rain, we have had more than our fair share.
ReplyDeleteAha! Now these are the business! Oh so much more you than the culottes.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love this look on you Samantha.
The hint of the oxblood in the necklace tying in with the boots - great to see those again - hurrah!
What a great length the shorts are. Much better than the culottes. The proportions work really well on you, whereas the culottes somehow swamped you, if that makes sense?! As the shorts are more tailored and the pattern and colour more flattering, you can get away with a looser less structured top half with the chambray shirt and waistcoat.
As for borrowing clothes from the man in my life - well, a jumper would be a dress and a shirt would end up being a nightdress what with him being a giant!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
As a man I quite often wear opaque tights under my shorts. I originally started because of a nasty skin condition which made my legs rather unsightly, by wearing tights I was still able to enjoy the coolness of shorts in the summer. However after the skin condition cleared up, I continued to wear the tights, as by then I had gotten used to them and did not feel dressed without them, also it allows me to wear shorts all year round without getting too cold. Funny enough my favorite color is grey as well, I feel black is a bit too feminine for men.
ReplyDelete